Minutes - Council - 06/22/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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a separate system, but he does not know if all the contractors are aware of this. He inquired if there is some way to educate people as to how minimal this is, and yet it is a broad safety issue. Public Works Director Kapler indicated something could be put in print that systems that are within the building code equivalencies are allowed as long as the officials agree. Those officials would be himself and the local building official. They are more than willing to look at systems as long as they follow what the code stipulates. Councilmember Elvig explained he was speaking of a type of an educational packet. Mayor Gamec suggested there could be a sheet with information available, similar to information regarding decks in the City. Councilmember Kurak stated her concern was regarding the homeowner after they moved in with the maintenance and upkeep of how to handle the system. For instance a single mom in a townhome would not likely know how to upkeep this type of system. She inquired if the City could be proactive in informing the future residents about this. Public Works Director Kapler replied the article that refers to maintenance according to state requirements could be included in the ordinance. Councihnember Cook questioned if most of the maintenance in a townhome would be the responsibility of the association. Public Works Director Kapler responded in the affirmative. Councihnember Elvig noted potable systems are in homeowners' regular systems on their domestic lines, and do not require any maintenance or inspections. Due to the information he has learned about this he is not as concerned about the cost as he originally was. Motion by Councihnember Cook, seconded by Councilmember Pearson, to adopt Ordinance #04-25 to add Chapter 1306, Subpart 3, New Buildings with Item E, Option 1, In the Minnesota Building Code, to Chapter 8 of Ramsey City Code. Further Discussion: Councilmember Zimmerman suggested a broad overview of this be put in the Ramsey Resident. He noted this will not apply to most single family residents; it affects more townhomes and that type of thing. Councilmember Kurak noted these requirements are not retroactive. City Administrator Norman indicated staff would distribute a letter to medium density developments and townhome developments under construction to notify them of the ordinance. Councilmember Elvig asked if there will be a timing issue with the adoption of the ordinance. City Administrator Norman replied the ordinance will go into effect on July 26th. Building permits that are issued as of that date would have to comply with the new ordinance. Councihnember Elvig asked how long building permits are valid. Community Developlnent Director Frolik replied building permits are valid for six months. Councilmember Elvig inquired if staff is concerned about a rush to City Hall to handle this ordinance. City Administrator City Council/June 22, 2004 Page 14 of 32