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Background: <br />The recent significant increase in residential home foreclosures has caused staff to be concerned <br />about vacant residential properties and continued water service to unheated homes. Therefore, we <br />have drafted an ordinance amendment which enables the City to disconnect water service from <br />these properties in an attempt limit freezing water pipe damage. <br />Observations: <br />The City Council introduced the proposed ordinance on November 11, 2008. During the <br />discussion, City Staff was directed to research the intent of Subd. 12.a.7 which allows for water shut <br />off when the property owner has refused access by authorized officials. The City Council expressed <br />concern that this provision may be overreaching. <br />The proposed ordinance was modeled after Coon Rapids' ordinance. City Staff did have a <br />conversation with their staff about Item 7. Coon Rapids staff indicated that the intent of the text <br />is to enable the city to shut off the water at the curb in the event there is some unforeseen <br />situation that isn't covered under items 1 -6 of the ordinance. An example of such a situation <br />might be a malfunctioning water meter that requires observation from inside the building, but <br />the property owner is denying entry. Coon Rapids indicated that to date, they have not had to <br />rely on this provision described in Item 7. <br />Recommendation: <br />CASE #: <br />ADOPT ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 4 OF THE CITY CODE <br />TO PERMIT DISCONNECTION OF CITY WATER SERVICE <br />By: William K. Goodrich, City Attorney <br />Sylvia Frolik, Assistance Community Development Director <br />Inclusion of Item #7 in the ordinance will be a Council decision. In accordance with the City <br />Charter, the proposed ordinance is now eligible for adoption. <br />Funding Source: <br />The proposed ordinance is a City initiative that will be covered under regular staff duties. <br />Council Action: <br />Motion to waive the reading of and adopt Ordinance 08 -XX adding Section 4.40.12 to the City <br />Code which section is titled "Disconnecting City Water Service ". <br />Roll Call Vote: Councilmember John Dehen <br />Councilmember David Elvig <br />Councilmember Sarah Strommen <br />Councilmember David Jeffrey <br />Councilmember Mary Jo Olson <br />Councilmember Matt Look <br />Mayor Tom Gamec <br />Reviewed by: <br />City Administrator vas.- _ `_ <br />Director of Public Works <br />Building Official <br />CC: 11/25/08 <br />—261- <br />