1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:09,160 Good morning and welcome to the regularly scheduled Public Utilities Board meeting for 2 00:00:09,160 --> 00:00:10,880 February 9th. 3 00:00:10,880 --> 00:00:15,280 It is 9.03 a.m. and our meeting is called to order. 4 00:00:15,280 --> 00:00:18,560 Our first item is presentations from the public. 5 00:00:18,560 --> 00:00:20,920 Do we have any presentations? 6 00:00:20,920 --> 00:00:25,280 Okay, moving on to the consent agenda. 7 00:00:25,280 --> 00:00:30,360 Would anybody like to discuss any item on the consent agenda? 8 00:00:30,360 --> 00:00:38,440 I'd like to pull item F. 9 00:00:38,440 --> 00:00:44,920 And if nobody else wants to pull anything, the Chair would entertain a motion. 10 00:00:44,920 --> 00:00:45,920 So moved. 11 00:00:45,920 --> 00:00:47,720 We have a motion. 12 00:00:47,720 --> 00:00:48,720 New quiz seconds. 13 00:00:48,720 --> 00:00:50,600 All in favor say aye. 14 00:00:50,600 --> 00:00:51,600 Aye. 15 00:00:51,600 --> 00:00:53,040 All opposed? 16 00:00:53,040 --> 00:00:57,420 Motion carries unanimously. 17 00:00:57,420 --> 00:01:00,920 Chris Ludrick, Executive Manager of Operations for DME. 18 00:01:00,920 --> 00:01:06,320 And I can answer any questions about the disposal sale that is item F. 19 00:01:06,320 --> 00:01:12,160 So I had -- looking at this, these are itemized as large individual transformers? 20 00:01:12,160 --> 00:01:13,160 Yes, sir. 21 00:01:13,160 --> 00:01:17,600 So are these the ones that are currently -- a lot of them are sitting on the substation 22 00:01:17,600 --> 00:01:18,600 -- Correct. 23 00:01:18,600 --> 00:01:19,600 Yes. 24 00:01:19,600 --> 00:01:20,600 Yes. 25 00:01:20,600 --> 00:01:21,600 They're very large. 26 00:01:21,600 --> 00:01:22,600 They're not our distribution transformers. 27 00:01:22,600 --> 00:01:25,360 They're all in substations. 28 00:01:25,360 --> 00:01:29,840 Half of the units are 69 kV, which is no longer our system voltage. 29 00:01:29,840 --> 00:01:31,160 So we have no use for them. 30 00:01:31,160 --> 00:01:36,880 And the other 138 transformers are at the end of their life, and they've been replaced 31 00:01:36,880 --> 00:01:39,160 with new units. 32 00:01:39,160 --> 00:01:40,700 And we kept a spare. 33 00:01:40,700 --> 00:01:43,920 So basically this company will come in -- we don't have the ability to move them. 34 00:01:43,920 --> 00:01:45,680 They're about 50 tons. 35 00:01:45,680 --> 00:01:51,160 So this company will come in and drain the oil and load them on a trailer and get them 36 00:01:51,160 --> 00:01:52,720 off our hands. 37 00:01:52,720 --> 00:01:58,480 Yeah, I was actually driving past the North Bonnie Bray substation, the old one, and there's 38 00:01:58,480 --> 00:02:02,320 just a chain link fence and a giant transformer out in the middle of the yard. 39 00:02:02,320 --> 00:02:03,380 That'll be the first one to go. 40 00:02:03,380 --> 00:02:05,920 So they're going to start with that. 41 00:02:05,920 --> 00:02:13,920 And on this, I noticed I didn't see a scoring sheet, just the bid tabulation in the backup. 42 00:02:13,920 --> 00:02:18,280 And we went with the highest bid, so I was curious if there -- I'm assuming there was 43 00:02:18,280 --> 00:02:19,280 other criteria? 44 00:02:19,280 --> 00:02:20,280 Correct. 45 00:02:20,280 --> 00:02:21,280 I noticed that. 46 00:02:21,280 --> 00:02:22,280 So that's what we're getting paid. 47 00:02:22,280 --> 00:02:23,280 Oh, we're being paid. 48 00:02:23,280 --> 00:02:24,280 Okay. 49 00:02:24,280 --> 00:02:25,280 Yeah. 50 00:02:25,280 --> 00:02:26,280 Okay. 51 00:02:26,280 --> 00:02:27,280 All right. 52 00:02:27,280 --> 00:02:30,040 So they have a lot of scrap metal value. 53 00:02:30,040 --> 00:02:31,040 So that's what they're doing. 54 00:02:31,040 --> 00:02:34,360 So they're doing all the work and then paying us roughly $402,000. 55 00:02:34,360 --> 00:02:35,360 Okay. 56 00:02:35,360 --> 00:02:36,880 That makes a lot more sense now. 57 00:02:36,880 --> 00:02:37,880 Yeah. 58 00:02:37,880 --> 00:02:38,880 Thank you. 59 00:02:38,880 --> 00:02:40,960 It's tough to word an AIS where people are actually paying us. 60 00:02:40,960 --> 00:02:41,960 Yes, sir, Mr. Ibeck. 61 00:02:41,960 --> 00:02:46,280 Well, since we're on the subject, how obsolete are these? 62 00:02:46,280 --> 00:02:47,280 How old are these? 63 00:02:47,280 --> 00:02:52,960 Well, the one that he -- that the chairs at Bonnie Bray actually had an oil leak. 64 00:02:52,960 --> 00:02:55,440 So we drained the oil out of that about five years ago. 65 00:02:55,440 --> 00:02:57,560 So it's trash now. 66 00:02:57,560 --> 00:03:02,520 So the other ones, there's some 1960, late '60s models and '80s. 67 00:03:02,520 --> 00:03:03,520 Oh dear. 68 00:03:03,520 --> 00:03:04,520 Yes, sir. 69 00:03:04,520 --> 00:03:05,520 Yes, sir. 70 00:03:05,520 --> 00:03:09,160 And again, the '69 KV, we have no use for them because it's not our system voltage anymore. 71 00:03:09,160 --> 00:03:13,960 And two of them are -- were auto-transformers, which stepped to 138 to '69. 72 00:03:13,960 --> 00:03:20,200 So -- and we are making -- one of the ones, it's the newest one, is RD Wells. 73 00:03:20,200 --> 00:03:25,840 That transformer's sister had a failure at Florida Power and Light and actually caused 74 00:03:25,840 --> 00:03:26,840 some fatalities. 