HomeMy WebLinkAboutA002 - Council Action Form dated October 24, 2017 F
ITEM # 30
DATE 10-24-17
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: REVISIONS TO CHAPTER 28
BACKGROUND:
Staff has prepared a series of updates to Chapter 28 to address a number of different
goals.
• To better reflect current practice by City staff. (For example, with the start of the
Automated Meter Reading (AMR) project, changes to the Code were necessary
to reflect the new technology and its requirements.)
• To provide additional flexibility to Water & Pollution Control, Utility Customer
Services, and Public Works when addressing the needs of customers.
• To use more uniform nomenclature throughout the Code and better reflect the
common terminology being used in the industry today.
Staff reviewed these changes with Council at the October 17 workshop. There have
been two changes made based on feedback during the workshop. The first is
clarification to Section 28.205 (2) (c).
Sec. 28.205. LOCATIONAND ACCESSIBILITY
(2) Multi family dwellings.
(a) In a duplex, the preferred meter location is in the a joint basement or
mechanical room. If this is not possible, efteh individual meter(s) must be in the
private occupancy area (utility room,for example) of that dwelling unit.
(b) In multi family dwellings on one level, the preferred meter location is in a
joint mechanical, utility, or meter room. However, with prior approval,
individual meters may be located in the utility room of each dwelling unit.
(c) In multi family dwellings on more than one level, meters shall be eengregRted
located in a mechanical/utility or meter rooms in the basement or
first floor level of the building where the service line comes through the wall or
floor. Loeatien of Individual meters are prohibited from being located in each
indiv" apartment's utility room. er apartment is-prehibWd In an qp6wtmen
previded at the pei A floor drain must also be provided in the mechanical or
meter room.
The second change from what was presented on October 17 is the removal of proposed
Section 28.309 ("Pretreatment Local Limits Established"), pending a determination from
the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on the need for a public notification and
comment period before establishing the limits in our ordinance.
Still included is the requirement for individual water meters for apartment and
commercial buildings in Section 28.214. This requirement is recommended primarily
as a means to encourage water conservation and provide better water accountability.
Also still included is the requirement in Section 28.214(1) to remove and replace
all lead components in a service line when a repair is necessary. The cost of that
replacement is the responsibility of the property owner, unless the line is disturbed by a
City water main project.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve on first reading an ordinance to amend Chapter 28 related to Division II
Water Service and Division III Sewers.
2. Do not approve Chapter 28 changes at this time.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Many of the proposed changes reflect current practice by the department and it is
important to have the code reflect those current practices. Staff presented the proposed
changes to Council at a workshop on October 17, 2017. Following that workshop, two
adjustments were made to the proposed ordinance based on feedback received that
evening. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council
adopt Alternative No. 1 as stated above.
I
I J
ORDINANCE NO. a
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF
OF AMES,IOWA,BY ENACTING A NEW SECTION 28.201 Ti
28.504 THEREOF, FOR THE PURPOSE OF WATER III
REVISIONS ; REPEALING ANY AND ALL ORDINANCES C _
OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT TO THE EXTENT OF SUCH
CONFLICT; PROVIDING A PENALTY; AND ESTABLISHING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ENACTED,by the City Council for the City of Ames,Iowa,that:
Section One. The Municipal Code of the City of Ames,Iowa shall be and the same is hereby amended by
enacting a new Section 28.201 through 28.504 as follows:
� ``M�`��.WATER'�ERUICE :x.�4wl
Sec.28.201.WATER RATES AND CHARGES
The rates and charges for water supplied to consumers by the water utility of the city,to be billed on or after July 1,
2010 are as follows:
(1) Residential Rates.
(a) Availability. The residential rate shall apply to all customer accounts within the Ames
corporate limits serving properties that are intended for occupancy by a single family as defined
by the Ames Zoning Ordinance,provided that such accounts consist of no more than two dwelling
units served by a single water meter or to multiple unit residential structures (such as apartment
buildings)where every dwelling unit is separately metered. The rate does not apply to domestic
uses that consist of more than two dwelling units served by a single meter or to water accounts
that provide service for common areas such as shared laundry facilities or for general property
maintenance.
(b) Rate per billing period.For each monthly billing period a residential rate customer:
(f) shall be charged a minimum charge based on meter size,and in addition
(ii) shall be charged for water usage during the billing periods as follows:
(a)for bills mailed on or between July 1 and October 31 (summer period):
$0.0173 per cubic foot for the first 1000 cubic feet of usage
$0.0306 per cubic foot for the next 1500 cubic feet of usage
$0.0459 per cubic foot for all usage over 2500 cubic feet
(b)for bills mailed on or between November 1 and June 30(winter period):
$0.0173 per cubic foot
(2) Non-residential(Commercial)Rates
(a) Availability. The non-residential rate shall apply to all accounts that do not meet the
criteria for residential,irrigation and yard water,rural water,or non-peaking industrial rates.
(b) Rate per billing period: For each monthly billing period a non-residential customer:
(i)shall be charged a minimum charge based on meter size,and in addition
(ii)shall be charged for water usage during the billing periods as follows:
(a)for bills mailed on or between July 1 and October 31 (summer period):
$0.0227 per cubic foot
(b)for bills mailed on or between November 1 and June 30(winter period):
$0.0173 per cubic foot
(3) Non-Peaking Industrial Rate.
(a) Availability. The non-peaking industrial rate shall be available to all non-residential rate
customers who submit an acceptable application and meet the following criteria:
(i)Average winter usage greater than 100,000 cubic feet per billing period.
Average winter usage per billing period will be calculated by taking the sum of the usage
during the most previous December, January, and February billing periods and dividing
by three.
(ii)A summer peaking factor equal to or less than 120%. The summer peaking
factor shall be computed by taking the largest consumption from the previous June, July,
August, and September billing periods and dividing it by the average winter usage, with
the result expressed as a percentage.
(b) Application for Non-peaking Industrial Rate. It is the responsibility of the customer to
apply for the non-peaking industrial rate each calendar year. The application shall be on a form provided by the
Utility Customer Service Division. Approved applications will be valid for one summer season after which the
customer shall be moved back to the non-residential rate.
(c) Rate per Billing Period. For each monthly billing period a non-peaking industrial rate
customer:
(i)shall be charged a minimum charge based on meter size,and in addition
(ii)shall be charged for water usage during the billing periods as follows:
(a)for bills mailed on or between July 1 and October 31 (summer period):
$0.0173 per cubic foot
(b)for bills mailed on or between November 1 and June 30(winter period):
$0.0173 per cubic foot
(4) Irrigation and Yard Water Service Rate.
(a) Availability. The irrigation and yard water rate shall apply to all separately metered
water uses that meet one of the following criteria:
(i) Serves primarily outdoor water uses,such as irrigation systems and outside hose bibs.
(ii) Serves cooling towers, spray ponds, evaporative condensers, chillers, or such similar
uses where water is used as a medium for cooling.
(iii) Serves as a temporary water service, whether for irrigation purposes or for other
outdoor uses.
(b) Rate per Billing Period. For each monthly billing period an irrigation and yard water
rate customer:
(i)shall be charged a minimum charge as described below, and in addition
(ii)shall be charged for water usage during billing periods as follows:
(a)for bills mailed on or between July 1 and October 31 (summer period):
$0.0250 per cubic foot for the first 2000 cubic feet of usage
$0.0459 per cubic foot for the next 3000 cubic feet of usage
$0.0765 per cubic foot for all usage greater than 5000 cubic feet.
(b)for bills mailed on or between November 1 and June 30(winter period):
$0.0173 per cubic foot
(5) Rural Water Rate.
(a) Availability. The rural water rate shall apply to all customer accounts outside the Ames
corporate limits,except those covered by a separate wholesale contract or agreement for service.
(b) Rate per billing period.For each monthly billing period, a rural water rate customer:
(i) shall be charged a Rural water minimum charge based on meter size.
(ii) shall be charged for water usage during billing periods as follows:
(a)for bills mailed on or between July 1 and October 31 (summer period):
$0.0287 per cubic foot for the first 2000 cubic feet of usage
$0.0528 per cubic foot for the next 3000 cubic feet of usage
$0.0879 per cubic foot for all usage greater than 5000 cubic feet.
(b)for bills mailed on or between November 1 and June 30(winter period):
$0.0199 per cubic foot for all consumption.
(6) Water Rate and Charge Adjustments. It shall be the duty of the director of water and pollution
control to review and recommend to the city council revisions of the rates and charges established and set out in this
division at intervals appropriate to provide for the funding needs of the utility.
