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2020 Utility Rate Study

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1. How will these changes affect my residential water and sewer bills?

1. Sewer – Since we are proposing a major overhaul of the Non-residential category, and because the sewer utility is in a good position financially to meet operations and capital needs over the next 5 years, there are no planned increases for the utility overall. Sewer bills will be unchanged from FY2020 at $53.35 per month.
2. Water – The water utility has significant capital project needs that were not present in the last rate study. In order to generate the funds needed to maintain current operations and required upgrades plus future project planning, a 5% increase over FY2020 is planned. FY2021 residential monthly rates will be:

Base fee: $36.10 (a $1.72 increase)
Volume charges in cubic feet (cf):

Tier 1 (0-700 cf): $2.69/100 cf (a $0.13 increase)
Tier 2 (701-2000 cf): $3.30/100 cf (a $0.15 increase)
Tier 3 (2001 cf +): $5.14/100 cf (a $0.36 increase)

At these rates, the monthly water bill for a customer who uses 700 cf will be $54.93, an increase of $2.36.

2. What is the estimated/possible impact for a specific customer?

Staff will gladly discuss the specifics of the rate study as it applies to any individual customer concerning projected financial effects upon request. A benefit of the proposed update to the sewer rate structure is that it will necessitate and incentivize a review of activities to determine appropriate categorization, so that billing will more accurately reflect contribution. City staff will work with all interested customers to identify uses, and opportunities to conserve.

3. Is the Phase 5 for the Water Reuse & Reclamation Facility (WRRF) the phase that deals with effluent temperature reduction?

If so, does the rate study include the additional cost of electricity to run the chillers as part of the rate input costs? 

1. The City of Moscow is starting a facility plan study update that will evaluate different alternatives to address temperature reduction. It is anticipated that a design will be accepted upon completion of that study. As noted in the presentation, the City plans to begin construction of Phase 5 improvements in FY2024. It is expected that the next rate study will consider O&M cost associated with the upgrades to the WRRF.
2. Operating Cost impacts related to any capital improvement plan (CIP) items are not incorporated in the current rate study.

   
   

4. How do car washes fit into the scheme?

1. The California guidelines used to inform classification throughout this study identify car washes are low in BOD/TSS strength.

5. Should there be some consideration of the more commercial aspects of “churches” that extend beyond their primary use?

Churches get a blanket rate for both water and sewer.  However, churches are frequently used during the “non-church hours” as daycare or other uses.  Should there be some consideration of the more commercial aspects of “churches” that extend beyond their primary use?

1. The City will be conducting an Industrial Users Survey this summer, which will help identify user contributions from each commercial customer. This will help us to classify these customers by strength of the account, not only as a type of business. Under the strength-based rate structure, an account pays based on its concentration of flow, not type of business.

6. Do the water rate computations include the capital costs of maintenance and/or replacement of the reservoirs/water towers?

I know we have been looking at the NW water tower up on Residence St. for a while.  As I recall, there was discussion of the fact that the booster stations may obviate the need for that reservoir. If water reservoirs are to be continued, we need some capital accumulation to deal with that - and any additional reservoirs that may be necessary in the future due to city expansion. 

1. Although Capital Improvement Plans do not specifically include reservoir rehab or replacement in the next five years covered by this study, rates currently are assumed to fund system reinvestment/depreciation, which can be used for all assets including reservoirs. The construction of a new reservoir is planned within the next 20-year planning horizon.

7. Some explanation of how water use and sewer use are going up 0.85 and 0.75% per year when the population growth is a pretty steady 1.0 - 1.2% per year. This does not, on the surface, make sense.

1. Growth rates were based on historical (2016-2019) actual general facility charge (GFC – new account connections) revenue for each utility. Data provided indicates estimated growth of 0.8%-0.9% for water and 0.7%-0.8% for sewer. The midpoint of those estimates was used. As more low-flow and other conservations devices are used, it is anticipated that the growth factor for the utilities will be slightly less than the population growth rate.

8. Has/is the U of I been part of this process? It seems they will be impacted by the sewer rates and assuring they know what’s being contemplated is necessary.

1. The U of I is currently part of the analysis. The current assumptions do not project an increase in U of I contribution or consumption.

9. On slide 19 of the presentation, “multi-family” Is listed as a “non-residential” use. But on slide 24, it seems to reappear as a residential use. I was a bit confused on that - clarification please?

* FCS Group Presentation

1. This is related to classifying them into the Water Non-Residential Class, and keeping them separate for Sewer. On the water side, accounts with individual meters, which are still multi-family, are treated as residential. Accounts on a master-meter are treated as non-residential.

10. Are the rates based on actual cost of service to deal with the biosolids/FOG produced? How did we parse-out those rates?

I would like a bit more emphasis/explanation of how the sewer rates are set as regards the impact of low-medium-high users. Are the rates based on actual cost of service to deal with the biosolids/FOG produced?  How did we parse-out those rates? 

1. The Cost-of-Service Analysis (COSA) looked at cost drivers (customer/flow/strength). The functional allocation and cost classification separates costs by those cost drivers and allocates them to classes of service. This is done by reviewing the design criteria of the plant in service and allocating each expense in alignment with the design of the plant or specific nature of each expense.
2. The cost of service identified the costs associated with strength costs (BOD/SS) based on industry standards.  Slide 18* summarized strength related costs at a total of 34% representing $2.9 million of the annual revenue requirement. Costs are allocated to low/medium/high customers based on slide 24* strength allocation factors.  The differences in strength and resulting cost allocation assign the following factors to determine the proportion of the total strength costs assigned - Low range 200 mg/l, medium 400 and high 600.
3. Slide 25* shows the results of the cost of service analysis. Class cost of service adjustments are not recommended at this time due to the change in rate structure and the potential for customers to change categories and change their use which has potential to change the results of the cost of service. All customer class rates are getting the overall average increase of 2.25% (individual account impacts may vary). This transition period will allow for adjustments to the new structure before a strict COSA application. Otherwise, rates could vary significantly through the settling period.

*FCS Group Presentation Slides

11. Does the study include enough “buffer” to allow for sufficient funds to be generated if users decrease their consumption/output dramatically in order to reduce their costs?

Overall, I am a bit concerned that the study is weighted to reducing base rates, and then providing increasing costs depending on actual flow.  The study is fundamentally based on that to “balance the cost vs service” that we need to maintain.  However, the structure of the rate system encourages conservation (a very good thing), but does the study include enough “buffer” to allow for sufficient funds to be generated if both residential use(rs) (wise scaping/toilet replacement) and commercial use (watering landscaping, in-house water use) decrease their consumption/output dramatically in order to reduce their costs?  I worry that if usage decreases, we will find ourselves in a revenue/capital shortfall.

1. The study currently does not assume elasticity or reduction of use. Moscow already has one of the lowest per-capita water-use rates in the State. While we are confident that we will continue to experience success with our conservation programs, reductions in use within this rate study period are not anticipated to be on a scale that will cause a shortfall with the proposed structure.
2. A higher emphasis can be placed on fixed charges through either a higher fixed fee, or retaining the extra unit charge for master meter accounts.
3. Adding elasticity (i.e. conservation driven revenue reductions) impacts would result in higher rate impacts for all classes.

   
   

12. What if many of the commercial clients ask for, and are granted a reduction in their classification? Has the impact of that on the revenue stream been contemplated?

1. We anticipate the number of reclassifications to be quite low. In the event that this occurs, rates can be adjusted in the following fee schedule to meet funding requirements.

13. The two reserves cited here are ‘one time’ pools of funds, there is not a need to newly replace the reserve in each successive year. Is that right?

Slide 6*:   Perhaps I misheard, but the two reserves cited here are ‘one time’ pools of funds---are they not? It appears we hope to grow them over time (as the value plant and operating costs may increase), but if they remain untapped, there is not a need to newly replace the reserve in each successive year. Is that right?

* FCS Group Presentation

1. We are starting the analysis with $8.9 million in cash. We are funding $1.6-$2.5 in cash every year, and spending $1.6 million per year on average from FY2020 through FY2024 before Phase V. Over 5 years we accumulate the additional funds needed to build the project, and assure compliance with our NPDES Permit. Our projections into the future are sufficient to meet the needs. After the projected increased growth from new accounts, adjustments will be modified. It is likely that they will be even closer to base inflationary numbers of 1.75-2.00%
2. As discussed in the previous answer, the upcoming cost driver is Phase V. Once the City gets through this project, if the annual CIP, besides the two large projects, stays below depreciation levels, depreciation funding may be adjusted and increases reduced. This assumes no need to fund future Phases of the treatment plant. After the 5-year period covered by the study rate adjustments will be re-evaluated, with future CIP taken into consideration.

   
   

14. Slide 24*: Where does the data for flow/BOD/TSS for the various accounts come from? Why are BOD and TSS always the same figure, for a given customer?

*FCS Group Presentation

1. The data used through the study was based on California guidelines. Extensive and comprehensive data was used to form said guidelines, and subsequent work has verified their accuracy for the categorization. What the figures imply is that if you are, as a customer, above one of the thresholds, you will be in that class. Without specific monitoring data for each individual business, the established categorization is the best method to gauge use. We are, however, proposing an appeal process by which a business who feels that their operations do not meet the categorization, can submit monitoring data for consideration of reclassification.

15. Two Classes jump +/- 5% COSA. Does that mean we won’t uniformly apply the 2.25% annual increase to sewage costs to all customers in this rate cycle?

Slide 25*:   I’m confused by differences here…..seem to say the fact that two Classes jump well beyond the industry norm of +/- 5%, we need to reevaluate COSA in next study.   Does that mean we won’t uniformly apply the 2.25% annual increase to sewage costs to all customers in this rate cycle….or that we will……or ?

* FCS Presentation

1. This means Non-Residential Medium and High need to go up more than average, and residential needs to go down. To avoid double stacking (compounding) impacts for Non-Residential we are proposing to increase each class’ revenue by 2.25% (which may vary by individual account) and re-evaluate the results again once the reclassification is completed. The slide shows the results of the cost of service; however, the recommendation is to defer implementing the results until data can be collected under the new rate structure. After a couple of years of data under the new rate structure, cost of service can again be evaluated to determine if the initial cost of service trends exist and the City can begin phasing in results of the cost of service with much more confidence, or if results are showing different results and a recalibrated approach is warranted. The reason for the caution when implementing cost of service under changing conditions is to minimize the risk of rate swinging dramatically from one study to another.

