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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, February 24, 2014 Page 19 Mr. Schwartz advised that communication had been put out on the City's website as well as other means to alert residents that they should pay attention to the tem- perature of their cold water, and if below 35 degrees, start a small stream of water continuously running until temperatures are higher. Depending on the volume of the water running, Mr. Schwartz estimated that this could cost homeowners an additional $10 to $25 per month. Mr. Schwartz advised that his research and survey of other cities and how they handle these costs indicated a wide variance: leaving residents on their own, taken care of by the City(e.g. City of Bloomington), all thawing done at city cost, a flat fee charged by the City to thaw lines (e.g. White Bear Lake at a $250 flat fee). However, Mr. Schwartz noted that these current conditions are extraordinary, but are forecast to continue for another week or more. Mr. Schwartz highlighted the issues needing consideration by the City Council tonight: • Whether or not to bill residents all or partial costs; • Whether or not to credit water usage as seen in recent newspaper articles as being done by some cities; • Recognize that cost per service line could range from $300 to $2,000 or more per line depending on the effort expended, with the average probably closer to $800 to $900 to thaw; and • For those the City could not get back into service, what was the option — to hook up to neighbors or a fire hydrant, but still requiring water usage to keep the line functioning. Mr. Schwartz asked that Councilmembers discuss the best approach and how to respond to this unusual circumstance. Councilmember Willmus opined that he would be willing to do what was possible to forego water expenses for those having issues and running taps to prevent the line from freezing. Councilmember Willmus noted that his major concern was the City being an intermediary in hiring a firm or bringing a firm in to hook up a welder, opining that he thought that being in that position should be avoided if at all possible. Councilmember Willmus suggested that the City could provide con- tact information for those firms providing that type of service, but the City's role should not extend beyond that information. Councilmember Willmus opined that he was willing to forgive charges for those running a stream of water to avoid freeze-ups. At the request of Mayor Roe, Councilmember Willmus confirmed that his con- cern was the liability risk for the City in serving as an intermediary. Councilmember McGehee expressed concern with insurance, and if the freeze-up was in the line under the street, opined that it was the City's responsibility to pro- vide water service. While nature had given everyone a nasty hand this year,