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The North Branch Water & Light Commission, minus member James Baxter, last week approved going out for bids for the long anticipated State Highway 95 water main replacement. Bids will be accepted until November 9 and the commission is scheduled to award a vetted project bid November 15.

Utility commissioners heard the work itself is planned for a May 2024 start,  and the project should be done in about three months.  

The project entails replacement of pipe from Second to 12th (see map) and hydrants, curbing, stormwater controls, etc. are also being addressed.  The state is slated to finish the roadway surface afterwards.

Shawn Williams, North Branch Utility General Manager, explained the construction is happening in segments so the entire stretch of #95 doesn’t have to be under a complete closure.  He added that MnDOT is aware and has reviewed the project and is excited to be able to complete road surface improvements once the underground work is completed.

In other planned projects— the city water treatment plants are getting new filtration media installed.  The filters were first put in use from 2008 to 2010 and the media material simply wears out after time. Williams presented a quote for $25,000 approximately, from Water Surplus Management, which was approved 4-0.

The next closest quote was $28,000. This media replacement has been in the water treatment budget and Williams needed authorization because it exceeds the commission max spending limit.

Williams also reported that an analysis of the city’s six wells and sampling at treatment facilities did not turn up any glaring issues or contaminant concerns.

A request to purchase a vac truck was okayed, 4-0.  The items $111,800. Williams said it can take from six to eight months for taking delivery so even though it’s in the 2023 budget, it may not be an expense until next year.

There were a couple of main breaks recently in downtown and Williams reported the asphalt patching should be done by this week.

The water tower #1 rehab and painting is delayed due to contractor issues, which Williams said he would go into detail with the commissioners “privately.”

The tower completion is now expected in June 2024.

East Central Energy has completed the electric meter changeouts.  The North Branch utility staff will no longer be performing the electric readings for ECE.

In a financial update; city Finance Director Sharon Wright reported the recent investments the utility has been able to make;  with funds that no longer have to be held in reserve for meeting terms of debt service,  are doing well and providing  good investment cash flow.

The utility has some $5 million in the capital markets.  Further, about $1.5 million in certificates of deposit will be changed out when they mature soon because they are tied to an older,  reduced interest rate.

** Reminder: there is a vote November 7 on authorizing abolition of the commission and the city fully absorbing the water division.  Electric distribution assets and customer accounts have been sold.  Vote at your regular precinct polling spot.  (Map in Press October 5 or check the city website for precincts.)

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