(7) Minimum charges. For each monthly billing,each customer shall be
charged a minimum monthly charge based on the size of the water meter (s) and/or irrigation meter (s) at each
location. The minimum monthly charge may be prorated,based on a 30-day billing period,for the customer's initial
and/or final bills,provided that in no case shall the minimum monthly charge be less than four dollars and twenty-
five cents($4.25). The minimum monthly charge for each water meter location shall be as follows:
Residential,
Non-residential,
Size of Non-peaking Industrial, Yard Water Rural Water
Meter and Irrigation Accounts Accounts Accounts
5/8"or 5/8"x3/4" 8.85 3.35 10.20
3/4 inch 17.70 5.20 20.35
1 inch 35.40 7.25 40.70
1-1/2 inch 70.80 10.00 81.45
2 inch 141.60 13.30 162.90
2 inch,battery of 2 274.35 -- 315.70
2 inch,battery of 3 407.10 -- 468.45
3 inch 283.20 17.30 325.90
4 inch 477.90 21.50 549.90
6 inch 796.50 25.75 916.50
8 inch 1,593.00 30.00 1,832.60
10 inch 2,389.50 34.20 2,750.00
(8) Multiple dwellings-Mobile home parks.Existing multiple dwellings,including mobile home
parks,may continue to be served from a single water meter. However,there shall be a surcharge added to the water
rates set forth above,to be calculates as follows:
For a 5/8 inch meter serving 2 or more dwelling units.............................. 2.55/month/unit
For a'/o inch meter serving 4 or more dwelling units................................ 2.55/month/unit
For a 1 inch meter serving 8 or more dwelling units................................. 2.55/month/unit
For a 1-1/2 inch meter serving 16 or more dwelling units......................... 2.55/month/unit
For a 2 inch meter serving 30 or more dwelling units.................................... 76.25/month
for the first 30 units plus$3.95/month per unit for each
additional unit in excess of 30 units
For a 3 inch or larger meter serving any number of dwelling units...........3.50/month/unit
For the purposes of this section, a dwelling unit is defined as a self-contained living facility(i.e.,including
kitchen and bath)such as an apartment or a licensed independent mobile home space.
(a) For rural customer accounts outside the Ames corporate limits,the multiple unit charges
shown above shall be multiplied by a factor of 1.15.
(9) Unintentional Summer Water Use. During the summer billing periods,the City Manager or the
Manager's designee shall have the authority to approve an adjustment to a customer's water, yard water, or
irrigation charges if there was unintentional water usage as the result of a malfunction of an appliance or a plumbing
fixture (e.g. water heater, washing machine, toilet, or irrigation system) and the unintentional usage exceeds the
customer's average summer usage by at least one thousand cubic feet. To be eligible for an adjustment, the
customer must provide documentation from the person who repaired the malfunction (e.g. plumber, maintenance
worker)which describes the cause of the malfunction and the action taken to correct the malfunction. The amount
of the adjustment shall not exceed the difference between the actual water, yard water, or irrigation charges billed
and the charges that would have been billed using the winter rate.
Sec.28.202. WATER SERVICE,CONNECTION CHARGE.
(1) Generally.There is established hereby,as a fee for connection to the water main, such charge as
the City Council shall by resolution set for the property served by and adjacent to the main,provided that no water
utility special assessment connection fee has been imposed previously with respect to said land and the main was
financed with funds of the City.
(a) Rural water connections.If an existing water main is adjacent to a rural property,rural
water customers shall pay a fee for connection to the water main as provided generally above. If no main is adjacent
to the property, the City will construct a temporary water service line to property to be used until such time as a
water main is constructed adjacent to the property. The rural customer shall pay the entire actual cost for design and
installation of the temporary line in accord with the City's engineering fee schedule then in effect. Additionally, at
such time as a main becomes adjacent to the property, the rural customer shall be required to connect to that main
and shall pay a fee for connection to that main in accordance with the connection fee schedule then in effect.
(Ord.No. 4010, 9-22-09)
Sec.28.203. METERS FURNISHED AND OWNED.
(1) All water meters shall be furnished and owned by the City. The customer shall pay for the water
meter(s) according to the current schedule of fees for meter installations as stated in Appendix Q of the Municipal
Code.
(2) The type and size of meter(s) to be installed may be'reviewed with the customer or customer's
representative, but the Water and Pollution Control Department shall have final authority to select the meter(s)
considered most appropriate for the proposed installation. No water meter shall be set nor shall the water service be
turned on unless the location and setting comply with the code and all fees and deposits have been paid. If any
customer requests a meter for a new installation, and has any unpaid fees or charges for other locations, no new
meters shall be set until all fees and charges are paid in full.
(3) Locations with irrigation systems may be required to install a separate meter, and have a separate
utility account for the irrigation system. The requirement for a separate meter will be based on maintaining accuracy
and accountability and will be determined by the Water and Pollution Control Department.
(Ord. No. 854, Sec. 45; Code 1956, Sec. 31-45; Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
Water Meter Sizing Guide
Maximum Number of Fixture Units Normal Operating Flow Range Meter Size Typical Residential
As Determined from UPC Table 6-4 to In gallons per minute(gpm) and Commercial Applications with
Size Service Lines and Meters Flush Tanks
29 `/4-20 5/8"x 3/4"Positive Displacement
52 `/4-30 3/4"Positive Displacement
125 `/2-50 1"Positive Displacement
275 1 —80 1'/z"Positive Displacement or
Ultrasonic
Sec.28.204. METER TO REMAIN WHERE INSTALLED
(1) The water meter(s)shall remain at the address in which installed and shall remain in the same
location as first installed unless the relocation is approved by the Water Meter Division. In the event the owner or
occupant moves from the building,the meter(s)remains with the building. If the building is demolished or moved
from the lot,the meter(s)shall be removed and returned to the City. If the building is moved to another location,the
owner shall pay applicable meter fees for the new location.
(2) Meter fees will also be charged for the new meter(s)set at the previous location. This meter fee
may be prorated if the new meter(s)is set within six months of the notice to the Finance Department to discontinue
service.
(3) Only employees of the Water Meter Division are authorized to remove meters except as provided
in Section 28.210(2). A resetting fee,at the current rate stated in appendix Q of the municipal code,shall be
assessed for removal of a meter without authorization.
(Ord. No. 854, Sec. 46; Code 1956, Sec. 31-46; Ord. No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
Sec.28.205. LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY
(1) Basement mechanical room. The water meter(s) shall be located in the basement or
mechanical/utility room if one is provided. The water meter(s) shall be placed where the water service line comes
through the basement wall or basement floor. Where no basement is provided, the meter(s) shall be placed where
the service line comes through the floor of the utility room. Meters shall be indoors and protected from freezing. A
floor drain shall be located in the room containing the meter(s). Meters cannot be located above the first or ground
floor level under any conditions. Only the individual water meter(s) serving a dwelling unit can be located within
the private occupancy space of that dwelling unit.
(2) Multi-family dwellings.
(a) In a duplex,the preferred meter location is in a joint basement or mechanical room. If this is
not possible, individual meter(s)must be in the private occupancy area(utility room,for example)of that dwelling
unit.
(b)In multi-family dwellings on one level,the preferred meter location is in a joint mechanical,
utility,or meter room. However,with prior approval,individual meters may be located in the utility room of each
dwelling unit.
(c)In multi-family dwellings on more than one level,meters shall be located in mechanical/utility
or meter room in the basement or first floor level of the building where the service line comes through the wall or
floor. Individual meters are prohibited from being located in each apartment's utility room. A floor drain must also
be provided in the mechanical or meter room.
(3) Meter setting height. Single water meters shall be set at a height not less than 30 inches and not
more than 42 inches above the finished floor. A minimum of 18 inches of clear space is required above and below
the meter,and a minimum of 36 inches of clearance is required in front of the meter for maintenance purposes.
(a) Multiple water meters may be stacked vertically, and offset, within general limits of not
less than 20 inches and not more than 48 inches above the finished floor. A scaled drawing of the proposed
manifold installation shall be submitted to the Water and Pollution Control Department for review and approval. A
master shut-off valve shall be provided where the meter manifold is connected to the building's domestic water
service. The meter manifold shall be located in a common mechanical room accessible for meter maintenance and
reading purposes. The piping on the discharge side of each meter shall be permanently labeled for the corresponding
unit served. For commercial installations, access to the meter room by means of an exterior door is recommended.
Refer to the Reference Guide for Obtaining Permits and Utility Services for New Construction for an example of a
typical manifold installation.
(b) When a backflow assembly for containment is installed where a meter manifold is
present,the assembly shall be installed according to the requirements of Section 5.208. (8)(b)(viii)of the Municipal
Code.
(c) For manifold installations where non-metallic pipe is used for supply piping,a minimum
of 24 inches of rigid pipe shall be installed on the vertical rise on the discharge side of the water meter. The
discharge piping shall be attached directly to the wall to maintain proper spacing and alignment for the meter setting.
(4) Accessibility. All water meters shall be in an accessible location. There shall be no obstruction or
storage of other materials preventing access to the meter. The meter shall not be placed above or behind a furnace,
water heater, washer or dryer, or other such arrangement limiting access to the meter. For meters one inch and
smaller,a minimum of 18 inches of clearance above and below the meter and a minimum of 36 inches in front of the
meter is necessary for meter maintenance and routine change. For meters larger than one inch, a minimum of 24
inches of working clearance above and below and 36 inches in front of the meter is necessary for maintenance
purposes.
(Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
(5) Access Granted. As a condition of service, all customers must consent to provide access to the
property for the purposes of meter reading, and to perform routine and emergency service and maintenance of the
water meter.Failure or refusal to grant access may result in termination of water service.
(Ord.No. 4010, 09-22-09)
Sec.28.206. METER VALVES
There shall be an inverted key, ring style, locking-type meter valve of Ford KV-23-332W or Ford KV13-332W
pattern for 3/a" pipe size, Ford KV-23-444W or Ford KV-13-444W pattern for 1" pipe size, Ford FV-23-666W or
Ford FV-13-666W pattern for 1-1/2"pipe size,Ford FV23-777W or Ford FV13-777W pattern for 2"pipe size.The
appropriate meter valve shall be attached to every water service pipe inside the building wall. Other brands of meter
valves of equivalent specifications will be allowed. The valve shall not be set less than two and one-half feet above
the finished floor. There shall also be a valve installed on the discharge side of each meter.
(Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
Sec.28.207. METER ACCESSORIES
(1) Bypass. A valved bypass line shall be provided for every commercial water meter installation
5/8" x 3/4" inch and larger so that the meter can be removed without interrupting service to the customer. All
valved bypass lines shall be equipped with a ball valve with a locking mechanism which shall be closed and sealed
by the Water Meter Division. If the seal is broken for any reason except as may be authorized by the Water Meter
Division,the customer shall be billed for unauthorized use of water at the current rate stated in Appendix Q of the
Municipal Code.
(2) Jumper wire. All water services constructed of metallic pipe material shall have a jumper wire
installed around the water meter to ground the water piping when the water meter is removed for testing or
maintenance. A jumper wire is not required where meter installations are equipped with a meter bypass constructed
of metallic pipe material. The use of the water service as a primary ground for the electrical,telephone,cable TV,or
other systems is prohibited. In the event the water service is constructed of non-metallic pipe material, neither
primary nor secondary grounding is permitted. If a water service is constructed of non-metallic pipe material, a
jumper wire is not required.
(3) Water Meter Supports. If a water service is constructed of non-metallic pipe material,the water
meter shall be supported or mounted in an approved manner at the location specified in Sec. 28.205. Acceptable
supports include a shelf attached/anchored to the building wall or a steel support anchored in the concrete floor. The
support shall be of sufficient strength to hold the weight of the meter and accessories. A temporary support may be
used for construction meters.
(Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
Sec.28.208. METER PITS
Meter pits will generally not be approved because of the difficulty and safety hazards in meter reading and mainte-
nance. For meter installations one-inch and smaller, pre-fabricated meter pits which do not require entry may be
approved by the Water and Pollution Control Department. Installations for meters larger than one-inch, especially
those requiring a backflow prevention assembly,shall be installed above grade in an enclosed structure and insulated
and/or heated to prevent freezing.
(Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
Sec.28.209. RADIO READ DEVICE
(1) New meter installations. All new water meter installations shall have a radio read device. Any
residential dwelling units located within the City of Ames municipal electric service territory may have the radio
read device located inside the dwelling. All commercial buildings, located within the City of Ames municipal
electric service territory, and any residential or commercial buildings located outside of the City of Ames municipal
electric utility territory, shall install, for each meter, a 22/3 gauge, stranded, shielded wire with plastic sheath from
the water meter on the inside of the building to within three feet of the electric meter on the outside of the building.
Meters located in meter pits or vaults shall have the radio read device located inside the pit or vault, or located in a
pedestal near the meter pit or vault. If the electric meter is located on a transformer, or other remote location, the
wiring for the radio read device shall terminate on the side of the building nearest the transformer or remote
location.A minimum of three feet of excess wire shall be left at each end to allow connection to the water meter and
installation of the radio read device. Any portion of the wire that will not be exposed(i.e. installed behind finished
walls, above finished ceilings, etc.) shall be placed in conduit to protect the wire from damage and to facilitate
replacement if necessary. The City will provide and install the radio read device and connect it the customer-
installed wire.
(Code 1956, Sec. 31-29.1; Ord.No.2073, Sec. 1, 5-11-65; Ord.No. 2416, Sec. 2, 9-26-72; Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-
24-92)
(2) Rural Water customer remote readers.Rural customers shall provide a mounting location for
a radio read device that will facilitate easy access for meter reading.For locations that are served by the City of
Ames municipal electric utility territory,the radio read device shall be placed within three feet of the electric meter
wherever practical.Alternate locations and installation requirements shall be approved by the Water and Pollution
Control Department prior to installation of the water meter.
It shall be the responsibility of the customer to maintain an adequate clearance around the remote reading
device to prevent landscaping,snow drifts or piles,or other obstructions from interfering with access to the radio
read device for meter reading,service, or maintenance.
(Ord. No. 4010, 09-22-09)
Sec.28.209A. RURAL CUSTOMER BACKFLOW PREVENTION. For all water customers outside the Ames
corporate limits, a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly(RP)shall be required for containment.
(1) Location. The(RP)shall be installed directly after the meter.
(2) Installation. It is the responsibility of the customer to provide this device and it shall be installed
by a plumber licensed by the City of Ames pursuant to a plumbing permit acquired from the City of Ames, and
installed in compliance with all Plumbing codes applicable in the City of Ames.
(3) Maintenance/Testing. The(RP)shall be tested upon installation and at least annually
thereafter by a registered backflow prevention assembly technician. Results of all backflow prevention assembly
test reports shall be submitted to the Water Meter Division within 10 working days of when the device was tested.
It is the responsibility of the customer to maintain the(RP).
If backflow occurs at a rural water location, the customer shall comply with provisions of Ames
Municipal Code Sec. 21.501(47)(b)(xii).
Failure to perform the required testing at least annually, or to maintain the device in good repair,
may result in termination of service.
(Code 1956, Sec. 31-29.1; Ord.No. 2073, Sec. 1, 5-11-65; Ord.No. 2416, Sec. 2, 9-26-72; Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-
24-92; Ord.No. 4010, 09-22-09)
Sec.28.210. METER REPAIRS AND COST
(1) The Water Utility will service and maintain city-owned water meters without charge and will
replace a defective or malfunctioning water meter without charge. However,if it is found that damage to the meter
has resulted through carelessness and/or negligence on the part of the customer, or as a result of the customer's
plumbing system or internal operations,then the customer shall be liable for the expense of the repair of the meter.
(2) In the event of an emergency where the meter is discovered out of order to such an extent as to
cause property damage by leakage, the meter may be removed by the customer or the customer's representative and
immediately returned to the Water Meter Division for repair.
(3) Where a water meter fails to register accurately, the customer shall be charged the average rate as
shown by the previous readings of the meter when in order.
(Ord. No. 854, Sec. 30; Code 1956, Sec. 31-30; Ord. No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
Sec.28.211. PROTECTION OF METERS.
(1) Protection of the meter from freezing or any other damage shall be the obligation of the owners
and occupants of the premises for which installed. Cost of any repairs for damaged meters shall be assessed as
described in Sec. 28.210.
(2) Unprotected construction meters will only be set between May 15 and October 15. If the
construction meter is protected from the elements,a construction meter will be set at any time.
(Ord. No. 854,Sec. 40; Code 1956, Sec. 31-48; Ord. No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
Sec.28.212. HYDRANT METER
As a general rule, hydrant meters will not be allowed except under unusual circumstances. Prior approval of the
Water and Pollution Control Department is required. The customer shall complete a Hydrant Meter Application
form to request a hydrant meter. All fees and charges, including any damage to the hydrant, hydrant meter, or
backflow prevention assembly, will be billed to the customer when the hydrant meter is removed from service. A
monthly fee, based on the meter size, will be charged for use of the hydrant meter. If the hydrant meter is used
fewer than 30 days, the monthly charge will be prorated on a daily basis. Please refer to Appendix Q of the
Municipal Code for current fees. Only employees of the Water Meter Division are authorized to install and remove
or move a hydrant meter.
(Ord. No. 854, Sec. 40; Code 1956, Sec. 31-48; Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
Sec.28.213. UNMETERED WATER USE
Unmetered water use at any location for any purpose, without prior authorization from the Water and Pollution
Control Department, shall be billed at the rate, stated in Appendix Q of the Municipal Code, per occurrence or per
month, whichever is greater. The exception would be to use water to perform a water test for the sanitary sewer,
drain, or waste and vent piping within a structure.In addition, any damages shall be charged to the person using the
water without authorization. Authorized use of water without a meter will be billed at the rate listed in Appendix Q
of the Municipal Code. To initiate or terminate this service the customer shall make such request through the Water
Meter Division.
(Ord. No. 854, Sec. 40; Code 1956, Sec. 31-48; Ord. No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
Sec.28.214. OWNERSHIP AND REPAIR,WATER SERVICE CONNECTIONS
All service connections with the city water supply from the main to the meter, including the corporation cock,
service line, curb cock and curb box, and shut-off valves for the meter setting, shall be installed and maintained at
the expense of the property to be served. Ownership of the entire service connection remains with the property.
Whenever any part of the water service line between the main and the consumer's meter develops a leak or becomes
out of repair, it shall be the duty of the the property owner, to repair the defect. Leaking water services which are
constructed of galvanized iron piping shall be replaced entirely between the water main and the meter with a water
service line of proper size and approved material. The Administrative Authority may require replacement of leaking
water services made of other non-approved materials if it is determined that the condition of the service line presents
safety or sanitary concerns. To prevent or reduce damage to public or private property, the City Manager or his
designee shall, if the owner does not act to correct the defect within fourteen (14) calendar days after notice, cause
the discontinuance of water service to the premises. The City Manager is authorized to discontinue service or repair
service leaks without prior notice to the property owner or tenant in emergency situations to prevent service
interruption,damages, or injury to others. Any costs incurred by the city for excavation and replacement, and repair
of damages to property caused by such, shall be charged to the owner and may be assessed as a lien against the
property as provided in Sections 384.62 and 364.12 Code of Iowa.
(1) For the purpose of accountability, Apartment Dwellings, Condominiums, Commercial Buildings,
Dwelling House, Family Home, Single-Family, Single Family Attached, Two-Family Attached, Efficiency Unit
Dwellings, Manufactured Homes, and Mobile Homes (by means of individual meter pits), shall be individually
metered. Assisted Living Facilities, Congregate Housing, Hospice Facilities, Hospitals, Hotels, Independent Senior
Living Facilities,Nursing Homes, Residential Corrections Facilities, and Sorority or Fraternity Facilities would not
be required to meter individual dwelling units. Requirements and exceptions are based on definitions stated in
Section 29.201 of the Ames Municipal Code.
(Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
(a) Code Requirements for Rural Water Service.The service connection for a rural water
account, from the tap at the main through the outlet of the backflow prevention device, shall comply in all respects
with the requirements of the Ames Plumbing Code. Installation, alteration,repair, or other work performed on any
part of the water service shall be done only pursuant to a permit from the City of Ames Inspections Division and all
work shall be completed in compliance with the permit and any other requirements of the Inspections Division.
(Ord.No. 4010, 09-22-09)
(2) Lead Service Line Replacement. Any service line that contains any lead piping,fitting,fixture,
solder, or other component;and,that develops a leak or otherwise becomes out of service shall be replaced.,
(a) It shall not be lawful to leave any lead component in service when repairing or replacing
a water service line.
(b) Where the service line is composed entirely of lead pipe,or consists of a mix of lead and
galvanized piping materials,the service line shall be replaced in its entirety,from the point of connection to the City
water main to the master water meter for the property.
(c) Where the service line consists of a lead"pigtail'or"gooseneck"between the water main
and the curb stop box,and consists of copper or plastic from the curb stop box to the water meter,only the portion
between the water main and the curb stop must be replaced.
(d) The cost of such replacement shall be the responsibility of the property owner.
(3) Any lead service line encountered during a City water main replacement project shall be replaced
by the City. The cost shall be borne by the water utility as a part of the project,and shall not be passed on to the
property owner.
Sec.28.215.DISCONNECTION AND RECONNECTION OF WATER SERVICE--CHARGES.
When requested by the customer, the city will cause the water to be turned off at the curb stop, provided the curb
stop is in working order and is accessible. A fee may be charged to the customer for this service. The cost of
locating and servicing an inaccessible or damaged curb cock or curb box will be at the expense of the customer
ordering discontinuance of service. Should it become necessary to cut off the water at the corporation cock in the
main, the expense thereof shall be charged to the owner of the premises. All utility bills and service charges will be
made until notice of discontinuance of service is given to the city at the office of the Finance Director. When water
service is discontinued, all utility bills and service charges of the city for water service to the customer shall be
immediately due and payable. When service is disconnected for non-payment of bills, a charge may be made for
disconnecting and reconnecting the service. Customer requested water service reconnection and disconnection is
subject to a fee for each service call/trip as stated in Appendix Q of the Municipal Code.
(Ord. No. 854, Sec. 22; Code 1956, Sec. 31-22; Ord. No. 2009, Sec. 1, 12-17-63, Ord. No. 2550, Sec. 2, 7-6-76;
Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
Sec.28.216. AIR CONDITIONING WATER CONSERVATION.
(1) Definitions. For the purpose of this section the following terms,phrases,words,and their
derivations have the meaning given herein. When not inconsistent with the context,words used in the present tense
include the future, words in the plural number include the singular number, and words in the singular number
include the plural number. The word"shall'is always mandatory and not merely directory.
(a) Air-conditioning system is one or more units for the cooling or dehumidification,or
both, of space for human occupancy.
(b) Building official is the building official of the city.
(c) Compressor horsepower(one)is the equivalent of one ton of refrigeration which is the
heat required to melt ice at the rate of one ton in twenty-four(24)hours.
(d) Water conservation device is a cooling tower, spray pond, evaporative condenser or
other equipment by which water is cooled and recirculated,thereby limiting the use of water from city mains to that
amount necessary for cleaning,and restoration of losses through evaporation.
(e) Water regulating device is an automatic control valve,the purpose of which is to limit
the maximum use of water to a predetermined rate.
(Ord. No. 846, Sections 2, 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8; Code 1956,Sections 43-2, 43-2.1, 43-2.4, 43-2.5, 43-2.7, 43.2.8)
(2) Compliance required. It is unlawful for any person to have installed hereafter any air-
conditioning system using water as its medium without first conforming to the provisions of this section and the
building and electrical codes of this city.
(Ord.No. 846, Sec.3;Code 1956,Sec.43-3)
(3) Permit required. All persons who desire to install any air cooled or water cooled system shall
obtain approval of their equipment,obtain a permit therefore in advance from the building official and shall give
notice of completion of the installation to the official.
(Ord.No. 846, Sec. 4; Code 1956, Sec. 43-4)
(4) Permit required to change nonconforming installations. All water cooled air-conditioning
systems installed prior to the effective date of this section which are to be replaced, altered or increased in size as a
whole system or part of a system shall conform to the provisions of this chapter after the change has been made. A
permit shall be obtained from the building official for the changes as herein provided.
(Ord.No. 846,Sec. 5; Code 1956, Sec. 43-5)
(5) Standards of operation prerequisite to permit. Before issuing a permit as required herein the
building official shall find that the system complies with the following standards of operation:
(a) Use of city water in system using two compressor horse power or over. Water cooled
systems having two (2) or more compressor horsepower, or equivalent cooling capacity, shall be equipped with an
approved water conservation device so that water from city mains shall be used for make-up or flushing purposes
only.
(b) Efficiency of water conservation device. The water conservation device required herein
for systems of two (2) or more horsepower capacity shall be of such efficiency that it will operate with not over
fifteen (15) gallons of city water per hour per ton of refrigeration. The water level control on the tank or reservoir
shall be so adjusted as to prevent waste of water through the overflow.
(c) Construction of make-up device. The make-up water connection required herein shall be
so arranged that the supply has a physical break between the city water lines and the device whereby it is impossible
for water to siphon back into the water lines in case of low pressure.
(d) Systems using under two(2)compressor horsepower. All water cooled systems using
under two(2)compressor horsepower or equivalent cooling capacity shall be equipped with an approved automatic
water regulating device, so adjusted as to limit the use of city water to not more than sixty(60) gallons per hour per
ton of refrigeration.
(e) Effect upon co-users. In no case shall any system adversely affect the flow of water to
other users in the area.
(f) Discharge of water;method. The discharge of water from the air-conditioning system
shall be as directed by the building official.
(Ord.No. 846, Sections 6--6.6; Code 1956, Sec. 43-6--6.6)
(6) Inspection of systems. The building official shall cause all systems regulated herein to be
inspected from time to time for compliance with this section.
(Ord.No. 846, Sec. 7; Code 1956, Sec. 43-7)
(7) Noncompliance; permit holder to correct condition. hi case of noncompliance with this section
the building official shall notify the permit holder to correct the condition within ten(10)days.
(Ord. No. 846,Sec. 7.1; Code 1956, Sec. 43-7.1)
(8) Revocation of permit; extension of time to correct condition. In the event of failure,or upon
the refusal of the permit holder to comply as ordered, the building official shall, after notice and reasonable
opportunity for hearing, revoke the permit; provided, however, that upon a showing of hardship or other
circumstances warranting the action, the building official shall have the authority to grant an extension of time to
comply with the provisions of this section and shall render a written report thereon to the city manager.
(Ord. No. 846, Sec. 7.2; Code 1956,Sec. 43-7.2)
(9) Appeals. Whenever the building official shall reject any plan or specification submitted
hereunder and issue an order requiring compliance or revolting a permit,the person aggrieved shall have the right to
appeal to a board composed of the water superintendent, city engineer and other qualified persons, and, if still
aggrieved by the decision of this board, shall then have the right to appeal to the city council. The decision of the
city council with respect to the appeal shall be final.
(Ord. No. 846, Sec. 7.3; Code 1956, Sec. 43-7.3; Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
e DIUON�III` a�
' SEWERS "
Sec.28.301.SEWER RATE POLICY.
It is determined and declared to be necessary and conducive to the protection of the public health, safety, welfare,
and convenience of the City of Ames to collect charges from all users who contribute wastewater to the City's
treatment works. The proceeds of such charges so derived will be used for the purpose of operating, maintaining,
and retiring the debt for such public wastewater treatment works.
(Ord.No. 2924, Sec. 1, 5-28-85; Ord. No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92; Ord.No. 3209, Sec. 1, 12-8-92)
Sec.28.302. DEFINITIONS.
Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise,the meaning of terms used in this ordinance shall be as follows:
(1) 'CBOD5' (denoting 5-day Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand)shall mean the quantity
of oxygen utilized in the biochemical oxidation of organic matter under standard laboratory procedure in five days at
20°C,expressed in milligrams per liter(mg/L).
(2) 'NH3' or'NH3-N'(denoting Ammonia)shall mean that portion of nitrogen in the form of
ammonia which is determined by standard laboratory procedure for analysis of ammonia nitrogen, expressed in
milligrams per liter(mg/L).
(3) `TKN'(denoting Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen)shall mean that portion of nitrogen which is the sum of
ammonia and organic nitrogen in the form of proteins or intermediate decomposition products as determined by
standard laboratory procedures for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen,expressed in milligrams per liter(mg/L).
(4) `COD' (denoting Chemical Oxygen Demand)shall mean the oxygen equivalent of the organic
matter content of a sample that is susceptible to oxidation by a strong chemical oxidant as determined by standard
laboratory procedures for COD,expressed in milligrams per liter(mg/L).
(5) Normal Domestic Wastewater' shall mean,for the purposes of surcharge program
implementation,wastewater that has constituent concentrations at or below the values shown in the following table,
expressed in milligrams per liter(mg/L).
Constituent Concentration,mg/L
Oxygen Demand
CBOD5 250
COD 550
Nitrogen
NH3-N 30
TKN 45
Solids
TSS 300
(Ord.No. 3919, 06-12-07)
(6) `High Strength Surcharge' shall mean a system to assess a sewer surcharge to any contributor
discharging wastewater that is higher in concentrations of COD, TSS, TKN, and/or Oil & Grease than normal
domestic wastewater. Concentrations of normal domestic wastewater are defined as follows; COD—550 mg/L,TSS
—300 mg/L,TKN—45 mg/L,and Oil&Grease—300 mg/L.
