1992-711
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Henneoin County. Minnesota
Ordinance no. 92-711
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 710
OF THE HOPKINS CITY CODE
IN REGARD TO THE WATER SYSTEM
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Hopkins as follows:
Section 1. That Section 710.00 through 710.43 be repealed in its
entirety and replaced by the following:
section 710 - Water system
710.01. Water superintendent. The city manager shall appoint a
superintendent who shall have control and management of the water
works and system of the city. The superintendent shall do and
perform all acts necessary for. the efficient and economical
management and protection of the system.
710.03. Superintendent: powers: duties . Subdivision 1.
Records. The superintendent shall keep a complete set of books
showing distribution of accounts of the water department, and
shall keep a record of all tanks, reservoirs, mains laid,
castings, valves, gates and hydrants located in the system.
Subd. 2. Collections. The director of finance shall keep a
correct account of all receipts and make out all bills for water
~efl~s usage or materials furnished to consumers, collect the
same and deposit the money so collected with the treasurer, to
the credit of the water we~ks utility fund of the city and in
accordance wi th law and requirements of the ci ty manager and
council.
Subd. 3. Taps and permits. The superintendent shall ~ss~e
be notified of all permits issued for tapping mains, and shall
keep a record of all taps and services, their sizes and location.
afl~ The Inspections division shall issue permits and shall be
required to keep inspection records exft~~~~-~~-~--~~
~eee~~~-beeks~~e-~he-ei~y-mafia~e~.
Subd. 4. Equipment and tools. The superintendent shall see
that hydrants and valves are in order and that all leaks are
promptly repaired and is responsible for all city tools and
material used by the department.
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Subd. 5. Inspections. The superintendent, or an inspector
appointed by the city, shall supervise'all taps for services and
examine all service pipes and see that they are properly laid,
and stop-cocks placed in proper position, and perform such other
duties as may be directed by the manager.
Subd. 6. Inventorv. The superintendent shall keep a full
set of record books, showing in detail the location and
measurements for all water pipes, hydrants, valves, taps, stop-
boxes, tees, crosses and other measurements or records which may
be necessary in the department.
Subd. 7. Location. The superintendent or inspector shall
report the location, and at least two measurements taken from two
separate permanent points, for each tap and stop-box made in the
water mains and service pipes. ~fte-S~~e~~fi~efl~efl~-maY-fle~-~emeve
er-~k~-leea~~e~-~-~-~~~-ftys~aft~7-~~-4nr~~-~~~e7
~a~7-'5~~;-~-a:flY"-e~fter-~inafl:e'ft't.--_-w-i-~1::--:E~rs~
ftaV~fl~-aft-er~er-~ftere:Eer-:Erem-~fte-mafta~e~.
Subd. 8. Inspection of premises. The superintendent shall
inspect the premises entered by service pipes, and examine the
condition of meters and other water fixtures; and shall be
vigilant to detect and warn against all abuses, whether from
waste or other improper use of water.
Subd. 9. Meter records~-~-s. The superintendent shall
keep a record of each meter in use and of the amount of water
used by each consumer. The superintendent shall eeiiee~-'Wtl-t.-ef
reft-e - ~ - aftS- ~ - -s-ame- -i-ft.-ee- - -t.-be- -!:taM-S' - -of- -1:he - -di~~-e:E
r :tftaftee 7 - -end- - -mtric-e- - a - -~~~-e- --0{"- - -a~ ~ - -ee rree~i-e~!t - ~,- -"ftfl:tl- -er
~ei~ft~~eft~S7-afta perform such other duties as may be directed by
the manager.
Subd. 10. Pumps: oumoinq stations. The superintendent
shall have charge of the pumping stations and of the pump
machinery and tools therein.
710.05. Fire department. The chief of the fire department shall
see that all gates and hydrants are restored to their proper
condition after use by the fire department and report to the
superintendent all breaks, defective hydrants and taps.