16. What is the total cost UI should expect to pay in the coming years for sewage? With declining enrollment, should volumes be reevaluated?

Slides 28* onward……don’t apply to UI (correct?).   What is the total cost UI should expect to pay in the coming years for sewage?  With ever declining enrollment, should volumes be reevaluated to ensure ‘fair share’ usage is captured?

*FCS Group Presentation

1. Right now, UI is being applied the overall 2.25% increase similar to all other customer classes. Since rates are not being set on COSA, everyone is applied an across-the-board average. Even if we reevaluate the University’s contribution, unless we decide to implement COSA results, it will be based on the overall system average adjustment.

17. Non-Residential - Low, - Medium, - High. Almost identical # of customers, but higher ccf for medium. Confused by difference between flows and % fund allocation for high and medium.

Clarification on slide 24, Non-Residential - Low, - Medium, - High. Almost     identical # of customers, but higher ccf for medium. Confused by difference between flows     and % fund allocation for high and medium.

*FCS Group Presentation

1. The average account in the medium category (84ccf/month/account) contributes more flow per account compared to the high category (56ccf/month/account).
2. Due to this, even though the account allocation is equal at 1.0% the flow allocation is different due to greater per account usage in medium.
3. The reason why the BOD/TSS shift the allocation back to High is that we weigh the flow by a greater concentration (mg/l) for high. Once the greater weighting is applied the weighted flow becomes similar for both classes.

   
   

18. What have other communities done in response to virus, delay for a year?

1. Majority of the communities are still trying to evaluate the impacts of COVID and acquire enough data. There is typically a lag in information due to timing of billing and consumption. For the Communities that have acted, we have seen the following: 
   1. No change in action.
   2. Deferred rate action several months. This was more in line with municipalities that planned rate action around the March/April timeline.
   3. Considered deferring rate action until the following year.
   4. Because this is so new, the majority of communities are still trying to figure out an appropriate response based on their financial abilities.
   5. There are many factors that go into those decisions as well, in terms of existing financial outlook and performance, bond covenant requirements and System maintenance levels.

      
      

19. Adversely affected customers, will the City be conducting outreach?

1. City staff will absolutely be conducting outreach to our customers, especially those that will see significant increases due to the Non-Residential class restructuring.

20. How does the General Facilities Charge (GFC) apply to existing buildings that are being split?

This question is related to the charges assessed on new meters, specifically the General Facilities Charge (GFC) charge.  For a new meter there is a $2,550.00 GFC charge (5/8” inch meter) for new capacity.  If I have an existing duplex that is served by one meter and I wish to install a new second meter so each unit is served by separate meters it would seem that we are not adding any new capacity to the building. No additional flow will be used to serve the building.  How does the GFC apply to existing buildings that are being split?

On the technical side, and in line with industry standards, water system capacity is certainly increased by adding another meter. But on the functional side the opposite may be true given that individually metered accounts are paid for by individual tenants, leading to increased personal responsibility for water use and therefore decreased water consumption. In this specific case, where building occupancy capacity and use type does not change, we agree that waiving the GFC for the additional meter is appropriate given the increased accountability of tenants for their consumption and the conservation potential. Property owners are still responsible for the cost of the new meter installation itself, and if any future improvements/additions are made to the property that could increase occupancy then the waived GFC would be reinstated.

21. Shouldn’t Multifamily use the same kind of consumption based system as the Non-residential class?

Multifamily (residential) sewer charges are a set monthly fee that is the same for different buildings/unit size, whether it is for one bedroom or four bedrooms. Over time the fixed rate structure is adversely affecting the affordability of lower occupancy units (studio and one bedroom units) impacting a population that is in many cases on a restricted budget. The proposed changes to the Non-residential classes (moving towards more weight on consumption-based charges) are intended to increase equity among customers so that those who contribute more to the system pay more for the services provided. Shouldn’t Multifamily use the same kind of system? Shouldn’t Multifamily use the same kind of consumption based system as the Non-residential class?

1. Equity is definitely increased with consumption-based billing. All residential accounts (Single family and Multi-family) are currently charged a fixed monthly sewer bill. That amount is determined by computing the total flow and associated strength of sewer contributions for the category and the cost to convey and treat it is then spread throughout the number of units. With all of the changes we have made to the commercial sewer rates it would be quite difficult to make this happen in this cycle. The amount of time required to model these changes is significant, and may take more time and resources than we have before we must move forward with the municipal budget process. Additionally, there are several administrative changes that must be considered (e.g. software capabilities, that are different from the Non-residential classes). But it is definitely worth considering. You have highlighted an area of disparity that we were not aware of, and we now have the ability to apply that information. The same type of comment in 2017 started the process that lead us to where we are now with reorganizing the Non-residential classes. These incremental changes can add up to achieving our goals of equity and fairness in the long run, and although it means a slower process overall, it does provide some benefits. Making a few changes at a time allows the City to more easily evaluate the narrow changes that have been made, and the effects it has on our customers, their consumption habits, and how the utility must respond. If the changes are successful, then it becomes easy to take another step in that direction and evaluate again. The City’s current rate is a commonly-used fixed structure for residential sewer bills. Many jurisdictions use this rate structure to improve revenue stability. A movement away from this fixed rate structure would inject uncertainty into the revenue stream and should be made thoughtfully. Additional analysis and evaluation would be required to understand the associated revenue risk.

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Amended Public Health Emergency Order 20-03 Frequently Asked Questions

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1. When do I have to wear a face-covering?

When you are in a place that is open to the public, both indoors and outdoors, and you cannot maintain six feet of physical distance from non-household members.

2. Do I have to wear a face-covering when I am at home?

No.  The face-covering mandate only applies when you are in a public setting and unable to maintain six feet of physical distance from a non-household member.

3. What is a public setting?

Any place that is open to the public, both indoors and outdoors.

4. Do I have to wear a face-covering when I leave my house/residence?

You only have to wear a face-covering if you are unable to maintain six feet of physical distance from a non-household member.

5. Who is considered to be a “household member”?

People who reside in the same residence regardless of familial relations and who enter a residence to provide a caretaking function.

6. Do I have to wear a face-covering when I go to a grocery store, retail establishment, or any business that is open to the public?

If you can maintain six feet of physical distance from non-household members, you are not required to wear a face covering.  However, it is generally accepted that maintaining six feet of physical distance from non-household members in these public indoor spaces is not guaranteed. In these instances, the wearing of a face covering is required and vital to prevent/slow the spread of COVID-19.

Please note, businesses have the right to require and enforce the wearing of face-coverings upon entry and while remaining in the business, regardless of whether the six feet of physical distancing can be maintained.

7. Do I have to wear a face-covering when I go for a walk?

No, as long as you can maintain six feet of physical distance from non-household members.  If you are unable to maintain six feet of physical distance from a non-household member, then you are required to wear a face covering.

8. Do I have to wear a face-covering when I go for a bike ride?

No, as long as you can maintain six feet of physical distance from non-household members.  If you are unable to maintain six feet of physical distance from a non-household member, then you are required to wear a face covering.

9. If I have a medical exemption, what do I need to provide to prove I qualify?

Obtain a note from a doctor confirming the need to be excluded from the face-covering mandate.

Please note, the medical exemption does not apply to the requirement of maintaining six feet of physical distancing from non-household members when in public settings.  In other words, even if you have a medical exemption from wearing a face covering, you are still required to maintain the six feet of physical distance.

10. Are there rules about how many people can gather?

There are currently no City of Moscow mandates regarding the number of people that can gather.  We encourage everyone to follow Governor Little’s Rebound Idaho Stage 4 Guidelines and Protocols.

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Backflow Prevention

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1. What is a Cross Connection?

A cross-connection is any point in the  public drinking water system that is actually or potentially connected  to a source of contamination or pollution that could enter the system  through backflow. Common cross-connections include automatic sprinkler  systems, soda fountains, fire suppression systems, and garden hoses  among many others. All cross-connections require backflow prevention.

2. What is Backflow?

Backflow is water and/or other substances flowing in the opposite direction of the normal and intended course. It is the process by which a cross-connection can introduce contaminants into the public drinking water system.

3. How does Backflow happen?

There are two ways for backflow to occur: backsiphonage and backpressure. Backsiphonage happens when there is a negative pressure in a pipe, causing a vacuum, and water flows in the wrong direction. The vacuum can be caused by high water demand in another part of the system such as from firefighting or a water main break. Backpressure occurs when the pressure at one part of the system is greater than the pressure coming in from the water main. This can happen when a garden hose is connected to a faulty pressure washer, from an overheated water heater or boiler, or from the weight of water on a hill or tall building.

4. How does this affect me?

In order to protect public health, the City of Moscow has implemented a Cross-Connection Control Program as is required by The Idaho Rules for Public Drinking Water Systems (PDF) (IDAPA 58.01.08.552.06) and the Moscow City Code (PDF) (Title 7, Chapter 9).

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FOG

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1. What is FOG?

FOG refers to Fats, Oil, and Grease from food preparation and kitchen clean up. FOG is found in such things as:

• Meat fats (bacon grease, pan drippings, etc.)
• Food scraps
• Lard/Shortening
• Baking goods (uncooked batter and dough)
• Butter/Margarine
• Cooking oil
• Sauces
• Dairy products

2. Why should I care about FOG?

Residential households contribute FOG build-up in the sewer lines when grease is washed into the plumbing system, usually through the kitchen sink. FOG build-up must be physically removed from sewer lines by City of Moscow staff. This requires expensive equipment and is a time consuming process. FOG does not always wait until it gets to the city sewer lines before it starts accumulating on pipes. It can be a major contributor to many blockages in private sewer lines. When a blockage occurs within your plumbing system, you are responsible for removing the blockage. Doing so can range from inconvenient and unpleasant to quite expensive if a plumber’s service is required.