(7) `Local Limits' shall mean discharge limits determined by a treatment plant headworks calculation
on local facilities.
(8) 'Operation and Maintenance' shall mean those functions that result in expenditures during the
useful life of the treatment works for materials, labor, utilities, and other items which are necessary for managing
and for which such works were designed and constructed. The term'operation and maintenance' includes replace-
ment as defined in(10).
(9) 'POTW shall mean publicly-owned treatment works.
(10) 'Replacement' shall mean expenditures for obtaining and installing equipment, accessories, or
appurtenances which are necessary during the useful life, of the treatment works to maintain the capacity and
performance for which such works were designed and constructed.
(11) 'Residential User' shall mean any contributor to the City's treatment works whose lot, parcel or
real estate, or building is used for domestic dwelling purposes only.
(12) 'Shall'is mandatory;'May' is permissive.
(13) 'TSS' (denoting Total Suspended Solids)shall mean solids that either float on the surface of or are
in suspension in water, sewage, or other liquids and which are removable by laboratory filtering, as expressed in
milligrams per liter(mg/L).
(14) `Composite Sample' shall mean a time-based or flow-proportional sample(as determined by the
Water and Pollution Control Department staff)that is representative of a user's typical work day discharge during a
24-hour period.
(15) `Biosolids' shall mean treated and stabilized solids, semi-solid, or liquid residue generated during
the treatment of domestic wastewater at the POTW.
(16) 'Treatment Works' shall mean any devices and systems for the collection, storage, treatment,
recycling, and reclamation of municipal sewage, domestic sewage, or liquid industrial wastes. These include
intercepting sewers, outfall sewers, sewage collection systems, pumping, power, and other equipment and their
appurtenances; extensions, improvement, remodeling, additions and alterations thereof; elements essential to
provide a reliable recycled supply such as standby treatment units and clear well facilities; and any works,including
site acquisition of the land that will be an integral part of the treatment process or is used for ultimate disposal of
residues resulting from such treatment(including land for composting biosolids,temporary storage of such compost,
and land used for the storage of treated wastewater in land treatment systems before land application); or any other
method or system for preventing,abating,reducing, storing,treating, separating, or disposing of municipal waste or
industrial waste.
(17) 'Useful Life'shall mean the estimated period during which a treatment works will be operated.
(18) 'User Charge'shall mean that portion of the total wastewater service charge which is levied in a
proportional and adequate manner for the cost of operation, maintenance, and replacement of a designated part of
the wastewater treatment works.
(19) 'Water Meter'shall mean a water volume measuring and recording device.
(20) `FOG' (denoting Fats,Oils,and Grease)shall mean organic polar compounds derived from
animal and/or plant sources that contain multiple carbon chain triglyceride molecules. These substances are
detectable and measurable using analytical test procedures in 40 CFR 136,as may be amended from time to time.
All are sometimes referred to herein as"grease","greases", and"oil and grease"
(Ord.No. 4199; 11-25-14; Ord.No. 4263, 6-28-16)
(21) `FSE'(denoting Food Service Establishment)shall mean a food establishment required to hold a Food
Service Establishment License or Mobile Food Unit License from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.
FSE shall not mean an establishment which is only required to hold a Food Processing Plant License or Retail Food
Establishment License from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals.
(Ord. No. 4199; 11-25-14; Ord.No. 4263, 6-28-16)
(22)`Grease Interceptor' shall mean a tank that serves one or more fixtures and captures wastewater from
garbage disposals,floor drains,pot and pan sinks and trenches as allowed by local plumbing codes.Dishwashers
may in some instances also be connected to a grease interceptors allowed by local plumbing codes. A grease
interceptor reduces the amount of FOG in wastewater prior to its discharge into the POTW and may be a gravity
-flow grease interceptor located underground or a hydromechanical grease interceptor located within a building.
(Ord.No. 4199, 11-25-14; Ord.No. 4263, 6-28-16)
(Ord. No. 2924, Sec. 1, 5-28-85; Ord. No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92; Ord.No. 3209, Sec. 1, 12-8-92; Ord. No. 3526, 6-
22-99)
Sec.28.303. USE OF RATE REVENUE.
The user charge system shall generate adequate annual revenues to pay costs of annual operation and
maintenance, including replacement, and costs associated with debt retirement of bonded capital associated with
financing the treatment works which the City may by ordinance designate to be paid by the user charge system.
That portion of the total user charge which is designated for operation and maintenance, including replacement of
the treatment works, shall be established by this ordinance.
That portion of the total user charge collected which is designated for operation and maintenance,including
replacement, shall be deposited in a separate non-lapsing fund known as the WPC Operation, Maintenance and
Replacement Fund.
Fiscal year-end balances in the operation, maintenance, and replacement fund shall be used for no other
purposes than those designated. Monies which have been transferred from other sources to meet temporary
shortages in the operation, maintenance, and replacement fund shall be returned to their respective accounts upon
appropriate adjustment of the user charge rates for operation,maintenance, and replacement. The user charge rate(s)
shall be adjusted such that the transferred monies will be returned to their respective accounts within six months of
the fiscal year in which the monies were borrowed.
(Ord. No. 2924, Sec. 1, 5-28-85;Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92; Ord. No. 3209, Sec. 1, 12-8-92)
Sec.28.304. SEWER RATES ESTABLISHED.
(1) Each user shall pay for the services provided by the City based on his use of the treatment works
as determined by water meter readings or other appropriate methods acceptable to the City.
(2) For all users,monthly user charges shall be based on actual water usage, except where a practical
method of wastewater measurement is available. If a user has a consumptive use of water, or in some other manner
uses water which is not discharged into the wastewater collection system,the user charge for that contributor may be
based on readings of a wastewater meter(s) or separate water meter(s)installed and maintained at the user's expense
and in a manner acceptable to the City.
(3) For each monthly billing on or after July 1, 2008, each customer shall be charged a minimum
monthly charge. The minimum charge for each location shall be seven dollars and fifteen cents ($7.15). The
minimum monthly charge may be prorated,based on a 30-day billing period, for the customer's initial and/or final
bills,provided that in no case shall the prorated minimum monthly charge be less than two dollars and seventy-five
cents ($2.75). In addition, for all water metered beginning with the first cubic foot each month, each user shall pay
one dollar and eighty-three cents($1.83)per 100 cubic feet.
(Ord.No. 3168, Sec. 1, 4-28-92; Ord.No. 3326, Sec. 2, 5-9-95; Ord.No. 3834, 5-24-05; Ord.No. 3956, 06-10-08)
(4) For those users whose wastewater has a greater strength than maximum normal domestic
wastewater, a surcharge in addition to the normal user charge will be collected. The surcharge for operation and
maintenance,including replacement is listed in Appendix Q.
(Ord.No. 3526, 6-22-99;Ord.No. 3919, 06-12-07)
(5) (a) The City shall determine which users have wastewater discharges with strengths greater
than maximum normal domestic wastewater. All costs associated with surcharge sampling or evaluation will be
assessed to the user. Based upon this initial determination, the City shall notify the user of the surcharge rate to be
charged each month during the next six months or until the next time the surcharge rate is calculated.
(b) Any user so identified by the City shall provide for the analysis of at least three
successive composite samples for each discharge point. The samples shall be analyzed for pH, COD (or CBOD5),
TSS, and TKN (or NH3). The user may request that the city laboratory staff provide this service at cost. Samples
taken for facilities with less than two years of historical data containing surcharge parameter analyses must be
collected in as close a time frame as possible. Samples collected for other purposes, containing the required
information, may be used. When requested by the user, on a case-by-case basis, the City may allow the use of a
single composite sample for the purpose of determining a monthly surcharge rate.
(c) Any user may have more samples analyzed than required. The additional data may be
used to modify or revise the surcharge rate as appropriate; however, the surcharge rate will not be revised more
frequently than once every six months unless significant process changes have occurred. All costs for the additional
sampling shall be the responsibility of the user.
(d) All sample collection and analytical work shall be done by competent individuals or
firms regularly involved in wastewater collection and analysis. All samples and analyses shall comply with the
procedures specified in 40 Code of Federal Regulations (hereinafter referred to as CFR) 136. Any data sets which
do not meet this requirement shall be rejected.
(Ord.No. 3526, 6-22-99)
(6) Any user who discharges any toxic pollutants which cause an increase in the cost of managing the
effluent or the biosolids from the City's treatment works, or any user which discharges any substance which singly
or by interaction with other substances causes identifiable increases in the cost of operation, maintenance, or
replacement of the treatment work, shall pay for such increased costs. The charge to each such user shall be as
determined by the Director of the Water and Pollution Control Department.
(Ord.No. 3526, 6-22-99)
(7) The City will review the user charge system at least every three years and revise user charge rates
as necessary to ensure that the system generates adequate revenues to pay the costs of operation and maintenance
including replacement and that the system continues to provide for the proportional distribution of operation and
maintenance including replacement costs among users.
The City will notify each user at least annually, in conjunction with a regular bill, of the rate
being charged for operation and maintenance including replacement of the treatment works.
(Ord.No. 3526, 6-22-99)
(8) (a) Where a customer wishes to use water for watering a lawn or garden,filling a swimming
pool, or for existing single-pass air conditioning or other such use and that water does not reach the sanitary sewer
system,the customer may at his option apply for and have installed a'yard meter'.
(b) A 'yard meter' is defined as a second water meter or sub-meter on the premises installed
downstream of the first or master water meter. It will be so placed as to meter outdoor water use described above
which does not reach the sanitary sewer system. The'yard meter' shall have a remote reading register outdoors as
required for the master water meter.
