05-23-2012 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

instances of leaks in the service line from the main all the way into the building. Of the few leaks we have seen most if not all have been right at the connection to the main (called the corporation or "corp" for short) or at the curb stop on one side or the other. All of the service lines in the City are either copper or plastic so staff does not see leaks in the pipe becoming a problem in the future either. A recent leak was suspected to be in the copper line between the "corp" and the curb stop but it ended up being a pinhole leak in the "corp" The one gray area this ordinance revision leaves is leaks at the curb stop. The question is on which side of the curb stop is the leak. hl most eases it is not known which side the leak is on until the area is excavated down to the bottom of the curb stop. Therefore, staff proposes that if leaks are suspected at the curb stop, the City hire a contractor to excavate down and perform the repair. Regardless of which side the leak is on the cost will be split 50/50 between the City and the property owner. This will eliminate having to dig down and then decide who is responsible for the rest of the work. The parties share in the cost and the work is completed in a timely fashion. The property owner would be informed up front of the policy and the City would obtain at least two quotes from different contractors for the work. The property owner would then be billed for his or her portion of the work by the City and could pay it in full or have the amount assessed to property taxes. 1 have seen other cities' ordinances use both interpretations. Some use the Language we currently have and some use the language staff is proposing. Staff believes this change will better protect our infrastructure and enhance customer service to our residents. 2