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Mr. Schwartz concurred that he could support the ownership to the property line <br /> for water lines scenario in most cases, but in situations when a plumber was hired <br /> by the homeowner to switch a home from a private well to City water, or in cases <br /> where a contractor installed a line improperly, it would be difficult to justify <br /> accepting those lines on an "as is"basis. <br /> Member Wozniak noted that, in his personal case, the main shut-off valve was <br /> actually located in his neighbor's property across the street at least that was where <br /> the contractor went to thaw the water line during his first winter owning the <br /> home. <br /> Mr. Culver asked for those addresses to further investigate that situation. <br /> Mr. Schwartz sought clarification as to whether that was the first time the line <br /> froze shortly after a road project was completed and the grade changed. <br /> Member Wozniak responded negatively, advising that they were already on the <br /> notification list for potential freeze-ups. <br /> Regarding lateral sewer lines, Member Wozniak agreed with Chair Stenlund's <br /> comments, opining that he had more influence in what went into the lateral and <br /> therefore bore some responsibility for affecting its operation or landscaping <br /> installed over the line. <br /> Member Gjerdingen opined that he was hesitant for the City to take on that total <br /> cost, noting that the money had to come from somewhere; and questioned where <br /> that was and if it was always allotted only to this purpose. In cases for high <br /> density housing (HDR), Member Gjerdingen suggested a more efficient water <br /> main cost for repair and/or maintenance was available to that property owner over <br /> time, but would be unfairly hit with any property tax increase to cover these costs. <br /> Member Gjerdingen opined that the same applied to some commercial properties. <br /> Member Gjerdingen opined that, from his perspective, it made sense to own and <br /> replace the infrastructure along county roads and collectors simply due to the <br /> amount of disruption maintenance causes on these roads, but stated that the same <br /> would not apply to small residential streets, which have less of a consequence to <br /> traffic if a line breaks in the middle of winter. Member Gjerdingen opined that <br /> during large reconstruction projects, it provided the perfect time to replace lines. <br /> Member Gjerdingen stated that he could consider the City taking ownership of the <br /> laterals on some roads, but was not sure if he could support that city-wide. <br /> Member Cihacek questioned if this was going to be considered as an additional <br /> cost or fee applied to utility bills to address future maintenance costs or would it <br /> be an additional surcharge added to pay for this amortized cost over time. <br /> Mr. Schwartz questioned if he was suggesting it would be like a property owner <br /> having an insurance policy for its own water and/or sewer lines. <br /> Page 11 of 19 <br />