Broken Arrow City Council
Meeting of: 06-06-2022
Title:
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Consideration, discussion, and possible preview of an Ordinance amending the Broken Arrow Code of Ordinances, Chapter 24 - Water, Sewers and Sewage Disposal, Article I - Overview and Definitions, Section 24-19; Repealing all ordinances to the contrary
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Background:
Proposed revision to Broken Arrow Code of Ordinances, Ordinance 3730, Sec. 24-19 that will allow licensed plumbers to install ¾ and 1” water meters for new house construction. The Utilities Department proposes allowing licensed plumbers to install ¾” and 1” water meters for new house construction.
This proposal will benefit both the City and the home builders. The builders have requested that they be allowed to perform their own taps. This expedites their construction schedule by allowing the plumber to make the connection to the house and to the main during one visit. This would also allow the builder to schedule the taps as best suits their construction schedule.
The largest benefit to the City will be efficiency and quality of service. The Water Distribution Division currently installs 500-600 ¾” and 1” meters. This equates to a two-man crew working full time on small taps. The time saved will improve customer service by allowing the Division to focus on preventative and corrective maintenance on the fifteen thousand hydrants and valves in the water distribution system. The level of service provided to the Fire Department will be improved with shorter response time for repairs on hydrants.
The City will continue to install meters larger than 1”. The City will also continue to make taps when a street crossing is required. The risk for error on larger, commercial taps outweighs the benefit. Currently, only 5% of taps made are larger than 1”. The same is true for street crossings in that the risk of damage to the street or other utilities is too high.
The City will continue to install meters on water mains greater than 12” diameter. The plumber may install taps on waterlines 12” and smaller.
The Utilities Department’s budget would largely remain unchanged. There will be a shift of material costs to the builder for the curb stop, pipe, saddle and corporation stop.
Cost: $0
Funding Source: N/A
Requested By: Charles M. Vokes, Utilities Department Director
Approved By: City Manager’s Office
Attachments: Preview Ordinance 3730, Proposed revision to Broken Arrow Code of Ordinances, Sec. 24-19
Recommendation:
recommend
Preview the Ordinance and set for adoption
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