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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 24, 2014 Page 36 Mr. Schwartz reported that the City of White Bear Lake was proving a $250 re- imbursement. Mayor Roe suggested on option beyond cities providing names of contractors and were more active in thawing methods, perhaps residents could be required to sign a waiver of liability similar or parallel to that used with sanitary sewer back-ups and clean-ups performed by City staff in some situations, in exchange for assis- tance by City staff beyond the current method. Councilmember Willmus expressed concern in the potential chain of liability if the homeowner didn't give up that right, and with involvement of a third party, he was concerned the City may end up in the middle. Councilmember McGehee spoke in support of the City taking care of these prob- lems as their obligation. Based on Council consensus, Mayor Roe directed staff to provide additional com- parison information for the April 7, 2014 meeting to continue this discussion. Water Main Materials Discussion Over the years, Mr. Schwartz noted the changed in materials available and im- proved technologies. Mr. Schwartz noted that the City's original system was con- structed using cast iron mains and copper service lines, but in the mid-1970's had changed to ductile iron, and then to PVC and HDPE plastic piping as it became available in the 1990's and 2000's, at a lower cost and obtaining better pressure with plastics, with these non-corrosive materials in some soils, and improved con- struction methods and reduced costs based on the lighter weight materials and easier handling. However, Mr. Schwartz advised that this also made freeze-ups more prevalent than in the past, and fewer private contractors (e.g. welders) were willing to perform the work based on their potential liability and upon advice of their insurance companies, reducing the service available from the past norm. Mr. Schwartz advised that water main materials could be installed in a variety of ways, including directional boring, pipe bursting, open cut, lining; bury depth — used with plastic piping; open cut found in more recent projects, with other meth- ods substantially cheaper unless total reconstruction of street. Mr. Schwartz advised that staff recommends continuing to find other ways to mit- igate these issues, with additional surveys as indicated and investigation of water main depth based on old and new freeze-ups; and look at those specific areas when rehabbing or replacing water mains, using the most appropriate method available and indicated, and as previously discussed, but continuing to use the full slate of approved products under given criteria. Mr. Schwartz noted that the standard bury depth was at 7.5' and suggested consideration be given in the future