sanitary laterals

A "CIPP Project Update" agenda item appeared under this topic.

This topic appeared on the agenda under an item titled "Construction Projects."

Staff said Contract 2-2026 (Lead Service Lateral Replacement) was out to bid, with bids scheduled to open on Feb. 10.

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

Staff said a long-term financing option could mean the city carries the debt for up to 20 years.

Staff said the city would need to prove reductions in sewer inflow/infiltration, and that there was still not a clear measurement method for those reductions.

Council approved up to $1,835,579 in sewer system revenue bonds (rate-backed loan) through the Wisconsin Clean Water Fund at a stated 2.475% interest rate.

The council vote on the borrowing resolution was 8-0 and it passed.

Per the meeting-item summary, the borrowing proceeds were slated for sanitary sewer replacements (Harbor, 16th, and Emmet), lead service sanitary laterals, and pipe-lining (sewer rehab technique) in various locations, with repayment from sewer system revenues.

Council awarded Contract 2-2026 (Lateral Replacement Program) to Mammoth Construction LLC for $2,437,152.60.

The contract was described as the 2026 lead water service and sanitary lateral replacement contract targeting the near north side, generally 23rd Street north to 31st Street and east of Forest Avenue to the East Twin River, with some exceptions for areas proposed for future reconstruction.

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

Pavement restoration was described as planned to be completed by the City’s Public Works Street Section as force account work and reimbursed as part of WDNR funding.

Council discussed how Two Rivers handles sanitary sewer bill credits when residents have unexpected leaks, including balancing customer fairness against protecting the utility’s finances.

Council generally supported keeping the current sewer credit policy, while identifying that residents may face large bills before realizing usage has spiked.

Council asked staff to explore improved customer notifications for high usage, clearer bill messaging about the policy, and safeguards for residents on auto-pay to reduce the risk of large automatic withdrawals after a surprise leak.