710.07. Tappinq: turninq off or on. No person, except
those authorized by the superintendent, shall tap
distributing pipes, or insert stop-cocks or corporation
therein, or turn on or off water from any service pipe or
water to be so turned on or off.
-efte
any
stops
cause
710.09. Permits. Subdivision 1. Required. No public water
main shall be tapped or connection made thereto from any lot
without first securing the permits required by this code from the
building official and the superintendent and paying the required
fees.
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Paqe of 3
Subd. 2. Application. Application shall be made in writing
to the building official for a permit to tap a public water main
located in a right of way. The application shall be made upon
forms to be provided therefor by the city and shall contain the
following information:
(a) exact legal description of
water or sewer connection is applied,
parcel number;
premises for which
including plat and
(b) address of premises;
(c) name and address of plumber or other contractor;
(d) name and address of owner of premises;
(e) date of opening and installation of connection;
(f) general description of type and method of
connection to be used or made; and
(g) such other pertinent information as the building
official may require.
710.11. Ta~s. No permit to tap any main will be granted unless
application therefore has been made in writing and signed by the
owner or his agent duly authorized by him to do the work. The
application must be made to the city's Inspection division
s~~er~fl-eefl~eft~ on a form furnished by the city, and all
information required by the form shall be provided.
710. 13 . Fees~ Charqes. The following :Eees-~~ charges shall
accompany each application for each connection of any premises to
the public water mains:
(a) the :Eees charges and cost of inspections as set
forth by Council resolution; ifi-efta~-eer-*t
(b) if, for the parcel described in such application,
the city has not been reimbursed or otherwise secured for
said parcel's proportionate beneficial share of the special
benefit and total cost of the construction and installation
of the public sewers within the project district or area in
or from which said parcel is to be served, the applicant
shall pay in addition to all other permit fees, a sum equal
to that proportionate share of such special benefit and cost
which said parcel bears to such entire area or district and
which was specially assessed or charged for said public
improvement, plus interest on said sum at the rate of seven
percent per annum from the date or dates of the original
construction or installation of such public improvements to
the date of the issuance of the connection permits.
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710.15. Special fund. Fees-~~ Charges shall be deposited or
paid into a special assessment fund or account and may be
credited to the special assessments which may have been
theretofore levied for water e~-sewe~ improvements involving the
premises for which the special connection fee has been collected.
710. 17 . Terms and conditions . Subdivision 1. General rule.
Permits shall be subject to the following terms and conditions,
and the making of the application for such a permit, the granting
of the permit by the city, and the tapping of the water main
pursuant to the permit shall constitute a binding acceptance of
such terms and conditions by the owner of the property, and by
all assignees, successors, grantees, heirs or representatives of
such owner.
Subd. 2. Backfill. The applicant shall backfill the
opening in the street and leave the street, curb and sidewalk in
a condition satisfactory to the city;
Subd. 3. Authorized use. No permit shall authorize
anything not stated in the application, and for any
misrepresentqtion in such application the pe~mit will be revoked.
The owner shall abide by all the laws, rules and regulations
governing or relating to the use of city water, or pertaining to
the water werks system of the city that are now in force or may
hereafter be enacted. The permit is to be used for no premises
other than those stated in the application.
Subd. 4. Additional mains. The owner shall make no
objection to the laying of additional water mains in the streets
adjoining said land, and upon any such mains being laid the owner
shall sever the permitted connection and make a new connection
with such mains laid after the granting of such permit if
required by the superintendent so to do.
Subd. 5. Waiver. By the permit the owner waives all claims
for damages against the city on account of damages to water pipes
caused by freezing, breaking or from any other cause.
Subd. 6. Water refl-es~ Charqes. Water refl-es charges
accruing for water used through the permitted connection shall be
a charge against and payable by the owner of the land served, as
well as by the person using the water. The city may cut off the
connection permitted for non-payment of water charges, and to
keep the same cut off until the provisions of the permit have
been complied with and all back charges and penalties have been
fully paid.
