Public Works Board Meeting - July 15, 2026

Note on Date Discrepancy: The agenda and transcript confirm the meeting occurred on July 15, 2026, though the system instruction indicated July 16, 2026. This summary uses the actual meeting date.

The Crestwood Public Works Board convened on July 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Aldermanic Chambers. The meeting focused on a detailed review of the city's sewer lateral program, which faces projected funding shortfalls within five to six years. After extensive discussion, the board voted to recommend a reimbursement model with a $2,500 cap, pending final approval by the Board of Aldermen. The director also provided updates on numerous capital projects.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the March 11, 2026 Public Works Board meeting were approved unanimously. Commissioner Schwantner abstained because he was not present at the previous meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public offered comments.

Director's Report

• Staff Updates: City Administrator Chris Simpson left in January 2026; Dave Weidler will start in August 2026. Police Chief Williams served as interim. Public works is hiring one street maintenance worker and a new code enforcement officer (replacing Kentz, who was promoted to building inspector).
• Community Center: Opening late spring 2027. The existing center (approx. 200 sq ft) will be replaced by a new 4,300 sq ft facility. The roof is nearly complete.
• Government Center Projects: New generator installation set for fall 2026; safety vestibules for the city clerk's office and public works admin will be built August–September, with bullet-resistant glass and drywall. Capital asset report kickoff meeting scheduled for July 16.
• Citywide Signage: Part of a rebranding effort to add directional signage and update park signs (some from the 1970s). Scope still being finalized.
• Sanders Property Buyout: Demolition moving forward after abatement; grading and seeding expected by fall.
• Concrete Slab Work: On track to be completed before school starts. Two slabs on Clay Avenue had to be replaced due to quality issues; city staff are monitoring pours daily.
• Sidewalk Projects: Spellman Park along Samoa Drive in right-of-way acquisition; Crest Oak Sidewalk Project applied for TAP grant, decision expected fall.
• Gravely Creek Bank Stabilization: Project to go out to bid in July; anticipated on August agenda for board approval.
• Upcoming Policies: Connectivity and lighting, permitted inspections (2024 building codes), capital improvement policy, Comprehensive Plan 10-year update, feasibility of Camera Rico Industrial Connection, and Watson Industrial Park items.

Aldermanic Report (Megan Janella)

• The community center rental plan (keeping half of the existing center for pickleball) is financially infeasible; the entire structure will be torn down and replaced with a smaller restroom and shelter structure for the amphitheater.
• Liggett traffic calming effort is over budget; alternative options are being explored.
• Fifth Annual Summer Soirée will be held Friday, July 31, 5–8 PM at the Barn. All board members and commissioners are invited.

Discussion Items: Sewer Lateral Program Changes

• Program Overview: The sewer lateral program was established by voter approval in August 1998, with a $28 annual fee per household. The city covers the first $10,000 of repairs (up to a maximum of $10,000, then 50/50 cost share for amounts above). Most homes in Crestwood use clay pipes with a 50-year life expectancy; many are now past that age.
• Financial Trends: Over the past five years, the city averaged about 45 repairs per year, costing ~$110,000. In 2025, 100 applications led to 50 repairs costing $140,000. In 2026 (to date), 80 applications with 46 repairs; projected annual revenue ~$140,000 but projected expenditures ~$170,000–175,000. The reserve fund is adequate for now but will be depleted in 5–6 years if trends continue.
• Options Presented by Director Faust:
  1. Raise annual fee from $28 to $50 – requires voter approval. Could raise revenue to ~$250,000/year.
  2. Add an application fee – could discourage some use and raise ~$20,000 (if $200 per application).
  3. Lower the fund limit – e.g., cap city payments at $3,000 (most repairs fall under this, but a few exceed it).
  4. Cost-sharing – require residents to pay 10–25% of repair cost.
  5. Reimbursement model – city reimburses residents up to a set amount (e.g., $2,500) after they arrange and pay for the repair themselves. This reduces staff time, gives residents control over contractor and grading, and allows reimbursement for exterior cleanouts (up to $1,500). A 10-year gap between reimbursements would be established.
• Board Discussion:
  • Commissioner Schwantner shared his experience paying $3,500 out-of-pocket for a sewer lateral repair in St. George before the program existed, noting the program is valuable but residents need to share responsibility.
  • Commissioner Liddy noted that without a fee increase, any reduction in benefits only delays insolvency by a few years. He suggested a combined approach: increase revenue and reform benefits.
  • Commissioner Welge expressed concern about raising taxes given recent approvals and fatigue; proposed starting with the reimbursement model as an incremental step.
  • Commissioner Berbar suggested that an application fee might burden residents at a time of need, but cost-sharing for camera work could be acceptable.
  • Commissioner Janella noted that indexing fees to inflation would require a specific number on the ballot; $50 is reasonable ($1/week).
  • Director Faust confirmed that reducing benefits (caps) can be done by board vote alone; tax increases require voter approval.
• Outcome: A motion was made and seconded to recommend the reimbursement model with a $2,500 cap (and $1,500 for exterior cleanouts) to the Board of Aldermen. The motion passed unanimously (all in favor, none opposed).

Key Outcomes

• Vote: The board voted unanimously to recommend the reimbursement model with a $2,500 cap (and $1,500 for exterior cleanouts) to the Board of Aldermen. The recommendation includes a 10-year gap between reimbursements.
• Next Steps: Director Faust will draft an ordinance and coordinate with the city attorney. A final draft will be presented to the board at the September 16, 2026 meeting. If approved by the board, the ordinance will go to the Board of Aldermen. The new program would take effect January 1, 2027.
• Future Agenda: The board will also discuss security cameras at the September meeting.
• Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 16, 2026.