City staff briefed the council on capital improvements and flood‑mitigation projects during the budget workshop, describing ongoing construction, engineering studies and funding steps.

Staff said contractor work on the Duck Creek sewer project continued last year and included creek rehabilitation, open‑cut trenching and microtunneling; remaining work will largely occur in adjacent farm fields with minimal impact on the traveling public, staff said. The water pollution control (sewage treatment) plant has been the focus of an investment and study effort: Stanley Consultants was hired for approximately $1.5 million to evaluate future improvements under a regional collaboration with neighboring communities.

Flood mitigation work is proceeding in phases. Staff said Phase 1 (southern portion) began construction in third quarter 2024 with storm sewer and earthwork; the work is expected to continue into third quarter 2025. Phase 2 (northern portion) has final engineering completed and a federal grant application submitted; staff said the project — once funded and built — is intended to protect the area up to a 500‑year flood level. Staff noted the city is awaiting federal grant decisions and that a temporary freeze on federal funds could affect timing.

Other CIP highlights included street-reconstruction projects (several high‑volume street projects and neighborhood street work), South Park grade separation design, quiet‑zone railroad work in certain neighborhoods, and trail projects such as the Goose Creek Trail phase and Veterans Memorial connection. Staff also referred to multiuse-path projects and the planned inclusive playground at Peonies Park (construction expected spring 2025, opening late summer 2025).

Staff said some projects are funded with one‑time ARPA dollars (Main Street Landing, inclusive playgrounds, flood mitigation stage work, Duck Creek sewer and other neighborhood investments) and that several projects are in predevelopment with developers for future phases.