75 00:03:26,840 --> 00:03:29,000 So we knew there was an issue with it. 76 00:03:29,000 --> 00:03:30,480 We had Siemens in there. 77 00:03:30,480 --> 00:03:32,120 We operated it in a manner. 78 00:03:32,120 --> 00:03:33,880 We had nobody in the sub. 79 00:03:33,880 --> 00:03:37,600 And so for that liability, we were mandating that they can't reuse it. 80 00:03:37,600 --> 00:03:39,880 They have to scrap that one, just for the liability. 81 00:03:39,880 --> 00:03:40,880 Okay. 82 00:03:40,880 --> 00:03:41,880 That makes perfectly good sense. 83 00:03:41,880 --> 00:03:42,880 Yes, sir. 84 00:03:42,880 --> 00:03:43,880 Yes, sir. 85 00:03:43,880 --> 00:03:51,640 If there are no further questions, I would entertain a motion -- or I guess I can move 86 00:03:51,640 --> 00:03:52,840 since I had the question. 87 00:03:52,840 --> 00:03:55,960 I move approval of consent agenda item F. 88 00:03:55,960 --> 00:03:56,960 Second. 89 00:03:56,960 --> 00:04:00,120 If a motion is second, all in favor? 90 00:04:00,120 --> 00:04:01,120 Aye. 91 00:04:01,120 --> 00:04:02,400 Any opposed? 92 00:04:02,400 --> 00:04:04,440 Motion carries unanimously. 93 00:04:04,440 --> 00:04:08,200 And we'll move on to items for individual consideration. 94 00:04:08,200 --> 00:04:14,440 Item A, approval of the January 12th minutes. 95 00:04:14,440 --> 00:04:18,240 We have a motion and a second for Mr. Rybak. 96 00:04:18,240 --> 00:04:19,560 All in favor, say aye. 97 00:04:19,560 --> 00:04:20,560 Aye. 98 00:04:20,560 --> 00:04:21,560 Any opposed? 99 00:04:21,560 --> 00:04:24,520 The motion carries unanimously. 100 00:04:24,520 --> 00:04:26,880 And now on to management reports. 101 00:04:26,880 --> 00:04:34,000 So, Mr. Chair, members of the PAB, we do have a couple of memos here for you, one from the 102 00:04:34,000 --> 00:04:38,240 water department and the other one from -- actually, both for the water department, and then we 103 00:04:38,240 --> 00:04:45,040 have a memo with two items that went to the council because of the postponement of the 104 00:04:45,040 --> 00:04:46,040 PAB meeting. 105 00:04:46,040 --> 00:04:47,040 So those went straight to council. 106 00:04:47,040 --> 00:04:51,720 It was a household hazardous waste disposal and then the project software for our public 107 00:04:51,720 --> 00:04:52,720 works department. 108 00:04:52,720 --> 00:04:56,520 So if there's any questions on any of those memos, staff's here, happy to -- for them 109 00:04:56,520 --> 00:05:03,120 to come up here and answer any questions you may have. 110 00:05:03,120 --> 00:05:04,120 Okay. 111 00:05:04,120 --> 00:05:08,120 The other item is our future agenda items. 112 00:05:08,120 --> 00:05:15,400 We did list on here that today we would be doing a presentation on a DME billing matter. 113 00:05:15,400 --> 00:05:19,280 We've postponed that because of the storm, but we are taking that to the council on the 114 00:05:19,280 --> 00:05:23,600 17th, and then we'll be -- we'll come to the PAB on the 23rd. 115 00:05:23,600 --> 00:05:27,160 I'll make sure that I advise council that, you know, we will be going -- coming back to 116 00:05:27,160 --> 00:05:31,280 the PAB, and if there is any recommendations different from the council, then we'll kind 117 00:05:31,280 --> 00:05:36,000 of act accordingly, but I did want to make sure that you are aware kind of of that sequencing. 118 00:05:36,000 --> 00:05:41,440 I just didn't want to postpone that any longer because now items on the council are pushing 119 00:05:41,440 --> 00:05:47,080 out until, you know, June or July now, and so I think this is a pretty urgent matter, 120 00:05:47,080 --> 00:05:51,440 but we'll come to you on the 23rd. 121 00:05:51,440 --> 00:05:57,840 And then we don't have any new business action items on our action matrix, but happy to answer 122 00:05:57,840 --> 00:06:02,120 any questions you may have on any of that or any direction you may have. 123 00:06:02,120 --> 00:06:04,880 >> Mr. Rybak. 124 00:06:04,880 --> 00:06:11,960 >> I was wondering if we could get some updates during the year on these long-term projects 125 00:06:11,960 --> 00:06:20,520 like the water treatment and expansion of the water delivery system and water delivery 126 00:06:20,520 --> 00:06:21,520 plants. 127 00:06:21,520 --> 00:06:22,520 >> Yes, sir. 128 00:06:22,520 --> 00:06:25,960 I can visit with Stephen about kind of getting that scheduled. 129 00:06:25,960 --> 00:06:30,080 I was just thinking maybe a couple times during the year, since we keep getting change order 130 00:06:30,080 --> 00:06:34,160 notifications on various items as they come through, it would be nice to kind of know 131 00:06:34,160 --> 00:06:35,800 where we're at with the projects. 132 00:06:35,800 --> 00:06:36,800 >> Yes, sir. 133 00:06:36,800 --> 00:06:37,800 >> Thank you. 134 00:06:37,800 --> 00:06:44,480 >> I've got one request for future item, just an update on the Hickory Creek Road project. 135 00:06:44,480 --> 00:06:50,160 >> Yes, sir. 136 00:06:50,160 --> 00:06:53,680 We'll get those two added. 137 00:06:53,680 --> 00:06:57,940 And now we will move on to our work session. 138 00:06:57,940 --> 00:07:02,560 Receive a report and hold a discussion regarding updates to the cross-connection control and 139 00:07:02,560 --> 00:07:07,000 backflow ordinance. 