The regular council meeting was called to order on Monday, April 6, 2026, with all council members present. The meeting included approval of minutes, council member announcements, a detailed presentation and first/second reading of Ordinance G26-02 authorizing up to $27 million in sewage works revenue bonds for infrastructure improvements, and adjournment.
Council members shared various community updates and recognitions:
The council received a comprehensive presentation from sewer director Mike Wallace, bond counsel Bo Zeller, and financial consultant Jennifer Wilson on a proposed $27 million bond issuance to fund capital improvements to the city’s sewage works. Key elements included:
Background: The city’s sewer system experienced severe overflow issues starting in the 1970s, leading to a sewer ban in 1991 and a federal consent decree in 1993. A major storm in January 2000 caused 15 million gallons of sewage overflows. Through strategic investments (approximately $49.6 million in capacity projects and over $12.7 million in overflow abatement), the consent decree was terminated in May 2021, restoring local control. The current proposal is the first proactive master plan implementation, not a court-ordered response.
Plant Improvements (approx. $17.3M): Projects include repairing the press room and phosphorus building ($1M), replacing wet weather preliminary treatment equipment ($1.97M), replacing electrical motor control center ($780K), upgrading wet weather clarifiers and RAS/WAS pumps ($1.31M), installing oxidation ditch mixers to prevent sludge settling ($2.1M), removing the unused overflow basin for future office/lab space (~$5M for new office and lab buildings), installing a new UV disinfection system to eliminate chlorine ($1.955M), and adding security fencing and break room improvements.
Collection System Improvements (approx. $7.5M): Basin 17 parallel sewer/storage to address capacity ($2.48M), lift station condition assessment and upgrades ($1.52M), and Falling Run interceptor rehabilitation study and construction ($2.5M).
Financial Structure: The bonds are structured so that no principal payments begin until existing debt (2010, 2012, 2016 bonds) retires in 6–7 years; initial payments are interest-only. The combined revenues from the sewage works and stormwater utility provide 140% debt service coverage (minimum required 125%). The city’s current A rating is supported. No rate increase is needed. The utility has not used the CPI adjustment authorized in 2016.
Committee Vote: A motion to approve the ordinance through the committee process and move to second reading passed unanimously by roll call.
Second Reading: After no public speakers, the ordinance was introduced for second reading and passed unanimously (9-0). It will be brought forward for third reading on April 16, 2026.
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