Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hears update on water meter replacement after contractor error flooded vacant building
Summary
City staff reported about 1,494 new meters installed as of May 15 and described a contractor error that activated a new meter without owner notice, flooding a vacant storage building; the contractor accepted responsibility and work to restore the property is underway. Council agreed citizens should have access to shut-off valves; no action taken.
City staff updated the council on the water meter replacement project, reporting that the contractor had installed approximately 1,494 meters as of May 15, 2025 and provides daily progress reports to the city. Staff said there have been some minor issues and one larger incident in which "the new meter was installed, turned on without notifying the owner, and it flooded a vacant building being used for storage." The contractor accepted responsibility and is working to restore the property; city crews assisted by turning off the water and performing initial clean-up.
Council discussed concerns about customer access to new locked meter boxes and to turning water off or on. Under current city policy only the city may turn water on or off, and the new meter boxes are locked to protect wiring and equipment. During discussion council members agreed that citizens should have access to their shut-off/turn-on valve, and staff said they are trying to resolve that operational challenge. No formal action was taken at the meeting.
