Board hears update on lead service‑line outreach; plant operator reports routine repairs and frozen‑meter procedures

Rochester Water Department staff told the board on March 2 that crews scheduled for lead service‑line replacements have not mobilized because they need resident contact information and to complete final inspections.

Staff said they requested a spreadsheet of contact information for residents on Pontiac and Jefferson, and that Tina is preparing the list with Abigail’s assistance. The department plans to re‑mail letters to residents who previously declined an inspection to offer one more opportunity; if residents sign and an inspection shows replacement is needed, crews will include those properties in the project. Staff noted mobilization depends on completing inspections and suitable weather.

The plant operator provided the monthly operations report for February. He said crews repaired two 6‑inch main leaks (East 16th in Madison; Wabash Avenue and Brown Street) and a 4‑inch main leak at East 14th and Elm Street with sewer department assistance. The operator discussed frozen‑meter incidents: most freezes occur in meter pits and are repaired by replacing the magnet or the chamber if damaged; the department uses pit heaters (referred to as "salamanders") to thaw pits and prevent recurring freezes. The operator said the office is notified when a meter is replaced so inventory and billing can be updated.

Board members asked staff to try one more outreach to residents who declined and to ensure documentation is kept if a property owner refuses service-line work.