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Subd. 7. Meters. The owner shall pay for the meter in
advance, and shall en sur that the m ter and outside remote meter
are ~e-~e5f)efl'54M-e-~~-a-}-}--~i-~-wh~eh--i~-~-be-~-~
make-~-~.----~fte-~~-~~--~e accessible to the water
superintendent or persons authorized by him a-e--a-}-}--~-imes and
shall be kept free from debris at all times. The meter is a
fixture in the premises described in the permit. The outside
remote meter shall be installed on all buildings in a location
determined by the water superintendent.
710.19. Work: material: standards. Subdivision 1.
eer~era-eieft--'5~~.----~-~~~~-e-b&ft--s-ee~--~~~--~--~
~is-eri~~-eieft-~-i~e-mti'5~-~~-~~~~~~-~-~--e-fte-~e~m~~-er
er~er.- S~~~.-r. Placement. Service pipes must be laid in such
a manner as to prevent rupture by settlement and must extend from
the main to the inside of the building or, if not taken into a
building, then to the hydrant or other fixtures which it is
intended to supply, and a stop-cock must be placed outside in an
extension service box placed between the sidewalk and the curb,
and shut-off stop-cock or other stop-cock, with waste, of the
size and strength required, shall be placed close to the inside
of the building, well protected from freezing. Where a pipe
passes through or is laid within two feet of foundation walls the
pipe should be protected from frost by enclosing in wood.
S~~a.-3.Subd. 2. Material Pi~e-si~e requirements. service
pipes from the main to the inside shut-off shall be as follows:
for a repairs. to existing 3/4 inch services, a 3/4 inch
corporation stop, 3/4 inch copper tubing, ground stop curb stop
with extension service box including a riser operating rod
fastened to the curb box; for a one inch service and alln w
residential services, a one inch corporation stop, aft~ 1 inch
copper tubing, ground stop curb box with extension service box
including riser operating rod fastened to the curb stop; for 1
1/2 inch or 2 inch services a tapping saddle will be used, and
the appropriate corporation stop installed into the saddle and
copper tubing to a curb stop box with a riser operating rod
installed. sftaii-~e-~se~t-:Eer-a-~-~fr-~fteft-serV~ee7-e~~fter--ewe-er
-eftree-3f~-ifteft-~a~s-s~aeea-a-e-~eas-e-~eft-ifteftes-a~ar-e-eeftftee~ea-~y
a-~-wa~er-~-~-may--be--~sea-;r~~-~-~f~--~-ee~~er
-e~~ift~7 - -eff, - "'ft- k-app-i-nq--s- J:ee"V'e -aft~ - v-a~ -v-e- -w-i~-h- ~ --e-l:t:e.~~- sfta i i
~e-~ Copper pipe must conform in all respects to the
standards published by the American Water Works Association,
copies of which will be kept available in the office of the Water
superintendent. The service pipes must be a continuous piece
from the main to the curbstop and from the curbstop to the
structure if new construction. No compression fittings may be
installed on services. For service lines over two inches,
stainless steel tapping sleeves and rubber edged gate valves must
be used and ductile eas~ iron service pipe; all materials to be
of approved size and design. No deviation in size or weights or
pipe is permitted unless a written special permit is obtained for
that purpose.
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Subd. 3. SUDnlv from one corDoration stone No more than
on hous maybe supplied from one corporation stop, which may not
be larger than one inch, unless by special permit. No more than
one building may be supplied from one pipe, connecting with the
distribution main. Each building must have a separate stop box.
Subd. 4. Manifold Renairs. When manifolds incorporating two
or more corporations are' in need of repair the manifold system
must be abandoned and a new corporation installed in accordance
with the "Material Requirements" subdivision. Furthermore, the
abandoned corporation from the manifold must be abandoned in
accordance with "Old stops plugged" subdivision. No deviation
from this subdivision is permitted unless a written special
p rmit is obtained from the superintendent.
