Council committee approves sending $200,000 emergency appropriation for North Hill waterline repairs to full council

Director Stone told the City and Safety Services committee that the North Hill area (particularly Columbia Avenue) has experienced repeated waterline breaks over the last six months, that the distribution lines and pumps are aging, and that the administration proposes an emergency appropriation of $200,000 to begin repairs.

Stone said the initial project scope may include replacing sections of waterline and adding variable frequency drives (VFDs) to pump systems to reduce break frequency, but that the exact scope was not yet defined. Stone requested authorization and appropriation so work can begin promptly and noted that the administration would provide ordinance language for full council consideration.

A motion to move the appropriation to full council next week was made and seconded; members voted by voice (‘Aye’) to advance the item. Members thanked city staff for addressing a difficult operational problem that has affected residents and noted the administration’s rapid response.

Next steps: staff will prepare ordinance language and scope details for full council’s consideration next week and proceed with emergency repairs after appropriation.