Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-14 UC MIN UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING April 14, 2022 8:00 A.M. Utilities Superintendent Benson called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. Present: Vice Chairman Hudak, Commissioners Jensen and Whitcomb, Councilmember Polehna Absent: Chairman Speedling, Commissioner Hutter Staff: Utilities Superintendent Benson, Public Works Director Sanders APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of March 10, 2022 meeting Vice Chairman Hudak tabled the approval of the minutes to the next meeting. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. NEW BUSINESS 1315 Fifth Avenue South Water Service Public Works Director Sanders reported that in December, the property owner at 1312 Fourth Avenue South notified the Utility Department of water in their basement. Upon investigation, it was determined there was a leak in the water service, not for 1312 Fourth Avenue South, but for the property located at 1315 Fifth Avenue South. This property is served from a galvanized pipe coming from the main on Fourth Avenue that was installed over 70 years ago. (There is no watermain located on Fifth Avenue South). To make matters worse, the service is thought to be located under the garage and under an in-ground pool at the property at 1312 Fourth Avenue South. The property owner is reluctant to repair the existing service because of the potential high cost to repair the pool or garage. Other options include connecting to the watermain on Fourth Avenue South or Orleans Street at a cost of $35,000+, the high cost due in part to wintertime construction, length of service and potential to encounter rock during construction. The property owner has also considered drilling a private well, and was quoted about half the cost of connecting to the watermain, however all costs may not be included. City code states that properties shall connect to water if it is available. The question is, is it considered “available” where the closest connection to the house is 200 feet away? Vice Chair Hudak noted that if other nearby homes have galvanized services, this will likely be a recurring problem. It would be preferable to avoid having each of these properties in the future drilling wells. Additionally, well maintenance every 5-10 years can be costly for the property owner. Commissioner Whitcomb remarked in his opinion as a citizen, the best long term solution is to do a directional bore to connect to existing watermain. Motion by Commissioner Whitcomb, seconded by Commissioner Jensen, to uphold City policy of requiring the property owner at 1315 Fifth Avenue South to connect to City water via a directional bore, and not allow for a private well to serve the property. All in favor. Public Works Director Sanders said he will inform the homeowner. Nightingale Boulevard Water Bill Utilities Commission Meeting April 14, 2022 Mr. Sanders provided a letter from a resident on Nightingale Boulevard who received a utility bill for $2,300 due to a water softener that kept recycling and draining into the sewer drain. According to City policy, a property owner is responsible for charges for whatever goes through their meter (water) and whatever goes down their drain (sewer). In addition, the sewer bill for the remainder of the year is based on 1st quarter usage. The property owner is asking the charge to be waived or reduced. Commissioner Whitcomb suggested that the Finance Department adjust the sewer bill for the remaining quarters, and pay the water charge as billed on a payment plan. Commissioner Jensen said if the bill is adjusted, it must be well documented for future such requests. Vice Chair Hudak reminded residents if they are going to be on vacation, they should shut the water off and have someone check on their house, or bypass their water softener. Motion by Commissioner Hudak, seconded by Commissioner Whitcomb, to recommend that the City charge the property owner per the existing water bill and work with the Finance Department toward a payment plan (less than 12 months), and adjust the sewer bill for the rest of 2022. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. DIRECTOR/SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE Monthly Water Use Mr. Sanders provided the monthly gallons pumped, 39, 409 in February and 41, 176 in March. U pdate on U t i I i ty Dept. Cap ital Outlay Items Mr. Sanders updated the Commission on utility construction projects for 2022. He pointed out the cost for the Mid Oaks lift station rehab includes paying property owners for easements because when the lift station was installed in the 1970s, there were no utility easements for the lines that go through private properties. Water Efficiency Grant Program Update Mr. Sanders explained that he applied for a Met Council water efficiency grant to help reimburse residents who replace high -flow toilets, washing machines, and get smart controllers. The grant would be 80/20, $40,000 Met Council and $10,000 City. It would be a two year program starting July 1, 2022. COMMISSIONER ITEMS Commissioner Jensen noted her term is up in June and she is considering stepping down and allowing someone else to serve due to health issues requiring treatments on Thursdays. Mr. Sanders and the Commissioners who were present said they would be happy to change meeting dates so Commissioner Jensen could stay on. Mr. Sanders will poll the other Commissioners by email. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Whitcomb, seconded by Commissioner Hudak, to jo . A ' Favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 a.m. Curt Hudak, Vice Chair ATTEST: Page 2 of 2 Utilities Commission Meeting April 14, 2022 Page 3 of 3 Shawn Sanders, Public Works Director