City manager reverses sewer‑lateral processing changes and says rebate program will resume

City Manager Naomi Kelly told the council the city has returned to prior processing rules for sewer laterals and will resume a temporarily paused sewer‑lateral rebate program now that staffing is being restored.

Kelly said she reversed a recent process change and described the current rule: a sewer lateral permit and video inspection are required when a building permit adds two or more plumbing fixtures, for a change of use, or when replacing or repairing sewer laterals in certain circumstances. She emphasized she will ensure applicants in midstream are notified of the change.

On the rebate program, Kelly said the program was paused because of staffing shortages but that applications were not withdrawn and remain time‑stamped in order of submission. She said staff has onboarded a consultant who became an employee and has made an offer to another hire; with staffing restored, the program will resume. Kelly specified rebate details: the program is available to residential properties up to four dwelling units; it offers 50% of construction costs up to $4,500 for full replacements, up to $1,000 for repairs, with additional caps for specific conditions (e.g., longer than 100 feet or deeper than 10 feet may have a different cap). Kelly said staff will increase public education and outreach and is exploring voluntary homeowner sewer‑line insurance options.