Lead contamination in the city’s water supply was a focus of the meeting. The council discussed the implications of the EPA’s updated lead and copper rule, which requires utilities to inform customers about the materials of their service lines. Concerns were raised about the historical lack of records on service line materials, particularly those installed between 1920 and 1940. The council acknowledged that while the city has removed approximately 500 lead service lines, many remain unidentified, posing potential risks to residents.

Efforts to address this issue include a comprehensive project to inventory and remediate lead service lines over the next several years. This initiative will involve gathering documentation, conducting test digs, and utilizing predictive modeling to identify locations with potential lead service lines. The council emphasized the importance of public outreach, encouraging residents to assist in identifying their service line materials and offering free lead testing services to those with lead lines.

The discussion also touched on the financial burden of replacing lead service lines, with estimates reaching around $10,000 per line. While the EPA does not mandate the city to cover these costs, there is encouragement to do so to alleviate the financial impact on homeowners. The council highlighted its proactive measures, such as maintaining the use of anti-corrosive chemicals in the water system, which have been crucial in preventing issues similar to those faced in Flint, Michigan.

Budget transparency was another topic addressed during the meeting. A council member proposed creating a one-page summary of the budget to provide financial comparisons and improve accessibility for residents. However, concerns were raised about the challenges of condensing the detailed budget into a single page without losing essential information. The council noted that while the budget is available online and includes a table of contents for easier navigation, there are still residents without internet access who may require physical copies.

The council also explored methods to enhance communication and operational processes within the city. Emphasis was placed on improving interdepartmental communication and the technology supporting it, with suggestions for developing a ticketing system to track service requests. This discussion was part of a broader effort to streamline communication and ensure residents receive timely responses to their inquiries.

Aside from these major topics, the meeting also addressed the introduction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as part of a comprehensive housing strategy. Some council members expressed concerns about the financial investment in consulting services for ADUs, preferring to direct funds towards services directly assisting those in need. However, it was clarified that the recommendation for ADUs came from a housing strategy developed with extensive community input.

The potential zoning changes for ADUs sparked a debate. Concerns were raised about the unintended consequences of zoning modifications, such as increased neighborhood density and potential misuse by developers. Council members emphasized the need for guidelines to prevent such outcomes, including owner-occupancy requirements for either the primary unit or the ADU.

The meeting concluded with discussions on various resolutions, including contracts for digitizing files and researching zoning reform for ADUs. Council members also addressed issues of potential conflicts of interest, with clarification provided on the standards for recusal and financial interests.