Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on an Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 110, Article VIII of the Code of Ordinances Relating to Landscape Water Management
Summary
MEETING DATE: 04/15/2014
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
CONTACT: Chris Browning, Water Utilities and Infrastructure Director
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
· Approve Ordinance Amendment
ITEM SUMMARY:
· The State Water Code requires all Public Water Supplies to update their water conservation plans every five (5) years. These are due to the TCEQ on May 1, 2014.
· The NTMWD is currently in process of obtaining permit from the TCEQ to inter-basin transfer water from the proposed Lower Bois D 'arc Creek Reservoir to Lake Lavon and have recommended changes to Member and Customer City plans that will help secure this permit.
· These amendments recommend the following:
o Change the Landscape Water Management Ordinance as follows:
§ Restrict the 10 AM to 6 PM no watering time to April 1st through October 31st rather than year round.
§ Add restriction to no filling ponds of 500 square feet or more with treated water.
o Change the Landscape Water Management Sec 110-430 Penalty from a misdemeanor to a civil administrative fee placed on a customer's water bill as follows to match our current Drought Ordinance:
§ First violation - warning
§ 2nd violation - $50
§ 3rd violation - $100
§ 4th and each subsequent violation - $150
§ The Water Utilities and Infrastructure Director, or designee, shall hear any initial appeal of an administrative penalty under this Article and the City Manager, or his designee, shall hear any appeal of the Water Utilities and Infrastructure Director's decision
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
· The City recognizes that the amount of water available to its water customers is limited and that due to natural limitations, drought conditions, system failures and other acts of God which may occur, the City cannot guarantee an uninterrupted water supply for all purposes at all times to its customers
· Therefore the City finds it necessary to amend these ordinances to meet State law and follow NTMWD recommendations
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
· NA
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: N/A
· NA