HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2002-38 RESOLUTION NO. 2002-38
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM TI-1E CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
AUTHORIZING THE BUILDING OFFICIAL TO DISCONTINUE WATER SERVICE TO
VACANT OR ABANDONED STRUCTURES
WHEREAS, there are buildings in the City of Columbia Heights that remained vacant or abandoned for
a period of longer than 180 days, and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes 144.12; 326.37 to 326.45; Minnesota Rules requires the protection of
potable water supply, and
WItEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights has the responsibility to protect the drinking water supply as
contained in the Findings of Fact:
FINDINGS OF FACT
Minnesota Rule 4715.1900 requires protection of potable water:
A potable water supply shall be designed, installed and maintained in such a manner as to prevent
contamination from non-potable liquids, solids, or gases, from being introduced into the potable water
supply through cross-connection or any other piping connections to the systems.
Vacant or abandoned structures due to a lack of plumbing maintenance pose a high probability of
contamination of the potable water supply.
Past experiences with damage to the potable water systems of vacant or abandoned buildings have
included foundation flooding caused by bursting pipes and or water meters.
Restoration of water service to a structure without staff present inside the structure could also lead to
foundation flooding, contamination of potable water, and overload of the sanitary sewer system.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED on the Building Official's conclusions that, vacant or abandoned
structures pose a danger to the community by contamination of the potable water supply.
Conclusions of Council
That protection of potable water supply is required for a safe community. Vacant or abandoned structures
do pose a hazard to the potable water supply of the community.
Order of Council
1. The protection of potable water is required pursuant to Minn. Stat. 326.37 to 326.45.
2. Pursuant to the foregoing findings and in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, the City Council
hereby authorizes the Building Official to discontinue water service to any structure that has
remained vacant or abandoned for a period exceeding 180 days.
3. The City Council further orders that staff shall not restore the water service to such structure
without the plumbing system successfully passing a safety inspection by the Building Official.
4. The property owner is responsible for a minimum permit fee for the restoration of potable water
service.
5. The City Council further orders that the necessary costs of such action are the responsibility of
the property owner of record.
Passed this 28~ day of May 2002
Offered by: Szurek
Seconded by: Williams N '~
Roll Call: Ayes: Peterson, Szurek, Wyckoff, Williams,~s: no
a~~ci~ ~ Mayor Gary L.rPeterson
a Muscovitz, Deputy t~ity Clerk