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Committee adopts neighborhood water-extension policy with mandatory-connection requirement and Appendix D linkage
Summary
The Utility Policy Committee approved a water-extension policy to help neighborhoods extend mains with roughly 30% resident cost-share, conditioned on township adoption of mandatory-connection ordinances and a required resident petition threshold; the policy references Appendix D fee schedule.
The Utility Policy Committee voted to adopt a neighborhood water-extension policy that directs the system to support water-main extensions when neighborhoods and their townships meet specified conditions, including a required township ordinance for mandatory connection and a resident petition showing community support.
Committee discussion and the motion centered on two clarifying changes: (1) aligning the policy’s fee and reimbursement references to Appendix D (the water services agreement fee schedule) so the dollar figure will update with Appendix D; and (2) adding an explicit step that the township must provide documentation of an adopted mandatory-connection ordinance before the system advances a project. Committee members said that change protects the utility from starting a project where a future township board might later rescind support.
The policy as discussed envisions the system paying roughly 70% of pipe costs while residents in the affected neighborhood would pay approximately 30% of the pipe cost; the policy requires a resident petition demonstrating at least 50% of property owners in favor before the project progresses. Committee members clarified that the 50% petition does not guarantee immediate connections — it starts the project, and individual connections may occur later, often when a well fails or when property owners choose to connect.
Staff confirmed the reference amount in the packet would be reflected through Appendix D and cited an example figure of $73.50 (the packet references Appendix D’s evolving reimbursement calculations). The committee moved, discussed and approved the policy with the two amendments and then recorded the motion as carried.
Ending: Staff will update the policy document to show the appended changes and maintain the Appendix D linkage so fee references update annually.