3. What can I do?

The  easiest way to solve the grease problem is to keep FOG out of the sewer  system in the first place. Follow the easy disposal tips listed below: 

• Never pour grease, fats, or oil down the drain or garbage disposal.
• Pour FOG into jars, cans, and plastic tubs (Careful, the liquid may be hot!) or "Fat Trapper" container. Let contents cool and solidify. When the container is full, throw away with your trash.
• Used cooking oil can be taken to the Moscow Recycling Center in sealed containers no larger than 5 gallons.
• For greasy pans, pour off the grease into a container mentioned above, and  use a paper towel to wipe out the remaining grease in the pan prior to  washing.
• Scrape as much of food scraps and residue as possible  from plates and cooking utensils into the garbage. A silicon scraper or  spatula works great!

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Legal - Public Meeting Process

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1. Why can I talk privately to a decision maker on a legislative matter but not on a quasi-judicial matter?

Legislation generally concerns governance of a large number of people and/or general categories of property or people or activities. When general legislation is applied to specific people or property, the matter becomes quasi-judicial because it is similar to how a court applies the general law to a given situation. A quasi-judicial matter generally concerns specific people, entities or properties and, therefore, needs to be handled with care so that it can be clear to everyone that any decision is based upon public discussion and public information and the record of the proceedings can be preserved.

Because there is some distrust regarding decisions made by Boards, Commissions and/or Councils regarding quasi-judicial matters, the Idaho Legislature has determined that the public has the right to comment on the proposal and to observe the discussion regarding the proposal where a quasi-judicial matter is being considered. This is meant to prevent concerns that a decision is made because of undue influence, bribery, kick-backs, and/or personal feelings or obligations regarding various parties or issues. In order to insure fairness, more structure is given to quasi-judicial matters than to legislative matters.

2. Why can’t I talk to a decision maker about an upcoming quasi-judicial matter?

You can - but you must comment either in writing to the decision making board (not the individual member) or during the comment period within the public hearing. The Open Meetings Law of the State of Idaho prohibits ex parte contacts with decision makers. The law is meant to prevent undue influence being applied to decision makers. The public hearing process is meant to insure that everyone who reviews the public hearing can determine the basis of the decision because all comments made during that process become part of the record.

In fact, if a decision maker is basing any part of his or her decision on something not “in the record,” the decision may be overturned. If the decision maker believes that he or she cannot make an unbiased decision, the individual decision maker must withdraw from the decision making process on that matter. See the Public Service Handbook for more on conflicts of interest (page 4) (PDF).

3. Why does the applicant get more time than others?

The amount of time given to participants at a public hearing is determined by the Chair of the meeting. Because the applicant has the burden of coming forward to the decision making body to request action, the applicant is generally given sufficient time to make the presentation showing entitlement to the action the City Code allows. It is up to the Chair of the hearing to make sure that all of the relevant issues in the public hearing are discussed and that each idea or assertion is given a fair chance to be considered.

Priority should be given to over-all fairness rather than strictly to the amount of time given to particular individuals. As part of that decision, the Chair has the discretion to limit testimony where it is redundant or not directed at the issue(s) being considered.

4. Why do staff members sometimes interrupt the process?

The staff is there to insure, to the greatest extent possible, that the established process set out in the State Code and in the Moscow City Code is followed and that all appropriate information is considered. Many times, decisions which are otherwise appropriate have to be reconsidered because the process was not followed. The laws related to process are meant to make sure that any decision is fair, based upon public evidence and discussion, and consistent and predictable. Occasionally a City staff member such as the Community Development Director or City Attorney will interrupt the proceedings in order to “keep it on track” or to explain the law or process. Please forgive any temporary inconvenience or embarrassment this may cause.

5. When is it possible to talk to a City Councilmember or member of a Board or Commission regarding something I feel strongly about?

Generally speaking you should be able to speak to a member of the decision making board at any time regarding a legislative matter or a matter of general concern. If there is a quasi-judicial matter scheduled or pending before the Board, Commission or Council, the decision maker should inform you of that fact and ask you to bring your comments for the public hearing. If there is no quasi-judicial matter scheduled or pending before the decision making Board, you should feel free to discuss with that member anything you wish. If a decision maker learns something from you that later becomes part of the decision on a related matter, that member will include that fact in the public hearing.

One thing to keep in mind is that the normal consequence of inappropriately contacting a decision making Board member is the inability of that Board member to participate in a pending matter, so please be patient and respectful if the decision maker does not talk to you directly until the appropriate time. You may wish to contact City staff for direction on when you may speak to the decision makers on a particular topic.

6. How do I find out about an upcoming meeting or issue?

Agendas for public hearings are published in the newspaper, posted on the first floor of City Hall, posted on this website's agenda center, and are available at the office of the City Clerk on the 3rd floor of City Hall. They also may be requested by contacting the City Clerk at 208-883-7000 or by emailing the Clerk. Past notices are available also.

Address

City Hall
(City Clerk - 3rd Floor)
206 E Third Street
Moscow, ID 83843

7. What if I have a suggestion to make to the City that is not scheduled to be discussed at a meeting?

You may always email the Mayor, email all Council members and Mayor, email the City Supervisor or members of the City Staff if you have questions or concerns. In addition, the City Council meetings allow a period of time which is specifically set aside for citizens to address the Council on any unscheduled issue of importance.

8. If I have a question about process, who can I talk to?

The City Supervisor’s office can be emailed regarding your questions. The Community Development Director answers email inquiries regarding community development issues. The City Attorney can answer legal or procedural questions related to the City - call 208-883-7003 or email Rod Hall, Attorney.

9. Does the City follow Robert’s Rules of Order?

The City generally uses the structure of Robert ’s Rules of Order but has not formally adopted them. Because the City is of a rather small and familiar size and because Robert ’s Rules of Order sometimes have the unintended consequence of over-formalizing meetings, the City has not chosen to adopt the Robert ’s Rules of Order formally. Additionally, where city governments have adopted Robert ’s Rules of Order, courts occasionally have focused more on the formal and technical aspects of the rules rather than on the idea of basic fairness in the procedure.

You may wish to review the Public Meetings Handbook (PDF) which explains, generally, how the City decision making Boards and Commissions use the Robert's Rules of Order.

10. If I think that the State law or the City Code is being violated, who can I talk to?

You may contact the City Attorney if you have a concern regarding potential conflicts of interest, failure to honor the procedures, and/or failure to follow the City Code. The City Attorney’s office will discuss the matters with you because it is part of the City Attorney’s job to insure that the Code is followed. If the City Attorney cannot answer your question because of a conflict or an ethical concern, you will be advised of that and directed to another person who can help you. If you believe a crime has been or is being committed, you may also contact the Moscow Police Department, the Latah County Prosecutor at 208-883-2246, or the Idaho Attorney General at 208-334-2400.

11. How do I get something on the agenda?

Please contact the City Administration Department for information. The Mayor directs the City Supervisor regarding what agenda items appear for consideration. The City Supervisor also works closely with the City Council members and City Boards, Commissions and Committees regarding important issues.

12. How do I know if a subject, project or agenda item is legislative versus quasi-judicial?

There is no specific formula to help you to determine this; however, there are some “rules of thumb” which, in general, apply specifically to each matter.

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Legal - Public Meetings - Legislative Matters

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1. What is legislative action?

Legislative action occurs when a governing body (i.e., Council, Committee or Commission) guides or directs the public by enacting rules and/or regulations. It anticipates lots of public input. It is generally open-ended and broad in its scope and affects a broad class of individuals and a variety of situations.

2. What rules apply to legislative hearings?

Moscow City Code 4-10-6 (PDF) controls conduct of legislative hearings. Public input can be obtained in a variety of ways, both before and during a public meeting as long as the final decision related to the legislative action occurs in a public meeting.

3. Who can participate during the meeting?

Anyone recognized by the Chair can participate. You may wish to review the Public Meetings Handbook (PDF) (PDF) for more detailed information about how the public meeting is conducted.

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Legal - Public Meetings - Other Meeting Topics

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1. What other public meeting topics are there?

Matters other than Legislative and Quasi-Judicial may include:

• Approval of Contracts
• Decisions on Grant Participation
• General Discussion
• Information Presented to the Governing Body
• Proclamations
• Reports

These matters are generally related either to doing the everyday business of the governing body or receiving information which may lead to further action by the governing body.

2. What rules apply?

Although there are no specific rules which apply to every one of these matters, the Chair will generally make the preferred process known within the meeting.

3. Who can participate during the meeting?

Anyone permitted to participate by the Chair can participate during the meeting.

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Legal - Public Meetings - Quasi-Judicial Matters

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1. What is quasi-judicial activity?

Quasi-judicial activity occurs when the governing body acts like a judge or tribunal in determining how a general rule or regulation should apply to an individual, small group or interest. Actions related to land use (i.e., zoning, plats, the Comprehensive Plan, subdivisions, etc.) and licenses (daycare, solicitors, alcohol, etc.) are usually quasi-judicial in nature.

2. What rules apply with quasi-judicial matters?

Quasi-judicial matters are more formal and restrictive than other matters. Generally, the public can participate only during the "public hearing" portion of the meeting. This means that the public can not give input to governing board members prior to the meeting or after the public portion of the meeting has been closed.

The reason that public input is taken only during the public hearing is to ensure that the decision made is one based only upon evidence in the record and not based upon outside influences or information. See the Public Meetings Handbook (page 4) (PDF) for specific information about consideration of quasi-judicial items. Moscow City Code 4-10-4 and 4-10-5 control public hearing procedures.

3. Who can participate during the meeting?

The applicant, people in support or in opposition to the application, and those wishing to give general testimony may participate, as permitted by the Chair.

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Moscow Volunteer Fire

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1. May I burn yard waste or household trash?