140 00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:15,000 >> Good morning, everyone. 141 00:07:15,000 --> 00:07:19,680 I'm Michael Hunter, reclaimed water and cross-connection control manager for water utilities. 142 00:07:19,680 --> 00:07:24,800 Today I want to share a little bit about our backflow program and some updates we're proposing 143 00:07:24,800 --> 00:07:29,000 for the ordinance as well. 144 00:07:29,000 --> 00:07:30,540 A little bit about our program. 145 00:07:30,540 --> 00:07:32,880 It was established in 1997. 146 00:07:32,880 --> 00:07:38,000 We monitor a little over 6,000 commercial backflow assemblies all throughout the city. 147 00:07:38,000 --> 00:07:43,240 And as the city continues to grow, we add around 600 new assemblies annually to that 148 00:07:43,240 --> 00:07:45,640 inventory. 149 00:07:45,640 --> 00:07:49,040 Annually we require each of these assemblies to be tested. 150 00:07:49,040 --> 00:07:54,440 And those tests are submitted to our program for every single one annually. 151 00:07:54,440 --> 00:08:00,440 We provide customer education as needed for noncompliance site visits. 152 00:08:00,440 --> 00:08:05,000 So if we do not get that test form in time when it's due every year, then we can visit 153 00:08:05,000 --> 00:08:08,640 and educate the customers so that hopefully next time they'll know what our expectations 154 00:08:08,640 --> 00:08:14,680 are on those. 155 00:08:14,680 --> 00:08:15,680 So what is a backflow? 156 00:08:15,680 --> 00:08:20,840 A backflow is in its simplest form when water flows in the opposite direction of normal 157 00:08:20,840 --> 00:08:21,840 flow. 158 00:08:21,840 --> 00:08:26,920 Specifically in the context of a water utility, it is when backflow -- it's when water flows 159 00:08:26,920 --> 00:08:31,040 from a customer's site back into our distribution main. 160 00:08:31,040 --> 00:08:34,960 So once the water crosses the meter and enters a customer site, we really don't want that 161 00:08:34,960 --> 00:08:38,640 water to flow backwards into our system again. 162 00:08:38,640 --> 00:08:43,800 Cross-connection is when any number of systems on a customer site that could potentially 163 00:08:43,800 --> 00:08:49,260 introduce contaminants into the water are directly piped to our drinking water main. 164 00:08:49,260 --> 00:08:52,720 So we want to make sure that there is some sort of protection from all these systems 165 00:08:52,720 --> 00:08:53,720 you see here. 166 00:08:53,720 --> 00:08:58,700 A really good example of a cross-connection is whenever there is a hose in someone's backyard 167 00:08:58,700 --> 00:09:02,640 and they're filling their pool and they let the hose drape into the water and keep it 168 00:09:02,640 --> 00:09:04,120 underwater while filling. 169 00:09:04,120 --> 00:09:09,380 If a hydraulic condition arises where the drinking water main pulls water from the house, 170 00:09:09,380 --> 00:09:12,800 that water can actually go up the hose from the swimming pool through the house and back 171 00:09:12,800 --> 00:09:14,960 into our drinking water main. 172 00:09:14,960 --> 00:09:18,560 So that's just a simple example, but it could obviously become a lot more serious in the 173 00:09:18,560 --> 00:09:24,680 event of a heating and cooling system where there's additives such as anti-biocides and 174 00:09:24,680 --> 00:09:29,200 other contaminants that can cause severe human health problems. 175 00:09:29,200 --> 00:09:36,080 This is essential because in 2024 in the city of Grand Prairie, there was a backflow event 176 00:09:36,080 --> 00:09:41,200 that caused a foaming agent used in firefighting to actually enter the water distribution system 177 00:09:41,200 --> 00:09:42,620 in that city. 178 00:09:42,620 --> 00:09:46,280 As a result of that, the city had to issue a "do not use the water" notice. 179 00:09:46,280 --> 00:09:50,400 So no showering, no dishwashing, obviously no drinking. 180 00:09:50,400 --> 00:09:57,320 The result of this is really, it's obviously a huge deal for everyone affected. 181 00:09:57,320 --> 00:10:01,120 It can cause a loss in confidence and trust in the water utility. 182 00:10:01,120 --> 00:10:02,840 It can cause businesses to lose revenue. 183 00:10:02,840 --> 00:10:05,960 There's just a whole list of adverse side effects. 184 00:10:05,960 --> 00:10:08,240 We really don't want that to ever happen here in Denton. 185 00:10:08,240 --> 00:10:09,240 Hey, Michael. 186 00:10:09,240 --> 00:10:11,440 Would you mind staying on the mic? 187 00:10:11,440 --> 00:10:12,440 Don't be drifting away. 188 00:10:12,440 --> 00:10:13,440 Absolutely. 189 00:10:13,440 --> 00:10:19,960 So in order to ensure this does not happen, we install this device here called a backflow 190 00:10:19,960 --> 00:10:21,440 prevention assembly. 191 00:10:21,440 --> 00:10:23,460 This only allows water to flow in one direction. 192 00:10:23,460 --> 00:10:31,160 So when that hydraulic condition arises, the water is unable to go back into our main system. 193 00:10:31,160 --> 00:10:39,000 In order to ensure cross-connection control, we have staff that are specialists that are 194 00:10:39,000 --> 00:10:43,800 able to go visit a customer site and ensure that there is no unprotected connections. 195 00:10:43,800 --> 00:10:46,840 This involves surveying an entire property in some instances. 