08.e2 Staff Report - Request for Water Meters in Big Marine Sewer District Staff Report
Date of Meeting: October 17, 2023
For: Honorable Mayor and Council
From: Kyle Morell, City Administrator
Subject: Request for Water Meters in Big Marine Sewer District
Background:
The Scandia Wastewater Committee met on Wednesday, October 11, to discuss the 2024 sewer
budgets. A committee member asked about implementing a seasonal billing rate for those
residents who only occupy their homes for a portion of the year. That discussion evolved into a
request from the committee members to have water meters installed in their homes to
determine and bill them for their sewer usage. Previous discussions about metering revolved
around meters in the holding tanks, which are more expensive and prone to failure due to the
harsh conditions within the tank.
Current Proposal:
The Committee motioned to recommend that the Council direct staff to create a Request for
Proposal (RFP) for plumbing services to inspect and install water meters for those Big Marine
Sewer users who want them in their homes. Staff stated that this work would be paid for by
the resident, either upfront, via an invoice, or through assessment. The Committee members
understood and did not see that as an obstacle.
After some discussion at the meeting and follow-up with Public Works Director Fischer, I
believe this could be accomplished. Participation would be voluntary. Residents who wish to
continue paying the annual fee may do so. The City would hire a plumber to inspect those
homes where residents want a meter installed. The plumber would determine the cost of
installation based on the current plumbing configuration of the home and the meter size
needed. The resident would sign an agreement with the City to pay for the meter and the
installation. Meters would then be ordered and installed. Readings would be collected and
analyzed for at least six months before establishing a usage rate.
The City could also take this opportunity to televise sewer lines for possible inflow and
infiltration(I&I) into the sewer system. The Anderson Erickson system appears to have
significant I&I issues, as flow rates spike during snowmelt. Identifying the problem areas will
help the City create a remediation plan.
Options:
1) Allow staff to proceed with drafting an RFP for meter installation as directed by the
Wastewater Committee.
2) Table for further review.
Recommendation:
Option 1