Minutes - Council Work Session - 12/13/2011

Home

Councilmember Wise noted it has been discussed before that the Council can approve the 2012 rates and fees and always lower them during the coming year. Councilmember Tossey stated he had talked with builders, plumbers, and electricians about cooper versus PVC pipe and only the electrician was opposed to going to PVC. He asked why the Council did not support allowing PVC piping into the homes. Councilmember Tossey stated he has been assured the technology exists and plastic technology is better than 4 -5 years ago. Mayor Ramsey clarified the issue is whether to allow PVC pipe underground between the curb and house. Public Works Director Olson explained there is technology to put a tube into the PVC pipe and pressure steam the location of the freeze. However, the second it melts, the pressure from the tower pushes water into the house so you need to pull out the steam hose while water is rushing in. He indicated he does not want to put his staff or residents at risk. Another option is to purchase a $3,700 piece of equipment and see if it works. A second issue is locating PVC when underground. A metal tape is to be placed on the PVC but if it is mistakenly clipped and not grounded, it cannot be located. Public Works Director Olson stated he is willing to consider changes in technology if those two issues are addressed. Councilmember Tossey noted surrounding municipalities allow PVC piping and asked how they are addressing those issues. Public Works Director Olson explained most have not had freezing issues but Ramsey has had freezing issues in foreclosed townhouses. He advised that New Brighton has had 35 -40 freezing issues each winter. Councilmember Elvig arrived at 6:37 p.m. Councilmember Tossey stated the freezing issue with the townhomes in Ramsey was inside the townhome, above the ground, because it was foreclosed and not heated. It was not an issue with underground PVC piping. Public Works Director Olson stated there are some with underneath piping that have frozen because heat was turned off in a middle townhouse. To resolve that problem, the City now requires individual services to each townhouse. City Engineer Himmer stated he called Blaine and learned they are allowing PVC but do not know how they will address the freezing problem if it should occur. He stated he asked the PVC material representative how to solve those concerns and the representative indicated they are working on gathering that information. City Administrator Ulrich indicated there has been enough discussion to give direction and it sounds like there is support for the City to invest $3,700 in the machine, or borrow one, to test it out as a pilot program. City Council Work Session / December 13, 2011 Page 4 of 7