196 00:10:46,840 --> 00:10:51,280 And for all new construction, there must be a cross-connection survey done to ensure that 197 00:10:51,280 --> 00:10:56,920 everything is protected that needs to be. 198 00:10:56,920 --> 00:10:58,840 The reason we need an update to -- go ahead. 199 00:10:58,840 --> 00:10:59,840 I'm sorry. 200 00:10:59,840 --> 00:11:08,000 Before you move on, the event at Grand Prairie ISD that you mentioned, did the backflow preventer 201 00:11:08,000 --> 00:11:10,800 on that system fail, or do they know? 202 00:11:10,800 --> 00:11:15,680 That was -- where the fire department hooks up is called the fire department connection. 203 00:11:15,680 --> 00:11:20,800 And that pipe -- it was actually piped upstream of the backflow preventer. 204 00:11:20,800 --> 00:11:25,800 So there was a backflow preventer on site, but the fire department connection was before 205 00:11:25,800 --> 00:11:27,060 the backflow preventer. 206 00:11:27,060 --> 00:11:31,320 So when they piped it into the building, it went into the building as it was supposed to. 207 00:11:31,320 --> 00:11:34,840 But when the pressure overwhelmed it, it went back -- it pushed back out of the building 208 00:11:34,840 --> 00:11:40,520 and then back into the water system because the fire truck was able to -- there was no 209 00:11:40,520 --> 00:11:41,520 backflow preventer. 210 00:11:41,520 --> 00:11:47,080 Off of that connection, which was upstream of the building's backflow preventer. 211 00:11:47,080 --> 00:11:49,080 So how did that happen? 212 00:11:49,080 --> 00:11:50,080 That was the result of plumbing. 213 00:11:50,080 --> 00:11:54,400 It was an older building, and that was the result of plumbing at the time. 214 00:11:54,400 --> 00:11:58,000 The fire department connection should always go downstream of the backflow preventer. 215 00:11:58,000 --> 00:11:59,960 In this case, it was upstream. 216 00:11:59,960 --> 00:12:06,160 So the building inspector failed to catch that? 217 00:12:06,160 --> 00:12:07,160 I don't know. 218 00:12:07,160 --> 00:12:09,160 At the time -- I'm just curious. 219 00:12:09,160 --> 00:12:14,320 At the time that it was installed, it was possibly not a requirement yet because I think 220 00:12:14,320 --> 00:12:15,320 it was an older building. 221 00:12:15,320 --> 00:12:17,320 But I'm not really sure about that. 222 00:12:17,320 --> 00:12:18,320 Okay. 223 00:12:18,320 --> 00:12:19,320 Yeah. 224 00:12:19,320 --> 00:12:22,240 Because most commercial and two-steel buildings have backflow preventers. 225 00:12:22,240 --> 00:12:24,640 I was curious how that could have even happened. 226 00:12:24,640 --> 00:12:25,640 Sure. 227 00:12:25,640 --> 00:12:26,640 Sure. 228 00:12:26,640 --> 00:12:27,640 Thank you. 229 00:12:27,640 --> 00:12:28,640 Yeah. 230 00:12:28,640 --> 00:12:38,400 So the reason we need an update is since 1997, best practices and threats have evolved. 231 00:12:38,400 --> 00:12:43,280 We fully reviewed the existing program, and we identified a lot of areas for improvement. 232 00:12:43,280 --> 00:12:48,220 Also, the current ordinance, as it is today, it presents enforcement challenges. 233 00:12:48,220 --> 00:12:52,600 So the new ordinance addresses that, the proposed ordinance. 234 00:12:52,600 --> 00:12:56,640 The proposed ordinance ensures that water is protected for all customers. 235 00:12:56,640 --> 00:13:02,000 It maintains compliance with state regulations, follows industry best practices, and provides 236 00:13:02,000 --> 00:13:05,840 clear enforcement authority and fees. 237 00:13:05,840 --> 00:13:09,460 Some highlights of what we're proposing in this new ordinance. 238 00:13:09,460 --> 00:13:14,320 As I said earlier, once it passes the meter, we want to ensure that it cannot backflow 239 00:13:14,320 --> 00:13:17,800 into our water system from that point on. 240 00:13:17,800 --> 00:13:23,380 So we are proposing backflow preventers required just past the meter on all new construction. 241 00:13:23,380 --> 00:13:27,860 For domestic systems, for fire systems, and also for irrigation systems. 242 00:13:27,860 --> 00:13:29,360 Who does this actually affect? 243 00:13:29,360 --> 00:13:35,760 For typical residential, there's no effect because the ordinance applies to non-residential. 244 00:13:35,760 --> 00:13:42,920 For existing non-residential, nothing is required unless they are going to undergo large major 245 00:13:42,920 --> 00:13:44,640 plumbing modifications. 246 00:13:44,640 --> 00:13:47,480 In that case, they're going to pull a permit, and that's how we'll find out about it. 247 00:13:47,480 --> 00:13:50,600 Then the updated criteria will apply. 248 00:13:50,600 --> 00:13:55,800 For all new non-residential construction, the criteria will apply. 249 00:13:55,800 --> 00:14:00,340 Other highlights include clear installation standards and updated tester insurance and 250 00:14:00,340 --> 00:14:02,880 training requirements. 251 00:14:02,880 --> 00:14:07,540 Atmospheric vacuum breakers, that's a type of backflow preventer that is not testable. 252 00:14:07,540 --> 00:14:11,600 We are no longer going to allow that in the city because as part of that annual requirement 253 00:14:11,600 --> 00:14:15,920 for testing, atmospheric vacuum breakers cannot be tested. 