Water main improvements, utility rates, and strategic priorities are on the agenda for the Washington City Council. The council will consider an engineering task order with FOX Engineering for water main improvements. In a memo, City Administrator Brent Hinson explains there’s an opportunity to bundle three water main projects for a $600,000 Community Development Block Grant. The three segments are on West Madison from D to H, West Washington Boulevard from D to F, and East Main Street from 12th to 15th, all of which are described as high-breakage water mains. The total cost of the project is $1.8 million.

Also, the second reading of an ordinance to increase utility rates will be considered with a 7.5% increase on water usage and a 3.5% increase on sewer usage, with no base rate increases. The changes were delayed six months due to uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The council will also consider a resolution to adopt strategic priorities for the next two years that includes seven top priorities: complete the study and implementation of a City EMS first responder unit, complete the Wellness Park administrative setup, support an application to the Iowa Great Places program, address downtown vacant by choice buildings, conduct staff diversity training, conduct National Incident Management System training for staff and elected officials, and examine police department staffing.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. tonight in the city’s new council chambers, it can also be viewed remotely.