5.2. SR 04-09-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: Mayor and City Council Bruce a. West, Fire Chief ~:~~ April 9, 2001 SUBJECT: Part Time Facility Inspector The City of Elk River staff has been meeting to discuss the situation regarding gas line right- of-way breeches within our community. The Elk River Fire Department responded to over 40 gas line hits within our community during the year 2000. On March 12, 2001 the City of Elk River staff held a company and contractor meeting to address the issue of right-of-way management issues during the construction season of 2001. One of the changes to be implemented in 2001 is a proposal for the hiring of a part-time Facility Inspector to randomly investigate and inspect underground crews to ensure each crew has a permit and are following the Gopher State One Call rules and regulations for digging safety. Gopher State One Call and state statute identifies a facility as any of the following underground utility lines: electric, gas, oil, steam, communications, water, sewer, etc. The proposed part-time facility inspector will periodically visit permitted right-of-way underground construction and also assist the fire department in determination of courses of action if a facility is hit. For a substantial breech the fire department and/or the part-time facility inspector shall order that all work remains stopped until the permitee provides an acceptable written plan to respond to how the breech will be avoided in the future. Failure to follow the permitees written plan will result in revocation of the permitees permit. Mike McGrath from the Office of Pipeline Safety recommends the use of a facility inspector throughout the City of Elk River for adherence of the Gopher State One Call rules and regulations referencing underground utility work. The proposal for the part-time facility inspector has been discussed with City Administrator Pat I~laers. The part-time facility inspector would be employed approximately April 15 - November 15 and up to 20 hours per week. The part-time facility inspector may also be called out to a gas line hit to assist the f~re department in accident determination. It is anticipated that the cost of the part time Facility Inspector will be approximately $7,000. I will be in attendance at the April 9, 2001 meeting to discuss this issue. If you have any questions prior to the City Council Meeting please feel free to call me at the Elk River Fire Department at 763-441-4919.