City Council Work Session 6/29/2026

The City of Watertown held a City Council Work Session on June 29, 2026, focusing primarily on infrastructure-related procurement and policy issues. Key discussions included historical sanitary sewer assessments and cost recoveries, with staff proposing to write off approximately $129,000 in uncollectible legacy cost recoveries while maintaining transparency with affected property owners. The council explored options for future sewer infrastructure funding, such as developer-installed sewers included in lot costs, connection fees, platting fees, or citywide frontage assessments, weighing financial implications and potential borrowing needs. Sidewalk installation and assessment policies were also reviewed, highlighting challenges in balancing property owner concerns, safety, and equitable cost distribution. Additionally, the council discussed adopting the 2024 International Building Code to maintain insurance ratings, with a cautious approach to certain cost-increasing provisions. Fire hydrant placement inconsistencies in older developments were noted, with staff emphasizing the importance of compliance for safety and insurance purposes. No formal votes were taken, but staff indicated forthcoming resolutions and code amendments for future meetings.