Agenda - Public Works Committee - 10/18/2011

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Public Works Committee Meeting Date: 10/18/2011 By: John Nelson, Engineering/Public Works Title: Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Policy 5. 4. Background: Staff has been informed by the League of Minnesota Cities of a sanitary sewer incentive program. This program will save the city money by lowering our deductible on sanitary sewer backup claims. Notification: Observations: The League of Minnesota Cities has introduced a Sanitary Sewer Incentive Program for property/casualty members. The program provides cities greater control in the mandatory, out of pocket deductibles they pay for claims and lawsuits related to sanitary sewer backups. Members that do not meet the LMCIT's criteria by November 15th will see coverage that includes a minimum mandatory deductible of $1,000 for each sanitary sewer backup. That amount will increase to $2,500 for each sanitary sewer backup claim November 15, 2011. The program is meant to reduce the overall cost and frequency of sanitary sewer claims faced by members of the trust. Each year these claims cost 1.5 million in Minnesota. City liability primarily stems from maintenance and inspection issues that lead to sewer backups from line obstructions. The program also will help reduce the extent to which cities with good sanitary sewer operations and maintenance practices end up helping to pay for losses of cities with practices that are not so good. To avoid the higher mandatory minimum deductible, cities must have: • A comprehensive map of the sanitary sewer system. • A documented program of regular inspections and maintenance. • A documented program for lift station inspections and maintenance. • An operator properly certified by the Minnesota Pollution Control agency. Funding Source: No additional funding is required as the policy reflects current operations withing the Sanitary Sewer Utility. Staff Recommendation: Staff is requesting the PW committee members to approve this sanitary sewer maintenance policy. Committee Action: Forward to full council for review and approval Sanitary sewer maintenance policy Manhole inspection form sanitary sewer service report lift station inspection form Attachments Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Brian Olson Brian Olson 10/13/2011 08:51 AM Kurt Ulrich Kurt Ulrich 10/13/2011 03:37 PM