_06042026-1326
City of Superior · Douglas County · meeting of Jun 4, 2026 · Minutes
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PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE – 6/04/2026 Meeting (Meets monthly on 1st Thursday at 5 p.m.) Page 1 of 5
*Attended virtually
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES
June 4, 2026 Regular Meeting
The meeting was called to order by Councilor Ledin at 5:00 p.m. on June 4, 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,
Dave Pollock, Jon Shamla
Others Present: Shelley Nelson, Paul Eberth, Dean Will, Bob Steede,
Dan Hinzmann
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2.1. Public Works Committee (Meeting held May 7, 2026)
MOTION by Elm, second by Moffat and carried to approve the minutes from May 7,
2026.
3. OLD BUSINESS
3.1. Discussion of a report submitted by Raftelis Financial Consultants evaluating the acquisition
of utilities operated by Superior, Water, Light & Power.
Mayor Paine announced initiatives to enhance public engagement and foster informed
discussions regarding the utility acquisition. Plans include multiple town hall meetings at
various locations and times, with a minimum of five sessions scheduled and a commitment
to provide two weeks' notice for each. A survey related to the acquisition was distributed
with utility bills; however, to address concerns about confidentiality and public records
laws, a third-party provider will be utilized to ensure respondent privacy and encourage
honest feedback. The Mayor also emphasized the necessity of allowing sufficient time for
the committee and City Council to review the Raftelis report, mentioning that Raftelis is
prepared to serve as an expert witness if the acquisition results in litigation, with potential
discussions taking place in closed sessions due to expected legal challenges.
3.2. Recommendation to approve Chapter 58, Article IV Recyclable Waste Materials Ordinance
revisions.
City Clerk Blunt identified changes in the ordinance that were not adequately highlighted
during its approval at the recent Public Works Committee meeting. This update aims to
correct and clarify all relevant information within the ordinance to ensure its accuracy.
MOTION by Elm, second by Moffat and carried to approve Chapter 58, Article IV
Recyclable Waste Materials Ordinance revisions.
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*Attended virtually
4. NEW BUSINESS
4.1. Submittal of the 2025 Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR).
Jon Shamla reported that the City’s 2025 wastewater treatment performance is encapsulated
in the CMAR, which covers aspects such as planning, financial status, staffing, and
maintenance. Notably, there were no permit violations or errors, leading to a commendable
score of 4.0 from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Shamla has
recommended that the CMAR be presented to the City Council for approval at the upcoming
meeting, ensuring adherence to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources submission
deadline of June 30th.
MOTION by Elm, second by Moffat and carried to approve the 2025 Compliance
Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR).
4.2. Recommendation of contract award to Sipsas Excavating for the 2026 South Superior Storm
Sewer Project in the amount of $576,096.90.
Dave Pollock indicated that the project entails the separation of combined inlets from the
sanitary sewer at two sites in South Superior. This initiative aims to remove approximately
10 acres of drainage from the sanitary system, thereby reducing the burden on the treatment
plant.
MOTION by Elm, second by Moffat and carried to approve the contract award to
Sipsas Excavating for the 2026 South Superior Storm Sewer Project in the amount of
$576,096.90.
4.3. Recommendation to award engineering services to SEH for the CSTP 5 Facility
Improvements Design project in an amount of $450,000.00.
The CSTP 5 project encompasses plans to elevate and reconstruct the building, implement
new treatment processes including UV disinfection and solar power, and ensure alignment
with forthcoming agreements from Enbridge.
MOTION by Elm, second by Moffat and carried to award engineering services to SEH
for the CSTP 5 Facility Improvements Design project in an amount of $450,000.00.
4.4. Recommendation to award engineering services to SEH for the CSTP 6 Facility
Improvements Design project in an amount of $419,000.00.
MOTION by Elm, second by Moffat and carried to engineering services to SEH for the
CSTP 6 Facility Improvements Design project in an amount of $419,000.00.
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*Attended virtually
4.5. Recommendation to award the Facilities Planning for PFOS and PFOA Project to Donohue
and Associates at a proposed amount of $434,445.00.
Director Roberts emphasized the importance of facility planning for the treatment of PFAS
and PFOA. This initiative aims to prepare the city to take advantage of new funding
opportunities while also addressing upcoming regulatory requirements. Key components of
this strategy include the development of pollutant minimization plans and targeted treatment
approaches.
MOTION by Elm, second by Moffat and carried to award the Facilities Planning for
PFOS and PFOA Project to Donohue and Associates at a proposed amount of
$434,445.00.
4.6. Recommendation to proceed with the Landfill Leachate PFAS Treatment Pilot Project with
Xylem in an amount not anticipated to exceed $182,500.00.
Director Roberts announced the implementation of advanced PFAS destruction technology
at the landfill, focusing on landfill leachate as a significant contributor to PFAS
contamination in the wastewater system. The initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of
treating this leachate stream prior to its entry into the main treatment facility.
