§ 98-58. Fire hydrant charge.

(a)

The use of fire hydrants and unmetered water therefrom for fire fighting purposes shall be funded from current funds in the city or from the proceeds of taxes which the city, within constitutional limits, is hereby authorized and required to levy in an amount sufficient for the purposes, as established by the city for each fire hydrant now or hereafter placed in used in the city. The annual hydrant fee is intended to recover costs associated with the original construction, and routine operation, maintenance and replacement costs associated with placement of these fixtures.

(b)

All fire hydrants, public or private, shall be approved by the city fire department.

(c)

Obstructions within 20 feet of fire hydrants shall not be placed as to impede the use of the hydrant. Upon the failure of the customer/owner to remove such obstruction when notified, such obstruction shall be removed at the customer/owner's expense.

(d)

The fee for the use of a fire hydrant for private purposes shall be established by the city council. The fire hydrant rental fee is determined by calculating a fair allowance for the original construction of the fixture, and expenses associated with maintaining the required hydrant meters. All water metered through the hydrant meter will be billed at the current rate for water only.

(Ord. No. 01-307, § 1, 4-2-2001)