 |
AGENDA RECOMMENDATION |
Consent Calendar 6.M.
City Council Regular Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 07/27/2026
Agenda Item:
Resolution accepting feasibility report, ordering plans and authorizing bids for Capital Improvement Project 11213; Lead Service Line Replacement Project - Phase 1.
Recommendation/Action(s):
Adoption of the attached resolution.
Summary:
At the December 8, 2025, City Council meeting, the council accepted grant funding for the City of Mankato to complete a 2026 Lead Water Service Line Replacement Project. The grant amount is $1,000,000 or near this amount based on the final bid amount. Since then, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has certified the project. The next step in the process is to authorize the City Manager to advertise for bids in accordance with the requirement of law. Once bids are received, the City Council will consider accepting the project and MDH will certify the bids received and construction can commence.
The Lead Service Line Replacement funding is a new program offered through the public facilities authority (PFA) and provides financial assistance for the full replacement of lead and galvanized water service lines. The program offers 100% funding for the replacement of the private water service line, which is the entire service line from the main to the meter in the City of Mankato. Residents within the community cannot receive this funding individually. PFA funding is only offered through projects that benefit from the Drinking Water System administered by the Public Water System/City.
The anticipated project schedule would be as follows:
• March 2026 – Submit Plans and Specifications for PFA Certification
• Summer 2026 – Authorize and open bids
• Fall 2026 – Construction
• Summer 2027 – Project completion (phase 1)
The State of Minnesota has set a statewide goal to identify and replace all lead and galvanized water service lines by 2033. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recognizes that this is a big undertaking for Public Water Systems and for this reason is offering grant funding for Lead Water Service Line Replacements through the Public Facilities Authority (PFA). The City of Mankato, based on the inventoried lead and galvanized water services, has replacement costs estimated to be more than $9 million.
Overall, the 2026 project marks an important step in Mankato’s long-term initiative to protect public health, comply with regulatory requirements, and modernize critical drinking water infrastructure.
The Phase 1 Lead Service Line Replacement Project is primarily focused within the West Mankato neighborhood, an established residential area characterized by older houses where lead service lines are more likely to be present due to historic construction practices. Portions of this neighborhood were developed during periods when lead service materials were commonly used, resulting in a higher probability of remaining lead services within the distribution system.
On June 23, 2026 staff hosted an informational meeting. Construction Services staff presented the proposed plan, estimated costs, and construction methods for the lead service line replacement project. Residents abutting the projects were mailed notice of the informational meeting.
Construction Services Staff is recommending the Council consider these improvements per the attached feasibility reports, estimated costs, and funding sources noted below:
The Lead Service Line Replacement funding is a new program offered through the public facilities authority (PFA) and provides financial assistance for the full replacement of lead and galvanized water service lines. The program offers 100% funding for the replacement of the private water service line, which is the entire service line from the main to the meter in the City of Mankato. Residents within the community cannot receive this funding individually. PFA funding is only offered through projects that benefit from the Drinking Water System administered by the Public Water System/City.
The anticipated project schedule would be as follows:
• March 2026 – Submit Plans and Specifications for PFA Certification
• Summer 2026 – Authorize and open bids
• Fall 2026 – Construction
• Summer 2027 – Project completion (phase 1)
The State of Minnesota has set a statewide goal to identify and replace all lead and galvanized water service lines by 2033. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recognizes that this is a big undertaking for Public Water Systems and for this reason is offering grant funding for Lead Water Service Line Replacements through the Public Facilities Authority (PFA). The City of Mankato, based on the inventoried lead and galvanized water services, has replacement costs estimated to be more than $9 million.
Overall, the 2026 project marks an important step in Mankato’s long-term initiative to protect public health, comply with regulatory requirements, and modernize critical drinking water infrastructure.
The Phase 1 Lead Service Line Replacement Project is primarily focused within the West Mankato neighborhood, an established residential area characterized by older houses where lead service lines are more likely to be present due to historic construction practices. Portions of this neighborhood were developed during periods when lead service materials were commonly used, resulting in a higher probability of remaining lead services within the distribution system.
On June 23, 2026 staff hosted an informational meeting. Construction Services staff presented the proposed plan, estimated costs, and construction methods for the lead service line replacement project. Residents abutting the projects were mailed notice of the informational meeting.
Construction Services Staff is recommending the Council consider these improvements per the attached feasibility reports, estimated costs, and funding sources noted below:
| ITEM | COST |
| Lead service line replacements and associated work (40 to 60 services) | $790,514.00 |
| Construction contingency | $79,051.00 |
| Engineering & administration | $130,435.00 |
| TOTAL PROJECT COST | $1,000,000.00 |
| FUNDING SOURCE | AMOUNT | PERCENT |
| Minnesota Department of Health PFA Grants | $1,000,000.00 | 100.0% |
| TOTAL FUNDS | $1,000,000.00 | 100.0% |