254 00:14:15,920 --> 00:14:21,280 Environment meter requirements are defined better, expanded staff inspection access is 255 00:14:21,280 --> 00:14:26,560 provided in order to do those cross connection surveys to ensure there's no unprotected connections. 256 00:14:26,560 --> 00:14:31,400 Staff have to be able to go out on site and ensure so we have expanded access. 257 00:14:31,400 --> 00:14:39,280 Emergency shut off procedures are defined, and service suspension is clarified for non-compliance. 258 00:14:39,280 --> 00:14:41,920 So some prior action, we did take this to a City Council work -- 259 00:14:41,920 --> 00:14:47,680 Oh, sorry, before you go on, so if you're going to require the backflow preventer just 260 00:14:47,680 --> 00:14:52,760 off the meter in a residential application, how will it be protected from the weather? 261 00:14:52,760 --> 00:14:55,720 Will it be placed underground like the meter? 262 00:14:55,720 --> 00:14:58,760 So the required backflow preventer here must be above ground. 263 00:14:58,760 --> 00:15:04,760 It's called an RPZ or a reduced pressure principle backflow, and there is required to be weather 264 00:15:04,760 --> 00:15:06,880 proofing or weather protection around it. 265 00:15:06,880 --> 00:15:12,720 Okay, so that means that every home going forward there's going to be another box just 266 00:15:12,720 --> 00:15:14,040 off the street. 267 00:15:14,040 --> 00:15:19,040 This is strictly for commercial, or non-residential, so for homes this does not apply, but for 268 00:15:19,040 --> 00:15:20,040 apartment complexes -- 269 00:15:20,040 --> 00:15:23,480 Oh, you mentioned irrigation systems with homes, and I was like, well, does that mean 270 00:15:23,480 --> 00:15:27,160 every home's going to have a meter just off the street in a box? 271 00:15:27,160 --> 00:15:31,520 No, sir, this is just for non-residential, so that would not apply to homes. 272 00:15:31,520 --> 00:15:34,080 Okay, thank you for the clarification. 273 00:15:34,080 --> 00:15:40,640 So along the same lines, a lot of irrigation systems, like home irrigation, yard irrigation 274 00:15:40,640 --> 00:15:45,280 systems use the, what are they called, the air, the ones that are not allowed, the air 275 00:15:45,280 --> 00:15:46,280 break? 276 00:15:46,280 --> 00:15:50,120 Yes, atmospheric vacuum breakers. 277 00:15:50,120 --> 00:15:55,160 So is that still allowed for like a residential irrigation installation? 278 00:15:55,160 --> 00:16:01,580 Not for a new installation, PVB or pressure vacuum breaker, that would be required instead. 279 00:16:01,580 --> 00:16:04,600 It's a very similar device, it's testable though. 280 00:16:04,600 --> 00:16:05,600 Okay. 281 00:16:05,600 --> 00:16:06,600 Yes. 282 00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:10,400 Any other questions? 283 00:16:10,400 --> 00:16:15,520 So prior action, we did take this to a council work session on February 3rd. 284 00:16:15,520 --> 00:16:20,720 Next steps, we're working right now with our development services group and our marketing 285 00:16:20,720 --> 00:16:27,020 and communications group to explain the proposed changes to the public. 286 00:16:27,020 --> 00:16:31,520 On March 3rd, we're taking this to city council for individual consideration, and then we'll 287 00:16:31,520 --> 00:16:35,900 of course publish it in the Debt and Record Chronicle with an effective date proposed, 288 00:16:35,900 --> 00:16:41,840 if accepted, of March 17th. 289 00:16:41,840 --> 00:16:44,360 Any questions at this time? 290 00:16:44,360 --> 00:16:52,120 Could you go to slide five, please? 291 00:16:52,120 --> 00:16:53,120 Yes. 292 00:16:53,120 --> 00:16:54,120 Was it this one? 293 00:16:54,120 --> 00:16:55,120 Slide five. 294 00:16:55,120 --> 00:16:56,120 Oh, it's got numbers. 295 00:16:56,120 --> 00:16:57,120 Yes. 296 00:16:57,120 --> 00:17:04,160 So if you have a small contractor, commercial fellow that has five buildings and they all 297 00:17:04,160 --> 00:17:09,760 have individual water meters, then each one will have this backflow, correct? 298 00:17:09,760 --> 00:17:10,760 That is correct. 299 00:17:10,760 --> 00:17:11,760 Okay. 300 00:17:11,760 --> 00:17:17,480 And then, excuse me, slide eight for me. 301 00:17:17,480 --> 00:17:25,200 So on the residential domestic, I'm intrigued, and where I live, a lot of lines are being 302 00:17:25,200 --> 00:17:28,280 redone because of the age of the pipe and this, that, and the other. 303 00:17:28,280 --> 00:17:33,880 And so if they do that kind of structure where they put in a new water pipe, that activates, 304 00:17:33,880 --> 00:17:38,000 because they're not going to have the backflow yet, that activates the backflow apparatus 305 00:17:38,000 --> 00:17:41,160 to be put on then, is that correct? 306 00:17:41,160 --> 00:17:45,040 For residential, this would not apply, again- 307 00:17:45,040 --> 00:17:46,840 But I thought I'd heard you say if you were going to- 308 00:17:46,840 --> 00:17:47,840 Apartments. 309 00:17:47,840 --> 00:17:48,840 What? 310 00:17:48,840 --> 00:17:49,840 Apartment complexes. 311 00:17:49,840 --> 00:17:55,720 Apartments, but then houses, so if I'm putting in a new water line in my house, that's going 312 00:17:55,720 --> 00:17:59,720 to be, some have gotten new water meters. 