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Kingsford manager warns of aging sewer lines, watermain breaks and funding needs
Summary
City Manager Michael Stelmaszek told the council of two recent sewer backups and a watermain break in the Breitung area, attributed to roots in 100‑year‑old sewer lines and more frequent watermain failures; he urged incremental replacement and prioritization in the FY 2026/2027 budget.
City Manager Michael Stelmaszek reported two recent sewer backups and a separate watermain break in the Breitung area, attributing the problems to root intrusion in century‑old sewer lines and increasing watermain failures.
Stelmaszek recommended prioritizing incremental replacement of aging water and sewer infrastructure, scheduling root grinding as an interim measure to prevent blockages, and directing replacement work to blocks with the greatest need. He said both the water and sewer funds need proper funding to support incremental replacement. The council received and placed the manager's report on file by unanimous motion; no separate budget appropriation was approved at this meeting.
The minutes record the problems as operational concerns requiring budgetary planning and further work; no emergency declaration or immediate capital appropriation was recorded in these minutes.
