July 7, 2025 · 5:00 PM
Public Utilities Committee
The Public Utilities Committee got a first look at a wastewater rate study and signaled it’s OK moving ahead with a new way to calculate bills. Members also heard a stack of project updates, including lead service replacements and a shoreline grant that’s headed to a special joint meeting later in July.
Key Decisions
Wastewater rate study: the committee heard a preliminary presentation and raised no objections to moving forward with an “equivalent meter” method—an early step that could shape how sewer bills are calculated going forward.
Lead service work: Monroe Street was closed to replace about 30 lead service connections, with a roughly six-week closure expected through about Aug. 6; the 2025 lead replacement project still had no schedule.
Shoreline protection grant: staff said alternatives will be reviewed at a special joint meeting on July 23—worth watching because shoreline work can turn into big-dollar, long-term maintenance commitments.
Public Input
No public comments or communications recorded for this meeting.
Agenda Items
Harbor Street, 16th Street, Emmet Street Reconstruction
Staff reported reconstruction is expected to start at the end of July, with restoration planned before Oct. 31, 2025. For residents, this is mainly about construction disruption now and whether the city hits its promised timeline before fall weather closes in.
2024 Lead Service Lateral Progress Update
Monroe Street was reported closed to replace about 30 services, with an anticipated six-week closure running to about Aug. 6, 2025. This is the kind of block-by-block work that’s easy to lose track of until you’re detoured—so the city’s schedule and communication matter as much as the pipe work.
2025 Lead Service Lateral Replacement Project
Staff said there was no schedule yet. Given the health and cost stakes around lead service replacement, “no schedule” is a real status in itself—residents should expect this to come back with timelines and funding details later.
2025 Sewer Lining Project – no update at this time
No update was provided. Without schedule, locations, or costs, there’s nothing for residents to track yet beyond the fact it remains on the list.
Sandy Bay Highlands Subdivision Phase 3
Staff expected electric work to be finished by July 11, and said the city will do an as-built survey ahead of a proposed paving contract. They also noted coordination on planting biofilters, which matters because stormwater features only work if they’re designed and maintained correctly—not just installed and forgotten.
Waste Pump Update
Staff reported the waste pump was installed and functioning. This is a basic reliability item—good news, but presented as routine operations rather than a decision point.
Rate Study – Preliminary Presentation
Consultant Greg Droessler (Town & Country) reviewed a memo and the committee had no objections to moving forward with the “equivalent meter” methodology, with more discussion planned for August. This is an early but important checkpoint: once a billing methodology gets traction, it can be hard to unwind later—so residents will want clear examples of who pays more, who pays less, and why.
CMOM Update
Staff said the CMOM was submitted to the DNR but needs revisions because it must meet DNR standards rather than EPA standards. The key takeaway is the city is still in the compliance-and-paperwork loop here, and residents should expect follow-up on what changes are required and whether they affect project priorities or costs.
Current Projects
The electric/telecom director listed ongoing work: finishing Sandy Bay Highlands electric installation, temporary and permanent services for Rush Logistics, an underground mainline upgrade on Martin Lane, and 183 meters replaced as of last month. This is mostly operational, but the meter replacement pace and underground upgrades are the kinds of changes that can affect reliability and future costs.
National Night Out Participations
Water and Electric said they will hold their second annual National Night Out event on Aug. 5, 2025, 5–8 p.m. at Walsh Field. This is community outreach rather than utility policy, but it’s a chance for residents to ask questions directly while projects and rate discussions are in motion.
Budget Resolution to address Water Supply Service Area Plan
Staff said a budget resolution tied to the Water Supply Service Area Plan will be presented to City Council. The committee didn’t vote here, but this is a flag for residents: the real decision point is coming at Council, where costs and scope should be spelled out.
2026 Watermain Relay Projects
Lincoln Avenue and Woodland Drive were identified as slated for watermain relay work in 2026, and the committee had no additional questions. This is forward-looking infrastructure planning—useful for residents on those streets to know early, even if details aren’t set yet.
Economic Impact Information for Lead Service Replacements to WDNR
Staff said they’re working with finance to figure out how continuing lead service replacements at the current pace would affect rates, for information being provided to the WDNR. This is a key transparency moment: the city is acknowledging the tradeoff between speed of replacement and what people pay, and residents should expect numbers—not just general assurances—when this comes back.
Shoreline Improvement/Protection Grant Update
Staff said alternatives will be reviewed at a special joint meeting on July 23, 2025. Shoreline projects can be expensive and long-lived, so the committee’s next step should be making sure the options include realistic maintenance and failure-risk assumptions—not just upfront construction costs.