It is the purpose of this Article
I to establish a methodology for charges for the use of the Township's water and sewer systems, determining billing and enforcement procedures and general provisions related to the systems. In the event a state or federal agency or department is eliminated or renamed, all provisions of this article referring to that agency refer to any successor agency or department that has commensurate authority/responsibility.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where
the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
DIRECTOR
The Director of the Department of Utilities and Municipal
Services.
FIRE SERVICE LINE
A pipe connecting premises at the property boundary to a
water main for service of any fire protection appliance upon the premises.
REVENUES
As defined in Public Act No. 94 of 1933, § 3, as
amended (MCL 141.103).
SERVICE LINE
A pipe connecting a water main of the system to a water meter
installed on any premises.
SYSTEM
The complete sewage disposal system of the Township and the
complete water supply system of the Township including all works,
instrumentalities, properties, lines, water mains, hydrants, sewers,
pumps, lift stations, and distribution of water for domestic, firefighting
and other uses, and in the collection, disposal of domestic, commercial
or industrial wastes, including all appurtenances and including all
extensions and improvements that may hereafter be acquired.
YCUA
Refers to the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority.
The system shall be operated on the basis of an operating year
commencing January 1 and ending December 31 next following.
The rates and charges for water service shall be as follows:
A. Water commodity rates. The commodity rate for water shall be set
at a level sufficient to recover the variable costs, as well as fixed
costs, of the operations, maintenance and replacement of the water
system. This rate shall include the wholesale cost of water from YCUA
and the Township costs of the system. Commodity charges will be calculated
based on the current commodity rate multiplied by the volume of water
purchase from YCUA.
B. Water readiness-to-serve (RTS) charge. Each customer shall be charged a portion of the fixed costs of water system operations, maintenance, replacement and debt service, based on the size of the customer's water meter(s). RTS charges will be set at a level which ensures the Township will have sufficient revenue throughout the operating year to pay the costs assigned to this component of customer charges. The RTS charge shall be assessed to all active customer accounts at the same fixed rate per residential equivalent meter, regardless of the volume of water used or metered during the billing period. RTS charges reflect the minimum amount to be billed to customers each billing period, as defined on the schedule of rates and charges described in §
36-9.
(1) Irrigation meters. The readiness-to-serve charge for irrigation meters
shall be at the same rate as regular domestic meters, except it shall
be billed at 50% to reflect the seasonal basis of irrigation needs.
C. Tap charge. As customers make new connections to the water system, they shall be responsible for the cost of making the physical connection (tap) to the main servicing their property. Customers, developers or property owners wishing to tap the main are responsible for the cost of the connection. To make a connection, customers shall contract with a licensed and approved contractor or with the Township directly, to perform the work. Prior to any taps being made, contractors must first apply to the Township Utilities Department for a permit to perform the tap. Property owners, customers or developers are responsible for paying the contractor or Township for the cost of the tap, including street cuts and repairs, excavation, connection, labor, supplies, restoration and all other associated costs. The Township shall not incur any cost for taps, unless it has a contract with the property owner for full repayment of the associated costs. Inspection fees associated with the tap will be assessed as set forth in Subsection
D, below.
D. Inspections and associated fees. For all new connections (taps) to the water system, property owners, customers or developers shall submit an application for the connection with the Township. To ensure proper connections and maintain the integrity of the public water system, the Township shall inspect all taps and all excavations of water mains, laterals and lines. Inspection fees are intended to recover the cost of labor and materials to perform inspections, and shall be established as set forth in §
36-9.
E. Water system capacity charge. This one-time charge shall consist
of two components: capacity demand and meter installation. Prior to
connecting to the Township public water system, property owners must
pay for the system capacity required to service their property. Capacity
charges shall be assessed based on the size of the tap, and not based
on the size of the meter, and shall be set at a level approximately
equal to the equity share of all existing customers. The second component
of this charge will include the cost of the meter and associated labor
and supplies required to install the meter. This component of the
capacity charge will be deposited in the operating revenues of the
utility, to be used to offset costs incurred by the Township in the
year the meter is installed.
(1) Capacity charges for multi-property developments. Developers making a connection to or extending the Township water system shall be assessed a capacity charge as outlined in Subsection
E above. Developers shall be required to initially pre-pay only that portion of the capacity charges attributable to the first phase planned for the development. The initial capacity charge must be paid prior to extending the water system into the development and before any construction and/or building permits are issued. Developers shall be responsible for paying the remaining balance of capacity charges commensurate with development phasing, prior to the Township issuing construction and/or building permits for the next phase. As individual properties are connected, the Township shall authorize the installation of meters for properties which have been prepaid. This process shall be repeated, in increments, until all capacity charges for the development are fully paid. Developers shall be responsible for prepayment of all capacity charges as outlined in this subsection before permits are issued to commence the final phase of the development.
