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<br />Councilmember Elvig stated he agrees this is a fairly serious issue, and it would take a lot of <br />water to stop a fire with all the townhouses that will be side by side. He questioned if they have a <br />good means of communication for this. <br /> <br />Chairperson Zimmerman asked what is expected for an increase in water usage. <br /> <br />ParkslUtilities Supervisor River1Jlood replied last year there was a 19 percent increase, and over <br />the last several years the increase had been about 20 percent per year. The other condition is that <br />a lot more individual homeowners will add irrigation to their homes that presently do not have it. <br />The current notification would be in the May/June Ramsey Resident that has the consumer <br />confidence report. <br /> <br />Chairperson Zimmerman suggested a mailing be done right before the hot weather arrives. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig requested Mr. Riverblood to review information regarding the days the <br />water level got significantly low last year. <br /> <br />ParkslUtilities Supervisor Riverblood reviewed that last year for approximately four hours the <br />City was using more water than it produced, and the tower levels dropped to a point where it <br />would not even record. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook stated if they are going to have four employees come in and look for <br />violators the violations should be more serious. He suggested the first violation be eliminated. <br />When someone is found to be violating the ordinance they should be sent a registered letter. <br /> <br />Civil Engineer II Linton commented in Champlin the police have some authority in ticketing <br />violators, and he believes CSO's are used. This might be an option to save on some overtime <br />costs. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated this situation is serious enough that the City has to spend some <br />money to protect the rest of the City. <br /> <br />Assistant Public Works Director Olson noted if the ordinance is rewritten there are things that <br />could be added to help with sprinkling. One of the things that has always been suggested to him <br />is that they should include a requirement that new homes have six inches of topsoil instead of the <br />normal 2 to 4 inches. This would not require as much sprinkling. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Elvig, second by Councilmember Cook, to recommend to the City <br />Council that City Code Section 4.40.06 Subd. be amended to revise the penalties for violations as <br />follows: . <br /> <br />. 1 st violation written violation by registered mail <br />. 2nd violation $50 fine added directly to the water bill <br />. 3rd violation $100 fine added directly to the water bill. <br />. 4th violation shut off of water service <br /> <br />Public Works Committee/April20, 2004 <br />Page 10 of 16 <br />