City staff presented proposed updates to Chapter 17 to formalize Punta Gorda’s cross‑connection control program and expand compliance tracking beyond commercial properties.

Matthew Webb, the city’s cross‑connection control coordinator, told the board the program currently focuses on commercial and multi‑family properties (three or more units are treated as commercial for cross‑connection purposes) and uses BSI Online as the compliance platform for inspection submissions, contractor certifications and automated notifications. Webb said the priority is public health: the program prevents contaminated water from getting into the distribution system and aligns with Florida Administrative Code requirements.

Staff described a phased approach for residential properties. Webb said the city would likely grandfather existing single‑family connections and trigger residential compliance at the time of sale or utility transfer to avoid sudden burdens on homeowners. He described inspection options (annual testing for some devices, extended intervals for dual check valves), enforcement letters and escalation timelines that BSI can manage automatically.

Cost estimates Webb offered to the board: residential backflow installation $700–$1,300 (new unit out of the box), moving an existing device is billed at hourly rates, and typical annual inspection costs run about $75–$150. Staff emphasized the device is customer‑owned and maintained; the city would keep the compliance database and send notices but not perform routine private‑side maintenance.

Board members asked how inspections are performed; Webb described attaching gauges to test pressures and performing a gauge test that typically takes 10–15 minutes per device. Staff noted some municipalities take full control of devices, but Punta Gorda intends to require private plumbers to perform tests and submit results through BSI to avoid large city staffing and liability costs.

Matt Webb offered to provide contact information for residents and answer follow‑up questions; staff agreed to develop public education materials explaining the program and the city’s compliance obligations.

Next steps: Chapter 17 second reading was set for Dec. 3; staff will continue drafting residential language, refine the inspection cadence and prepare outreach materials.