Photo by Kirsten Zoellner
As part of the Minnesota Lead and Copper Rule, the city of Peterson diligently completed its required mapping ahead of the October 16 deadline. The federal regulation passed in 2021 in effort to support actions to reduce lead in drinking water. Now, the city is looking ahead to the next deadline.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, “All public water systems with one or more lead service lines or galvanized service lines in need of replacement are required to have a lead service replacement plan.” The galvanized lines are an issue due to the breakdown of the zinc coating and some lead joints.
There are seven steps that cities must adhere to in their plan for replacement of the lead and galvanized pipes. Included are a strategy for determining the composition of pipes whose composition is unknown, a procedure for a full lead service line replacement and a communication strategy for informing property owners ahead of a full or partial service line replacement. This last part is Peterson’s current focus.
At the November 13 meeting, the council learned that property owner notifications were mailed that day. There were no properties in Peterson with lead lines. But, it appears there are 22 properties currently mapped as galvanized. A large number are marked as unknown per the map. A full map of the Peterson properties is available through the state, but property owners who do not receive a letter but have these types of service lines should contact city hall.
The city will be compiling a list of affected properties for the replacement of the lines. As the city will receive grant funding from the state, there will be no cost to property owners for this work. The next phase will be working to get out contractor bids. Funds for the replacement of lines will no longer be available after 2026, with smaller cities receiving aid first.
“We’re doing well on meeting our deadlines,” said Mayor Chris Stenzel.
“It will be a project,” noted Clerk Chris Grindland.
The council also certified the results of the November general election for the city. According to Grindland, there were 134 registered voters in Peterson and an additional four registered on election day. A total of 105 people voted. There were no surprise shake-ups for the council.
Mayor Chris Stenzel ran unopposed and garnered 83 of 96 total votes (86.46%). Councilors Justin Simon and Tracy Seelbinder also ran unopposed for their council seats. Simon earned 79 votes (47.02%), while Seelbinder earned 82 votes (48.81%). There were 13 write-in votes for the mayoral seat and just seven for the council seats.
The personnel committee, comprised of Stenzel and Seelbinder, met with city employees Grindland and Public Works Director Tim Hallum. The committee conducted annual reviews and made a recommendation to the council to approve a 3.5% salary increase for both for 2025. The council approved the recommendation unanimously.
“Thank you two for the hard work you do for us,” noted Stenzel to Grindland and Hallum.
In other news, the financial cost of the citywide fall cleanup is in. It cost the city $1,200 in expenses and $415 was taken in from property owners. This leaves a net loss of $785.
It’s likely the council may review their fees or strategies before the next cleanup, but the goal is to help keep properties clean and compliant.
“I’m looking for positives,” said Councilor Gail Boyum.
Christmas in Peterson, the city’s annual winter fundraiser, will be held on December 14 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The plans are to fill the day with holiday activities including an appearance by Santa, shopping, hayrides, Scandinavian treats, a meatball dinner and more. More information can be found at ChristmasinPeterson.org.
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