(2/20) The Town Council adopted an ordinance at their February 18 meeting that empowers town staff to enter private property and inspect privately owned portions (lateral connection lines) of the wastewater collection system.

If such private lines are found faulty or malfunctioning with regard to the conveyance of wastewater, such as a cracked or damaged pipeline, the ordinance further provides the town with the power to compel the property owner or owners to repair or replace the offending section of pipeline.

Mayor Kinnaird, previously stated at the board's January 28 meeting, as the consideration of the adoption of the ordinance got publicly underway, that the evolving ordinance was part of an effort to find a means to address "ongoing I&I (infiltration and inflow) project to resolve issues... (and) try and eliminate wild water coming in through residential laterals (pipes on private lands which connect to the public system)."

I&I generally refers to storm-water runoff, or snowfall-melt water, getting into the wastewater collection system, thus contributing to an excessive amount of water.

As per the adopted ordinance, property owners would be given 180 days to repair or replace any faulty sections of wastewater collection piping on their land. The property owner would be permitted to have the work done, or to have the town do it, using whatever contractor the town would opt to engage.

Mayor Kinnaird asked Jim Humerick, chief administrative officer, at the February 18 meeting, "If we do the work and it goes on the water bill, should we, or should we not automatically put a lien on the property?"

Humerick said, "I spoke to our attorney, and her comment was that (a lien) is our only real guarantee that we would be able to get reimbursed for what we put up-front for this program. She said that would be the best course of action."

The board decided if the town performs the work, the costs would be added to the property owner's water bill.

If a property owner declines to make the repair, or can't afford it, and the town makes the repair or replacement, the property owner will not be charged any interest on the amount due, if paid off in a year. If there is a balance going forward from the first year that balance would be levied a three-percent interest.

After 365 days, the board would initiate a seven-year lien against the property. If the property owner failed to pay when the term of the lien ends, the town could initiate foreclosure on the property.

Related story: Town seeks to address faulty sewer connections