ADMINISTRATION -Jon Haukaas, Director of Public Works
Title
FIRST READING
ADDING CHAPTER 38, ARTICLE V. - FIRE PROTECTION WATER SUPPLIES TO THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BLAINE
Background
SBM Fire and Blaine Public Works have been working together on how to best meet the requirements of Minnesota State Fire Code Section 507 requiring the regular inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection systems including fire hydrants on private property. This proposed ordinance would set forth requirements to ensure functional operation and on-going maintenance of these privately owned fire hydrants.
Fire hydrants installed on private property as part of their development are a vital component of the fire protection system. This infrastructure does require regular maintenance to ensure it remains functional when needed in an emergency. Staff from both agencies believe it is in our best interest to develop a policy that outlines the procedures for private hydrants to be inspected, tested and repaired by qualified personnel to remain in good working order to protect life and property.
The ordinance will allow City Utility staff and/or SBM Fire staff to annually inspect hydrants including testing of the operation, flow, and proper marking flags installation.
Any deficiencies will be reported to the owner and a timeframe for repairs will be provided, typically 30 days. Incomplete repairs would be contracted out by the Public Works department and costs charged back to the property owner through our standard processes.
There are multiple advantages of having SBM staff perform these inspections. Foremost is to ensure operability. Additional benefits are familiarity of locations, outreach to the businesses, and general knowledge and practice in hydrant operation. Public Works staff have already begun a training program with SBM staff to better understand hydrant components and operations. Finally, the public generally has greater acceptance of fire department authority to enter onto private property to perform this work.
Recommendation
Hold first reading of the proposed ordinance and schedule second reading for July 20, 2020, along with a summary resolution for publication.
Body
THE CITY OF BLAINE DOES ORDAIN: (Added portions are underscored and deleted portions are shown in brackets with overstrike.)
ARTICLE V. - FIRE PROTECTION WATER SUPPLIES
Sec. 38-86. - Authority.
Section 507 of the Minnesota State Fire Code requires inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection water supplies which include water lines and fire hydrant systems. Fire hydrant systems shall be subject to periodic tests, maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be repaired where defective. Additions, repairs, alterations and servicing shall comply with approved standards. Section 101 of the Minnesota State Fire Code authorizes the City to adopt rules to implement the fire code.
Sec. 38-87. - Purpose.
The City of Blaine, Minnesota finds that it is in the best interest of the City to outline the policy and procedures for the maintenance and use of public and private fire hydrants. It is in the public interest that both public and private hydrants are inspected and tested by qualified personnel and repaired and maintained in good working order to protect life and property.
Sec. 38-88. - Privately owned hydrants.
(a) The City considers the private hydrants part of the municipal waterworks system. It is in the public interest that private hydrants be inspected and tested by qualified personnel and repaired and maintained in good working order to protect life and property.
(b) Fire Protection Inspections shall be conducted annually on all private hydrants directly or indirectly connected to the municipal water system. This inspection shall include testing of the operation, flow of the hydrants and ensuring a good condition marking flag is properly installed. The city Utility staff shall work with SBM Fire Department to complete all inspection, including those on private property as private infrastructure.
(c) In the event the inspection indicates that repairs are required, the City shall notify the owner of the hydrant or water line, with a copy to the fire department, setting forth the repairs required. If repairs are not made within the time period, set forth by the Public Works Department in the notification, the necessary repairs shall be made by the City and the cost billed to the owner.
(d) The property owner may sign a waiver and petition the city for the repairs. The city will contract for the repairs and bill the property owner. Unpaid invoices shall be assessed to the property in accordance with the city's assessment policy.
(e) Private hydrants shall be painted in the color RED.
Sec. 38-89. - Emergency repairs.
Should emergency repairs become visibly evident (broken water main, hydrant won’t shut off, etc.), during the inspection/testing process, the Public Works Department will be notified immediately by the inspector. The Public Works Department shall take actions necessary to stabilize the water supply from further loss.
Sec. 38-90. - Hydrant access.
(a) There shall be no less than 36” of horizontal clearance on all sides of the hydrant.
(b) All hydrants are to be free of obstacles so that the hydrant may be seen by approaching fire apparatus at a minimum distance of 200 feet.
(c) Posts, fences, vehicles, brush, trash, and other items shall not be placed or kept near fire hydrants.
The Fire Department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to a hydrant.
Secs. 38-91.-38-99. - Reserved.
INTRODUCED AND READ in full the 6th day of July, 2020.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this ___day of ____, 2020.