Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monroe public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in water utilities
Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Monroe is spending a $1 million federal grant (plus about $200,000 city match) to replace lead water lines on both public and private sides, starting with grant-designated streets. The full city replacement is expected to take until the EPA's 2037 deadline, and residents can check the city's online inventory to see what their property has.
Flooding damage at the Monroe Golf Course city easement
Recent flooding silted up the Monroe Golf Course land the city uses for stormwater overflow, and under the easement the city may be responsible for repairing the damage. An alderperson asked staff to look into the city's obligations.
Water and Wastewater Equipment Purchases
The Water Department gets a new 2027 GMC Acadia to replace a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Wastewater buys a new sewer main inspection camera. The old camera is broken — a repair would have run $11,000 — and the new one helps the city inspect 66 miles of sewer main before street projects.
Interzone Booster Station Booster #1 Rebuild
Booster #1 at the Interzone Booster Station may need a rebuild to keep water pressure reliable. Repair quotes were presented for the board's review.
New Sewer Line Camera Purchase
The board was set to discuss buying a new sewer line camera, which helps crews inspect underground pipes for cracks and clogs without digging. The purchase would need Common Council approval.
Hydro Excavator Purchase for Utilities Department
The city is buying a $72,250 trailer-mounted hydro excavator — essentially a water-blast vacuum — so crews can dig down six feet and see what water service pipes are made of without tearing up yards or hiring contractors. Finding copper instead of lead saves about $850 per line.
Well #6 and Well #7 booster pump rebuilds
Dorner Company will repair the booster pumps at Wells 6 and 7 at $16,822 per pump, keeping water service reliable.
EV Charging Stations in 10th Street Parking Lot
Eugene Hotel will install public EV chargers on two leased city stalls; some alders thought the $500-per-stall fee should have been lower to reward the public service.
Water Department truck replacement
The water utility's 2008 Ranger is aging and hard to load safely. The board chose the local Ruda quote ($44,119) over the low out-of-town bid ($43,047), keeping service and parts support in Monroe.