The Newport City Council approved more than $567,000 in engineering services for improvements to the city's drinking water system during its Thursday, Oct. 1 meeting, advancing plans to address water contamination and provide a long-term solution for municipal water needs.

The council unanimously approved a $510,200 agreement with MSA for preliminary design work on water treatment facilities at the city's existing and proposed municipal wells. The overall project is estimated to cost approximately $15 million, with most funding expected to come from the 3M settlement addressing PFAS contamination.

City Engineer Jon Herdegen presented the proposal, introducing MSA representatives Brad Stucynski, the company's potable water team leader, and Vice President Jason Miller.

The council also approved a $57,200 agreement with MSA to investigate a replacement location for Well No. 1, which has experienced cadmium contamination. The investigation will include drilling a test well to determine water quality and whether the location is suitable for a permanent municipal well.

Council Member Bill Sumner questioned how the city would finance the replacement well, since cadmium contamination is not covered by the 3M settlement. Herdegen explained that Newport could potentially obtain a low-interest loan through the state's revolving fund program for drinking water improvements.

The council approved both engineering agreements by 4-0 votes.

In other business, Mayor Laurie Elliott presented Mayor's Awards to State Sen. Matt Klein and U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, recognizing their service and efforts to secure funding for Newport.

Elliott credited Klein with advocating for Local Government Aid and helping secure $4 million in state bonding for inflow and infiltration improvements.

Craig was recognized for supporting $350,000 in federal funding for emergency preparedness and generators, a $125,000 Community Oriented Policing Services grant for an additional deputy, and $1.1 million for inflow and infiltration improvements.

Washington County staff also provided an update on the Newport and St. Paul Park Community Circulator, a free transportation service operated by DARTS.

Since beginning operations in April, the service had provided 222 rides as of Sept. 24, averaging approximately 37 monthly rides and using about 71 percent of available seating capacity.

The circulator operates Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with fixed stops at Hy-Vee and Walmart and additional requested stops within its service area. County Commissioner Karla Bigham expressed interest in expanding the service to additional weekdays.

The council meanwhile also approved a utility extension agreement for Bailey Business Park, allowing water and sewer infrastructure to extend from existing city utilities near Sterling through Bailey Road to the development.

Additional engineering actions included approving a $3,355 change order and a $148,381.34 payment to Meyer Contracting for the 2025 Street and Utility Improvements project. The project was substantially complete, with minor concrete repairs and final documentation remaining.

The council also approved an updated fire ordinance and revised fee schedule, establishing provisions for fire prevention and inspection services.

Council Member Josh Schmidt was absent. All recorded council votes passed unanimously, 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

Newport City Council meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of each month in city hall. The public is welcome to attend.