If you are located within Moscow city limits, no outside burning is allowed, with the following possible exceptions:

1. Each spring, the Fire Marshal may declare an open burning period, dependent upon weather conditions. Items which may be burned during this period include garden waste, brush and tree trimmings. Items which may not be burned include leaves, grass trimmings and rubbish containing paper products. Persons burning debris must be in legal control of the lot or parcel where burning is taking place. Other requirements include burning at least 25 feet from any building; keeping a garden hose or fire extinguisher handy; no burning after dark. Permits are not required; however, persons who do not meet all requirements may be subject to fines. The Fire Marshal at (208) 882-2831 can answer any questions.             
2. For yard waste disposal: tree limbs and yard waste items can be taken to the Moscow recycling center to be recycled into compost. If you are located outside Moscow city limits, the Idaho Department of Lands enforces state laws regarding open burning. They may be reached at their office in Deary: (208) 877-1121. For approved burning outside city limits, but within the Moscow Rural Fire District, we ask that you notify us early on the day of your burn: (208) 882-2831. We’ll pass along the information to our command personnel and our dispatch service (Whitcom). It’s really helpful to us to know where field burns are taking place each day.             
3. Certain “APPROVED” outside burning appliances may be used year-round,for recreational use only (burning only clean dry wood) including: Chiminea's and Outdoor Fireplace burning units. These burning appliances MUST always be operated with their metal mesh screens/spark arrestors/fire pit lids in place. If not in place, you are performing an illegal burn operation. It should be noted that these burning appliances give off a significant amount of radiant heat and need to be shielded on the bottom with patio blocks or other masonry type materials. They also need to be kept away from combustible materials (wood/vinyl siding) to prevent the radiant heat from starting other items or structures on fire. 

2. Do you offer an EMT class?

Our department offers an EMT class twice a year (Spring and Fall).  Typically classes are Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 10pm for about 3 months. The applications are posted online in December for the Spring class, and July for the Fall class.  You can follow our social media (Facebook and Instagram) for more updates on the classes being offered.  The cost of the class is $750 and the application requires immunizations and a background check.   For more information please email info@moscowvolunteerfire.org

3. Do you inspect or service fire extinguishers?

No, we are not able to inspect or service fire extinguishers at any of our three fire stations.   There are several businesses in Moscow that are able to provide this service.  Though we can't recommend a specific business, a quick search online should lead you in the direction of several options in our community.  

4. Does your department have paid firefighters and/or medical personnel?

Our volunteers own and operate the fire department. The City of Moscow purchases fire trucks and built our newest station, and funds seven paid positions for management continuity and liaison. With this support, our approximately 100 volunteers perform the major work of responding to fire and ambulance calls. This is a talented, hard-working and dedicated group; they willingly give thousands of hours yearly in service to their fellow citizens (and account for a major savings of City budget dollars!).

5. How can I volunteer and what are the requirements for membership? Do I need prior experience?

You must be at least 18 years of age; high school graduate or equivalent; hold a valid driver’s license and be insurable under our driving insurance policy. Additionally, you must successfully complete an Moscow Volunteer Deparmtnet (MVFD) physical abilities (strength and agility) test and provide a physical (medical) examination which verifies that you are fit to perform typical firefighting/EMT duties. You must be eager to meet the considerable time commitment required. We will provide all necessary gear.

For firefighters, no prior experience is necessary and all training is provided. The EMS Division does require that you hold a current EMT certification to be considered for membership. Call our administrative office at 208-882-2831 for further information or fill out and submit an application!

6. I’ve heard you have firefighters who live in your stations?

Yes! We have a Resident program staffed by 20 full-time University of Idaho students. All living expenses are included, except food. These men and women bear the major responsibility of responding fire apparatus to emergency scenes, and are also assigned station cleaning and maintenance duties - all while maintaining a satisfactory grade average in their studies. Students in all disciplines are welcome, although many of the Residents plan a career in fire and/or EMS services. Former participants in our Resident program can be found in fire stations from coast to coast, and in jobs as diverse as University president and director of a major urban paramedic training program.

Give us a call at 208-882-2831 if you’re interested.

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Moscow Volunteer Fire - Resident Firefighters

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1. What personal costs are associated with this program?

Resident firefighters are responsible for their own food and meals. A room, uniforms and firefighting equipment is provided to you.

2. Will I get my own room?

There are two students per room. Residents share the kitchen facilities, lounge, restrooms and other facilities.

3. How often will I be on duty?

Resident firefighters are on duty once every fifth calendar day. Duty shifts are 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. on weekdays and 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (24 hours) on weekends. Residents are relieved of duties during breaks recognized by the University of Idaho.

4. Am I expected to be on duty if I have classes on a duty night?

Resident firefighters are expected to balance their school responsibilities with their fire department responsibilities. You may trade duty coverage with another student when any school conflict arises. Resident firefighters are required to maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

5. Can I take an EMT class?

One to two EMT classes are available to be taken each year. MVFD members get first priority for admission to the classes.

6. Must I have prior firefighting experience to apply?

Prior firefighting experience is not necessary. Upon admission as a Resident firefighter you will be required to complete a 100-hour basic firefighting course to prepare you for your firefighting and fire apparatus driving requirements.

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Police

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1. Is it safe to walk on campus at night?

Yes, provided you take some simple steps to enhance your safety. First be alert to suspicious people or circumstances. If something or someone doesn't seem right to you, go to a well-lit, populated area and notify the police. Travel in well-lit, well-traveled areas and try not to walk alone. Familiarize yourself with the locations of the courtesy phones around campus. If you ever have a problem, go to one of these and dial 9-911. Also remember that most crimes that happen on campus occur from around 1 a.m. - 3 a.m. and involve alcohol.

2. I locked my keys in a University of Idaho office, what do I do?

Contact the University of Idaho Facilities at 208-885-6246. Ask them to come and open your office. Be prepared to show the identification. After hours, you can also contact University Security at 208-885-7054 for assistance.

3. Where can I be fingerprinted?

The police department does fingerprinting between the hours of Noon - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, for a charge of $20. The Latah County Sheriff Office provides routine fingerprinting service. Visit their website.

For non-city license applicants please bring in an over sized pre-paid envelope for mailing since you cannot mail them yourself.

4. How do I get a copy of a police report?

You may request a summary of any police report by coming to the Moscow Police Department and completing a Freedom of Information Act Request Form. These forms are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the website. It may take seven to ten days to process your request and costs 10 cents per page. If you have questions about this policy, please call us at 208-883-7054.

5. Where can I find laws on the internet?

The State of Idaho maintains Idaho laws online on their website.

The City of Moscow maintains a listing of our Moscow City Codes.

6. Where do I pay or contest my parking ticket?

If the City of Moscow Police issued you the parking ticket, you can use this website or stop by the main lobby at 118 E 4th Street, between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. to either pay or contest your ticket. You can also drop off a payment after hours at our drop-box in front of the main entrance. Other agencies in our area that can also issue parking tickets are: 

• Latah County Sheriff's Office, 208-882-2216
• University of Idaho Parking Services, 208-885-6424

7. How do I request a presentation by a police officer?

You can request that a police officer give a presentation to your group by calling the following numbers:

• For presentations on the University of Idaho Moscow campus, call us at 208-883-7129.
• For all other presentations in the City of Moscow, call our Crime Prevention Officer at 208-883-7054.

8. How do I become a Moscow Police Officer?

To see if a position is available, go to the City of Moscow Human Resources webpage and follow their directions to apply.

9. Does Moscow hire lateral transfers (current police officers from other departments)?

This is our preferred hiring pool. If you are currently a police officer and are interested in a job with the Moscow Police Department, contact us at 208-883-7054.

10. How can I identify my belongings to prevent theft?

Identify your belongings by engraving your initials or other markings identifiable only to you on them, recording serial number information, and taking videotapes or photographs of the item(s). List your valuables by serial numbers and identifying features on an inventory sheet. This sheet should be kept separately in a safe place, like a safe or safety deposit box. This not only helps us recover your property should it ever be stolen, it also helps prevent theft. Thieves are less likely to steal something that can be readily identified as stolen. Contact Officer Shaine Gunderson at 208-883-7054 for further information on crime prevention.

11. Can I get a Moscow Police patch for my collection?

Yes. The patch is available to patch collectors for $5. If you're interested in receiving a patch, send $5 to:

Moscow Police Department
Attn. Karen Potter
118 East 4th Street
Moscow, Idaho  83843

12. I’d like to speak with someone regarding an officer’s actions. What should I do?

Your comments are very important to us. If you would like to compliment or complain about an officer’s actions, please:

For complaints, please call us at 208-882-COPS (2677) and ask to speak with a supervisor.

For compliments please call us at 208-882-2677 or write a letter and send it to:

Chief of Police
Moscow Police Department
118 East 4th Street
Moscow, Idaho  83843

In all correspondence, please include the Officer’s name, approximate date and time you interacted with the officer, and the location of the interaction.

13. What should I do if my car is stopped by a police officer?

• If you are driving a motor vehicle and an officer signals you to stop, you must pull over. That’s the law.
• Please stay in your car. If it’s dark, turn on the interior light. Do not  leave your car unless directed to do so by the officer. Relax, don’t  make any sudden movements or reach for items inside the vehicle which  could be construed by an officer as a potential threat to his/her  safety.
• Please keep your hands on the steering wheel.  Wait for the officer to approach your vehicle. The officer will begin by identifying him/herself and will tell you they work for the Moscow  Police Department. Next the officer should explain to you why you were  stopped and ask you to explain your behavior regarding the violation for which you were stopped. The officer will then ask you for your driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of liability insurance. If you  don’t have your license with you, verbal identification will be  requested. Please provide the officer with the requested information.
• Moving traffic violations are the most common reason for stopping a vehicle.  However, you may also have been stopped for a registration or equipment  violation. A criminal investigation may be another reason for being  stopped.
• At some point during the stop, the officer may ask you and any passengers to step from the car for a variety of  reasons. Please follow the instructions the officer gives you.
• The officer's actions during a traffic stop are guided by the fact that  police officers are assaulted and killed each year during traffic stops. Our goal is to protect you, the motorist, and to ensure our own safety. We feel that it is important for you to know that most of the Moscow  Police Department’s traffic stops are video/audio recorded.

14. When a car is stopped, it appears that the officer is “sneaking up” on the driver. At night, the officers shine their lights into the car. Why is that?

Officers are trained to minimize their exposure to traffic and potential danger from within the vehicle. At night, the bright lights illuminate the interior of the vehicle which is another safety consideration for the officer.

15. If I've only been pulled over for a traffic offense, why do other police officers show up?

It is not uncommon for officers who are in close proximity to back each other up, even if they are not requested. This is just routine for safety reasons. It is also possible that the initial or secondary patrol vehicle may be a field-training unit, which consists of two officers, one of whom is learning how to become a police officer.

16. Why does the officer sit in the car for so long? What are they doing?

Technology now allows an officer to verify your driving status and check your vehicle registration directly from the patrol car. Because this information is accessed via computer and dependent upon its reliability, unanticipated delays may occasionally occur. While it may seem as if the officer has kept you waiting for a long time, it’s normally only for a few minutes.