313 00:17:59,720 --> 00:18:03,840 So if the water meter is replaced, is that going to be the triggering mechanism to have 314 00:18:03,840 --> 00:18:07,280 that put in for residential, domestic, whatever you want to call it? 315 00:18:07,280 --> 00:18:11,520 For commercial, the trigger would be a major plumbing, the whole site would have to have 316 00:18:11,520 --> 00:18:13,300 a major plumbing change. 317 00:18:13,300 --> 00:18:18,140 For commercial sites, there is typically a separate meter for irrigation only. 318 00:18:18,140 --> 00:18:21,440 So that makes it a little different than residential, which typically there's one meter that supplies 319 00:18:21,440 --> 00:18:24,120 domestic to the house, as well as a branch for irrigation. 320 00:18:24,120 --> 00:18:25,760 Oh yeah, let me refocus. 321 00:18:25,760 --> 00:18:27,720 I was talking about domestic. 322 00:18:27,720 --> 00:18:28,720 Residential. 323 00:18:28,720 --> 00:18:29,720 Residential. 324 00:18:29,720 --> 00:18:34,440 And I'm putting in a pipe, and it's going to require a new meter, let's say. 325 00:18:34,440 --> 00:18:38,440 So a new meter is put in, and I have my new pipe. 326 00:18:38,440 --> 00:18:49,100 Am I going to have the new backflow at that point too? 327 00:18:49,100 --> 00:18:52,080 You just wanted to get me up here, didn't you? 328 00:18:52,080 --> 00:18:56,720 Stephen Gay, General Manager, Water Utilities and Street Operations. 329 00:18:56,720 --> 00:19:00,400 This ordinance deals specifically with the non-residential. 330 00:19:00,400 --> 00:19:04,560 To answer your question, it would fall under the building code, and that would be regulated 331 00:19:04,560 --> 00:19:06,560 by the building officials. 332 00:19:06,560 --> 00:19:09,480 So what we're talking about today has nothing to do with it. 333 00:19:09,480 --> 00:19:14,600 So we would have to go back to them to determine if it would trigger a requirement for them 334 00:19:14,600 --> 00:19:19,560 to upgrade their backflow assembly on their dedicated irrigation system on a residential 335 00:19:19,560 --> 00:19:20,560 connection. 336 00:19:20,560 --> 00:19:21,560 Does that answer it? 337 00:19:21,560 --> 00:19:22,560 Well, close. 338 00:19:22,560 --> 00:19:24,040 I want to ask another one to follow up. 339 00:19:24,040 --> 00:19:25,040 Ductail. 340 00:19:25,040 --> 00:19:26,040 Ductail. 341 00:19:26,040 --> 00:19:34,520 So it is on a case-by-case basis then with the building code has nothing to do with this. 342 00:19:34,520 --> 00:19:35,520 That's correct. 343 00:19:35,520 --> 00:19:36,800 I'll give you a personal example. 344 00:19:36,800 --> 00:19:42,200 So I recently upgraded my service at my home because my wife didn't like the fact that 345 00:19:42,200 --> 00:19:46,120 the backflow assembly that was installed was right in the middle of the yard. 346 00:19:46,120 --> 00:19:47,280 I didn't have to move it. 347 00:19:47,280 --> 00:19:48,280 I didn't have to do anything. 348 00:19:48,280 --> 00:19:52,880 I was just upgrading my water line, but I chose to at that point. 349 00:19:52,880 --> 00:19:55,920 I wasn't required by the building department to upgrade the irrigation. 350 00:19:55,920 --> 00:20:03,000 At the same time, I upgraded my domestic connection or my service line. 351 00:20:03,000 --> 00:20:04,000 I chose to do that. 352 00:20:04,000 --> 00:20:08,520 And so we will have to go back to the building department to find out if in fact that they 353 00:20:08,520 --> 00:20:14,880 would require that, if an upgrade of a service line would trigger the installation of the 354 00:20:14,880 --> 00:20:22,000 backflow assembly or updating their irrigation system, but I think it's unlikely. 355 00:20:22,000 --> 00:20:26,600 So back to your question, which I didn't think about, are apartments considered domestic? 356 00:20:26,600 --> 00:20:31,840 Well, an apartment complex, that's a multifamily, that's a commercial connection. 357 00:20:31,840 --> 00:20:39,240 And so typically they would fall under the commercial, the non-residential type of category 358 00:20:39,240 --> 00:20:42,200 because it's more of a commercial connection. 359 00:20:42,200 --> 00:20:44,500 I appreciate that. 360 00:20:44,500 --> 00:20:50,160 My simple-minded thinking is I'd like for you to remove the domestic system completely 361 00:20:50,160 --> 00:20:51,160 since it's not residential. 362 00:20:51,160 --> 00:20:55,400 It seems to kind of bring itself back up needlessly. 363 00:20:55,400 --> 00:21:03,240 Well, the challenge with multifamily connections like that in apartment complexes is you have 364 00:21:03,240 --> 00:21:08,760 multiple uses, and that creates a level of threat to the distribution system. 365 00:21:08,760 --> 00:21:13,180 When you talk about a single-family residence, it's typically a single-family, right? 366 00:21:13,180 --> 00:21:14,180 Right. 367 00:21:14,180 --> 00:21:17,840 So two, what, three and a half people, right, a mother, father, and one and a half children. 368 00:21:17,840 --> 00:21:19,560 I think that's the stats. 369 00:21:19,560 --> 00:21:20,960 We're waiting for that picture now. 370 00:21:20,960 --> 00:21:23,480 We're waiting for that picture now. 371 00:21:23,480 --> 00:21:28,800 So the level of threat or the risk to the distribution system is greater when you have 372 00:21:28,800 --> 00:21:36,120 more connections or more use on a single connection, if that makes any sense. 