lead service lines

The Public Utilities Committee agenda included a status update list item labeled “Lead Service Laterals Replacement.”

Lead service line-related discussion appeared under “Construction Projects” and “Water Utility: Director Update, discussion and action, as needed.”

Planning related to lead service lateral replacement was discussed in the City Manager’s report.

A meeting agenda listed a sub-item titled “2025 Lead Service Lateral Replacement Project” under “Construction Projects.”

A meeting agenda listed a sub-item titled “2025 Lead Service Lateral Replacement Project” under “Construction Projects.”

A council update referenced “new lead laterals,” without additional detail recorded in the cited summary.

Staff reported Contract 2-2026 for lead service lateral replacement was out to bid, with bids scheduled to open Feb. 10.

Staff said WDNR was exploring whether the city could offer homeowners long-term financing for private-side sanitary lateral work instead of requiring full payment within 90 days.

Staff said the long-term financing concept would mean the city carries the debt for up to 20 years and would need to prove reductions in sewer inflow/infiltration, and staff said there is not yet a clear measurement method for that proof.

Staff said new WDNR requirements are driving inspections to identify and document water service line materials, with a deadline of fall 2027.

Staff said the city is pairing service line inspections with water meter replacements and is using winter as the best time to access homes and complete checks.

City Council approved issuing up to $1,835,579 in sewer rate-backed loans (Wisconsin Clean Water Fund) at a stated 2.475% interest rate to finance sewer utility improvements.

The council vote on the sewer rate-backed loan resolution was 8-0 and it passed.

The bond-funded work described included sanitary sewer replacements (Harbor, 16th, and Emmet), lead service sanitary laterals, and pipe-lining (sewer rehab technique) in various locations.

Agenda materials stated the sewer borrowing is payable solely from sewer system revenues and is not general city borrowing.

City Council passed an award of bid for Contract 2-2026 (Lateral Replacement Program) to Mammoth Construction LLC for $2,437,152.60 for lead water service and sanitary lateral replacement work in scattered locations on the near north side.

The targeted area for the 2026 contract was described as generally 23rd Street north to 31st Street, east of Forest Avenue to the East Twin River, with exceptions for areas proposed for future reconstruction.

The contract scope described included 230 public-side water services, 160 private-side water services, and 100 public-side sanitary laterals.

Pavement restoration was proposed to be completed by the city’s Public Works Street Section as city-crew work, with reimbursement described as part of WDNR funding.

Director Heckenlaible reviewed a memo responding to concerns raised at the Feb. 16 City Council meeting about how the city communicates with property owners affected by lead service lateral replacement areas.

The discussion focused on the need for clear, timely notice to residents when their property is impacted, and indicated the city is still working through how to do that consistently.