(2) Fire lines. Connections made to the water system for purpose of private
fire suppression systems shall be assessed a water capacity charge
equal to 50% of the charge assessed on regular connections. This reduced
charge reflects the community benefit of private fire systems and
recognizes the demand capacity of a fire line is less than that of
a connection intended for regular water use. There shall be installed
on all fire line systems a detector check and a Township 3/4 inch
by-pass meter. The capacity charge for fire line connections will
include the cost of a 3/4 inch by-pass meter. Fire line readiness
to serve fee as established in the Township's fee schedule of
rates and charges shall be assessed and payable at the time of each
regular billing cycle.
F. Water system extensions. Property owners or developers wishing to
extend the public water system to serve their property or development
shall be fully responsible for all costs associated with extending
the system. Upon completion of the work and Township inspection and
approval of the extension, the assets installed will be transferred
to the Township and become part of the Township's public water
system. All subsequent maintenance and replacement of the extension
shall be the responsibility of the Township.
(1) Special assessments. Property owners may petition the Township to
create a special assessment district as a means of jointly funding
an extension. All requirements for special assessments must be followed,
and the special assessment, if approved, shall constitute a lien on
each property in the district until all associated debt and interest
assigned to the property has been paid in full. The cost of the extension
may be financed through a bond sale, or the Township may choose to
finance the project with available funds, and then recover the costs,
plus market-based interest, over an agreed-upon time period, not to
exceed the original time frame of the bond. Debt service schedules
will be provided to special assessment district members, and annual
debt service charges will be added to the property owner's tax
bill and become payable in the same manner as property taxes.
(2) Developer extensions. Any developer requiring an extension of the
water system to service a planned development shall pay for all costs
associated with the extension. The Township shall be notified of any
work to take place, and inspections of the work shall be made as required
by the Township to ensure work is performed in compliance with applicable
codes. No component of the extension shall be covered until final
approval is given by the Township. Associated inspection fees shall
be payable to the Township prior to final permit approval.
(3) Township extensions. From time to time the Township may determine
that it is in the interest of the Township to extend the water system
to an unserved area, as a means of promoting growth or improving public
health and safety. In such cases, the Township reserves the right
to not recover the cost of the extension directly from property owners
served by the extension, if by so doing it would violate property
owner rights or cause undue economic harm to property owners. Nothing
in this section shall be construed to require the Township to finance
any portion of a water extension unless in its sole discretion such
project would be deemed necessary and in the best interest of the
Township.
G. Private use of fire hydrants for non-fire suppression purposes.
(1) Connections to fire hydrants at any location are prohibited except
by the Township or a public Fire Department. The exception to this
prohibition shall be business owners, licensed contractors or designated
agents wishing to obtain a fire hydrant meter permit, for temporary
water use in situations where public water supplies are otherwise
not available. A hydrant meter permit may be obtained and extended
on a monthly basis for a period not to exceed 12 months (one year)
from the date of issuance.
(2) Those wishing to obtain a hydrant meter permit must apply with the
Township Utilities Department. After one year the permit holder must
reapply for a new permit. Prior to issuing a permit, applicants must
pay a refundable deposit equal to the rate established on the Township's
fee schedule of rates and charges. Deposits will be refunded after
the final bill has been paid, and the meter has been returned in good
working order. Failure to pay the final bill or return the meter will
result in the Township withholding the refund until such time as the
meter is returned and the bill, plus late fees, is paid in full. Damaged,
lost or stolen meters will result in a forfeiture of deposited funds
sufficient to repair or replace the meter, and the permit holder will
be assessed a charge for water usage equivalent to 100 units of water
for each month or fraction of a month since the meter was last read.
The Township reserves the right to inspect hydrant meters at any time,
and hydrant permit holders shall make provisions for such inspections.
(3) Permit holders shall pay a daily rental fee on the hydrant meter as described in the fee schedule of rates and charges. Additionally, permit holders will be responsible for all water metered at the hydrant meter and applicable set-up and removal fees as established in the Township fee schedule of rates and charges. Hydrant meters shall be billed at the same frequency as other commercial accounts. Notwithstanding other provisions of this article, the rates for water service prescribed under this subsection shall be at a rate 1.25 times those prescribed under §
36-9.
(4) The permit holder shall utilize a backflow prevention method or device
acceptable to the Township at all times the meter is in use to protect
the Township's water supply. Failure to use an acceptable backflow
prevention method or device shall be cause for confiscating the meter
and terminating the permit.
