Minutes - Council Work Session - 12/13/2011

Home

Mayor Ramsey asked what is the average cost difference for 80 feet of PVC and copper pipe. Deputy City Administrator Nelson stated she was told it was a difference of $200. City Engineer Himmer stated his concern with the City's liability and employee safety if the City purchases the equipment to thaw a frozen PVC line and the home should flood. He asked why the City should become involved if a private company can provide that service. Councilmember McGlone stated he would oppose the $3,700 purchase of equipment because the City should be able to find enough information from other cities in Minnesota. He believed it was not the City's problem if a pipe freezes; it is the resident's problem if they use PVC instead of copper. He noted the City can turn the water off at the street. Public Works Director Olson explained the City gets called, all of the time, on emergency issues like this. He stated they know the City can turn off service at the curb and it can then be determined if the problem is a frozen pipe. The City is the first contact when a resident runs into an issue and the City can come out and offer a diagnosis because the City sells the water. Councilmember Backous felt builders do not care if PVC or cooper is used, they only care about the cost and PVC is cheaper. He stated he would be opposed to allowing PVC because it would open the City to extra costs. Councilmember Backous supported continuing to lower fees and costs in other areas to offset other additional costs. He noted the City had given builders and developers a lot of opportunity to provide input and if they did not provide input, they do not have an issue. Councilmember Backous stated he was surprised that fees were not the biggest issue and suggested the Council continue to trend downward. He agreed with Councilmember Strommen that Ramsey is evolving, things are changing, and he would not support slashing fees and then having to raise them. He suggested the Council address the bigger issue of process and look at fees again next year. City Engineer Himmer stated, as it relates to freezing PVC or copper, it is not the City's issue but it is the City's responsibility to locate the lines. Mayor Ramsey stated he is on the side of thinking why does the City care since currently no one is having problems and the City is only responsible from the curb to the street. The homeowner is responsible from the curb to the house. Mayor Ramsey stated if no one else is having problems, why should the Council be worried. Public Works Director Olson stated if it is the Council's policy direction to move forward with PVC, staff will deal with the issue. He explained Blaine may not have a freezing issue because PVC has only been used for several years. In addition, Blaine is more built out than Ramsey is. Public Works Director Olson noted Coon Rapids also allows PVC but it is 99% built out so only a small percentage of PVC is being used. If approved in Ramsey, there will be a preponderance of PVC. City Council Work Session / December 13, 2011 Page 5 of 7