City officials tell homeowners to install city‑side sewer cleanouts; city cites private‑property limits

Councilors and staff debated a recurring sewer cleanout problem after residents reported raw sewage and failed private repairs. A council member asked why the city could not complete a cleanout that contractors and homeowners paid for; the mayor and staff explained the legal limits.

The city attorney summarized the constraint: "The city cannot go on private property," explaining that work from the homeowner's hookup into the house is the homeowner's responsibility and the city is limited by statute and liability concerns.

City staff (Markham) said staff walked the site with the homeowner and explained the process; he encouraged homeowners who do not have a cleanout on the city right‑of‑way to purchase and install one so the city can maintain it without sending crews onto private property. "It's free of charge for the city to come and maintain it," Markham said, adding that crews need the right‑of‑way access to avoid potential liability and equipment or man‑hour costs.

Council members pressed for a written citation showing the statutory requirement and asked staff to provide the specific ordinance or code language for clarity. The attorney and staff said they would provide the relevant orders and legal language and encouraged residents to contact the office for an explanation.

Next steps: staff to provide the board and the resident with the relevant ordinance or statute language and to advise homeowners about installing a right‑of‑way cleanout to allow city maintenance without additional cost to the city.