A. Number Of Meters; Dispute: Except as otherwise expressly permitted by this Chapter, all structures, dwelling units, establishments and persons using water from the City water system must have such number of water meters connected to their water system as are necessary in the judgment of the Public Works Director to adequately measure use and determine water charges to the respective users. Whenever a dispute between the Public Works Director and the property owner arises as to the appropriate number of meters to be installed on any premises, the matter shall be heard and determined by the city council after due notice in writing to the parties involved. (1989 Code § 14-136; amd. 1998 Code)
B. Meters Furnished By City: Meters will be furnished by the City upon application for a connection, and upon payment of such connection fees and other costs as may be established by the city council from time to time by resolution. Meters shall be deemed to be and remain the property of the City.
C. Meter Readings: The Public Works Director shall cause meter readings to be taken regularly and shall advise the City Treasurer thereof for the purpose of recording the necessary billings for water service.
D. Tampering: Meters may be checked, inspected or adjusted at the discretion of the City. Meters shall not be adjusted or tampered with by the customer. Meter boxes shall not be opened for the purpose of turning the water on or off, except by an authorized representative of the City unless special permission is given by the City through its representatives for the customer to do so.
E. Meter Testing: If a customer submits a request to the Public Works Director for a water meter test, the City may, if under the circumstances it deems it advisable, and at its discretion, order a test of the meter measuring the water delivered to such customer. If such request is made within twelve (12) months after the date of the last previous test, the customer may be required to pay the cost of such test. If the meter is found in such test to record from ninety seven percent (97%) to one hundred three percent (103%) of accuracy under methods of testing satisfactory to the city council, the meter shall be deemed to accurately measure the use of water. (1989 Code § 14-136; amd. 1998 Code)
F. Estimation In Case Of Failure: If the City's meters fail to register at any time, the water delivered during the period of failure shall be estimated on the basis of previous consumption during a period which is not questioned. In the event a meter is found to be recording less than ninety seven percent (97%) or more than one hundred three percent (103%) of accuracy, the City shall make such adjustments in the customer's previous bills as are just and fair under the circumstances. (1989 Code § 14-136)
G. Damage By Customer: All damages or injury to the lines, meters or other materials of the City on or near the customer's premises caused by any act or neglect of the customer shall in the discretion of the City be repaired by and at the expense of the customer. The customer shall pay all costs and expenses, including a reasonable attorney fee, which may arise or accrue to the City through its efforts to repair the damage to the lines, meters or to other equipment of the Department or collect such costs from the customer.
H. Maintenance Of Area: It is the customer's responsibility to keep any debris, shrubbery, grass or any other material from the area immediately surrounding the meter box. (1989 Code § 14-136; amd. 1998 Code)