An ordinance requiring removal of lead and galvanized steel water pipes will go before the full Mineral Point City Council after a committee recommendation Monday night.
The ordinance committee added its recommendation to a prior recommendation from the joint streets and water and sewer committee in February.
The ordinance says replacement of lead and galvanized water service lines on private property is necessary to meet federal and state standards.
About 70 private lead service lines and 30 private galvanized lines, or about 7.5 percent of total private lines, are served by the city utility.
Lateral lines on private property must be removed at the homeowner’s expense. The city is working toward grants that could pay at least part of the cost.
Property owners will have a year to replace lead or galvanized water service lines after notification from the city.
There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Even small amounts of lead can accumulate over time. The only way to remove lead from water is to replace the lateral service lines.
The committee also discussed: · The safety of electric motor bicycles and scooters, which could not be ridden on sidewalks or in parks under a proposed amendment to update the municipal code to include the electric bikes. E-bikes could be walked on sidewalks, which might be safer than riding on high traffic streets. Unsafe operation on the streets is currently more of a problem than riding on sidewalks, Police Chief Bob Weier said. Officers are explaining the rules of the road to riders too young to drive during school visits, he said.
· Potentially requiring permits for food trucks on private property. City officials are trying to balance keeping food trucks that add options for residents with fairness to brick-andmortar restaurants that pay property taxes.
· Potentially requiring licensing and proof of rabies vaccination of outdoor cats. Currently the city has no ordinance regulating cats.