Council discusses draft code to let owners suspend water service for long-term vacant properties, proposes $60 annual charge

Council members discussed a draft amendment to the Connell Municipal Code that would let owners of long-term unoccupied properties request suspension of water service similar to an existing sewer suspension rule. The draft, read into the record by Speaker S1, proposes a $60 yearly charge while a property remains classified as unoccupied, a full month's water charge during the month service is discontinued or restored, and a $25 reconnect fee. It also allows the city to remove meters for properties unoccupied three years or longer and treat later reconnection as a new-connection cost plus a 20% master-fee surcharge.

Speaker S1 framed the change as closing a gap: "Under the current Connell municipal code CMC 13 22 30 sewer, a resident has the ability to submit a written request to discontinue sewer service at no charge when a property is unoccupied. However, there is no similar provision within the municipal code that allows a residence to discontinue water service under the same circumstances." The drafted water provision would mirror the sewer approach while charging a modest annual fee to maintain the connection in a suspended state.

Councilmembers asked how many properties would be affected; estimates ranged from at least three to six properties now paying the minimum water bill while unoccupied. Members also raised implementation questions: create a short written form to request suspension; include a signed liability waiver stating the city is not responsible for damage such as frozen pipes after the owner requests shutoff; and clarify the minimum suspension period (the draft uses at least one year).

Officials agreed staff will convert the draft text into code-format language and bring it back to a future meeting for formal consideration. No ordinance vote occurred at the Feb. 4 meeting.