Topics
What the city is working on
sidewalk replacement program
City effort to replace broken sidewalks in neighborhoods and near streets
Council okays $40,000 sidewalk pilot, then votes 7-0 to bill owners when the city fixes sidewalks
pedestrian crossings
Where and how people cross streets safely, including crosswalks and signals.
Council OKs West Twin riverfront trail easement; crossings talk shifts to Memorial Drive and Washington Street
pavement restoration
Repairs and repaving after street, water, or sewer work.
Near north side lead-pipe work includes city-run street patching reimbursed by the state
lead service lines
Replacing lead water service lines and related laterals, plus inspections and rules.
Lead service line work shifts to pavement repairs tied to 2025 and 2026 contracts
zero setback zoning ordinance for main street overlay
Allow buildings on Main Street to be built up to the sidewalk.
Council weighs zero-to-reduced setbacks for Main Street/waterfront overlay at June 1 public hearing
building permit
Rules for permits and fees for building, repairs, and site work.
Storm repair permits may be free through June 30 — council weighs waiving building permit fees
16th street reconstruction planning
Street reconstruction planning for 15th and 16th west to Zander Park
16th Street rebuild planning lands on Public Works’ “on hold” list
15th street reconstruction planning
Road rebuild planning for 15th and 16th streets near Zander Park
15th Street rebuild planning: Buchholz to Zander Park is on the Public Works Committee agenda
infrastructure improvement public survey
Neighborhood survey on street and parkway improvements in the area
15th and 16th Street survey update lands on Public Works’ “on hold” list
east river trail improvements
Trail and parking lot improvements along the East River Trail.
East River Trail parking lot item lands on Public Works agenda June 3
street resurfacing projects
Repaving neighborhood roads to improve safety, drainage, and ride quality
Emmet, 18th and 19th resurfacing stays in the works as utility contracts take priority
paddlers park boat ramp and signage
Boat ramp and signs at Paddlers Park for safe river access and use
$27,373 boat-launch contract approved for Paddlers Park upgrades
wastewater utility planning
Managing sewers, treatment, and stormwater to protect local waterways.
Sewer pipe-lining and staffing shift: lead operator set to become superintendent in May
disaster recovery assistance
Help for people and businesses to rebuild after a disaster.
Council weighs waiving building permit fees for storm repairs through June 30
neshotah beach
Beach pavilion, concessions, and related park improvements.
Beach pavilion grant denial pauses big renovation; council eyes new $400,000 USDA loan option for concession stand
business improvement district
Downtown business district funding, assessments, and boundary changes
BID boundaries hit pause; Council weighs zero-setback rules downtown June 1
utility storm response and power outage impacts
How the city responds to storms and power outages, and their impacts
Wastewater utility reviews storm response and power outage impacts
wastewater lift station backup power equipment
Backup power equipment at wastewater lift stations to keep pumps running
Parkway Lift Station generator switch replacement lands on the Utilities agenda
wastewater utility scada and server upgrades
Upgrading wastewater SCADA controls and main servers for reliable service
Wastewater plant computer controls and main server upgrades land on the June 1 agenda
dnr land application of sewer sludge requirements
Rules for spreading treated sewer sludge on land to protect soil and water
State rules for spreading sewer sludge land-applied land on the Utilities Committee agenda
wastewater collection system lining cipp
Lining sewer pipes with cured-in-place pipe to repair leaks and cracks
Council approves $759,000 sewer pipe-lining contract; utility committee gets 2025 and 2026 status updates June 1
water system improvement projects
Water system upgrades to improve pipes, service, and reliability
2026 water project bids came in $217,865 under estimate; Vinton Construction named as the likely pick
stormwater management
Storm runoff, drainage fixes, and flood and leak-related water flow issues
Council OKs DNR stormwater grant application for Mariners Trail runoff work, 7-0
sustainable cemetery initiative
Plan to make cemetery care greener and lower-impact over time
Sustainable Cemetery Initiative lands on Environmental Advisory Board’s May 19 agenda
emerald ash borer response
Community outreach and education on emerald ash borer control and ash tree care
EAB outreach focus: fix the outdated ash borer webpage schedule and widen event promotion
environmental education series
Planning and updating seasonal community environmental education programs.
Environmental Advisory Board focuses on getting its library talks and tips in front of more residents