WELLMAN

Water system upgrades topped the agenda again Monday night for the Wellman City Council. Several water mains will be replaced in areas of the city, and to help fund the project, the City has applied for Community Development Block Grant funding, a federal HUD program administered by the state.

Meagan Prestegard, a planner/environmental specialist with the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) attended the public hearing on this issue as a formality, going over the requirements of the City’s application.

The water mains to be replaced are along 4th, 5th, 6th, and 11th Streets, and 1st, 6th, and 7th Avenues. The aging four- and six-inch water mains will be replaced with new six-inch water mains in order to prevent breaks and leaks, which have been a continuing problem in these areas.

Mayor Ryan Miller pointed out the latest break occurred on 6th Avenue on Thanksgiving night; it was quickly repaired.

The total water system project has a projected cost of $2.2 million; the City is applying for $500,000 in grant funds. The remainder of the project will be funded by a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan.

At the close of the public hearing, the council approved the CDB grant application.

To ensure the city’s water system generates adequate revenue to pay the full cost of operation, maintenance, and debt service, the city is raising water rates. For fiscal year 2026, rates will increase to $55.68 for the first 1,000 gallons with additional use billed at $9.54 per 1,000 gallons; in FY27, that rate will further increase to $59.68/$10.54.

The council gave final approval of the ordinance amending rates Monday night.

Bridge Project

The 9th Avenue/Gingko Avenue bridge over Smith Creek was also on the minds of council members at the Dec. 2 meeting. A public hearing was held on a proposal to enter into a general obligation bridge improvement loan agreement during which no comments were made; the council approved borrowing up to $600,000 for the project, which has an estimated $1.5 million price tag with the state covering up to $1 million of the construction costs to replace the ailing bridge.

Other Action

In other action, the council approved renewing Goodwin Senior Dining’s CD for another seven months, as the funds aren’t expected to be needed for that duration.

The council also approved the purchase of a $8,310 power broom for the front of the skid loader.

The Wellman City Council will next meet on Monday, Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.