(c) The full cost of the 'yard meter' and any associated plumbing changes shall be the
responsibility of the customer. The 'yard meter' shall be furnished and owned by the City and so located as to be
easily accessible at all times. Maintenance and replacement of the 'yard meter' shall be governed by the same
requirements applying to all other water meters owned by the City.
(d) The sewer service charge will be billed only on the difference between the two water
meter reading and the yard meter reading.
(Ord.No. 3326, Sec. 2, 5-9-95)
(9) Where a "yard meter" is not installed, but it appears in any month that more than one thousand
(1,000) cubic feet of water was used in a way that the water did not reach the sanitary sewer,that amount of water
shall be exempt from the sewer rate on application to the City Manager or the City Manager's designee. The total
exemption allowed under this provision shall be granted over no more than two consecutive billing periods.
(Ord.No. 3950, 05-13-08; Ord.No. 4003, 08-11-09)
(10) The user charge ordinance shall take precedence over any terms or conditions of agreements of
contracts which are inconsistent with the requirements of Section 204(b) (1) (A) of the Federal Water/Pollution
Control Act and 40 CFR Part 35 dated February 17, 1984.
(Ord. No. 2714, Sec. 2, 4-24-79; Ord. No. 2894, Sec. 1, 5-26-84; Ord. No. 2924, Sec. 1, 5-28-85; Ord. No. 3013,
Sec. 1, 6-14-88; Ord. No. 3049, Sec. 1, 5-23-89; Ord. No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92; Ord. No. 3209, Sec. 1, 12-8-92,
Ord. No. 3648, 2-12-02)
(11) For those users which operate Food Service Establishments licensed by the State of Iowa,a
Restaurant Surcharge,Restaurant Fee,or High-Strength Surcharge Rate,in addition to the normal user charge,shall
be collected.The Restaurant Surcharge,Restaurant Fee,and High-Strength Surcharge Rate shall be listed in
Appendix Q.
(a)Users which are billed for sewer usage shall be assessed the Restaurant Surcharge.
(b)Users which are not billed for sewer usage or whose sewer usage is not representative of the
facility's food service activities shall be assessed the Restaurant Fee.
(c)Users whose sanitary sewer discharge flows through an outfall monitored by the City of Ames
Industrial Pretreatment Program shall be assessed a High-Strength Surcharge Rate that includes the surcharge for Oil
and Grease as calculated based on their sampling results. (Ord.4199, 11-25-14; Ord.No. 4263,6-28-16)
Sec.28.305. SEWER SERVICE,CONNECTION CHARGE.
(1) There is established hereby, as a fee for connection to the sanitary sewer main, such charge as the
City Council shall by resolution set for the property served by and adjacent to the main, provided that no sanitary
sewer utility special assessment has been made previously with respect to said adjacent property and the sanitary
sewer was financed with funds of the city.
(Ord.No. 2928, Sec. 1, 7-2-85; Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92; Ord. No. 3204, Sec. 1, 12-8-92; Ord. No. 3209, Sec.
1, 12-8-92; Ord. No. 3565, 5-23-00
Sec.28.305(A).OWNERSHIP AND REPAIR,SANITARY SEWER LATERAL.
All service connections with the City sewage collection system beginning at the sewer main and extending to the
building or structure, including the wye connection at the sewer main, shall be installed and maintained at the
expense of the property to be served. Ownership of the entire service connection remains with the property.
(a) Whenever any part of the sewer lateral between the main and the building or structure develops a
leak or otherwise becomes out of repair,it shall be the duty of the property owner to repair the defect.
(b) Any repairs or replacement shall be made with approved materials.
(c) The Administrative Authority may require the complete replacement in lieu of allowing a repair to
damaged sewer laterals made of non-approved materials if it is determined that the condition of the service line
presents safety or sanitary concerns.
(d) To prevent or reduce damage to public or private property,the City Manager or his designee shall,
if the owner or consumer does not act to correct the defect within 14 calendar days after notice, cause the
discontinuance of sewer service to the premises. The City Manager is authorized to discontinue service or repair
service damage without prior notice to the property owner or tenant in emergency situations to prevent service
interruption,damages,or injury to others. Any costs incurred by the City for excavation and replacement,and repair
of damages to property caused by such, shall be charged to the owner and may be assessed as a lien against the
property as provided in Sections 384.62 and 364.12 Code of Iowa.
Sec.28.306. GENERAL PROHIBITIONS FOR WASTE DISPOSAL IN THE SEWER.
No utility customer shall place, throw, dump, empty or deposit into the municipal sewerage system any of the
following:(1) Any liquid, solid or gases which may cause fire or explosion either alone or in combination with
other substances, or any waste streams with a closed cup flashpoint of less than 140°F using the methods in 40 CFR
261.21.
(2) Solid or viscous substances which may cause obstruction to the flow in the sewer or other
interference with the operation of the treatment facility;
(3) Any wastewater which has a pH less than 6.0 or higher than 10;
(4) Any wastewater containing anything in liquid, solid or vapor form, in sufficient quantity, either
singly or in combination, to inhibit or interfere with any wastewater treatment or biosolids disposal process,
constitute a hazard to humans or animals, create toxic gases, vapors or hones that may cause acute worker health
and/or safety problems, create a toxic effect in the receiving stream, or by"pass through"exceed any standard set by
the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency.
(Ord.No. 3526, 6-22-99)
(5) Any substance which either singly or in combination is sufficient to create a public nuisance or
hazard to life or interferes with the possible reclamation or reuse of the wastewater or biosolids.
(Ord No. 3526, 6-22-99)
(6) Any trucked or hauled pollutants, except at discharge points designated by the City when
delivered by licensed haulers.
(7) Petroleum oil,nonbiodegradable cutting oil, or products of mineral oil origin in amounts that will
cause interference or pass through.
(8) Heat in amounts which will inhibit biological activity in the POTW resulting in interference,but
in no case heat in such quantities that the temperature at the POTW exceeds 40°C(104°F).
(9) Any pollutant, including oxygen demanding pollutants (BOD, etc.) released in a discharge at a
flow rate and/or concentration which will cause interference with the POTW.
(10) Any wastewater which the Director of the Water and Pollution Control Department determines to
be unacceptable based on a case-by-case analysis. Any violation of this section is a municipal infraction.
(Ord. No. 3003, Sec. 38, 2-23-88; Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92; Ord.No. 3209, Sec. 1, 12-8-92)
(11) Any additive or emulsifier designed for the purpose of reducing the accumulation of Fats, Oils,
and Grease in plumbing, grease interceptor equipment,or the POTW,except those additives or emulsifiers that have
been approved for such use by the Director of Water and Pollution Control.
(Ord.No. 4199, 11-25-14;Ord.No. 4263, 6-28-16)
(12) Wastewater which imparts color which cannot be removed by the treatment process, such as, but
not limited to, dye or pigment wastes and vegetable tanning solutions, which consequently imparts color to the
treatment plant's effluent.
Sec.28.307. INDUSTRIAL PRETREATMENT REQUIREMENTS.
All discharges of wastewater, gases, or solids which are not similar to domestic sewage shall meet the following
pretreatment requirements.
(1) City of Ames Industrial Pretreatment Program as adopted and amended from time to time by city
council resolution.
(2) This section adopts by reference the following sections of the General Pretreatment Regulations
for Existing and New Sources of Pollution promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, 40
Code of Federal Regulations,Chapter I,Part 403 as published through July 1, 1989 as amended on October 17, 1989
and July 24, 1990 as the City's pretreatment regulations. These sections included 403.2,403.3,403.4,403.59 403.6,
403.7,403.8,403.12,403.15,403.16 and 403.17.
(Ord. No. 2857, Sec. 1, 8-30-83)
(a) This section adopts by reference the categorical pretreatment standards set out in 40 CFR
405-471.
(b) This section adopts by reference the testing procedures for wastewater analysis set out in
40 CFR 136.
(c) This section adopts by reference sections 307(b) and (c) and 402(b)(8) of the Federal
Water/Pollution Control Act as amended through July 1, 1990.
(3) Any industrial, commercial or other utility customer which discharges any wastewater, industrial
waste or other waste to the municipal sanitary sewer system shall comply with all regulations or requirements of the
Iowa Department of Natural Resources and/or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Where regulations have
not been set by those agencies,the Director of Water and Pollution Control shall establish pretreatment requirements
to obtain the following objectives:
(a) To prevent the introduction of pollutants which will interfere with the treatment plant
operation or contaminate the resulting biosolids;
(b) To prevent the introduction of pollutants which will pass through the system,
inadequately treated,into the receiving waters or the atmosphere or otherwise be incompatible with the system; and
(c) To improve the opportunity to recycle and reclaim wastewaters and biosolids from the
system.
(Ord.No. 3526, 6-22-99)
(4) Any costs for pretreatment flow measuring, or monitoring facilities or analytical systems or tests
to meet the pretreatment regulations shall be the responsibility of the customer.
(5) Any cost to the city including increased operation or maintenance expenditures or fines levied by
the State or Federal agencies which result from the discharge from any utility customer shall be assessed to that
customer. In the event more than one utility customer is responsible, the cost shall be prorated among those re-
sponsible.
(6) No utility customer may expand their process or operation if that expansion results in a discharge
which exceeds any limitation established for their discharge or results in the discharge of some other substance
which will violate any provision of the pretreatment regulations unless their plans for expansion are approved by the
Director of Water and Pollution Control at least 6 months prior to the planned expansion.
