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Morton amends code to require inspection and reporting for private fire hydrants
Summary
Board adopted ordinance 26‑O2 requiring annual inspections of private fire hydrants by qualified contractors, mandated reporting through Compliance Engine, and clarified billing practice for prior private hydrant agreements.
The Village of Morton on May 19 adopted Ordinance 26‑O2 amending Chapter 6 of Title 5 of the municipal code to set duties for owners of private fire hydrants. The ordinance requires annual inspections paid for by private hydrant owners, and it requires inspection reports to be submitted through Compliance Engine, the software used by the fire chief.
Director of Public Works (speaking with fire chief and water distribution superintendent involvement) explained the rule is intended to document private-hydrant condition, allow the fire chief to see noncompliant hydrants and work with owners to correct deficiencies. The ordinance preserves village access for inspection and operation where needed and leaves existing billing practices intact; staff said some prior private-hydrant agreements historically placed a $5-per-month charge on utility bills.
Trustees voted in favor of the ordinance. The text directs staff to send letters to private owners explaining responsibilities and the compliance process. The ordinance does not change inspection requirements for fire department connections mounted on building sides, which the meeting identified as a separate inspection process.