MOTION by Elm, second by Moffat and carried to proceed with the Landfill Leachate
PFAS Treatment Pilot Project with Xylem in an amount not to exceed $182,500.00.
4.7. Recommendation to approve a resolution authorizing submission of a Boating Infrastructure
Grant (BIG) application for replacement of the transient dock at Barker’s Island Marina.
Director Carlson announced that the city is seeking a 75/25 split grant of up to $1.5 million
to replace the deteriorating transient dock at Barker's Island Marina. The resolution
authorizing this application does not commit the city to proceed without further approval
from the council if the grant is awarded. Discussions highlighted the possibility of adding
more and longer slips to accommodate larger vessels, the dock's significance in generating
revenue for the Marina, and the necessity for future design and funding considerations.
MOTION by Elm, second by Moffat and carried to approve a resolution authorizing
submission of a Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) application for replacement of the
transient dock at Barker’s Island Marina.
4.8. Recommendation to approve the Wastewater Connection Cooperative Agreement with
Enbridge Energy.
Mayor Paine announced that Enbridge has approached the city regarding a terminal upgrade
that will implement a non-contact cooling system utilizing city water to cool oil pipelines.
This process will produce heated, yet uncontaminated, wastewater that requires treatment
before being discharged. Currently, the city does not have the capacity to handle the
additional wastewater without risking permit violations. To address this, the agreement
stipulates that Enbridge will invest $1.1 million in system improvements, including UV
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE – 6/04/2026 Meeting (Meets monthly on 1st Thursday at 5 p.m.) Page 4 of 5
*Attended virtually
disinfection, to enhance capacity and prevent untreated discharges during overflow events.
This initiative is anticipated to generate substantial new revenue for the city through
wastewater fees and increased terminal tax revenue, with a projected payback period of six
to seven years, while also improving water quality by minimizing untreated discharges into
local waterways.
During discussions, committee members and Enbridge representatives examined various
technical aspects, such as pipeline integrity, temperature control, and measures to prevent oil
contamination in the wastewater system. The project will incorporate multiple monitoring
systems and emergency shutoff mechanisms to ensure safety. Scheduled for completion by
late 2027 or early 2028, the project will proceed through phased construction and permitting
processes, allowing the city to maintain flexibility in implementing the necessary capacity
improvements.
MOTION by Elm, second by Moffat and carried to approve the Wastewater
Connection Cooperative Agreement with Enbridge Energy.
Mayor Paine, Paul Eberth, Dean Will, and Bob Steede left the meeting at 6:44 p.m.
4.9. Recommendation to approve an Engineering Design Contract with SEH to create 100%
design plans for the Dwight’s Point Phase II Project at an estimated cost of $115,500.00.
Director Carlson announced that the project, funded by the Wisconsin Coastal Management
Program and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grants, aims to replace
outdated culverts with modern, environmentally friendly designs to enhance stream health
and facilitate fish passage. The design plans, currently at 60% completion, are set to reach
full completion this year. Construction will commence once additional funding is obtained.
MOTION by Elm, second by Moffat and carried to approve an Engineering Design
Contract with SEH to create 100% design plans for the Dwight’s Point Phase II
Project at an estimated cost of $115,500.00.
4.10. Recommendation to approve a Construction Cooperative Agreement between the City of
Superior and Superior Water, Light and Power to support elimination of lead service lines in
the City of Superior.
MOTION by Ledin, second by Elm and carried to approve a Construction
Cooperative Agreement between the City of Superior and Superior Water, Light and
Power to support elimination of lead service lines in the City of Superior.
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*Attended virtually
5. RECURRING BUSINESS
5.1 ESD Director’s Update – Received and Filed
5.2 Director Update –
5.1.1 The Spring Cleanup was successful this year; however, it is essential to address the
Spring Cleanup Ordinance in a future meeting.
5.1.2 The Sidewalk Replacement Program is set to commence shortly, with a contractor
scheduled to arrive on North Tower Avenue to address and grind down any tripping
hazards.
5.1.3 The Lead Service Line Project is progressing as planned, with Hanco Utilities
officially involved. A recent pre-construction meeting was held with representatives
from Hanco, LHB, and Superior Water, Light & Power. Construction is set to
commence in the midtown area around June 8th.
5.1.4 Tower Avenue roadway construction is paused while the contractor for the lead
service line replacement project does their lead line work between Belknap and North
28th. When the Tower roadway project commences, the roadway will be milled and
asphalt overlaid. This is an alteration from the original plan to diamond grind the
surface. The change results in increased cost of $363K, but also in a better, more
reliable, and smoother surface. The increased cost is paid for by budgeted funding for
roadway paving.
5.3 Future Agenda Items
5.1.1 Discuss Water Utility Acquisition
5.1.2 Spring Cleanup Ordinance
5.4 Confirm the next meeting date as July 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in Room 204 of the
Government Center.
6 ADJOURNMENT
Councilor Ledin announced the meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Kara Czapinski
Source: City of Superior website. First collected Oct 11, 2026.