(7) All users who are significant or minor industrial users as defined in the revised Ames Industrial
Pretreatment Program shall have obtained a permit from the city pursuant to said program before discharging non-
domestic wastewaters. Any contributor now discharging pursuant to a contract shall be issued a permit within six
(6)months of approval of the revised Ames Indusrial Pretreatment Program.
(8) Failure to meet the standards and requirements of this section or of section 28.306 shall be a
municipal infraction punishable by a penalty of up to $1,000 for the first and each subsequent violation. Each
occurrence of prohibited discharge is a violation. The Director of the Water and Pollution Control Department shall
be the City Manager's designee to administer and enforce the provisions of Sec. 28.306 and 28.307, which shall
include the authority to conduct related inspections,surveillance and monitoring;and to terminate city sewer service
for non-compliance with the City Code.
(Ord. No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92; Ord. No. 3209, Sec. 1, 12-8-92; Ord. No. 3526, 6-22-99)
Sec.28.308. FATS,OILS,AND GREASE CONTROL PROGRAM.
The purpose of this section shall be to aid in the prevention of sanitary sewer blockages and obstructions
from contribution and accumulation of Fats,Oils,and Grease(FOG)into the POTW. Such discharges from
commercial kitchens,restaurants,and all other food service establishments,where FOG of vegetable or animal
origin is discharged directly or indirectly into the POTW,can contribute to line blockages and/or spills in violation
of Title 40,Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR,Part 403,as it may be amended from time to time.
(1) Any customer which operates a Food Service Establishment or Mobile Food Unit licensed by the
state of Iowa,and which is connected to the City's Treatment Works,shall be subject to the FOG Control Program.
(2) Any costs for compliance with the regulations set forth in the FOG Control Program shall be the
responsibility of the customer.
(3) FSEs subject to the FOG Control Program may apply for exemption from the Restaurant
Surcharge/Restaurant Fee.Exemptions shall utilize evidence gathered in the preceding six(6)month period to
determine whether an FSE is exempt from the Restaurant Surcharge/Restaurant Fee for sewer bills mailed during the
following six(6)month period. Exemption periods shall be from January to June and from July to December.
(4)The use of any additive into a grease interceptor,grease trap,or other on
-premise plumbing for the purpose of"treating"FOG shall be prohibited unless prior approval is granted by the
Director of Water and Pollution Control.
(a) FSE's who wish to use any additives must submit a request in writing.Each site wishing
to use a product must obtain separate approval. Approval is not granted to use any product unless and until written
approval is granted by the City.
(b) A Safety Data Sheet(SDS)must be submitted to the Director for approval of the product.
The SDS,or other information submitted,must identify all active and inactive ingredients of the products.Materials
that include"confidential'or"proprietary"components will not be approved.
(c) To be approved,products must be composed of non-emulsifying active biological
additives designed to decompose the grease in the grease trap or grease interceptor.
(i) Products that serve to simply"disperse"FOG,or that act by allowing FOG to be
more easily discharged from FOG control devices will not be approved.
(ii) Examples of products that are not approved are those that include,but are not
limited to,the following types of components:
(a) Enzymes
(b) Solvents
(c) Surfactants
(d) Dispersants
(e) Other products that act on grease"chemically"as opposed to
"biologically"
(f) Other components that are deemed to be otherwise incompatible with
the purpose of the FOG Control Program or the municipal sewerage
system as described in Section 28.306.
(d) Approval of a product may be revoked by the Director if pass-through of FOG or other
problems in the collection system of treatment plant occurs.
(e) Aeration,agitation,or stirring of grease traps or grease interceptors shall not occur at any
time.
(f) Approval of any additive shall not be construed as approval to
modify any plumbing. Any changes or modifications necessary shall be conditioned upon receipt of a plumbing
permit from the City.
(g) Approval of any additive shall not be construed as an endorsement by the City of the
effectiveness of the product.The FSE assumes all responsibility for the performance and effectiveness of the
product.
(h) Servicing frequencies for grease control equipment must still comply with the other
requirements of this ordinance.
(i) Should the make-up or composition of any approved product change, a new approval
must be granted by the Director.
(5) The Director of Water and Pollution Control, or designee, may exempt an FSE from the
Restaurant Surcharge/Restaurant Fee for a six (6) month period if one of the following criteria is met during the
preceding six(6)month period:
(a) Submission of records of grease interceptor cleanings occurring in the previous six (6)
months. If a grease interceptor is not cleaned during the previous six (6) months, the reason(s) for this must be
submitted to and approved by the Director of Water and Pollution Control or designee. Such records shall include
the following information:
(i) The name and employer of the individual performing the grease interceptor
cleaning(s).
(ii) The date(s) on which grease was removed from each grease interceptor
controlled by the customer.
(iii) The quantity of grease removed during each cleaning.
(a) In the case of a gravity-flow grease interceptor, the quantity of grease
shall be calculated by comparing the depth of the floating fats, oils, and grease, plus the depth of the accumulated
solids, and dividing that depth by the total depth of the unit(the design liquid level), expressed as a percentage.The
measurements shall be taken in the compartment nearest the inlet of a multi-compartment grease interceptor and in
the interceptor immediately preceding connection to the sanitary sewer when more than one interceptor is installed
in series, and in all interceptors when more than one interceptor is installed in parallel. In instances where an
interceptor requires cleaning multiple times during the six (6) month review period, records shall be submitted for
each cleanout. The owner or operator of the FSE shall require the grease interceptor to be cleaned when FOG and
solids reach 25% or less of the design liquid level of the grease interceptor. When multiple cleanouts are required
during a review period, the level of FOG and solids from each cleanout shall average 25% or less and no single
instance shall equal or exceed 35%.
e
(b) In the case of a hydromechanical grease interceptor, the quantity of
grease shall be calculated by comparing the depth of the floating fats, oils, and grease, plus the depth of the
accumulated solids, and dividing that depth by the total depth of the unit (the design liquid level), expressed as a
percentage. The measurements shall be taken in the compartment nearest the inlet of a multi-compartment grease
interceptor, in the interceptor immediately preceding connection to the sanitary sewer when more than one
interceptor is installed in series, and in all interceptors when more than one interceptor is installed in parallel. In
instances where an interceptor requires cleaning multiple times during the six(6)month review period,records shall
be submitted for each cleanout. The owner or operator of the FSE shall require the grease interceptor to be cleaned
when FOG and solids reach 25%or less of the design liquid level of the grease interceptor.When multiple cleanouts
are required during a review period, the level of FOG and solids from each cleanout shall average 25%or less and
no single instance shall equal or exceed 35%. In situations where a hydromechanical grease interceptor is not able to
be measured prior to cleanout,it shall be required that the interceptor be cleaned on a monthly basis.
(iv) Verification that the place of disposal of hauled grease is a facility designed for
such a purpose and is licensed or certified in accordance with local,state,and federal regulations,as appropriate.
(v) Verification that the method of transporting hauled gre
ase is appropriate for such a purpose and complies with local,state,and federal regulations,as appropriate.
(vi) Verification that any grease interceptor from which grease is removed is
inspected and found to be in proper working order.This inspection shall include verification that the sanitary"tees"
on the inlet and outlet sides of the grease interceptor are not obstructed, loose, or missing, verification that any
baffles are secure and in place,verification that no cracks or defects in the tank are present, and verification that lids
are securely and properly seated following completion of the cleaning. If any component of the grease interceptor is
not in proper working order,records shall indicate what defect(s) exist and when,how, and by whom such defect(s)
are remedied.
(b) Submission of a laboratory test to determine the oil and grease content of typical
wastewater discharge. Such tests shall be conducted by a laboratory certified by the State of Iowa to test oil and
grease under the procedures specified in Chapter 567.83 of the Iowa Administrative Code. Laboratory tests shall
conform to the following conditions:
(i) The sample shall be obtained by use of a "grab sampling" method, in which the
sample flask is held under a free-flowing outfall of water from a sampling port designed for such uses.
(ii) Staff of the Water Pollution Control Department shall select the date and time
during which a sample may be obtained, the timing of which shall be selected to coincide with a peak customer
demand.
(iii)The sample shall not exceed 300 mg/L oil and grease.
(iv) The FSE shall also be required to meet the same requirements as defined in Sec.
28.308(5)(a).
(c) Submission of kitchen Best Management Practices records that detail the grease control
activities in the FSE. Such records shall be spot-checked for compliance by the Water and Pollution Control
Department staff. The records shall at all times be kept and maintained on a day-to-day basis, and records shall be
kept secure at the premises of the FSE for a continuous period of at least three years.The records shall document the
following activities:
(i)Each cleaning of the FSE's grease interceptor(s).The FSE shall be required to meet
the same requirements as are defined in Sec.28.308(5)(a).
(ii) Training held for the FSE's staff regarding practices that will reduce the
introduction of FOG into the sanitary sewer.
(iii) Self-inspection for presence and proper use of drain screens, clean and grease-free
nature of exhaust hood equipment, and presence of spill clean-up kits, warning signage over sinks regarding FOG
practices,and informational posters regarding FOG.
(iv)Records of the date,time, quantity, and location of introduction of any additive. A
copy of the approval granted by the Water and Pollution Control Department shall be kept with the logbook.
(v) Any other activities undertaken by the FSE's staff to prevent or mitigate the
introduction of FOG into the Treatment Works or into the environment.
(6) (a) Cleaning of a hydromechanical grease interceptor may be performed by food service
establishment staff. Documentation of any cleaning must include all information required for compliance with the
FOG Control Program.
(b) Cleaning of a gravity-flow grease interceptor must be performed by a contractor that
specializes in the disposal of restaurant grease.
