lead service lines

Public Utilities Committee agenda included the topic (listed twice as separate appearances in the continuity log).

Committee on Aging agenda included the topic (appearance logged).

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

In the City Manager’s report, staff discussed planning related to lead service lateral replacement.

Public Utilities Committee and Personnel & Finance Committee recommended approval of the 2026 utility budgets.

Staff proposed no water or electric rate changes in the 2026 utility budgets while noting operating losses in storm water, solid waste, electric, and telecommunications, and projecting a water cash decline after debt payments.

The 2026 utility budgets described staffing and pay changes and listed maintenance/capital items including leak detection equipment, a bucket truck delivery, meters, and security cameras.

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 require the city to carry debt up to 20 years and to prove reductions in sewer inflow/infiltration, and staff said there was 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 borrowing up to $1,835,579 through a sewer rate-backed loan (Wisconsin Clean Water Fund) at a stated 2.475% interest rate for sewer utility improvements.

The council vote on the sewer borrowing 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 a $2,437,152.60 award to Mammoth Construction LLC for Contract 2-2026 (Lateral Replacement Program) covering 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 force account work, with reimbursement described as part of WDNR funding.

Public Utilities Committee discussed concerns raised at City Council about how impacted properties are informed during lead service line work, and reviewed a memo responding to those concerns.

The memo acknowledged that not every city staff member will know what the contractor is about to do during lead service line work.

The memo stated staffing limits mean the city gets about 15–25% construction observation, focused on items described as “critical.”

Staff indicated private cost impacts were not finalized, and one owner was given a rough range of $30–$60 per front foot.

Public Utilities Committee discussion focused on giving clearer, more consistent notices to properties affected by lead service lateral replacement work, with the utilities director reviewing a memo responding to earlier City Council concerns.

Public Works Committee listed “2-2025 LSL Pavement Repairs - Essential” for review and possible action.

Public Works Committee listed “2-2026 LSL Pavement Repairs - Mammoth” for review and possible action.