H. Water connection. The minimum size for all water services is one
inch. Irrigation systems shall be connected to the meter via a one-inch
line. Irrigation systems shall be connected to the domestic service
in all cases except for developments or projects with a general or
common area owned or controlled by a subdivision, condominium or other
legally constituted landowner association or its equivalent. In those
instances a separate irrigation tap shall be permitted.
I. Tap sizes for multiunit dwellings, including a duplex. A duplex is
considered a two-unit dwelling regardless of where located. A one-inch
service shall be provided for each unit unless the duplex is part
of a larger multiunit dwelling complex where the landowner, association
or its equivalent is responsible for payment for water usage. In which
case, the developer may elect to either have a one-inch tap for each
unit in all buildings, or a two-inch tap for each building, but not
a mix of one-inch and two-inch tap sizes within the development.
J. Fire lines. Fire lines will have a Township-issued meter for detecting water usage other than fire suppression. Fire lines will have backflow preventer devices and shall be approved by the Township for cross-connection prior to installation. Fire lines serving fire suppression systems shall connect directly to the public main. Domestic services shall not connect to fire lines. The charges for such fire lines shall be as set forth in §
36-9. The Township will supply the meter detection unit and inspection after installation of the meter by a contractor. Construction plans shall be submitted to the Township Engineer for approval prior to installation.
K. Attached condominiums. The developer of an attached condominium development
has the option of providing a one-inch water service for each dwelling
unit, or one two-inch or larger water service for each building. The
development must be consistent, but not a mix of one-inch and two-inch
service sizes within the development. If one-inch services are provided
for each dwelling unit within the attached condominium development,
then a separate irrigation tap and meter must be installed for irrigation
of the commons areas. The detailed engineering plans submitted for
review must include the proposed water service sizes. Once the engineering
plans are approved for construction, the water service sizes cannot
be changed without approval of the Township Engineer.
L. Classes of water and sewer accounts. There shall be the following
classes for water and sewer accounts:
(1) Residential class. Dwellings used primarily as a domicile such as
single-family homes, detached condominiums, duplexes, and the like
where each dwelling unit is serviced by a single meter, including
irrigation systems that service their common areas.
(2) Commercial class. Establishment involved in a commercial enterprise,
business or service, including social, charitable, governmental, religious
or educational functions including irrigation systems that services
their common areas. Also included are multiple dwellings such as apartments,
condominiums, townhouses and the like where one meter services more
than one dwelling unit.
The rates and charges for sewer service shall be as follows:
A. Sewage commodity rates. The charge for sewage commodity shall be
computed and paid on the basis of 100% of the metered water consumption.
Sewage commodity rates shall be established at a level sufficient
to recover the variable costs, and fixed costs, of the sewer system
operations, maintenance and replacement. Sewage commodity rates shall
be uniform for all customers within each customer class. Commodity
charges will be calculated based on the current commodity rate multiplied
by the volume of water used by each customer, as measured by the water
meter on the customer's property. Customers without a water meter
shall be charged based on a standard number of units of water, as
established in the Township's schedule of rates and charges.
Commercial and industrial customers shall be assessed an industrial
waste charge (IWC), in addition to the computed commodity rate for
residential users. The IWC will reflect the added load and greater
variability of commercial and industrial wastewater discharges into
the sanitary sewer system.
B. Sewer readiness-to-serve (RTS) charge. Each customer shall be charged
a portion of the fixed costs of sewer system operations, maintenance,
replacement and debt service, based on the size of the customer's
water meter(s). RTS charges will be set at a level which ensures the
Township will have sufficient revenue throughout the operating year
to pay the costs assigned to this component of customer charges. The
RTS charge shall be assessed to all active customer accounts at the
same fixed rate per residential equivalent meter, regardless of the
volume of water used or metered during the billing period. Customers
without a sewer meter shall pay a readiness-to-serve charge based
on the standard meter size for other customers in the same class.
C. Minimum sewer bills. For customers with a water meter, the minimum
bill for sewer service each billing period shall be the readiness-to-serve
charge. Those customers without a meter shall, at minimum, pay the
assigned RTS charge as described in two and the sewer commodity charge
as described in one, above.
D. Tap charge. As customers make new connections to the sewer system, they shall be responsible for the cost of making the physical connection (tap) to the main servicing their property. Customers, developers or property owners wishing to tap the main are responsible for the cost of the connection. To make a connection, customers shall contract with a licensed and approved contractor or with the Township directly, to perform the work. Prior to any taps being made, contractors must first apply to the Township Utilities Department for a permit to perform the tap. Property owners, customers or developers are responsible for paying the contractor or Township for the cost of the tap, including street cuts and repairs, excavation, connection, labor, supplies, restoration and all other costs. The Township shall not incur any cost for taps, unless it has a contract with the property owner for full repayment of the associated costs. Inspection fees associated with the tap will be assessed as set forth in Subsection
E below.