(7) The Director of Water and Pollution Control may,upon finding evidence of accumulated FOG in
the Treatment Works, authorize an inspection of any FSE that may reasonably be believed to have introduced that
accumulation of FOG. Such inspection may occur at any reasonable time and without prior notification. Inspections
shall be limited to the equipment and practices related to the introduction of FOG and waste water into the
Treatment Works. The FSE shall allow the individual performing this inspection, bearing proper credentials and
identification, to enter upon or into the building, facility, or property housing the FSE for the purpose of inspection,
observation, measurement, sampling, testing, or record review. Upon request of the individual performing the
inspection, the FSE shall open any grease interceptor for the purpose of confirming that maintenance frequency is
appropriate, that all necessary parts of the installation are in place, and that all grease interceptors and related
equipment and piping are maintained in efficient operating condition.Inspections may be undertaken as many times
as necessary to identify the source of FOG entering the Treatment Works (Ord. 4199, 11-25-14; Ord. No. 4263, 6-
28-16)
(8)Submission of incomplete records or failure to submit records as described in Sec. 28.308(5)(a-c)shall
constitute a violation of Sec. 28.306(2).Violators are subject to a municipal infraction and recovery of costs as
described in Appendix N.
DIVISION IV`:" �d .
UTILITY RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Sec.28.401. UTILITY RETIREMENT SYSTEM ESTABLISHED.
There shall be and is hereby established a retirement system which shall be known as the Ames Municipal
Utility Retirement System.
(Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
Sec.28.402. PLAN AND RULES,UTILITY RETIREMENT SYSTEM.
(1) The Ames Municipal Utility Retirement System shall cease to be a defined benefit system as of
12:01 A.M. September 30, 1997 and shall become a defined contribution plan as of 12:01 A.M. September 30,
1997,the defined contribution plan to be as stated in such plan,rules, and trust agreement as the City Council shall
approve, adopt,amend, or replace by resolution from time to time.
(2) The assets of the discontinued defined benefit system shall be allocated and distributed in
accordance with such resolution as shall be enacted for that purpose by the Ames City Council.
(Ord.No. 2321, Sec. 2, 12-2-69; Ord.No.2446, Sec. 1, 6-26-73; Ord. No.2487, Sections 1, 2, 9-17-74;
Ord.No. 2494, Sec. 2, 12-17-74; Ord.No. 2546, Sec. 2, 5-18-76; Ord.No.2765, Sec. 1, 12-16-80; Ord.No. 3199,
Sec. 1, 9-24-92; Ord.No. 3327, Sec. 1, 6-13-95; Ord. No. 3458, Sec. 2, 8-26-97)
Sec.28.403. PARTICIPANT REVIEW BOARD.
(1) There is hereby established an eleven member board to monitor, review, and evaluate on a
continuing basis,the performance of the Ames Municipal Utility Retirement Plan,which Board shall make a written
report of its findings and recommendations to the City Council not less often than once each fiscal year.
(2) The board shall be selected as follows:
(a) one elected from among participants employed for the city water utility;
(b) one elected from among participants employed as water pollution control employees;
(c) one elected from among participants employed as electric distribution work center
employees;
(d) one elected from among participants employed for the power plant;
(e) one elected from among participants employed for electric administration (which shall
include the City Clerk, City Manager, inspection personnel and other non-finance administrative personnel that are
participants in the plan);
W one elected from among participants employed for the City Finance department;
(g) one elected from among participants who are retirees
(h) the Director of Finance for the City;and
(i) City Treasurer;
(Ord. No. 3661, 4-23-02; Ord.No. 3897, 12-12-06)
(3) The term of office for the elected members of the board shall be three years. The term for the
council members shall be four years. Members may be reappointed or re-elected. Terms of office begin and end on
the first day of April. Special elections will be held as soon as practicable to fill vacancies in elected positions.
(4) The board shall establish its own rules with respect to voting and other meeting procedures
consistent with the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
(Ord. No. 2321, Sec. 2, 12-2-69; Ord. No. 2446, Sec. 1, 6-26-73, Ord. No. 2494, Sec. 2, 12-17-74; Ord. No. 3102,
Sec. 1, 10-23-90; Ord. No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92; Ord.No. 3458, Sec. 2, 8-26-97,• Ord. No. 3563, 5-9-00)
DIVISION V;„
��U�i�ILITIES GENERALLYL
See.28.501. UNAUTHORIZED ALTERATION OF LINES AND METERS,BYPASSING.
(1) It is unlawful for any person to interfere with, tamper with, alter or bypass any electric, water or
gas meter installed for any utility in the city; or interfere with, tamper with or alter any lines, pipes or conduits
installed by any utility in the City,without the express or implied authorization of such utility.
(Ord.No. 812, Sec. 58; Code 1956, Sec. 76-58, Ord. No. 3003, Sec. 39, 2-23-88; Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
(2) For rural water accounts,no person shall interfere with,tamper with,alter, or bypass any water
meters, lines,pipes,or conduits installed or owned by the City of Ames outside of the Ames corporate limits without
express authorization of the City.No change,modification,replacement,or other alteration shall occur to the service
line from the main through the outlet of the backflow prevention device without the express approval of the City.
(Ord.No. 4010, 09-22-09)
(3) Any expense to any municipal utility incurred as a result of unauthorized relocation,alteration,or
tampering of any metering device or system,or otherwise requires the municipal utility to take action to restore the
proper operation of the metering device or system,shall be billed to the utility customer of record for the property.
(a) Expenses to be recouped may include: labor(including benefits),equipment,materials,
and such other direct costs as may be identified by the municipal utility.
(b) Should the expense be incurred in a location where there is no utility customer of record,
the expense shall be billed to the person or party determined to be responsible for such relocation,alteration,or
tampering.
(c) These charges are separate and distinct from any other fees, charges,or fines that may be
imposed.
Sec.28.502. RESODDING.
(1) Any municipal or public utility excavating across a grassed, sodded or turfed street parking, or an
established lawn, or through or across a grassed, sodded or turfed area of a public or private park shall resod rather
than reseed the disturbed area.
(Ord.No. 2305, Sec. 1, 9-2-69;Ord.No. 2679, Sec. 1, 9-26-78; Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
(2) A property owner excavating or causing excavation in the lawn or the parking of a neighboring
residence in a developed residential area, for the purpose of installing or repairing a utility line within a public
easement,shall resod the disturbed area.
(Ord.No. 2396, Sec. 1, 4-18-72; Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
(3) Upon complaint of failure of the responsible party to resod a disturbed area as required herein,and
after ten days notice and opportunity for hearing before the city manager, the city shall do the resodding and assess
the costs to the responsible party.
(Ord.No. 2955, Sec. 1, 6-3-86,Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
i Y
Sec.28.503. MUNICIPAL UTILITY SERVICE CONNECTIONS OUTSIDE CITY.
(1) No person shall make an initial service connection to any municipal utility for any building or
property outside the corporate limits of the city without the express written authorization of the Ames City Manager.
(2) The city manager shall authorize such connections only in accordance with the laws of the State of
Iowa and the regulations of the Iowa Commerce Commission. The city manager may require any reasonable special
condition for such connection deemed necessary to insure compliance with the policies, procedures and devel-
opment plans of the municipal utilities.
(3) No initial sewer service connections shall be allowed into the Skunk River Valley Interceptor,
trunk sewers or Site 5 treatment plant from structures located in the flood plain of the Skunk River south of U.S.
Highway 30.
(Ord.No. 2955, Sec. 1, 6-3-86;Ord.No. 3199, Sec. 1, 9-24-92)
(a) For properties outside the corporate limits where the City has previously denied
a rural water association or district the right to serve the property,the City will provide service within four years of
the rural water denial in accordance with Iowa Code§ 357A.2 and§ 364.4
(Ord.No. 4010, 09-22-09)
Sec.28.504. METER MAINTENANCE,METER READING,AND ESTIMATED BILLING.
(1) Access to any water meter, yard meter, or wastewater flow measuring device for maintenance,
repair,replacement, or testing is essential to ensure accuracy and reliability of the metering device so that bills and
charges are properly determined. When requested by the Water and Pollution Control Department, each customer
shall arrange for access to the metering device(s) at their location within four(4)months from the date of the city's
first request.
(2) Reading of all water meters, yard meters, wastewater flow measuring devices, or remote
registering devices used for determining charges to customers shall be scheduled by the City on a monthly basis.
An effort shall be made by the City to obtain use data/readings on corresponding days each month. In the event
access to the metering device(s) cannot be achieved, the City shall render a monthly bill based on the City's
estimate of usage. However, each customer shall allow for or arrange access to the metering device(s) at their
location at least once every six (6) months. The City may allow the customer to read and report use data from
metering devices(s) at their location. Customers desiring to read their own meters should contact the Utility
Customer Service office. A packet of five(5)cards may be obtained. These cards will be predated to correspond to
monthly billing dates and shall be submitted monthly at the customer's own expense. Prior to providing each five
(5) card packet to any customer, City personnel shall be allowed into the premises to obtain readings for all
metering devices.
(3) Failure to arrange for and/or allow access, as described above, shall be cause for termination of
service following notice and opportunity for a hearing of the city manager.
(Ord.No. 3326, Sec. 3, 5-9-95)"
Section Two.Violation of the provisions of this ordinance shall constitute a municipal infraction
punishable as set out by law.
Section Three. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances,in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent
of such conflict,if any.
Section Four. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication as
required by law.
Passed this day of
Diane R.Voss,City Clerk Ann H. Campbell,Mayor