Subd. 5. Old stoDs Dluqqed. When new buildings are erected
on the sites of old ones, and it is desired to increase or change
the old water service, no connections with .the mains are
permitted until the old corporation stops have been removed and
the main plugged or the old corporation stops have been shut off
if not leaking. When a building is demolished or being moved the
existing water service must be shut off at the main and a section
of the water line must be cut off so that a physical break
. exists.
Subd. --4-. 6. Responsibilitv of owner. The operation and
maintenance of the service pipe from the property served to the
main is the responsibility of the owner of the property served
including the corporation stop connection at the main and the
curb stop and curb box in the boulevard, and other valves and
fixtures inside the building.
Subd.-5. 7. street excavation. The street must be opened in
a manner which will occasion the least inconvenience to the
public, and provide for the passage of water along the gutters.
One half of the street must be in good and safe condition at all
times for the passage of vehicles or an adequate detour provided.
No tunneling is permitted except when the exigencies of the case
require such a permit. No excavation in any street or public
place shall be left open over night except thoroughly barricaded
or fenced off in accordance with the Minnesota Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices, and properly lighted so as to secure
public safety. When a trench for pipe must be left open during
the night, a sufficient number of lighted lanterns shall be
placed over such trench, from twilight until daylight, and the
trench shall be properly fenced.
Subd. 8. Refillinq.oDeninqs. In refilling openings the
earth must be replaced in the trench, and thoroughly tamped as
directed by the Water superintendent. The Water Superintend nt
may require new trench material hauled in and existing material
hauled away if existing material is unacceptable. Disposing of
the unacceptable material is the responsibility of the
contractor.
-Ordinance No. 92-711
Paqe of 7
c:> Subd. 6. 9. Pipes: protection.. If openings are made for
any purpose whatsoever, and water mains and service pipes
exposed, measures must be taken to protect them from frost. In
refilling openings, all the earth must be replaced in the trench,
and if the earth is frozen, it must be removed and the excavation
filled with pure bank sand, in layers of not over six inches, and
thoroughly ~ammea tamped to prevent after-settlement.
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Subd.-~. 10. Inspections. The superintendent or inspector
may examine, inspect and superintend plumbing work, excavating,
refilling, materials and fixtures. A refusal to permit such
inspection, or any interference with the inspector in the
performance of his duty, is grounds for a suspension or
forfeiture of the permit.
Subd.--8. 11. Chanqe in schedule: notice required. If the
plumber laying the service pipe fails to have the corporation
stop inserted at the time specified in the application, notice
must be left with the superintendent or inspector fixing another
day on which the plumber wishes the corporation stop to be
inserted. The notice must be given at least two days previous to
the excavation for laying of the service pipe, and the
corporation stop must be inserted before 5~ee 4:00 o'clock p.m.
local time, except in special cases, and then the work shall be
done only by written order from the superintendent.
710.21. Plumber's return. Plumbers shall make full returns of
the ordinary and special uses to which the water is designed to
be applied with a description of the apparatus and arrangements
for using the water. The return shall be made by the plumber who
obtained the permit within five days after the main is tapped and
filed with the superintendent. The plumber's return shall also
contain a correct measurement of the distance north or south,
east or west, of the particular service pipe from the nearest
corner, the, measurement to be made on the face or front of the
houses on the streets. The return shall contain the name of the
street containing the pipe which has been tapped and whether the
service pipe enters on the north, south, east or west side of the
street, and the exact location of the stop-cock, and any other
information required by the superintendent.
710.23. Leaks: failure to repair. In case of failure upon the
part of any consumer or owner to repair any leak occurring upon a
service pipe, within 24 hours after verbal or'writtennotice to
the owner or occupant of the premises, the water will be shut off
and will not be turned on until the s~m-~-~~~~r~ charges
set forth by Council resolution fias have been paid, together with
such additional sum as may be necessary to reimburse the city of
all expenses incurred by it because of such break. When the
waste of water is great, or when damage is likely to result from
the leak, the water will be turned off if the repair is not
proceeded with immediately upon the giving of the notice.
