Water System Advisory Council (WSAC)

Water System Advisory Council Virtual Meeting May 27, 2020 Call to Order / Recognition of Quorum: Carl Fedders called the meeting to order at 2 p.m. A quorum was reached with the following members present: Carl Fedders, Perry Hart, Mark Behnke, and Kathy Antaya. Kurt Tribbett, Engineering Administrator, as well as Cathy Hutchison, Public Works Secretary, were also present. Approval of March 7, 2019 Minutes: Mark made a motion to approve the minutes and Perry seconded it. Motion carried. History Update: Perry Hart provided an update on the current status of the service inventory and steps taken to distribute the required information to the customers via the consumer confidence report. Current Status: Kurt Tribbett discussed four processes currently underway: a five-year water service inventory, planned water main replacements, planned lead service replacements, and emergency lead service replacements. He provided information on each process.  The five-year service inventory (“Vac & Verify”) is performed by a vactor truck in order to verify the type of service based on current records. Completion is required by January 1, 2025.  Water main replacements are done on an annual basis through the bid process.  Private-side lead service replacements are handled in two separate ways: o A contractor works with the Engineering Division to replace private-side lead services as part of planned street projects. This program goes through the bid process and ends June 30, 2020; however, we are hoping to have a 3-year contract in the future. o Emergency Situations: At present, we have two plumbing contractors who perform lead service replacements when emergencies arise. In the event the Water Division is performing a service call due to a service leak or problems with the “corp,” meter, or curb box, the next contractor in line will be notified for replacement of the lead service. The severity of the original issue will determine the deadline for repairs to be made. The prices for the replacements are set. It is our hope that more contractors will become part of this program. Public Notification: Carl discussed that the new lead and copper rules require notification to homeowners when a lead service line has been identified at their residences. Currently, we’re only sending letters to residents with lead services verified through the vac and verify process. The council discussed whether to continue this practice or to send out letters to presumed lead services based on historic tap slips, which number approximately 5,000 residences. The council opted to do the latter choice and gave Carl approval to move forward with implementation of it. Ms. Antaya requested that the letters be put in plain English so the resident can understand it as well as being read prior to mailing to verify the readability. Carl will have the City’s communications manager check this. Mark made a motion to move forward with the public notification and Kathy seconded it. Motion carried. Review of State-provided Public Education Materials: The council was provided a link with public education materials the State is making available to the different water advisory councils. It is up to the council whether they wish to use them or not. It was mentioned that the Statewide Drinking Water Advisory Council is hosting a webinar on June 9th for local councils to provide information on a number of topics, including updates on the Statewide Drinking Water Council activities. Declination of Water Services Line Replacement: As required, Carl advised the council of a declination for lead service replacement from the homeowner at 29 Taft St. The City had replaced the water main in that area prior to the new ruling, therefore, a portion of the lead service is still remaining. The homeowner has signed the necessary paperwork indicating she declined the free lead service replacement. Utility Billing will flag this address in case the property is sold in the future so the new homeowner will be advised of the lead service. Perry stated this is just informational for the council and that no action was needed. Public Comment: None Next Meeting: The council is required to meet annually. Another meeting will be held before the end of the year, the date to be determined. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.