Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in North Liberty, IA public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in water utilities
Water Supply and Treatment Improvements — ASR Well No. 7
The council approved construction plans, set property acquisition values, and issued $1.8 million in water revenue bonds to keep the water system projects moving.
Water Supply Well No. 7 Conversion
Division 1 of the water supply improvements — converting Well No. 7 — goes out to bid within 30 days, with three more divisions later this summer.
Water Treatment Plant upgrades — Front Street work
Crews are boring raw water piping from the ASR well to the treatment plant — about six weeks of work with traffic control on Front Street, moving north in phases.
Sewer Revenue Borrowing up to $3,166,300
The council locked in a $3.17 million zero-interest state loan to start designing the roughly $55 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade, which will later be rolled into long-term financing.
Storm water fees and infrastructure priorities
Residential construction is exploding around town, keeping stormwater staff busy with inspections and plan reviews. A post-storm tour found only minor erosion at new sites, which contractors are correcting.
Detention pond clean-up and algae control
The Parks Department was set to report on cleaning up detention ponds and controlling algae, which affects water quality and the appearance of neighborhoods with ponds.
Goose Lake outfall repair
The city's biggest pond started draining fast in June when its outlet structure lifted off its base, likely from ice pressure. Maxwell Construction has the repair contract and will reset and reinforce the structure after drawing the pond down. Residents who fish or sit on that structure will see work begin soon.
Cedar Springs Lift Station Controls Upgrade
The council reviewed draft water and wastewater budgets, including timing of capital projects and the Cedar Springs Lift Station Project.
Water and Sewer Rate Increase Proposals
Staff are modeling water and sewer revenues and will bring rate increase ordinances to the next meeting. Lower water use this spring (thanks to rain) means revenue is running below projections.
Water revenue borrowing
The council set a public hearing on borrowing up to $2 million through a water revenue loan for water system work.
Winter stormwater maintenance and salt use
The board was scheduled to discuss clearing storm intakes of snow and ice to prevent flooding, burn permit applications, and salt use on private driveways and sidewalks. Excess road salt can wash into local waterways, so resident practices matter.