 New ordinance proposed regarding sewer backflow stop valves
Busby, as the chair of the committee for the sewage treatment
plant, also introduced a proposal for a new city ordinance regarding
sewage backflow stop valves.
He said that the ordinance would protect the city from liability
by requiring backflow stop valves in all sewer lines.
These valves are installed on the homeowner's side of the sewer
line and at the homeowner's expense.
When asked about the cost of such a valve, waste treatment
manager Bob Tackett said that having the valve installed can range
from $350 to $600, with much of that being dependent upon the
plumber who installs it.
At the onset of the discussion it appeared that the ordinance
would mandate this valve for all homeowners in the city of Lincoln,
and it was Alderman David Wilmert who raised objections to forcing
homeowners to dig up their current sewers and install the valves.
As the discussion progressed, though, it became clearer that the
mandate would be for new home construction. In existing properties,
though, not having the valve could be considered an ordinance
violation once a backup occurs.
According to Tackett, this kind of mandate for new home
construction is not uncommon. He said that most cities now have such
a requirement in their building codes.
After the meeting Tackett offered a little more insight on the
proposal, saying that homeowners who first of all live in an area
where the storm sewer and waste sewer are what he referred to as a
combined line are the ones who should be most concerned about the
stop valve. This would apply to homes in the older parts of town
where sewer lines have not been updated.
He also noted that homeowners with basements where there is a
floor drain, toilet, sink or other drainage fixture lying below the
depth of the city sewer line should be concerned about having a stop
valve.
For existing homes without the stop valve, the ordinance would
relieve the city of any liability regarding sewage backup into the
home.
Tackett also said that homeowners who are concerned about this
can do their own cursory exam of the situation. If all their
fixtures are higher than the first manhole downstream from their
home, there is a lesser need for such a valve.
If they have a basement or deep crawl space and there are
draining fixtures in that area, then they should investigate having
a valve installed.
He noted that while the ordinance will protect the city, the
valve itself will protect the homeowner, making it much less likely
that sewage would back up into their homes.
While installing the valve may be somewhat costly, he noted that
recovery of a finished basement once it has been damaged by sewage
backup can run into the thousands of dollars.
At the end of the council discussion on this matter, it was
turned over to Aldermen Jeff Hoinacki and O'Donohue, who co-chair
the ordinance committee.
As the legal writer of the ordinance, city attorney Bill Bates
did question where it would go in city code, and it was determined
that if passed, the new ordinance would be part of the city's
building code.
[to top of second column] |
 GPS sends trucks down the wrong street
Alderwoman Neitzel said that she has heard from residents on
Kankakee Street that semis are now traversing that street to reach
the Saint-Gobain glass factory.
This street is posted as not for truck traffic, but the problem
lies in that semi drivers are using GPS systems, and those systems
are not acknowledging the city's ban on truck traffic.
It was also noted that the semis coming in are coming due to a
glass recycling program Saint-Gobain has going on right now. This
means that they are all new drivers to this location and are not
familiar with the area or the proper route to take.
She along with city police Deputy Chief Mike Geriets noted that
the homeowners in the area do have valid complaints. The turns onto
and off the street are too narrow for trucks, and damage is
occurring in several lawns in the area as trucks negotiate these
turns.
Neitzel said that this was a "think about" topic. She asked that
everyone give the subject some thought and see what kind of solution
can be reached.
One suggestion was to contact the GPS service providers and ask
them to program the change into their systems, and that may be
investigated further.
Wilmert also suggested that there be maps drawn up on paper and
given to the drivers as they arrive at Saint-Gobain. The maps would
redirect the trucks to the proper route on North Logan, so that in
their return visits, the drivers would know what route to take.
Bates also noted that there is an ordinance that prohibits trucks
on certain streets except in the case of a delivery. He said that
Kankakee could be added as one of the designated streets. Once done,
then any semi found on the street by city police would be subject to
fine.
Other agenda items
Next Monday night's agenda will also include a vote on helping
with cleanup during the Logan County Fair, a decision whether or not
to offer an early retirement program, and a vote on the 2010-11
appropriations ordinance.
[By NILA SMITH]
 |
