A. Ownership Of Water System: The water system, including all facilities for the treatment and distribution of culinary water, is the property of the city and shall be under its exclusive control and jurisdiction. The city council may, from time to time, authorize and direct the making of needed additions, improvements, alterations and repairs to said system and, to this end, may contract with other public or private agencies to perform necessary work to said system. (1995 Code § 91-2-1)
B. Water Department Established: There is hereby created a water department, which shall have responsibility for administration and operation of the city water system. (1995 Code § 91-2-2)
C. Superintendent; Appointment, Powers And Duties: There is hereby created the position of water superintendent. Said position shall be filled by appointment of the mayor with the advice and consent of the city council, and the individual so appointed serves at the pleasure of the city council. The superintendent shall manage and supervise the activities of the water system under the direction of the city council. The city council, from time to time, may, by resolution or otherwise, more fully prescribe his powers and duties and direct the manner and frequency with which he shall make reports to the mayor relating to the system. The city council may delegate all or part of the responsibility for performing the duties of the superintendent and for providing services required in the operation of the water department. (1995 Code § 91-2-3)
D. Service Outside Corporate Limits:
1. Service Intended For City Residents: The city water system is intended for the use of the inhabitants of the city and, therefore, water service is intended and provided only for residents of the city. Subject to the limitations and conditions provided below, water service shall not be provided to properties which are not within the municipal boundaries of the city.
2. Incidental Service: In the past incidental and limited single-family residential water service has been extended without authorization from the city to single-family residential properties and livestock maintained in connection with the occupants of single-family residential homes. Single-family residential service and related livestock watering occurring immediately adjacent to, but beyond the municipal boundaries of the city, may be continued but in no event, shall such service be extended to additional uses or expanded beyond the use on the effective date hereof.
3. Approval For Extension; Costs: Any person located outside of city limits who desires to be supplied with water services from the city water system and is approved in writing by the city shall pay the whole expense of the extension to his property, including the cost of extending any water main beyond its present location and may apply to the city council by petition containing:
a. A detailed description of the proposed extension.
b. A map showing the location thereof.
c. An acknowledgment that the city, in granting the water supply to the petitioner, need supply only such water to the petitioner which from time to time the city council deems beyond the requirements of water users within the city limits, and that such extension shall be the property of and subject to the control of the city. Proper easements for maintenance of main lines crossing private property shall have been obtained.
4. Costs Determined: Upon receipt of such petition and map and before the petition is granted, the city council shall determine what portion, if any, of the extension of the city water mains to the city limits the city shall construct, and shall obtain from the city staff a verified statement showing the whole cost and expense of making such extension. Such costs and expenses shall include administrative and supervisory expenditures of the water department, which shall in no event be deemed to be less than ten percent (10%) of the cost of materials and labor.
5. Extensions May Be Master Metered: When an extension supplying more than one house or user outside the city limits is connected to city water mains, the city may require a master meter to be installed near the point where the connection is to be made to the city main. This installation will be at the expense of the persons served by such extension according to the regular rates for meter installation. Responsible parties must agree to pay all bills for water served through the meter at the applicable water rates.
6. Unlawful To Extend Beyond Property Authorized: It shall be unlawful to connect to, or extend the city water system or extend service to properties other than the intended service properties approved in writing by the city. (Ord. 2013-01, 6-18-2013)
E. Opening And Closing Of Valves Prohibited: It shall be unlawful for any person to open or close any water or meter box valve unless duly authorized by the city council or designated representative. (1995 Code § 91-2-5; amd. Ord. 2019-01, 2-12-2019)