17. What if you are issued a citation?

Please don’t argue at the scene. You have the right to contest a citation before a judge at a later time.

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Public Works

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1. Do I need a permit to dig in the public right-of-way?

Yes. An excavation permit is  required from the Engineering office at 221 E Second Street. Usually  there is a charge for the permit and a security deposit is required.

2. Can someone from the City come to my house and help me find my property corners?

The City does not provide that service. However, there are a number of professional land surveyors in the Moscow area that do perform that service. The City crews occasionally find what appear to be property corners (monumentation) in the course of collecting field data for projects and will generally notify the property owner. Our Engineering staff can provide you with measurements and topographic maps to assist you in looking for your property corners. 

3. Can City staff tell me where my sewer line exists between my house and the City sewer?

No. We have no records indicating how private lines were installed. We can sometimes tell you where the private line connects to the City sewer. 

4. What kind of maps do you have and what do they cost can I get a digital drawing?

We maintain record maps of many types of information from underground utilities to property addresses and the cost varies depending on the size of and process used to generate the copy. See the Engineering map web page for a price list of the most requested maps and the maps available for download. We do not provide computer generated digital maps to the public.

5. What is the width of the public right-of-way on a particular street?

We maintain a set of City plat maps and willingly research right-of-way widths at requested locations. You can obtain this information in person or by a phone call to 208-883-7034.

6. Are permanent structures allowed on public right-of-way?

Construction of building structures is not allowed on public right-of-way, however depending on the particular situation, a retaining wall may be permitted. Requests for encroachments are reviewed by Engineering staff to determine the impacts on public property. Engineering staff will approve or deny simple encroachment requests. More complex encroachments require City Council approval.

7. Are two or more homes allowed to connect to the same private sanitary sewer service pipe?

Present day codes require each home/structure have individual sanitary sewer service connected directly to the public sewer main. In earlier times, there were no regulations prohibiting multiple connections to one service. This is why one may hear of such conditions existing. Moscow does not allow additional homes/structures to be connected to existing private sewer lines.

8. Can I widen my private driveway approach (curb cut) onto a public street?

City code allows residential driveway approaches (curb cuts) with a maximum width up of twenty feet (20'). If you live on a corner lot, you are allowed to have a curb cut on each fronting street. Commercial lots are allowed one thirty-foot wide, two-way approach, or two twenty-foot wide, one-way approaches. A permit is required from the City Engineering.

9. Why doesn't the City pave my gravel street?

The City of Moscow established a policy years ago not to pave local and residential gravel streets. The City will, however, support property owners adjacent to gravel streets who wish to pave streets at owner expense. This support is offered through the Local Improvement District process.

10. Can I get a map of my property?

The Engineering Division has a variety of maps and photos that may be used to approximately identify your property, lot line dimensions, and topographic features. We do not have accurate mapping that shows exactly where property lines are in relation to topography such as buildings, sidewalks and streets. For general site-plan preparations these maps can be very helpful and are available at a reasonable cost in the Engineering Division Office at 221 E Second Street.

11. Where can I obtain the City Engineering Standards?

The Standard Construction Drawings are available electronically, Standard Construction Drawings or paper copies of the City Construction Standards Specification and Standard Construction Drawings are available at the Engineering Division Office.

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Sanitation - Roll Cart

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1. What is automated solid waste collection?

Automated collection utilizes mechanical lifting devises to lift and empty specialized solid waste roll carts into collection vehicles. There are two methods of automated collection. "Fully-automated" collection vehicles use a mechanical arm, operated from the cab of the collection vehicle, to lift and empty the roll carts from the side of the vehicle. "Semi-automated" collection uses lifting plates, mounted on the rear of the vehicle, to which collection crews wheel the roll cart and hydraulically lift and empty. Both methods will be utilized.

2. Why implement roll carts and automated collection in Moscow?

The City of Moscow has researched the benefits, municipal waste collection best practices and feasibility of a roll cart based system to satisfy a goal of the 2011 Sanitation Strategic Plan endorsed by the Sustainable Environment Commission and adopted by City Council. The City is always working to find ways to improve collection services, efficiency and manage costs. The roll carts have hinged attached lids, convenient handle, wheels for ease of maneuverability and a long life expectancy. Many lids, from garbage cans used in the past, were missing or had long since blown away. 

Moscow receives over 27 inches of precipitation annually. This adds hundreds of unnecessary and preventable tons of water weight each year, to the waste stream and storm water system. This adds thousands of dollars each year to disposal costs. One garbage can, with a missing lid, can contribute over 300 pounds per year in preventable water weight to the waste stream. The roll carts enhance neighborhood health, safety, cleanliness and aesthetics.

3. When will the roll cart collection program begin?

The implementation is August 1, 2013. You will likely have your new roll cart delivered prior to that date. Older garbage cans will no longer be serviced due to the incompatibility with the automated collection equipment.

4. How does it work?

Each home may choose an easy-to-use roll cart, from 35, 65 and 95 gallon capacities, that best fits their individual needs. Simply place bagged garbage into the cart, ensure the lid is fully closed and roll it to the curb or alley, leaving the handle facing your home and free (3 feet) from any obstacles or other carts, on your regular collection day. Roll carts must be placed out for collection by 7 a.m. on collection day and must be promptly removed from the curb line or collection area(s) by no later than Noon the next day following the scheduled collection day.

5. What if I sometimes have more garbage than fits in my roll cart?

It is important that customers choose a roll cart size that adequately contains their waste the vast majority of the time. If you have more garbage than fits in your roll cart, it will be subject to additional fees. Garbage tags will no longer be used or accepted beginning August 1, 2013. The monthly fee for the next larger sized roll cart will be less expensive than a single extra garbage fee. The appropriate sized roll cart choice, allows the space for occasional extra volume. It is also important to remember when filling the roll cart, materials should not be packed down, but placed loosely in the cart. Roll carts will not empty properly if materials are packed tightly. Remember, it is not required or encouraged to fully fill you roll cart each week.

6. Shouldn't residents that produce more waste pay more?

Yes. The City of Moscow has a "volume based" system. The variable size, variable rate system allows residents to choose a roll cart size that best fits their needs. In this utility-like arrangement, the amount customers pay is proportionate to their level of trash service. Volume based billing reflects the ideology that residents who produce more landfill waste should be charged accordingly. Tailoring the size of the roll cart to the amount of waste produced and charging a higher fee for larger cart sizes encourages residents to recycle and reduce the amount of waste disposed.

7. Do I need to buy a roll cart?

No. The roll cart(s) will be supplied by the City's franchised solid waste collection company, Latah Sanitation, Inc. (LSI). The carts will remain the property of LSI. They will be registered to your specific property and service address (via serial number and RFID) and will stay with that address should you move.

8. What if my roll cart is lost, stolen or damaged?

Latah Sanitation, Inc. (LSI) will replace lost or stolen roll carts, subject to a replacement fee. Damaged roll carts, due to normal wear and tear, will be repaired or replaced, at no cost, by LSI. Damaged roll carts, due to misuse or abuse, will be repaired or replaced by LSI and may be subject to repair or replacement fee.

9. What if I want to change the size of my roll cart?

New services may request one size change, within the first 60 days, free of charge. Size change requests following this initial period, will be subject to additional charges. Roll cart size changes are generally conducted on your scheduled collection day. Crews will exchange carts after the routes are completed. This allows crews to exchange your cart after it has been emptied. Call the City of Moscow Utility Billing Office at 208-883-7043 to request service changes.

10. What if my collection is missed?

If your garbage is missed, call Latah Sanitation, Inc. (LSI) as soon as possible at 208-882-5724. In most cases your garbage can be collected the same day or by 5 p.m. the following work day. LSI will provide one free return service per calendar year. Depending on the circumstances, additional return services may be subject to an additional fee.

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Stormwater

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1. How was the billing for residential properties determined?

The calculations were determined using aerial images and GIS technology to measure the amount of impervious surface area (ISA) present on a representative sample of residential properties in Moscow. Impervious surfaces are materials that do not allow the penetration of water, such as buildings, roads, and parking areas. The average of the measurements was set as one Equivalent Service Unit (ESU), which is 3,340 square feet. Residential bills will be set at either 0.5, 1.0, or 2 ESU depending on the amount of ISA present on the specific parcel.

2. We heard that you were waiving some types of properties or offering credits. How can this be fair to the rest of us?

We are sensitive to the fact that as one group receives a fee credit or waiver it can shift costs to other groups, raising their fees. In addition, we cannot arbitrarily waive fees or offer credits, there has to be a sound justification for doing so and the reduction in their fee needs to correspond with a reduction in the cost of providing services to the customer receiving the reduction. Therefore, we have limited the number of credits and waivers for consideration. Credits for Municipal Stormwater Permit holders were discussed above, others are described below:

• We have recommended that vacant undeveloped properties without significant hard surface be waived from paying fees because they have no land use on them that contributes to water quality problems or increases runoff above natural levels. Unless otherwise known, vacant undeveloped properties are assumed to be in a natural or semi-natural state.
• We have recommended that City-owned roads be waived because road gutters, catch basins, and storm pipes are an integral part of the City’s stormwater control system which serves adjacent property owners. State roads and public pathways will not be charged to be consistent with the policy for City roads.
• We intend to offer a 20 percent fee credit to multi-family and non-residential customers that discharge their runoff directly to local streams. Customers who discharge runoff directly to local streams receive fewer services than customers who discharge to the City storm drains which then flow into local streams.

3. Why are you collecting money for water, wastewater and now stormwater? Isn't it all the same thing?

No, these are not the same thing. “Water” refers to operation of the drinking water system, including treatment, supply systems, and regulatory compliance (Safe Drinking Water Act). 

“Wastewater” refers to the domestic sewer system, including sewage collection system, wastewater treatment plant operation, and regulatory compliance (Clean Water Act, the WRRF has an NPDES Wastewater Discharge Permit).

 “Stormwater” refers to the operation of the storm drain system to convey and dispose of rainwater or snowmelt runoff, including the runoff collection, conveyance, outfall system, and local water ways. Stormwater is now being regulated like wastewater, which is why the City is under an NPDES Permit.