373 00:21:36,120 --> 00:21:37,120 Great. 374 00:21:37,120 --> 00:21:38,120 Great. 375 00:21:38,120 --> 00:21:41,800 So could we go to, I'm through with that, could we go to slide number nine, please? 376 00:21:41,800 --> 00:21:42,800 Don't leave. 377 00:21:42,800 --> 00:21:43,800 I may have you again. 378 00:21:43,800 --> 00:21:46,200 Okay, thank you. 379 00:21:46,200 --> 00:21:52,560 So on the sprinkler systems, going back to your atmospheric, yes, vacuum, so that's the 380 00:21:52,560 --> 00:21:56,120 ones that stick up and come back down, and they're the ones I always have to cover because 381 00:21:56,120 --> 00:22:00,640 they usually break, and then I have water flowing all the time. 382 00:22:00,640 --> 00:22:02,720 Those are going to be replaced with what? 383 00:22:02,720 --> 00:22:04,720 A pressure vacuum breaker. 384 00:22:04,720 --> 00:22:06,040 It is about the same size. 385 00:22:06,040 --> 00:22:07,040 It looks very similar. 386 00:22:07,040 --> 00:22:10,600 It just is testable, so it has these little ports coming off the side of them. 387 00:22:10,600 --> 00:22:14,620 There's two ports, and that allows a tester to ensure it is working properly. 388 00:22:14,620 --> 00:22:18,640 What happens is over time, they'll start to break down on the inside, and they won't function 389 00:22:18,640 --> 00:22:20,720 properly, so they won't be doing their job. 390 00:22:20,720 --> 00:22:26,380 So when they break down, which I know they will, then the sprinkler system company is 391 00:22:26,380 --> 00:22:28,960 going to go in there, and they're going to put the new one in place. 392 00:22:28,960 --> 00:22:29,960 That is correct. 393 00:22:29,960 --> 00:22:30,960 Ideally, that would be. 394 00:22:30,960 --> 00:22:31,960 Ideally. 395 00:22:31,960 --> 00:22:32,960 Yes. 396 00:22:32,960 --> 00:22:36,520 But it's going to need as much protection to cold weather as this would, would it not? 397 00:22:36,520 --> 00:22:38,040 Yes, it will. 398 00:22:38,040 --> 00:22:39,040 Okay. 399 00:22:39,040 --> 00:22:40,560 And then if I could, let's see, that was slide. 400 00:22:40,560 --> 00:22:45,160 So now, I don't know if you already covered it or maybe it's coming, but what are we looking 401 00:22:45,160 --> 00:22:46,800 at construction costs? 402 00:22:46,800 --> 00:22:51,440 What kind of cost are we looking for, something like that, for your typical commercial? 403 00:22:51,440 --> 00:22:53,480 Sure. 404 00:22:53,480 --> 00:22:58,080 It varies dramatically by the materials used, by the type of backflow preventer it is, by 405 00:22:58,080 --> 00:23:01,800 the contractor that installs it, and it really does vary dramatically. 406 00:23:01,800 --> 00:23:06,480 For a typical three-quarter inch, say a small commercial site, a three-quarter inch can 407 00:23:06,480 --> 00:23:13,440 vary with the protection from the weather, can vary from $2,000 to $4,000. 408 00:23:13,440 --> 00:23:18,560 Okay, go ahead. 409 00:23:18,560 --> 00:23:19,560 Point of clarification. 410 00:23:19,560 --> 00:23:20,560 There's a disclaimer. 411 00:23:20,560 --> 00:23:21,560 What? 412 00:23:21,560 --> 00:23:22,560 Here comes a disclaimer. 413 00:23:22,560 --> 00:23:23,560 Yeah, can you tell? 414 00:23:23,560 --> 00:23:24,560 Point of clarification. 415 00:23:24,560 --> 00:23:29,720 I just want to punctuate that this is an update to an existing ordinance. 416 00:23:29,720 --> 00:23:32,400 We already require the installation of these devices. 417 00:23:32,400 --> 00:23:39,160 So we're not talking about a new financial burden that we're placing on a development. 418 00:23:39,160 --> 00:23:41,780 So I just want to make sure that that was communicated. 419 00:23:41,780 --> 00:23:45,000 So this is not new. 420 00:23:45,000 --> 00:23:49,800 It's an update to an existing ordinance that we already enforce, and we already require 421 00:23:49,800 --> 00:23:52,220 the installation of these devices. 422 00:23:52,220 --> 00:23:58,440 So hopefully that helps. 423 00:23:58,440 --> 00:23:59,440 Your turn. 424 00:23:59,440 --> 00:24:00,440 Okay. 425 00:24:00,440 --> 00:24:01,440 Just a follow-up question. 426 00:24:01,440 --> 00:24:09,760 We talked about the replacement of these devices, and Mr. Rayner just mentioned his landscape 427 00:24:09,760 --> 00:24:12,600 irrigation guys putting it in. 428 00:24:12,600 --> 00:24:15,720 Does this require a plumber or a licensed plumber to put this in? 429 00:24:15,720 --> 00:24:16,720 Yes. 430 00:24:16,720 --> 00:24:17,720 That is an existing rule. 431 00:24:17,720 --> 00:24:18,720 That's an existing rule. 432 00:24:18,720 --> 00:24:22,480 Because I bet those guys aren't licensed plumbers most of the time. 433 00:24:22,480 --> 00:24:28,900 Well, there's a licensed irrigator, except I don't even know what that is. 434 00:24:28,900 --> 00:24:33,720 For the installation of a backflow prevention assembly, it has always been required for 435 00:24:33,720 --> 00:24:36,480 someone with a plumber's license to do the install. 436 00:24:36,480 --> 00:24:37,480 Okay. 437 00:24:37,480 --> 00:24:38,480 And permit? 438 00:24:38,480 --> 00:24:39,480 And a permit. 439 00:24:39,480 --> 00:24:40,480 Okay. 440 00:24:40,480 --> 00:24:43,280 Yes, they will. 441 00:24:43,280 --> 00:24:47,720 So the material could be $2,000 to $4,000, and then the rest of the land gap is to get 442 00:24:47,720 --> 00:24:48,720 it in the ground. 443 00:24:48,720 --> 00:24:51,400 That's whatever you can bid on the open market. 444 00:24:51,400 --> 00:24:52,400 I should clarify. 445 00:24:52,400 --> 00:24:54,280 The $2,000 to $4,000, that was for... 446 00:24:54,280 --> 00:24:55,280 Oh, it's a good range. 447 00:24:55,280 --> 00:24:56,280 I don't care. 448 00:24:56,280 --> 00:24:58,120 That was for the reduced pressure. 449 00:24:58,120 --> 00:25:03,560 That was for the most rigid and stringent backflow prevention assembly, and that was... 450 00:25:03,560 --> 00:25:05,360 The example was if you're going to put it at the meter. 451 00:25:05,360 --> 00:25:08,980 So that needs weather protection as well. 452 00:25:08,980 --> 00:25:09,980 And back to your question. 453 00:25:09,980 --> 00:25:10,980 I'm sorry. 454 00:25:10,980 --> 00:25:12,280 I thought I gave it. 455 00:25:12,280 --> 00:25:13,280 Okay. 456 00:25:13,280 --> 00:25:14,720 Did I miss something? 457 00:25:14,720 --> 00:25:16,200 No, I think... 458 00:25:16,200 --> 00:25:19,320 So this is commercial only? 459 00:25:19,320 --> 00:25:20,760 Not single-family residential? 460 00:25:20,760 --> 00:25:21,760 Correct. 461 00:25:21,760 --> 00:25:22,760 Okay. 462 00:25:22,760 --> 00:25:23,760 And so... 463 00:25:23,760 --> 00:25:25,000 And this is already a requirement? 464 00:25:25,000 --> 00:25:26,000 We're just... 465 00:25:26,000 --> 00:25:27,000 You're making one adjustment. 466 00:25:27,000 --> 00:25:28,640 You can't use an atmospheric vacuum breaker. 467 00:25:28,640 --> 00:25:30,760 You have to use a pressure vacuum breaker. 468 00:25:30,760 --> 00:25:31,760 That is... 469 00:25:31,760 --> 00:25:38,280 That's correct, but for the ones at the meter across all new construction, that is an update. 470 00:25:38,280 --> 00:25:39,280 Right. 471 00:25:39,280 --> 00:25:40,280 I need to make that clear. 472 00:25:40,280 --> 00:25:41,280 Yeah. 473 00:25:41,280 --> 00:25:42,280 Yeah. 474 00:25:42,280 --> 00:25:43,280 So this is a change. 475 00:25:43,280 --> 00:25:44,280 You can't use one type. 476 00:25:44,280 --> 00:25:45,280 You have to use... 477 00:25:45,280 --> 00:25:46,280 One type is not allowed. 478 00:25:46,280 --> 00:25:47,280 You have to use one of the other types. 479 00:25:47,280 --> 00:25:48,280 Yes. 480 00:25:48,280 --> 00:25:49,280 Yeah. 481 00:25:49,280 --> 00:25:50,280 And so... 482 00:25:50,280 --> 00:25:51,280 And just to clarify. 483 00:25:51,280 --> 00:25:57,280 So 2,000 to 4,000, I think, includes installation costs because you can buy a three-quarter-inch 484 00:25:57,280 --> 00:26:00,800 non-atmospheric vacuum breaker for like $199 at Home Depot. 485 00:26:00,800 --> 00:26:01,800 I could. 486 00:26:01,800 --> 00:26:02,800 That's what I was just wondering. 487 00:26:02,800 --> 00:26:08,560 A lot of hands have been added to the formula. 488 00:26:08,560 --> 00:26:09,560 No offense. 489 00:26:09,560 --> 00:26:14,320 I'm not indicating or suggesting anything from the city. 490 00:26:14,320 --> 00:26:15,320 And these... 491 00:26:15,320 --> 00:26:19,400 Like the requirement to have a plumber sign off on a plumbing permit is not a new requirement? 492 00:26:19,400 --> 00:26:20,400 No. 493 00:26:20,400 --> 00:26:21,400 No. 494 00:26:21,400 --> 00:26:22,400 Okay. 495 00:26:22,400 --> 00:26:23,400 No. 496 00:26:23,400 --> 00:26:24,400 Okay. 497 00:26:24,400 --> 00:26:25,400 Thank you. 498 00:26:25,400 --> 00:26:26,400 Thank you. 499 00:26:26,400 --> 00:26:27,400 I'm through. 500 00:26:27,400 --> 00:26:28,400 Appreciate it. 501 00:26:28,400 --> 00:26:29,400 Of course. 502 00:26:29,400 --> 00:26:30,400 Thank you, everybody. 503 00:26:30,400 --> 00:26:33,320 Do you give staff any kind of guidance on the updated ordinance? 504 00:26:33,320 --> 00:26:37,080 I think our commissioners might have clarified it. 505 00:26:37,080 --> 00:26:41,120 Well, since it's already been to City Council, I don't think it really matters. 506 00:26:41,120 --> 00:26:42,120 Yeah. 507 00:26:42,120 --> 00:26:43,760 And it's my understanding that... 508 00:26:43,760 --> 00:26:47,240 We brought this to PUB for information only. 509 00:26:47,240 --> 00:26:49,560 PUB, I don't think... 510 00:26:49,560 --> 00:26:50,560 I'm not sure. 511 00:26:50,560 --> 00:26:55,800 Maybe Marcella could weigh in on it, but it's not really in the purview of PUB to recommend 512 00:26:55,800 --> 00:26:58,120 and/or adjust on the ordinances. 513 00:26:58,120 --> 00:27:02,680 It's more about the financial expenditures. 514 00:27:02,680 --> 00:27:03,680 That's my understanding. 515 00:27:03,680 --> 00:27:04,680 Right. 516 00:27:04,680 --> 00:27:05,680 So we're not posted for direction. 517 00:27:05,680 --> 00:27:10,640 So it can be a little simpler than going into what the charter requires the PUB to review, 518 00:27:10,640 --> 00:27:22,840 but the work session agenda item isn't posted for direction, just discussion. 519 00:27:22,840 --> 00:27:28,880 So that was exercised for your education, sir. 520 00:27:28,880 --> 00:27:31,880 That's what I wanted to know. 521 00:27:31,880 --> 00:27:35,160 I want to be ready for when the alarms go off. 522 00:27:35,160 --> 00:27:39,360 I believe all of our business is done, so we stand in adjournment. 523 00:27:39,360 --> 00:27:40,360 Thank you. 524 00:27:40,360 --> 00:27:40,360 Thank you.