City to hire LJA Engineering for new sewer master plan; budget amendment proposed

Mayor introduced a professional-services agreement with LJA Engineering Inc. to develop a new sewer master plan for the city, with a ceiling price of $517,940. Staff said the last plan was prepared nearly eight years ago and the new study will include expanded flow monitoring and other updates to reflect recent changes in system use.

The mayor and staff noted the contract requires a budget amendment to the water and sewer fund for fiscal year 2026–27 to cover the cost; Mayor said the corresponding ordinance (2026-02) was being presented for 1st reading. No final vote was recorded in the workshop; board members asked clarifying questions and staff signaled the item would return for formal action with the required budget amendment.

The discussion also touched on related construction work: a separate change order (Change Order No. 3) for the Waldron Road sewer assessment zone with Avenue Grading (DBA Barlow Inc.) increases the contract by 42 days and $75,271, with staff reporting the pump station startup issues are being resolved and expected completion around August 14. The mayor asked whether the design and flow-monitoring efforts will be coordinated with ongoing construction and staff confirmed they will.