4. Is money going to be siphoned off to go to non-stormwater activities?

By law, stormwater user fees cannot be used for non-stormwater activities. Like other utilities, the City will establish clear work plans and budgets. The budget will be available for scrutiny and will be adopted in an open setting just like existing water and sewer budgets.

5. Why not wait to collect fees until later?

The NPDES Permit went into effect in October 2019, yet we have no dedicated funding mechanism to ensure compliance. Non-compliance with NPDES is not a situation the City can afford to be in, so we need to secure the resources to move towards compliance as soon as possible. Accomplishing the full array of things that NPDES requires us to do can be done, but it will be a challenge and we need to begin quickly in order to meet the deadlines and avoid liability and risk of third-party lawsuits. City staff recommend that General Fund tax revenue continue to be used during the first two years of the 5-year permit term due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, with stormwater fees enacted in October 2021.

6. Why should I pay if all my stormwater stays on my property or in my parking lot?

The City recognizes that some properties may not use the City’s stormwater control system. In these cases, a property owner will be exempted from stormwater user fees. Residential and commercial customers who submit site specific topographic and drainage information and a hydrologic analysis to the City that shows runoff will not leave the property, or portions thereof, for up to and including a 100-year, 24-hour storm event are eligible for a waiver for the applicable portion of the property. The hydrologic analysis shall be completed by a qualified professional, such as an engineer or equivalent.

7. What about property owners that have their own NPDES Multi-Sector or Municipal Stormwater Permit, why should they pay too?

Multi-Sector Permit holders are required to meet benchmarks or standards for runoff quality and conduct management practices to bring their stormwater pollution into a “normal” range. Municipal Stormwater Permit holders must implement activities to reduce their stormwater pollution below the “normal” range. Both types of discharge still consume system capacity and use City stormwater services. The City will provide a 20 percent fee credit for holders of valid Municipal Stormwater Permit (such as the University of Idaho) to reflect that the permittee’s program reduces their stormwater pollution below the “normal” range.

8. What about people on fixed incomes like senior citizens?

We are attempting to keep stormwater user fees at a low enough level so they are not an undue burden, even for low-income households. However, to be consistent with our other utilities we are not offering reduced fees to low-income senior property owners at this time.

9. Are sidewalks included in the calculation of my stormwater fee?

Sidewalks are considered part of the City street right-of-way. Therefore, sidewalks will not be included in the calculation of impervious surface for determining stormwater fees for customers. Owners who think their fees are incorrect will be able to submit information to have corrections made by the City.

10. What kind of technical help is available for small developments?

Technical assistance is available from City Engineering staff. Assistance is available locally to help understand and address stormwater management requirements. This includes what types of Best Management Practices (BMPs) can be used for preventing erosion during construction and for treating or detaining stormwater over the longer term. The City will provide updated stormwater design standards and specifications for use by developers, contractors, and engineers. In the meantime, engineers and developers should confer with City staff about stormwater development standards and other local requirements. The Catalog of Stormwater Best Management Practices for Idaho Cities and Counties (IDEQ, 2005) may also be resource for engineers and developers.

11. I heard that the City of Lewiston had a stormwater utility and user fees that was repealed by the Courts. Isn’t this the same thing?

The Lewiston stormwater decision was accounted for during the development of the City’s system of stormwater user fees. Each legal issue raised by the Court during the Lewiston case was considered and responded to as the City considered and selected user fee policies and rate structures that are appropriate for use within the Moscow.  Since then, other Idaho cities have implemented storm utilities, with a local example being the City of Coeur D’Alene which has had a storm utility in place since 2012.  

12. Why aren’t stormwater user fees being voted on by the people?

A system of stormwater user fees is not a tax to be voted on. It is a charge for services rendered and benefits received by customers of the City stormwater control system. We recognize that it may be difficult to understand why the City now wants to charge property owners for services that were not previously being charged for. In reality, the City has been paying for the existing stormwater program using General Fund tax revenue, but due to increasing costs, and the increased maintenance and tracking requirements of the new permit, it cannot continue to do so. State law allows a system of stormwater user fees to be implemented by the City Council without a public vote. The City believes it is legitimate to treat stormwater services the same as water, sewer, and sanitation services, where customers pay for services received.

13. Why can’t the City get a waiver from NPDES?

The City tried to avoid being covered under the NPDES Permit but was unsuccessful. Therefore, the City has negotiated with EPA since 2007 to minimize the regulatory and economic impacts of permit coverage on the City.

14. Why does the City have to implement a stormwater management program and fees? Aren't there alternatives?

While we know that our waterways are being impacted by stormwater runoff and illicit discharges, the main reason for enhancing our program is the fact that the City is faced with its own new stormwater requirements. These requirements make it impossible for the City to continue paying for the stormwater program largely from General Fund tax revenues. The main regulatory law the City now faces is:

Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) – Phase II of the CWA, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requires that the City be covered under and comply with a Federal stormwater permit in order to legally discharge municipal stormwater into local waterways. The City has been under the NPDES Permit since October 1, 2019. In order to comply with the permit, the City must implement stormwater management activities, including: (1) public education, outreach, and involvement; (2) finding and eliminating illegal polluted discharges; (3) construction site erosion and sediment control; (4) post-construction stormwater management on new development and redevelopment; (5) pollution prevention and good housekeeping for City operations; (6) performing outfall monitoring and assessment activities for discharges to water quality impaired stream and creeks ; and (7) keeping records and preparing compliance reports.

15. How does this stormwater program benefit me?

Operating the City’s stormwater control system drains runoff and related pollutants from developed properties within the City, helps prevent flooding of homes and businesses, ensures that drainage from future growth does not impact existing property owners, provides for the safe passage on City roads, and protects environmental resources and public health by controlling pollutants discharged by customers to the system.

16. What is the money raised by stormwater fees going to be used for?

The money from stormwater user fees will be used to cover the cost the City incurs in managing and operating the municipal stormwater control system in compliance with federal and state laws. The municipal stormwater control system exists to provide drainage services to property owners within the City. To this point, Streets Department staff has managed basic housekeeping activities and acted in a mostly reactionary manner to address stormwater issues as they arise. Some of the things that stormwater fees will be used for include:

• City stormwater control system construction, operation, and maintenance costs such as: repairing broken pipes; responding to citizen complaints; constructing new storm drains; cleaning dirt and debris out of storm drains and stream channels; inspection and cleaning of catch basins; street sweeping; constructing projects to solve drainage/flooding capacity problems; dedicated staff and equipment required for these enhanced operations; and properly disposing of storm drain waste. 
• Water quality protection and clean-up activities such as: enforcement of City stormwater quality codes; finding and eliminating illegal polluted discharges into storm drains and waterways, including sewage or industrial wastewater and chemicals; constructing treatment facilities on City drains; looking at City practices like road maintenance, grounds keeping, and park maintenance, and making changes to ensure that water quality impacts are minimized.
• Educational activities such as: working with school children on stream clean-up activities; sending information to citizens and businesses about how to properly dispose of chemicals and how to ensure chemicals don’t end up in local creeks; and holding training sessions for builders about how to keep dirt and waste materials from being washed into waterways during construction projects. 
• Management and administrative activities such as: preparing stormwater program budgets and tracking expenditures; developing City stormwater ordinances and holding public hearings; obtaining stormwater related legal and engineering services; keeping records and preparing regulatory compliance reports; and paying for stormwater employee related overhead costs like office space and computers.

17. Do properties that retain and infiltrate some of their stormwater onsite get any credit (reduced stormwater user fee)?

The City will provide a stormwater user fee credit to non-residential properties that retain and infiltrate their stormwater onsite and meet certain criteria. 

Onsite retention and infiltration of stormwater runoff promotes groundwater recharge and reduces the volume of runoff from a customer’s property, which reduces the level of City stormwater services received by the customer.

However, it should be noted that in our region infiltration is not practically possible. Other areas have soil and bedrock conditions that allow the water to infiltrate down into the ground. Our clay soil and layers of basalt prevent this from happening effectively on the Palouse. This has been confirmed by an infiltration feasibility study commissioned by the City in the spring of 2021.

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Streets and Fleet Division

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1. How many units are in the City of Moscow Fleet?

We currently have in our fleet 224 units from eleven City departments plus the Moscow Volunteer Ambulance and Moscow Rural Fire departments. 

2. What types of repairs are conducted by the Fleet Division?

We have a three bay shop with two Technicians and a Shop Supervisor that service and maintain a wide variety of specialized municipal equipment including: 

• Fire, police and emergency vehicles
• Heavy duty trucks and equipment
• Mowers, and lighter duty equipment
• Smaller cars and pickups
• Standby generators

We currently equip and outfit

• Police vehicles, 
• Fire command vehicles, 
• and certain snow removal equipment.

Most non-warranted repair and maintenance work for this equipment is performed by City personnel. 

3. How is the replacement cycle for City vehicles determined?

The Fleet is tracked by Computerized Fleet Analysis (CFA) program that monitors fuel use, notifies us when needed maintenance is required, and stores vehicle maintenance records. Fleet replacement is determined using parameters specific to our fleet use, maintenance history, anticipated useful life, and other requirements. The data is reviewed and adjusted annually to maximize our usage and value.

4. Does the City Fleet send any repair work to local shops?

Fleet utilizes local resources for body repair, front end alignment, exhaust pipe replacement, major engine and transmission repairs, radiator repairs, truck and equipment tire repair and repairs that require certain specialized tools and skills.

5. What efforts does fleet make toward sustainability and fiscal responsibility?

Fleet is currently analyzing avenues to convert to more multi-use vehicles as technologies become available to assist in lowering total amount of units in our fleet.

In addition, we conduct periodic "Low Use Reviews" to check on the necessity of vehicles that do not see much use.

The Moscow EcoDriver Program was established to teach all operators of City vehicles methods for reducing fuel consumption and proper routine maintenance. We set annual goals for fuel consumption and have halted an annual increase of about 4% and actually reversed the trend. We also have Commercial Driver Training each year to help drivers understand methods of operation to save fuel and maintenance costs.

We outsource yearly safety inspections on bucket trucks, Fire Department ladder truck and ground ladders and truck mounted cranes.

