2016-09-27_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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worth the PWETC and staff exploring it further depending on those cost factors. Chair Cihacek clarified that property owners would end up paying either way, whether through taxes or utility fees. As individual homeowners, Mr. Culver asked the PWETC how they would feel if the city implemented a blanket program for lining laterals, at 3' or 10' and sanitary sewer rates were increased from $10 to $50 per year. Mr. Culver asked if they found $50 an extreme fee. Member Seigler opined the price of lining would drop in the next few years; and suggested waiting to see if prices were to plummet unless the city saw a drastic increase in failures. Otherwise, Member Seigler suggested the city absorb that cost unless a great amount of failures was realized. In previous presentations, Mr. Culver noted staff had reported the city was experiencing more lateral line sanitary sewer failures annually, actually dozens or more throughout the city. Mr. Culver opined those numbers would go up as the sanitary sewer infrastructure systems continued to age, creating one of the questions as to timing. Mr. Culver noted a sanitary sewer system failure wasn't a problem for residents until it happened to them personally, with those numbers of failures continuing to rise. Member Seigler expressed his interest in a Service Warranty Program as previously considered; especially if a current homeowner only intended to live in their current home for a minimal amount of time. Chair Cihacek noted, by creating a cost cap, the city would essentially be implementing a self-insurance plan. Therefore, Chair Cihacek expressed his interest in looking at a cost cap or cost share for the cost of lining laterals, opining that $10 over 3-4 billing periods created some pain tolerance, especially if the annual cost was less than projected. If higher than projected, Chair Cihacek stated he was then not interested in such a plan. However, addressing Member Seigler's point, Chair Cihacek opined the city was clearly moving toward a crisis point due to the age of its infrastructure and majority of its housing stock. While most of the city had sandy soils, Chair Cihacek considered the number of trees in the community as well. While unsure whether the city needed to do the option that costs the city money, Chair Cihacek suggested the point of sale inspection may not necessarily mandate repair by the seller,but at a minimum would provide the buyer with truth in disclosing a potential cost going forward, and adjusting selling prices accordingly. At the request of Member Heimerl, Mr. Culver stated he wasn't aware of any other point of sale inspections or permitting requirements by the city at this time. Member Heimerl questioned if this was the point the city wanted to jump into point of sale versus lining initiatives. Page 12 of 17