From: Andy Peters
Sent: Fri Apr 03 16:12:56 2020
To: Paul Dage
Cc: City Recorder; Gerald Fisher; Sam Miller
Subject: RE: 124 Section St. sewer
Importance: Normal
Mr. Dage,
Thank you for your email. I’ve declined your request to use City Forces to Dye Test private sewer laterals on your property. However, as discussed, I’ve passed your email request along to Gerald Fisher, our Public Works Director, who has the authority to reconsider. He returns on April 13th. I’ll also have your request filed with the City Recorders office, in case you need to reference it while discussing the matter with City Staff going forward.
Respectfully,
Andy Peters
City of Molalla
Public Works Operations Supervisor
(503) 829-6855 x220
Cell: 503-793-0507
117 N Molalla Ave
Molalla, OR 97038
From: Paul Dage <pauldage22@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, April 3, 2020 3:45 PM
To: Andy Peters <apeters@cityofmolalla.com>
Subject: 124 Section St. sewer
Andy,
Thank you for discussing the sewer issues in regard to my home at 124 Section St. Our two phone conversations have been helpful in guiding my decision-making.
It has become clear to me that neither the home inspector, Roto-Rooter, or the City of Molalla knows for certain if the home has a private or party sewer line. The inspector's video (seen by all parties involved) is inconclusive, and the City of Molalla records do not, apparently, clarify the issue. In our phone conversation today, you said there is "probably not a party line." You also said if there is a party line that it could just be capped off, but that would obviously inconvenience the neighbors for an indefinite period of time. For me, that's not an ethical option.
Prior to me accepting a bid to repair the line, I need to know if the line is private or party. Roto-Rooter's bids for a private line range from about $5,400 to $7,400, while a bid for a party line is about $12,000. The difference is substantial. Don Vance (971-286-8455), the Roto-Rooter employee I'm working with, says their policy is to hook up all party lines, not cap them off.
I feel it is the City of Molalla's responsibility to find out the truth. The City should know how, and what kind of, lines are connected to its sewer system. Therefore, I am requesting that the City of Molalla conduct dye tests on the two adjacent properties on the east side of my property, as these are the only two party-line possibilities. These tests would give me a clear understanding of the cost of the work. I also request these tests be conducted as soon as possible, as the house is currently for sale and I intend to repair the line before the home is sold. An offer is currently pending, and the repair of the line is part of the negotiations.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Paul Dage (503-522-6899)