6. What are the Streets Division responsibilities?

The Streets Division is responsible for the maintenance of multiple aspects of the City's infrastructure. This includes: 

• Banners
• Fiber optic network
• Flood control
• Pavement markings
• Pavement surface repair and maintenance
• Right of way vegetation trimming
• Snow removal
• Storm drain systems
• Street lights
• Street signs
• Sweeping
• Traffic control
• Traffic signals
• Utility location

7. How many employees are in the Streets Division?

There are eight full time employees in the Streets Division, including the Streets Supervisor.

8. How many lane-miles of street do we maintain?

The Streets Division maintains approximately 190 lane miles of street with about 21 lane miles being State Highway on which we assist ITD with maintenance. There are also about 10 miles of alleys maintained by the Streets Division.

9. How long does it take to plow the entire town?

Within 12 hours of the end of snowfall we try to have travel lanes cleared on every through street in the City. It takes 24 hours to finish the final push-back with the graders for a typical storm, and about 36 hours to finish all of the cul-de-sacs and dead-ends. There are many factors that influence snow removal response from quantity and type of snow to temperature and equipment failures, but these are numbers that we can achieve for the majority of the storms.

10. What are the plowing procedures (when and where do we plow and with how much snow?)

Our snow removal work typically begins before the flakes start to fall. When there is a weather event forecast we will usually begin anti-icing operations using magnesium-chloride and rock salt. Snow accumulation of two inches or more will trigger our snow removal operation. We have three road graders equipped with snow gates, seven trucks with plows (four of which have spreaders), two one-ton trucks with spreaders, and two berm removal pieces of equipment. The City is divided into four areas. Initially, the graders will go downtown and start removal there while the trucks go to their assigned areas to open routes on all of the through streets, and spread traction-enhancing de-icing materials on hills and high volume intersections. After assisting downtown with de-icing, the one-ton trucks start on their cul-de-sac routes. Berm removal begins as soon as the graders have completed the downtown work. The graders then move into the areas to finish a final push-back as needed. Streets Division policy is to try to use the snow gates on the graders to attempt to minimize the accumulation of berms across residential driveways. This is a time consuming, and difficult process with over 5,000 driveways, but we do our best. After the streets are all plowed we move in to complete the alleys if the snow accumulation is sufficient.

11. How many storm water detention ponds do we maintain?

There are 32 detention ponds maintained by the Streets Division.

12. How many miles of storm drainage pipe do we have?

The City of Moscow has 63.8 miles of storm drainage collection and conveyance pipe that is maintained by the Streets Division.

13. How many street lights do we have?

The City owns 413 street lights that the Streets Division maintains. They are primarily located along the state highway routes and downtown. Avista has 1,465 lights that they own and maintain in the residential areas.

14. Why do we trim trees and shrubs?

We are all very proud of our Tree City designation, and we work closely with our City Arborist to maintain a healthy and functional tree-scape. City ordinance requires that trees that overhang the street be no lower than twelve feet above the ground and it also requires a minimum of eight feet of clearance over sidewalks. The homeowner is responsible for the maintenance of these minimum parameters. This ordinance allows for the safe flow of traffic on our streets. This also allows us to safely sweep the streets and plow snow along the curb line. As a service to our residents we trim one quarter of the City each year after notifying and giving the residents the opportunity to conduct their own trimming if they so desire.

15. Why has the City of Moscow not paved my gravel street or alley?

The City of Moscow maintains streets with their current surfacing that the developer installed. At this time there is no plan to upgrade gravel streets or alleys to pavement. The City provides support through a Local Improvement District process for residents that would like to pursue the paving of an alley or gravel street.

16. Who is responsible for sidewalk snow removal and repair?

Property owners are responsible for the repair and maintenance of the sidewalks adjacent to their property.

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Third Street Bridge

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1. Bridge Design

The design of the new multimodal bridge will occur during the fall and winter of 2017/18 with an intent to advertise for bids for construction in the spring of 2018. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from qualified consulting engineering firms was first published on September 2, 2017.Selection of a design firm for the project was completed in September and design work commenced in November. 

The Multimodal Bridge is proposed to include two vehicular travel lanes, two bicycle lanes, and two pedestrian sidewalks.  The width of the bridge is likely to match the existing roadway width on both sides of Paradise Creek. The bridge elevation will be set in accordance with floodplain requirements and as low as possible to minimize impacts on surrounding properties, sidewalks, and driveways. 

The existing street on both sides of Paradise Creek was designed and constructed at elevations anticipated to accommodate future bridge construction.  This is likely to minimize elevation discrepancies with surrounding properties. At this time, the City is not anticipating the need to acquire any additional street right of way, but confirmation of this situation will occur during the design process.

2. Corridor Assessment

Public Works Department Staff started an assessment of the Corridor including review of existing traffic counts, sidewalk infrastructure, bicycle network opportunities, speed limits, school zones, intersection traffic control, lighting, and adjacent land uses.  To assist in this process a request was made to the Transportation Commission to review potential traffic calming measures to identify which could be applied within the Corridor.  Due to the short time frame between the adoption of the budget and the City Council’s intention to have the bridge construction in FY2018, a Subcommittee of the Transportation Commission was formed for an intense in-depth review of traffic calming measures.  The Subcommittee was comprised of three Transportation Commission members, four members of the public, the City Council liaison to the Commission, an outside technical advisor, and the Public Works Director.  The Subcommittee met eight times over a four week period between the Transportation Commission meetings of November 9^th and December 14^th. 

One of the first tasks of the Subcommittee was the identification of major issues of interest within the Corridor.  Based on the issues identified, the Subcommittee expanded the scope of their work to include many facets of the Corridor beyond simple traffic calming measures.  These included the following:

• Speed Limits
• Traffic Volumes
• Sidewalk system completeness
• Bicycle network opportunities
• Street lighting
• Adjacent land use activities such as the High School, 1912 Center, East City Park, Lena Whitmore Elementary School, multifamily housing, etc.
• Traffic Calming measures
• Truck Routes
• Traffic Speed Data
• Accident History
• Noise
• Street Trees

Three plans were created through the work of the Subcommittee and City Staff.  While each plan uses different approaches to modifying the Corridor to address identified issues, there are some proposed traffic management features that are consistent among all of the plans.  A summary of those features and descriptions of their attributes is attached. A summary of the three plans, which outlines their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, is provided below along with estimated construction costs.   At the conclusion of the Subcommittee’s meetings a report of activities and findings was presented to the Transportation Commission at the December 14^th meeting.  This report included information on the topics discussed, information gathered, and plans developed.  The Subcommittee also conveyed a preference for Plan C to the Commission.  Plan C proposes the use of Two Way Separated Bike Lanes on the north side of Third Street.

3. Public Input Process

At the December 14, 2017 meeting, the Transportation Commission discussed how best to proceed with the information provided by the Subcommittee and the next step of the public input process.  The Commission recommended starting the public input period as quickly as possible and desired to let it run long enough to provide ample opportunity after the Holidays to gather input.  The January 2018 Commission meeting was postponed for two weeks to allow a longer input period.  The public input period opened on December 22, 2017 and closed on January 21, 2018.  During this time an exhibit was on display on the second floor of City Hall which included information on the overall process, Subcommittee, traffic calming measures, plan alternatives and features, and the estimated costs for each of the three plans.  In addition, similar information was placed on the City’s webpage and two Open Houses with additional information were held in the Council Chambers on January 11th and 18th.  Public input was received via comment cards at the City Hall display and Open Houses, emails directed to the Third Street email address, and by hand delivery of information. 

The public input data was provided to the Transportation Commission for review prior to their meeting on January 25th.  At that meeting the Commission discussed the input received, the advantages and disadvantages of each plan, and if the members were comfortable making a recommendation for the City Council.  Also discussed were alternative approaches that varied from the three original plans developed by the Subcommittee.  Of these alternatives, the one that received the most attention included the concept of standard bike lanes on each side of the Third Street rather than the Two Way Separated Bike Lanes concept in Plan C.  For the sake of discussion, this option has been titled Plan D and Staff has created a supporting Plan D drawing.  At the Commission meeting, and consistent with the public input received, the least supported plans were A and B.  Plan C was considered the front runner, but concerns were expressed over maintenance activities, turning movement conflicts, and general understanding of how to enter and exit the separated lanes.  The maintenance concerns primarily related to snow removal and street sweeping.  The placement of the lane separation buffer seven to eight feet off the north curb line precludes snow plowing operations from accessing the entire street section and may result in decreased lane widths during heavy snow periods.  Alternative methods of street maintenance have been discussed in depth, but significant challenges remain for operations with the Plan C concept.  The issue of turning movements and potential conflicts between bikes in the bike lanes and cars in the vehicle lanes all entering the cross street intersections at the same time caused some consternation for the Commission. A suggestion was made to consider hiring a consulting firm which specializes in bicycle facilities to assess proposed Plan C to determine the best approach to implement it in a safe and functional manner.  In the end, the Commission approved a recommendation to implement Plan C.  This recommendation was made with recognition that a full description of the advantages and disadvantages of each plan be presented to the City Council and that an assessment of the viability of Plan C by a consultant would be beneficial.

4. City Council Deliberations

On Tuesday February 6th, the City Council held a Special Council Meeting to discuss the Third Street Corridor.  A presentation was made by Staff outlining the efforts of the Transportation Commission and the Subcommittee, the development of the Alternative Plans, the public input process, and the recommendations of the Commission and Staff.  Public testimony was accepted by the Mayor and discussion of the Plan options occurred.  The Council unanimously approved proceeding with Plan C (Separated Two Way Bike Lanes) and directed Staff to work with a qualified consultant to determine the best way to implement the new system.  Design work on the common components of the plans is underway with the entire project anticipated to be constructed in the summer of 2018.

5. Corridor Components

PARKING
The selection of Plan C for the corridor will include the removal of parking along portions of the Corridor.  As the existing parking areas are not marked for individual stalls, the quantity of parking removed is only an estimate, but it is anticipated that approximately 120 parking spaces will be removed.  

BICYCLE FACILITIES
In June 2016, the City Council adopted the 2016 Bike Routes and Facilities Plan. This was the culmination of several years of work by staff, the Transportation Commission, and the MMTP consultant to develop a new on-street bicycle network for the City of Moscow. The Plan includes the installation of new facilities on Third Street between Washington Street and Mountain View Road. Plan C includes Separated Two Way Bike Lanes along the north side of Third Street from either Washington Street or Jefferson Street to Mountain View Road.

