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PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE – 7/08/2026 Meeting (Meets monthly on 1st Thursday at 5 p.m.) Page 1 of 4 *Attended virtually PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES July 8 2026 Regular Meeting The meeting was called to order by Councilor Ledin at 5:00 p.m. on July 8, 2026, in Government Center Room 204. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Nick Ledin, Garner Moffat, Tylor Elm, Joe Radtke (alt.) 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: Nick Ledin, Garner Moffat, Tylor Elm, Joe Radtke City Staff Present: Chris Carlson, Kara Czapinski, Jim Paine, Steve Roberts, Rob Hering, Patrick Rhode, Frog Prell Others Present: Shelley Nelson, Bill Fennesssey, Justin Bernacki, TS*, SBS* Jenny Van Sickle* 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2.1. Public Works Committee (Meeting held June 4, 2026) MOTION by Elm, second by Moffat and carried to approve the minutes from June 4, 2026. 3. OLD BUSINESS 3.1. Discussion and recommendation of a report submitted by Raftelis Financial Consultants evaluating the acquisition of utilities operated by Superior, Water, Light & Power. Mayor Paine indicated that the city is currently waiting for the final reports from Rafaelis Financial Consultants regarding electric and gas utilities, whereas the report on the water utility is prepared for presentation. 3.1.1 Recommendation of referendum and public meeting schedules. Mayor Paine indicated that the scheduling of public meetings and potential referendums is being organized to ensure readiness for a possible fall election. The committee examined statutory deadlines, identifying August 20th as the last date for the Council to establish a referendum for the fall ballot. Various options were considered, including fall, spring, or special elections, with a general agreement against special elections due to logistical difficulties. Legal counsel noted that while the city cannot promote a specific referendum outcome, it is permitted to offer informational resources to the public. The committee emphasized the necessity for clear and direct referendum questions, ensuring legal defensibility, with attorneys tasked to prepare sample questions for evaluation. Mayor Paine announced forthcoming public meetings, including a debate at the Superior Public Library on July 30th at 6:00 p.m., moderated by County Board Chairman Mark Liebert. The potential engagement of consultants and expert witnesses to address technical inquiries from the public and Council was also discussed. The committee decided to retain the matter until the August meeting, awaiting the final electric and gas reports, after which a special meeting PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE – 7/08/2026 Meeting (Meets monthly on 1st Thursday at 5 p.m.) Page 2 of 4 *Attended virtually may be convened to review all information and finalize recommendations for the referendum. MOTION by Ledin, second by Elm and carried to hold item 3.1.1 until the August 6, 2026, Public Works Committee Meeting. SBS left the meeting virtually at 5:27 p.m. 4. NEW BUSINESS It was decided to speak on item 4.4 first. 4.4 Discussion on City of Superior Ordinance 114-62(e) Hauled Waste Charges. Councilor Hering expressed concerns regarding the ramp fee associated with hauled waste charges, highlighting the lower costs of Duluth's facilities. Director Carlson clarified that the fee structure for hauled waste is determined by a multiplier of the residential rate, incorporating both fixed and variable components to accurately reflect service costs without yielding profit or imposing a burden on other residents. Director Roberts noted that the ramp fee contributes approximately $15,000 annually to the total revenue of $110,000–$130,000 for the hauler station, which was designed to break even following a 2017 adjustment. To facilitate informed decision-making in the future, the committee requested a comprehensive analysis and comparisons with other municipalities. Director Roberts was assigned the task of preparing a detailed memo for the upcoming August meeting, which will include financial data, potential options, and recommendations concerning the ramp fee and overall rate structure. TS left the meeting virtually at 5: 28 p.m. Frog Prell left the meeting at 5:29 p.m. MOTION by Elm, second by Moffat and carried to hold item 4.4 until the August 6, 2026, Public Works Committee Meeting. Bill Fennessey left the meeting at 5:53 p.m. 4.1. Recommendation to approve an Amendment to the city’s Electrical Services Contract with Benson Electric Company. Director Carlson emphasized the enduring partnership with Benson Electric, highlighting their extensive knowledge, quick responsiveness, and the intricate nature of emergency repairs. Mayor Paine and committee members deliberated on the financial implications and potential risks associated with pursuing competitive bids, pointing out that new contractors would be unfamiliar with the system, which could result in increased costs and inefficiencies. The committee raised concerns about the implications of switching vendors during a significant bridge project, underscoring the importance of maintaining continuity and expertise in critical infrastructure endeavors. The contract features rates deemed standard within the industry, and the committee also addressed recent union negotiations and safety requirements that could influence the terms of the contract. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE – 7/08/2026 Meeting (Meets monthly on 1st Thursday at 5 p.m.) Page 3 of 4 *Attended virtually MOTION by Moffat, second by Elm and carried to approve the Amendment to the city’s Electrical Services Contract with Benson Electric Company. Rob Hering and Jim Paine left the meeting at 5:55 p.m. 4.2. Recommendation to modify City of Superior Ordinance 34-73 to expand the City’s Delegated Authority for Commercial Plan Review. Chief Building Inspector Rhode stated that the city is currently evaluating small commercial projects but plans to broaden its scope to include all project sizes by partnering with a local and experienced third-party agent, Redline Plan Review. This initiative aims to significantly decrease review times from the current six to eight weeks with the state to a maximum of 15 days with Redline, thereby retaining more revenue within the city and offering developers the flexibility to choose between city or state plan reviews. During the committee meeting, members addressed the limited revenue potential, which does not warrant the hiring of additional full-time staff, and highlighted the benefits of collaborating with a local provider that possesses state-level expertise. MOTION by Elm, second by Moffat and carried to approve the changes to City of Superior Ordinance 34-73 to expand the City’s Delegated Authority for Commercial Plan Review. Jenny Van Sickle left the meeting virtually at 6:11 p.m. 4.3. Recommendation to award a contract with Redline Plan Review for performance of Commercial Plan Review. MOTION by Elm, second by Moffat and carried to award a contract with Redline Plan Review for performance of Commercial Plan Review. 5. RECURRING BUSINESS 5.1 ESD Director’s Update – Received and Filed Director Roberts provided an update on the operations for May, highlighting the volumes of effluent discharge and the maintenance activities that are currently underway, while noting that there were no significant operational issues encountered. 5.2 Director Update – 5.1.1 Patrick Rhode has taken on the role of Chief Building Inspector, and it is important to acknowledge the contributions of Brian Bustrak, the former chief, who has recently retired after his dedicated service to the city. His will be greatly missed. 5.1.2 Scott Lavoie is the new Plumbing Inspector for the city. 5.1.3 The city is in the process of replacing lead service lines, which is resulting in temporary traffic disruptions on Tower Avenue. This current phase is anticipated to PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE – 7/08/2026 Meeting (Meets monthly on 1st Thursday at 5 p.m.) Page 4 of 4 *Attended virtually continue for approximately two weeks before moving on to road overlay work. 5.3 Future Agenda Items 5.1.1 Discussion and recommendation of a report submitted by Raftelis Financial Consultants evaluating the acquisition of utilities operated by Superior, Water, Light & Power. 5.1.2 Recommendation of referendum and public meeting schedules. 5.1.3 Discussion on City of Superior Ordinance 114-62(e) Hauled Waste Charges. 5.4 Confirm the next meeting date as August 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in Room 204 of the Government Center. 6 ADJOURNMENT Councilor Ledin announced the meeting adjourned at 6:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kara Czapinski