The Water Department’s Capital Improvements Program includes design of the Franklin Road South sewer extension (grinder system) project with construction proposed for FY 2021. Historically, the City has offered sewer extension projects, typically via a low-pressure grinder system, with the intent of replacing failing septic systems. Past projects have been completed in neighborhoods such as Wildwood, River Oaks, Meadowlake, Carondelet, Country Club Estates, Brenthaven and numerous other areas. To date, around 3,000 of the City’s roughly 11,500 customers are served via a grinder pump unit, the majority having been installed as part of a City initiated project.
Pursuant to Section 70-10 of the Municipal Code, “Conditions for construction of sewer lines to existing residential dwellings,” the Board of Commissioners may establish, by resolution, policies regarding an owner’s responsibility for participatory costs as well as requirements for installation and maintenance of the grinder system. For the project to move forward, the Code requires at least 51% of households within the project area to commit to applicable costs and installation policies established by the Board.
The Franklin Road South project initially included extending sewer to approximately 18 property owners along Franklin Road between Holly Tree Gap and Ellendale Drive. Over time, the scope of the project has been reduced because of a couple factors. First, during the Franklin Road construction work, the septic system serving 1504 Franklin Road was damaged and as a result, TDOT determined it was necessary to provide an alternate sewer service to the residence. TDOT’s resolution requires a grinder system to be installed from the residence to the nearest public sewer located just south of Ellendale Drive. The installation of this grinder system, funded mostly by TDOT under the Franklin Road widening project, provides the base infrastructure for the northern half of the City’s original planned project scope. Therefore, the project cost to the City has been reduced as a result. Secondly, a planned commercial project under construction at 1537 Franklin Road, just north of Holly Tree Gap Road, requires sewer to be extended to the property. The extension will reduce the City’s project scope further since this developer funded sewer extension will take the place of a portion of the City’s planned grinder sewer project. At this time, the project scope includes six households on the northern portion of the project and seven on the southern portion or a total of 13 households to be surveyed for participation. The project does not include two existing businesses or vacant parcels along the route. Historically, vacant parcels have been able to connect up to one residence and businesses have been able to connect at a later date at the then full cost of the tap fee and installation of sewer facilities. An attached map of the project area is attached for reference.
The resulting City sewer project scope includes the City installing the piping and grinder units for the southern end of the project, or from the gravity sewer extended to the commercial site by the developer, northward to the property located at 1516 Franklin Road. On the northern end of the project where the grinder system line will be installed under the Franklin Road widening project, individual grinder units and the service lines will need to be installed by the City. Additional work by the City at all properties will include abandonment of each property owner’s septic system. Construction of the grinder project and operation and maintenance of the system will also require the City to obtain permanent and temporary construction easements to install the public sewer lines.
The total funding included in the CIP for this project is $460,000. However, with the reductions in scope discussed above we fully expect the cost to be significantly less. Once the design is completed we will develop a realistic cost of the final scope of work.
Since homeowners will need to know their share of project costs and any policies established for the project in deciding if they wish to participate, staff is recommending approval of the following form agreement for installation and maintenance of the grinder systems. Historically in similar prior projects, sewer tap fees have been discounted $1,000 from the current tap fee for residents who agree to participate on the front end. In addition, participants historically have been required to pay the cost to install a 240 volt electrical disconnect panel on the side of home for the grinder to receive power. In keeping with past practices, the attached form agreement proposes a tap fee of $4,000 per household ($1,000 less than the current $5,000 fee) and provides that each homeowner must install the required electrical disconnect in preparation for providing power to the grinder unit. The Water Services Department has detailed electrical specifications available to homeowners for use when contracting with an electrician and can provide a list of contractors able to perform such services. Each homeowner would also have the option to execute a grinder system maintenance agreement, outlining future responsibilities of both the City and the homeowner relative to repair and maintenance of the grinder system as specified in the department’s “Grinder System Maintenance Program Policy,” which is attached for your information.
If the Board approves staff’s recommendations with regard to project costs as set forth in the draft proposed agreement, homeowners will be sent a survey letter detailing the project's scope, costs, policies, and conditions to move forward. Should there be 51% participation and the project moves forward, those non-participants would be required to pay full costs of tap fees and installation at some later date should they chose to connect to the system.
Should you have any questions, please contact Chris Milton, Water Services Director. |