E. Inspections and associated fees. For all new connections (taps) to the sewer system, property owners, customers or developers shall submit an application for the connection with the Township. To ensure proper connections and maintain the integrity of the sewer system, the Township shall inspect all taps and all excavations of sewer mains, laterals and lines. Inspection fees are intended to recover the cost of labor and materials to perform inspections, and shall be established as set forth in §
36-9.
F. Sewer system capacity charge. Prior to connecting to the Township
public sanitary sewer system, property owners must pay for the system
capacity required to service their property. Capacity charges shall
be assessed based on the size of the tap. This charge shall be set
at a level approximately equal to the equity share of all existing
customers.
(1) Capacity requirements of multiproperty developments. Developers making a connection to or extending the Township sewer system shall be assessed a capacity charge as outlined in Subsection
F above. Developers shall be required to initially pre-pay only that portion of the capacity charges attributable to the first phase planned for the development. The initial capacity charge must be paid prior to extending the sewer system into the development and before any construction and/or building permits are issued. Developers shall be responsible for paying the remaining balance of capacity charges commensurate with development phasing, prior to the Township issuing construction and/or building permits for the next phase. This process shall be repeated, in increments, until all capacity charges for the development are fully paid. Developers shall be responsible for prepayment of all capacity charges as outlined in this subsection before permits are issued to commence the final phase of the development.
(2) No water meter. New sewer customers without metered water service
shall be assessed a capacity charge equivalent to other customers
with similar wastewater capacity requirements, as determined by the
Township Utilities Department.
G. Sanitary sewer system extensions. Property owners or developers wishing
to extend the public sewer system to serve their property or development
shall be fully responsible for all costs associated with extending
the system. Upon completion of the work and Township inspection and
approval of the extension, the assets installed will be transferred
to the Township and become part of the Township's public sewer
system. All subsequent maintenance and replacement of the extension
shall be the responsibility of the Township.
(1) Special assessments. Property owners may petition the Township to
create a special assessment district as a means of jointly funding
an extension. All requirements for special assessments must be followed,
and the special assessment, if approved, shall constitute a lien on
each property in the district until all associated debt and interest
assigned to the property has been paid in full. The cost of the extension
may be financed through a bond sale, or the Township may choose to
finance the project with available funds, and then recover the costs,
plus market-based interest, over an agreed-upon time period not to
exceed the original time frame of the bond. Debt service schedules
will be provided to special assessment district members, and annual
debt service charges will be added to the property owner's tax
bill and become payable in the same manner as property taxes.
(2) Developer extensions. Any developer requiring an extension of the
sanitary sewer system to service a planned development shall pay for
all costs associated with the extension. The Township shall be notified
of any work to take place, and inspections of the work shall be made
as required by the Township to ensure work is performed in compliance
with applicable codes. No component of the extension shall be covered
until final approval is given by the Township. Associated inspection
fees shall be payable to the Township prior to final permit approval.
(3) Township extensions. From time to time the Township may determine
that it is in the interest of the Township to extend the sewer system
to an unserved area, as a means of promoting growth or improving public
health and safety. In such cases, the Township reserves the right
to not recover the cost of the extension directly from property owners
served by the extension, if by so doing it would violate property
owner rights or cause undue economic harm to property owners. Nothing
in this section shall be construed to require the Township to finance
any portion of a sewer extension unless in its sole discretion such
project would be deemed necessary and in the best interest of the
Township.
H. Industrial surcharge rates. The Township shall assess industrial
and commercial sewer customers additional rates established by the
Township Board of Trustees, and may include waste characteristics
such as biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, phosphorous,
heavy metals, and fats, oil and grease.
The revenue of the system shall be set aside, as collected,
and deposited in a separate depository account to be designated water
supply and sewerage system receiving fund (hereafter referred to as
the receiving fund), and the revenues so deposited are pledged for
the purpose of the following, and shall be transferred from the receiving
fund periodically in the manner and at the time specified in this
section.
A. Operation and Maintenance Fund. Out of the revenues in the receiving
fund there shall be first set aside, quarterly, into a separate depository
account designated operation and maintenance fund a sum sufficient
to provide for the payment of the next quarterly current expenses
of operation and maintenance as may be necessary to preserve the system
in good repair and working order.
B. Capital Improvement Fund. After full satisfaction of the requirements
of the Operation and Maintenance Fund, the moneys remaining in the
receiving fund periodically shall be transferred to the Capital Improvement
Fund and used for the purpose of extending and enlarging the system,
or used in connection with any other project of the Township related
to water supply and/or sewage disposal.