08-04-83 S&W Comm MinutesCONFERENCE ROOM 9:00 A. M. TUB AUGUST 4, 1983
Present were Councilman Ruiz and Nystul; Water Supt. Hughes and Asst. Supt. Cox
Supt. Hughes presented his agenda as follows:
1. BPA Grant
Matney-Frantz Engineering Co. have requested that they be allowed to do an
energy audit at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The cost is $400 to $500 and
is paid by the City. The City then applies for a BPA Grant which will cover
most of the cost.
Committee recommended that Supt. Hughes try a local engineering firm first.
2. Sale to Tankers
There have been several requests to buy water - one for drinking purposes and
another to haul to a construction site. After discussion Councilman Nystul
moved to authorize a standpipe at the city shop, charge the out-of-town rate of
125% with a $5.00 minimum per load. Committee agreed.
3. Hafer Well
At the end of East Oregon St. Hafer's own an adjacent lot which is not in the
city limits. They drilled a well so they could irrigate and maintain this lot.
Then they hooked it to their home lines which carry city water for household use.
Hafer to be directed to install a backflow presenter as this is an illegal source
entering our system.
4. Supt. Hughes requested that he be allowed to change the practice of selling -0arts
to plumbers that cannot find the parts elsewhere because we sell them at .
cost and they cannot be replaced at that price now. In the future Hughes would
ask that they replace the part. Committee agreed.
5. West Side Water Lines - 5th, 6th and 7th Avenues
Plans are progressing to place a new water line on 6th Ave West. City Attorney
Neier has all the names for an S.I.D. A rural S.I.D. will not work because it
can only be charged by the square foot and some property owners own large areas.
Supt. Hughes stated that 5th and 7th Avenues are in just as bad condition as the
one on 6th. Discussion was on the size needed, future extension to South
Meadows, fire hydrants, etc. There are many problems on this project because
of the fact that most of it is outside the city limits, yet it is our line and
it is costing too much to continuously repair. The lines are in very bad shape
and have leaked for years.
6. Water Shutoffs
Bernard Wheaton owns several properties. Last week he requested we shut the
water off on one of them. The account was not delinquent - he just used us
to evict a tenant. It resulted in chaos. The tenant was offered the opportunity
to pay and the water was turned back on.
7. Shrubs overgrowing fire hydrants
Page 2 SEWER & WATER COMMITTEE - August 4, 1983
Supt. Hughes reported that a hydrant had to be replaced and they had to remove
and replace two nice junipers. Several hydrants are overgrown because the
property owner wants to cover them so they cannot be seen. If we have an
ordinance we should write to property owners to clear.
8. Walker Sewer Extension - 18th Street
Supt. Hughes reported that this sewer extension is being constructed by the
property owner. There is no alley, but an easement for the line. After
construction the maintenance is the responsibility of the owner, but the line
will belong to the City. Others can hook-up by paying the fee.
Councilman Nystul stated he had strong reservations about going too far out
with sewer especially in the Greenacres and South Gate areas. Councilman Ruiz
stated that we are looking at handling the Evergrenn area which is much larger.
The concept of the whole valley is that everyone can get on our system and
eliminate septic tanks. They will pay their own way. The EPA grant is based
on serving a large area. We are a utility and should look upon it as a business.
When we are operating at 100% capacity the plant will be looking at 3 shifts.
9. Rate Prolems
Discussion on number of months covered by sprinkling rate. Supt. Hughes says
it is based on 4 months but some users think it is 6. Committee will check
with Tom Flynn if there is a problem®
Supt. Hughes stated that he does not think the multiple user charge is fair,
especially on commercial users. If a building has 19 offices and 2 bathrooms
serve the entire building, they are charged for 19 units. There is only 1
meter to read and 1 bill to send. They may check with Mr. Flynn and other
cities on this.
10. Service Line Policy
The policy established a year ago to turn all water main work over to plumbers
is not working as well as it did when our own crew did the work. We can do
it better. In one instance a plumber opened the street and it was two weeks
before the hole was closed. Streets are not restored to satisfaction.
Councilman Nystul stated he thinks we should take care of the work ourselves.
This is from the main to the curb stop.
Committee decided to wait until we get a Director of Public Works and then
make a decision.
Committee agreed to let Supt. Hughes hire a seasonal employee for a period of
60 to 90 days to paint hydrants.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 A. M.