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.Ordinance No. 92-711
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710.25. Private water sunnlies. Subdivision 1. Senaration.
Water pipes of the city's public water system may not be
connected to a pump, well or tank that is connected to a private
waterworks system.
Subd. 2. Time for Connection. All properties consuming
water for domestic purpose must either connect to the municipal
water system within two years after such service becomes
available, or annually submit a water test to the city's
Inspection department that was performed by a State Certified
laboratory. This test must be submitted by May 1st of every
year, along with the proper processing fee established by Council
Resolution. Tests must indicate that the water is potable
according to the standards of the Minnesota Department of Health
and that there is no evidence of recirculated sewage, including
nitrates and coliform bacteria. If, from any cause, the water is
not potable according to the standards, or the owner fails to
submit the certification by June 15 of each given year, the owner
shall make connection with the municipal water system within 30
days after written notice is given to the owner or occupant by
th city. After the connection has been completed, the city will
notify the Department of Health of the location of any wells no
longer in use.
Subd. 3. city installation. If the owner or occupant of
any property notified in writing to install a water service and
make the proper water connections thereto, fails, refuses, or
neglects to make such connections within 30 days after written
notice pursuant to subdivision 2 has be~n given, the council may,
by resolution, direct that a water service be installed and
connections be made with the water mains and that the cost of the
installation be paid in the first instance out of the permanent
improvement revolving fund of the city, and the actual cost
thereof assessed against the property so benefited.
Subd. 4. Cost assessed. After such installation and
connections are completed, there shall be served a written notice
of such assessment and an order directing the owner or occupant
of the property to pay the assessment within ten days after the
service of notice. Upon proof of the service of such notice and
order and proof that said assessment has not been paid within the
ten days allowed, the clerk shall certify to the county auditor
for collection of other assessments and benefits. The
assessments shall be spread over a term of three years and shall
become a lien upon said property until paid.
710.27. Frozen services. It is unlawful to connect electric
welders to any portion of the water service for the purpose of
thawing out a service. Any other method used for this purpose
must be approved by the Water Superintendent.
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710. 29.r5. Meter responsibility -eam~erift~. Bftiess-~~~~~
~y--efte-s~~erift-eeftaeft-e-fte-~erseft-may-eeftftee-e-er-aiseeftftee-e-e~--eake
a~ar-e7-~~--~-~-~~-eftafl~e--e~-~-k~-~-eftftfl~ed--er
:i:ft-eerrere-w-i~ft-~ft-e-~-i"Of}-~~J:ftt;-.:i:-on--(){--a--wa1:e~-me~e~. Except
for extinguishing fires, no person except authorized city
employees may use water from the water system of the city or
permit water to be drawn therefrom, unless the water is metered
by passing through a meter supplied or approved by the city, or
unless the water is paid for on a flat rate basis when using a
hydrant. No person may connect, disconnect, take apart, or in
any manner change, or cause to change, or interfere with a meter
or the action thereof unless authorized by the Water
Superintendent. The city will maintain and repair or replace all
5/8" meters when rendered unserviceable through ordinary wear and
tear. When replacement, repair or adjustment of a meter is
rendered necessary by the act, neglect or carelessness of the
owner or occupant of a premises, the expense caused the city
thereby will be charged against and collected from the owner or
occupant of the premises by a statement of charge itemizing the
repairs. The property may be tagged and appropriately charged,
and the water service maybe disconnected until the cause is
corrected and the charge collected. Repair and maintenance of
meters over 5/8" shall be the responsibility of the property
owner. Maintenance of meters over 5/81. shall include:
c rtification testing once every ten years or when de med
necessary by the city's utility billing department, necessary
meter repairs to correct deficiencies, and submittal of test
results to the city's billing department demonstrating meter is
accurate. All 5/8" water meters are the property of the city,
and may be replaced or changed by the Water Superintendent when
n cessary. Failure to allow the city access to the water met r
for inspection or repair purposes, or failure to test and repair
meters over 5/8" after 30 days written notice from the city shall
be considered an act of negligence and shall be subject to a fine
of $100 per month including the 30 day notice period. A person
violating this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and the
superintendent may disconnect the water supply to such meter.
