Staff reported the RFP for water treatment plant upgrades and dam removal planning concluded with two firms under review and that dam removal is not anticipated before 2028; a recommendation is expected at a future meeting.

Staff told the committee the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicated additional federal funding needs could delay planned dam removal beyond 2027, with coordination now expected around a possible 2028 construction window; members discussed potential nonfederal cost-share accounting for intake improvements.

Monroe's Economic Development Committee discussed aligning the city's priorities with the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to pursue grants and funding, and reviewed emergency preparedness planning and coordination with partner agencies. Staff will incorporate feedback into draft priority statements.

Council reviewed the City’s CIS Best Practices Survey, which yielded a 70% score and identified gaps in emergency planning, anti-harassment training, volunteer management, inspections, fleet safety and building procedures; Council directed staff to prioritize these areas and return with proposals.

The 1135 Committee reported water system planning updates: Mayor Sheets participated in a site tour with prospective engineering firms, staff said the Army Corps timeline has shifted to approximately 2028, consultant proposals are due later in October, and interviews for Engineer of Record are scheduled with four firms.

Staff reported ongoing water-infrastructure work; PFAS testing found no PFAS in the city’s water. The 1135 Technical Advisory Committee reported the water intake and dam-removal project estimate rose from $2.8 million to about $4 million and dam removal was delayed from 2027 to 2028 due to federal funding timing.

The Committee heard an update on the Section 1135 project and noted a meeting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that week to review design, budget and schedule. Members said a Long Tom Watershed Council groundwater analysis is separate and not expected to change the City project timeline or budget.