City Council Meeting Date: July 22, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: Justin Wagner, Utilities Manager
David Bennett, P.E., Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Consider Northwest Water Tower Letter of Intent and Financial Capability Certification for Army Corps of Engineers.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council considers a Motion for the Northwest Water Tower Letter of Intent and Financial Capability Certification for the Army Corps of Engineers.
Summary Report:
On March 18, 2025, the City Council approved a motion to redirect the use of federal funds to the northwest area water tower. With the use of the federal funds, the City is required to submit a letter of intent (Attachment 1) and a financial capability certification (Attachment 2) to the Army Corps of Engineers.
In 2023, the City was awarded $3.945 million in federal funds. This is the first step in moving towards the agreement for use of federal funds for the Northwest Area Water Tower.
This is a required step in the process in order to move to the next phase to complete a formal agreement with the Corps of Engineers (Project Partnership Agreement). The template of the Project Partnership Agreement, that will contractually commit both parties, is under review by the City Attorney and are working to finalize that. Again, these two actions on this agenda are required in order for the Project Partnership Agreement to be executed.
Alternative Options:
The City Council could reject the Motion; however, staff does not recommend due to the funding issued to the City.
Financial Impacts:
The $3.945 million in federal funds are 75% of the funding while the City is obligated for the remaining 25% or $1.315 million. The funds will be for only construction of the water tower.
Tentative Timelines:
* July 22 - Northwest Water Tower Letter of Intent and Financial Capability Certification for Army Corps of Engineers.
* Fall 2025 - Project Partnership Agre...
Click here for full text