710.31.rT. Hvdrants: tamperinq. A fire hydrant may not be
opened without the proper authority. Any person violating this
section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and in addition thereto
shall be liable to the city for the value, at regular city rates,
for the amount of water running out of the hydrant during the
period it was open, as such amount of water may be determined by
the superintendent.
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710.33. Snecial Connections. Where a connection is made to an
automatic sprinkler system, stand pipe for standby service only,
or a fire hydrant on private property, meters or detector check
valves must be installed on such services as required by the
city. Should it be found that water n9t metered is used through
a fire connection for any purpose other than the extinguishing of
fir upon the premises, the owner and occupant will be notified,
and if such improper conditions are not corrected wi thin ten
days, the water will be shut off until proper adjustments ar
made and the owner shall be subject to the penalties as provided
in this ordinance. Regular inspections shall be made of all fire
s rvice connections with all piping, fire gates and other
attached appurtenances. Employees of the Water and Fire
departments shall have access to the premise for such inspection
and shall keep a record of all inspections made.
710.35.r9. Water towers: checkinq. It is unlawful for a person
to ascend the ladders or steps connected with the water towers or
tanks Qf the city, or stand upon the platforms thereof, unless
authorized to do so by the superintendent or manager. violation
of this subsection is a misdemeanor.
T~e.--~rr---ei~v-~1::--~~~~.---~-e-i~y--b&-~--~4-a~~-~e~-~
ae:Eieieftey-~~-~-a-~~-~~-~fte--!t~~~ly-~~-~~-~~-eeftS~merS7
wfte-efter- eee6.-S.ft. eflea- -by- -9b\.rt-t:-i:ng--1:-ae -wa-eer- ~-f- ~~-t~ -1""t:r~pese -e:E
mak~fl~-re~a~rs-er-eeflftee~~eflS7-er-:Eer-afty-e~fter-ea~se.
710. 37. Subdivision 1. Riqht to shut off water or vary wat r
nressure. The Public Works department reserves the right, at any
time when necessary and without notice, to discontinue wat r
supply or to vary water pressure for the purpose of making
repairs or extensions or for any other purpose deemed to be in
the best interest of the general public health and welfare. No
claim shall be made against the city for any damage that may
result from shutting off water or from varying the water
pressure. The Public Works department shall give notice prior to
shutting off water if conditions are such that it is possible to
do so.
710.39 Pressure and SUDDlv not quaranteed. The Public Works
department does not guarantee the customer any fixed pressure or
a continuous supply. In emergencies water may be shut off
without notice.
710.41 Disclaimer of liability. The Public Works department
shall not be held responsible by reason of the breaking of any
service pipe or apparatus, frozen water services, shut-off,
fixtures within the premise, for failure in the supply of water, .
or variances in pressure.
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710.43~33. Authoritv: manaqer. The manager, with the approval
.of the council, may make rules and regulations supplemental and
in addition to the terms and provisions of this section
regulating and governing the water werks utility system and the
employees of the city working in, or assigned to the water
utility werks department. The manager may limit, regulate or
prohibit the use of city water furnished by the city water-werks
utility to any person and may, with the approval of the council,
issue orders or regulations from time to time prohibiting or
otherwise regulating the use of city-furnished water for
sprinkling, air conditioning or any other use which' may in the
opinion of the manager be detrimental to the proper maintenance
and functioning of the city water-werks utility system or to the
health, safety and general welfare of the residents of the city.
First Reading:
May 19, 1992
Second Reading:
July 21, 1992
Date of Publication:
July 29, 1992
Date Ordinance Takes Effect:
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Attest: