Board discusses utility operations: pool-fill sewer billing, tank cleaning incident, fall flushing and trash pickup enforcement

Water and Sewer Board members spent substantial time on operational concerns at the special meeting, including how sewer usage is billed for residents who fill swimming pools, a contractor equipment incident during tank exterior work, the city's fall flushing schedule and ongoing issues with curbside pickup and people leaving bulk items out of season.

Staff said sewer bills are calculated from measured water use and that a resident who filled a pool called to ask whether a higher sewer charge would apply. Staff said they will review the customer's usage and whether the amount exceeds the customer's minimum and report back; the board noted capital charges would not change but usage-based sewer fees could increase if metered water reflects higher consumption.

Board staff described a tank-cleaning vendor bringing a large lift onto city property; the vendor's equipment became stuck on a stone surface near buried pipes. Staff said crews used chains to pull the equipment out and filled the dug-in area with appropriate backfill; no final damage was reported but staff said they will adjust procedures and avoid similar access routes in the future.

Staff announced the city's fall flushing program will begin on the 22nd (advertisement in process) and encouraged residents to watch posted notices; they also discussed repeated complaints about residents placing bulk items and yard waste outside of designated pickup windows. Staff said the city posts notices and follows up with enforcement when items are left out after pickup periods, and acknowledged that communication and public compliance remain challenges.

Board members asked staff to follow up on the pool-billing inquiry and to continue outreach on flushing and pickup schedules.