Chapter 16.09
WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS

Sections:

16.09.010    Chapter definitions.

16.09.020    Main replacements and system extensions.

16.09.030    Main replacements to accommodate new development.

16.09.040    System extension agreements.

16.09.050    System extension zones.

16.09.010 CHAPTER DEFINITIONS.

Unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions shall be used in the interpretation of this chapter.

(a)    “Main replacement” shall mean replacement of an existing water main that has been incorporated into the water distribution system.

(b)    “Water system extension” or “system extension” means any extension of the physical facilities of the water system, including distribution or transmission mains, booster pumping stations, and distribution storage tanks.

(c)    “Zone capacity fee” means the surcharge to be collected at the time of any new service connection, in addition to the standard connection fee, to pay a proportionate share of the cost of a water system extension within a water system extension zone established by the city council.

(Ord. 2016-06 § 3 (part), 2016).

16.09.020 MAIN REPLACEMENTS AND SYSTEM EXTENSIONS.

When an application for service cannot be met from existing water facilities, a main replacement or system extension will be required before service can be provided. In such situations, the following general conditions and standards apply:

(a)    In determining whether the applicant’s property can be served from existing water facilities, the director’s decision shall be considered final.

(b)    Water service will not be provided by the extension of a water main where the meter(s) for the property concerned will be located at an elevation of less than one hundred feet below the overflow level of the reservoir supplying such main.

(c)    The city will determine sizes, materials, types and locations of all necessary and proposed water facilities.

(d)    The city may choose, at its discretion, to require the applicant to install such facilities under the terms and conditions of an agreement between the applicant and the city or, alternatively, to construct the facilities in accordance with the city’s established process for public works construction, at applicant’s expense.

(e)    Water mains will be installed in twenty-foot minimum width rights-of-way capable of accommodating city vehicles and equipment.

(f)    No water facilities shall be installed until all rights-of-way for the installation, operation and maintenance of the facilities are provided to/obtained by the city in a form satisfactory to the director.

(g)    When the installation is completed by the applicant, title to the installation shall be transferred to the city upon acceptance of such installation by the city.

(Ord. 2016-06 § 3 (part), 2016).

16.09.030 MAIN REPLACEMENTS TO ACCOMMODATE NEW DEVELOPMENT.

The city may pay the cost of replacing existing water mains found inadequate to satisfy the minimum standards for service shown in Section 16.04.050, subject to department policies and procedures and annual funding approved by the city council.

If the city is unable to fund a main replacement, the applicant may undertake the replacement at his or her own cost, under terms established in a main replacement agreement between the applicant and the city. The city may reimburse applicants for main replacement construction costs when funds are available, in accordance with department policies and procedures.

(Ord. 2016-06 § 3 (part), 2016).

16.09.040 SYSTEM EXTENSION AGREEMENTS.

(a)    Paid by Applicant. When an application for service requires extension of an existing water main or construction of other new water facilities, the applicant shall pay the cost of such installations under terms established in a water system extension agreement between the applicant and the city in accordance with the terms and conditions of this chapter and department policies and procedures.

(b)    Cost Recovery. The city may provide cost recovery to the water system extension agreement holder at the discretion of the director, in accordance with department policies and procedures based on the following provisions:

(1)    The water department shall establish an extension fee to be charged to all new service connections made to the new water facilities installed under the system extension agreement. Such fee shall be based on the pro rata benefit to be derived by potential users of the new water facilities as estimated by the department at its sole discretion.

(2)    For water system extensions, the city shall charge the established extension fee on all new service connections made to the water system extensions for a period of ten years from the date of the extension agreement, or until the cost of the water system extensions is fully reimbursed, whichever comes first; and shall reimburse all such extension fees collected to the extension agreement holder.

(3)    For facility extensions including a tank, pump station, or pressure reducing station, the city shall charge the established extension fee on all new service connections made to the new water facilities for a period of fifteen years from the date of the extension agreement, or until the cost of the facility extension is fully reimbursed, whichever comes first; and shall reimburse all such extension fees collected to the extension agreement holder.

(4)    Reimbursement fees shall be calculated based on the cost of water facilities required to meet the minimum service standards defined in Section 16.04.050. Should an applicant desire the installation of larger or more costly water facilities to meet specialized service or fire flow requirements, the cost of those extra facilities shall be borne by the applicant. Should the city desire to install water facilities in excess of those minimum standards, the cost of the extra facilities shall be borne by the department.

(5)    If installation of some or all of the extended facility is included in the department’s capital improvement plan during the specified period of reimbursement, the city will refund the cost of that section of the facility to the agreement holder at such time as it is budgeted.

(Ord. 2016-06 § 3 (part), 2016).

16.09.050 SYSTEM EXTENSION ZONES.

The city council may determine that the capacity of the water system should be extended so as to provide the availability of future water service to areas which are either undeveloped or only partially developed. If the council determines that the construction of the water system extension will have little or no benefit to the existing water system, the council may establish the limits of a zone within which the capacity provided by the water system extension will permit new or larger service connections.

If such a water system extension zone is established, the council may, by resolution, impose a zone capacity fee to all service connections within such zone, for the purpose of defraying the cost of the water system extension. The resolution shall define the costs involved, the manner of calculating the zone capacity fee, and method of collecting the zone capacity fee.

Separate funds shall be established for each zone established pursuant to this section. Moneys in such funds shall be expended solely for water system extensions within the zone from which the fees are collected.

The city may advance money, or may incur indebtedness, for the acquisition and construction of the water system extension within the zone. A reasonable interest cost, or the cost of servicing such indebtedness, may be included as a part of the cost of the water system extension for purposes of determining the zone capacity fee.

(Ord. 2016-06 § 3 (part), 2016).