Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The Alabaster City Council approved an ordinance requiring the repair of water leaks in the city by residents and commercial businesses during a meeting on Thursday, Nov. 7.

During the meeting, the city held a public hearing for the water leak repair ordinance, and after receiving no feedback for or against, the ordinance was unanimously passed by all councilmembers present.

“The city is committed to ensuring the sustainable management of its water resources by encouraging our residents and property owners to promptly repair water leaks,” Councilmember Kerri Pate said as she introduced the ordinance and made a motion for its approval.

According to the city, the ordinance’s purpose is to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents by requiring property owners and occupants to repair water leaks promptly to conserve water, prevent property damage and protect the public water supply. The city defines water leaks as any visible or detectable escape of water from plumbing systems, fixtures, irrigation systems or other sources connected to the public or private water supply.

The ordinance outlines that in the event a property owner discovers a water leak on their property connected to a system under their control, they will have seven days to repair it.

In the event a property owner fails to repair the leak in the time provided by the city, the following possibilities may occur:

• The city may impose a fine of $50 per day for each day the violation continues beyond the allotted time
• The city may perform the necessary repairs and charge the cost plus add an administrative fee
• The city reserves the right for the Alabaster Water Board to terminate water service to any property where the owner fails to comply—provided that the owner receives a final written or email notice at least 72 hours before termination

In other news, the Alabaster City Council approved the following items on the agenda:

• A resolution authorizing an agreement with Charter Communications for Spectrum wire relocation for the city’s recreation center and library project
• A resolution authorizing the mayor to sign a professional services agreement with InSite Engineering LLC for design and construction administration of Contract 5 to address issues with Pump Stations two and four in an amount not to exceed $125,000
• A resolution authorizing the addition of one full-time employee in the form of a human resources specialist to the human resources department
• A resolution authorizing the mayor to sign a memorandum of understanding with EFP Broadband, LLC for assistance with an Innovate Alabama Network Grant project
• A resolution authorizing the mayor or city manager to execute and deliver on behalf of the city on an amendment to the developer agreement for District 31 and certain certificates

The next Alabaster City Council work session will take place on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. at city hall.