5.3 ERMUSR AGENDA 07-02-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 1 of 1 UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING TO: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission John Dietz – Chair Al Nadeau – Vice Chair Daryl Thompson – Trustee FROM: Eric Volk – Lead Water Operator, on behalf of: David Berg – Water Superintendent MEETING DATE: July 2, 2013 AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: 5.3 SUBJECT: Fire Hydrant Use and Maintenance Program BACKGROUND: The Elk River Municipal Utilities Water Department has always maintained and exercised all of the water hydrants within the City of Elk River whether they are private or owned by ERMU. The potential cost of repairing a hydrant while being exercised would fall on the utilities, which includes parts, road repair, landscape repair, etc. For cost and liability reasons, staff recommends defining the difference between private and public hydrants. DISCUSSION: The Water Department generated a Fire Hydrant Use and Maintenance program to outline the responsibilities of ERMU and the owners of the private hydrants. The proposed program would allow ERMU to maintain the private hydrants for an annual fee. Per section 508 of the State Fire Code, hydrants are required to be inspected, tested and maintained annually. With this program in place, ERMU would reduce the liability for costly repairs and would be reimbursed for labor and all of the materials used during annual maintenance. If any repairs were required, ERMU would be reimbursed for labor and materials used during the repair. The annual fee for private hydrant maintenance is proposed at $60. ACTION REQUESTED: For implementation on January 1, 2014, staff recommends the Commission approve the Fire Hydrant Use and Maintenance Program and the private hydrant maintenance fee of $60 per year. ATTACHMENTS:  Fire Hydrant Use and Maintenance Program 55