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PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE – 4/02/2026 Meeting (Meets monthly on 1st Thursday at 5 p.m.) Page 1 of 4 *Attended virtually PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MINUTES April 2, 2026 Regular Meeting The meeting was called to order by Councilor Moffat at 5:04 p.m. on April 2, 2026, in Government Center Room 204. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Nick Ledin, Ruth Ludwig, Garner Moffat, Tylor Elm (alt) 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: Garner Moffat, Ruth Ludwig City Staff Present: Todd Janigo, Chris Carlson, Kara Czapinski, Jim Paine, Others Present: Shelley Nelson, Dan Olson, Sarah Anderson, Brent Fennessy, Bill Fennessy, Jenny Van Sickle*, MW*, Weston Morris, Robert Hering, Mike Herrick* 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2.1. Public Works Committee (Meeting held February 5, 2026) MOTION by Ludwig, second by Moffat and carried to approve the minutes from February 5, 2026. 3. OLD BUSINESS 3.1. Discuss Tower Avenue pedestrian crossing concerns at North 40th Street. Assistant Public Works Director Carlson outlined the sidewalk initiative for the upcoming year, which focuses on addressing gaps in the current sidewalk, enhancing connectivity to the RFP crossing, and improving access on the east side of Tower Avenue and to Henry Cohen Drive. A visual representation of the proposed plan was included in the agenda packet. The discussion highlighted the potential use of existing sidewalks that are set back from the road, some of which are located on private property, necessitating access agreements or the establishment of a city-maintained rolling sidewalk network. Carlson noted that flashing pedestrian signals are already installed at the mid-block crosswalk on Tower Avenue, with further enhancements planned to accommodate the high volume of residents, including those using mobility devices. He confirmed that the project is part of the 2026 sidewalk budget, with the intention to complete the work during the summer. 4. NEW BUSINESS 4.1. Discussion of a report submitted by Raftelis Financial Consultants evaluating the acquisition of utilities operated by Superior, Water, Light & Power. Mayor Paine reported that Raftelis completed a feasibility study and appraisal, valuing the water utility at $58 million based on fair market value and Wisconsin's legal framework. The full appraisal and rate analysis are available for public review. He noted that if the city takes ownership, water rates could be reduced by as much as 10% immediately, with the potential for further decreases depending on financing options. This is because the city would substitute private equity returns and taxes with lower-cost municipal bonds. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE – 4/02/2026 Meeting (Meets monthly on 1st Thursday at 5 p.m.) Page 2 of 4 *Attended virtually Paine also outlined the statutory process for municipal acquisition, which includes a referendum and a contested case hearing, highlighting that Wisconsin law mandates fair market value and restricts additional claims, differentiating it from eminent domain. He addressed the transition for utility employees and transition costs. The implications for the Village of Superior were also considered, noting that while the city's authority ends at its limits, cooperative supply arrangements could be made. 4.2. Approval of a resolution committing to the goals of Vision Zero and the elimination of transportation related deaths and serious injuries. Paine presented the Vision Zero resolution, highlighting its aim to bolster the Metropolitan Interstate Council's planning initiatives and to commit to eliminating traffic and pedestrian fatalities. Committee members were urged to familiarize themselves with Vision Zero principles. Jenny Van Sickle noted that the Metropolitan Interstate Council is currently in the initial phases of crafting a Vision Zero action plan in collaboration with a consultant. The city intends to adopt this framework to shape its own plan, ensuring alignment with federal funding requirements. This approach, advocated by the Federal Highway Administration, emphasizes the importance of considering driver behavior and human error in both design and enforcement, which the city will incorporate into its transportation strategies. MOTION by Ludwig, second by Moffat and carried to approve a resolution committing to the goals of Vision Zero and the elimination of transportation related deaths and serious injuries. 4.3. Recommendation of contract award to Wescom, Inc. for the Environmental Services Divisions Solar System Design Building Project in the amount of $209,124.00. Carlson outlined the project's objective of decreasing energy consumption while integrating solar power, highlighting that several companies submitted proposals, with Wescom being recommended for the project's execution. Additionally, Wescom provides a 30-year warranty on panels, a 10-year warranty on inverters, and a 10-year workmanship warranty, which were compared against the warranties offered by other bidders. Brent Fennessy and Bill Fennessy left the meeting at 6:27 p.m. MOTION by Ludwig, second by Moffat and carried to approve a contract award to Wescom, Inc. for the Environmental Services Divisions Solar System Design Building Project in the amount of $209,124.00. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE – 4/02/2026 Meeting (Meets monthly on 1st Thursday at 5 p.m.) Page 3 of 4 *Attended virtually 4.4. Recommendation to approve the State Municipal Agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for local improvements as part of the Blatnik Bridge Reconstruction in the estimated amount of $683,031.85. MOTION by Ludwig, second by Moffat and carried to approve the State Municipal Agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for local improvements as part of the Blatnik Bridge Reconstruction in the estimated amount of $683,031.85. Mayor Paine and Robert Hering left the meeting at 6:29 p.m. 4.5. Recommendation to approve the State Municipal Maintenance Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for the ongoing maintenance of local improvements as part of the Blatnik Bridge Reconstruction Project. MOTION by Ludwig, second by Moffat and carried to approve the State Municipal Maintenance Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for the ongoing maintenance of local improvements as part of the Blatnik Bridge Reconstruction Project. 4.6. Recommendation to approve Revision #1 of the STP-Urban, State Municipal Agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for the Marina Drive Causeway project. Carlson addressed a new allocation of funds for the Marina Drive Causeway project, noting that the design is currently 40% complete and that coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for permits and final design is ongoing. MOTION by Ludwig second by Moffat and carried to approve Revision #1 of the STP- Urban, State Municipal Agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for the Marina Drive Causeway project. 4.7. Recommendation of contract award to Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC for the 2026 Pavement Marking Project in the amount of $149,527.28. Carlson indicated that Fahrner Asphalt Sealers has a history of collaboration with the city, and the contract amount aligns with previous year’s figures for annual roadway line striping. MOTION by Ludwig, second by Moffat and carried to approve a contract award to Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC for the 2026 Pavement Marking Project in the amount of $149,527.28. 4.8. Recommendation to approve Chapter 58, Article IV Recyclable Waste Materials Ordinance revisions. Carlson noted that the recent updates are a result of an audit conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, which includes changes to references and stricter PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE – 4/02/2026 Meeting (Meets monthly on 1st Thursday at 5 p.m.) Page 4 of 4 *Attended virtually requirements to ensure compliance with state regulations. Committee members expressed a desire for additional time to review these modifications and requested that the matter be revisited in the committee meeting next month. MOTION by Ludwig, second by Moffat and carried to hold item 4.8 until the next meeting. 5. RECURRING BUSINESS 5.1 ESD Director’s Update – Received and filed. Director Update – 5.1.1 The work on Tower Avenue between Belknap and North 28th Street will soon recommence, featuring bump outs, storm sewer, and pavement work. Additionally, there are several carryover tasks from the previous year that will be addressed during this phase. 5.1.2 Director Janigo expressed his appreciation for his tenure as the Public Works Director and his service to the city, announcing that his final day in the position will be April 6th. 5.2 Future Agenda Items 5.2.1 Discuss Water Utility Acquisition 5.2.2 Recommendation to approve Chapter 58, Article IV Recyclable Waste Materials Ordinance revisions. 5.3 Confirm the next meeting date as May 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in Room 204 of the Government Center. 6 ADJOURNMENT Councilor Moffat announced the meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kara Czapinski