02-09-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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. � REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION DATE: February 9, 2015 ITEM NO: � Department Approval: Administrator Reviewed: Agenda Section: Name Adam T. Edwards �/ Public Works Director/ Title Public Works Director City Engineer's Report Item Description: Amendment to Municipal Code 14-134: Service Pipes. Exhibits A- Proposed Water Service Pipe Ordinance Amendment B- Proposed Summary Ordinance for the Water Service Pipe Ordinance Amendment 1. Purpose. The purpose of this action item is to amend Section 14-134 of the Municipal code to clarify and provide consistency for water service pipe repair responsibilities. 2. Background. Last winter the bitter cold caused some service pipes to freeze. Most often the freeze occurs underneath the street pavement due to the insulative effect of the snow being removed. These incidents caused the City to look more closely at the service pipe section of the City Code. The review of the code identified an inconsistency in establishing responsibility for service pipe repairs. Section 14-134 made the property owner responsible for service pipes all the way to the main for freezes while section 14-]38 made the property owner responsible for repair of leaks only to the curb stop. 3. Proposed Ordinance Amendment. Sec. 14-134.-Service pipes. Every service pipe must be laid in such manner as to prevent rupture by settlement.The service pipe shall be placed not less than seven feet below the surface in all cases so arranged as to prevent rupture and stoppage by freezing. It is the responsibilitv of the property owner or buildin�occupant to repair frozen service p�es between the curb sto� into the house or other buildine. e€-�eeiw�ex. Service pipes must extend from the curb stops to the inside of the building,or if not taken into a building then to the hydrant or other fixtures which they are intended to supply. A valve the same size as the service pipe shall be placed close to the inside wall of the building,ahead of the meter and well protected from freezing. Joints on copper tubing shall be flared and kept to a minimum.Not more than one joint shall be used for a service up to 70 feet in length. All service pipes, including joints,shall be left uncovered until inspected. Minimum size connection with the water mains shall be three-fourths inch in diameter.The strength of all pipes shall be as prescribed by the city. 4. Recommendation. I recommend adoption of the proposed ordinance as amended. The code as amended provides continuity with other sections of code related to the same subject. The code as amended ensures responsibility for repair and maintenance is properly placed on those who exercise authority/ control over that section of the utility. The City owns everything to the curb stop and the resident everything from the curb stop to their building. COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED: Adopt the amended Service Pipe Ordinance.