2015-09-22_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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discussion and would need to continue. In his review of the minutes of that joint meeting, Member Wozniak noted the strong direction from the City Council on how to educate residents about this issue and sewer and water line infrastructure to create a more proactive situation to alert them to what can go wrong and the cost of repairs, as well as what repair service options are available to them, and available insurance options. In terms of costs, Member Wozniak asked if there were cost- sharing opportunities to bring unit costs down for residents within that construction area if the city was planning a PMP, and replacement of the main line, if the resident could have their service laterals lined or replaced based on economy of scale rather than the city participating or contributing to that private work. Mr. Culver advised that this was offered to homeowners now when a street reconstruction project is planned, with contractors given a line item for bidding on sewer service repairs or replacements. Depending on the project, Mr. Culver noted that sometimes this consisted of individual bids from contractors, but in those cases, residents are provided an option to have repairs or replacements made while the street is open at the city's expense versus the potential that they may have to pay to do so on their own if a problem develops after the city's construction project. At the request of Acting Chair Wozniak, Mr. Culver clarified that the City made residents in a work area well aware of that during initial informational meetings and pre -construction meetings. Mr. Culver admitted staff could maybe be more aggressive in outlining potential costs for property owners and advantages of participating now versus later. Member Thurnau suggested that could be part of the enhanced educational and outreach efforts desired by the City Council, to outline for residents how to take advantage of the construction situation. In addition to those efforts during construction Acting Chair Wozniak suggested a broader and separate outreach campaign for the city to inform residents of what was happening underground in the utility infrastructure system that could cost them money. As an example, Mr. Freihammer noted that this year's PMP project resulted in only 3 residents signing up for private lateral work, with all 3 having experienced problems and therefore not proactive interest. At the request of Acting Chair Wozniak, Mr. Freihammer reported that in each case, the homeowners had experienced a recent back-up. Related to the educational component, Member Thumau reported on his personal experience and clog due to roots in the sewer lateral line going into his home, making him aware that if a construction project occurred on his street, he'd be much more proactive in having the line replaced to avoid future occurrences. As part of the education/outreach program, Acting Chair Wozniak asked if the city could consider offering discounted televising of service laterals in advance of the Page 9 of 13