TRAFFIC CONTROL/STOP CONTROL
Most intersections along the corridor have stop control on the side street approaches. All of the proposed Plans developed by the Transportation Commission and considered by the City Council included the implementation of four way stop control at the Hayes Street and Blaine Street intersections with Third Street.
SCHOOL ZONE/ CROSSING GUARDS
Historically the Lena Whitmore School Zone boundary on Blaine Street was located just north of the Third Street intersection and the School Zone did not include any of Third Street. The School Zone was expanded in 2012 to start on Blaine Street south of Third Street and includes a portion of Third Street. The Moscow School District provides crossing guards at the intersection of Blaine Street and Third Street.
The existing School Zone location was considered during the Corridor Assessment, and no changes to the School Zone or the crossing guard program are proposed.  Time activated Warning Lights will be installed on the School Zone Signage along Third Street to raise awareness of drivers that they are entering a school zone with a reduced speed limit.

SIDEWALKS/PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES
A review of the current sidewalk system completeness and condition was performed as part of the Corridor Assessment. The completion of the system on both sides of Third Street was included as a component of all Plans developed.  This will consist of approximately 1,200 feet of new or replacement sidewalks, primarily along the eastern portion of the Corridor.  In addition, raised pedestrian crosswalks across Third Street will be installed in three high pedestrian use locations throughout the Corridor.

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Water

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1. My water bill is high compared to last month and we have not done anything different. Where did the water go?

The most common cause is a leak. Please check the toilets in your home or business to confirm that they are shutting off. Dye tablets are available for free in the Public Works and Services office (201 N. Main St.) that can be used to check for a leaky toilet. Also check the faucets in the home and look outside between the meter and the house for wet spots. If no apparent leaks or other issues are found, just give us a call at 208-882-3122.

2. What do I do if I have a water emergency after hours?

Call the Moscow Water Department at 208-882-3122.

3. My water appears dirty or has a yellow color to it. What should I do?

The water supply for Moscow comes from wells that are drilled in basalt which naturally contain iron and manganese.  The iron and manganese can accumulate on the inside of customer and City pipes and, when water use is high, can dislodge from the pipe and make the water appear dirty.  Dirty or discolored water can sometimes occur if we are working in the area or if the area is due for flushing.  However, it can also occur due to issues within your home.  The correct action to take depends on whether the issues is being experienced with the hot or cold water of your home.  

If your water appears dirty or yellow when you turn on your cold water: Turn on the cold water in your bathtub or faucets to flush the dirty or discolored water out of the system.  It should take 5-10 minutes to clear up.  If it doesn't clear up, please call us at 208-882-3122 and we will have a licensed water operator help you further.

If your water appears dirty or yellow when you turn on your hot water:  If the problem is only occurring when you turn on the hot water, it is likely that your hot water tank needs to be flushed.  If you do not know how to flush the hot water tank yourself, we recommend contacting a plumber. 

4. How do I know my water is safe?

The City collects water samples each month and has the samples tested by a third-party laboratory to assure compliance with all water quality standards.  The City releases this information in the annual Water Quality Report, which can be accessed online here: https://www.ci.moscow.id.us/462/Water-Quality-Reports 

5. My water pressure seems low or I have low flow. What could be the problem?

If your water pressure seems low, a pressure test will likely need to be performed. Please call the Water Department at 208-882-3122 to arrange a time for a licensed Water Operator to remove the water meter and complete the test. The water will need to be turned off for approximately 20 minutes while testing is completed. Be prepared to let us know if you have a water softener or other in-home water treatment system when you call.  Such a system may be the source of a restriction or leak that could cause this issue.

6. When can I water my yard?

The official start of Moscow's outdoor irrigation season is announced annually. To learn the date, call 208-882-3122.

Please refrain from irrigating until drier soils and low precipitation necessitate the application of additional water. When you do apply water to the landscaping at your residence or business, please observe the applicable City Ordinance to help conserve water. Thank you in advance!

During the irrigation season, sprinkler irrigation is only allowed between 6 p.m. to 10 a.m.  Applying water with a hand-held automatic shut-off nozzle is allowed anytime. The use of a soaker hose or drip irrigation is not permitted outside the irrigation season.  If you have new landscaping that needs to be watered outside of allowed watering times, you may apply for a variance by visiting the Environmental Services Department at 201 North Main Street or calling 208-883-7230.

7. How can I purchase bulk water?

Bulk water can be purchased at the City’s Water Filtration Facility (120 West A Street). You can also purchase bulk water from a fire hydrant near your project site with an approved backflow assembly. All bulk water purchases must be scheduled in advance and may take up to 72 hours for installation. Scheduling can be arranged by calling the Water Department at 208-882-3122.

8. Where is my meter located?

Typically, your water meter will be near a property line adjacent to the street. If you do not know where your meter is and would like  assistance locating it, please contact the Water Department by calling 208-882-3122.

9. Where is my water shut-off?

Most homes have an internal water shut-off valve located where the water pipe enters the home. If the valve is rusted, it may be better to schedule a water shut-off with the Water Department.

10. Where does my water come from?

The City of Moscow receives its water entirely from groundwater sources. This means that rather than being supplied with water from a lake or reservoir, we pump water from two main underground aquifer systems, the Wanapum Aquifer System and the Grande Ronde Aquifer System. Contrary to popular myth, aquifers are not underground lake or river systems. Rather, the water in the aquifer systems is located in the cracks, pores, and fissures of the basalt and sediment layers.

The Wanapum Aquifer System is the shallower aquifer system of the Palouse Basin and is found starting about 60 feet below the surface. 

The Grande Ronde Aquifer System is the deeper aquifer system of the Palouse Basin and is generally found at depths below 300 feet. This system is the main source of water for the City of Moscow.

11. Do Irrigation Systems in Moscow Require Backflow Protection and Annual Testing?

Irrigation systems connected to the City of Moscow's Public Drinking Water System require appropriate backflow protection. Moscow City Code Title 7, Chapter 9 requires that all irrigation systems, existing or new, must be equipped with an approved backflow prevention assembly and must be inspected and tested annually by a State of Idaho licensed backflow assembly tester.

A backflow assembly installed on your system is necessary to help prevent contaminants from entering the public water supply through what is known as backflow condition. Backflow is defined as, "the flow, other than the intended direction of flow of any foreign liquids, gases, or substances into the distribution system of a public water supply."

The protection of Moscow's water supply is of critical importance to both the City of Moscow and its citizens. To learn more about the City's Cross Connection Control Program please visit us here: https://www.ci.moscow.id.us/474/Cross-Connection-Control-Program-Backflo.

If you have more specific questions, please email Ty Thompson or call the Environmental Services Department at 208-883-7230.

12. Is there lead or copper in my water?

Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures. Moscow’s source water (from the wells) is neutral, meaning it is not acidic.

The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. In homes with lead pipes that connect the home to the water main, also known as lead services lines, these pipes are typically the most significant source of lead in the water.  Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986.  Among homes without lead service lines, the most common problem is with brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and plumbing with lead solder.

The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) requires all community water systems to sample at locations that may be particularly susceptible to high lead or copper concentrations. The LCR establishes a tiering system for prioritizing sampling sites.

Moscow samples for compliance with the LCR every three years (see latest Annual Consumer Confidence report) at those prioritized sampling sites.  The City of Moscow has never violated the LCR and will actively assist system customers that have a concern.  Please call Kyle Steele, Environmental Services Manager, at 208-883-7230 for additional information.

13. Is there Fluoride in my water?

The City does not add fluoride to the water we deliver to system customers.  However, fluoride is naturally occurring in our source water and we sample to ensure that the concentration does not pose a health risk.

14. Why does the City flush water mains? Isn't that a waste of water?

Water mains are sized to allow adequate and safe flows for fire protection.  Water typically moves through the system at less than two miles per hour.  This slow movement allows minerals, such as iron floc, to settle out and accumulate in pipes over time.  The build-up can restrict water flow and contributes to corrosion and water color problems. Periodic flushing of water pipes removes the mineral deposits which helps maintain the distribution system and assures consistent, high quality water.  In addition to removing this build-up, our flushing program allows the identification of any inefficiencies through the water system such as closed valves that might prevent us from distributing water at adequate pressures to all customers.   Flushing also ensures fire hydrants will produce ample flow for fire protection services.

It may seem counterintuitive to waste water by flushing fire hydrants.   However, it is necessary to periodically flush water through the distribution system in order to protect the quality of your drinking water.  The amount and cost of water used in flushing is a small price compared to the benefits of water quality and maintenance of infrastructure.  To minimize the loss of the water, our flushing program is designed to incorporate springtime irrigation use. 

15. How do I view the City's Annual Water Quality Report?

The City's Annual Water Quality Report can be viewed online by visiting: https://www.ci.moscow.id.us/462/Water-Quality-Reports 

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Water Reclamation and Reuse

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1. Where are you located?

Directly across from the Palouse Mall in Moscow ID, our buildings have distinctive, and very noticeable, blue roofs.

2. How many people work at the Water Reclamation & Reuse Facility?

Currently, we have 4 Plant Operators, 1 laboratory Analyst, 1 Administrative Assistant, 1 Transport Driver, and the Plant Supervisor.

3. What type of education do you need to work at the WRRF?

While most Plant Staff have college degrees, working in wastewater treatment can commence directly after High School.

4. How long does it take to treat the wastewater?

Generally, the wastewater treatment process takes approximately 24 – 36 hours.

5. How many gallons of wastewater do you treat?

On average, we treat approximately 2 million gallons of domestic wastewater per day. Our plant is designed to accept and fully treat 4 million gallons per day if needed.

6. Do you use a lot of chemicals to treat the wastewater?

We use three different chemicals in our plant process. Chlorine is added to neutralize pathogenic, or disease-causing organisms. After chlorination, sulfur dioxide is added to remove the chlorine before it is discharged into Paradise Creek. During the summer months we add a small amount of aluminum sulfate to coagulate, or capture, phosphorus that was not removed biologically in the treatment process. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient in plant growth yet excessive amounts can lead to eutrophication, an overabundance of plants and algae in a water body causing the depletion of oxygen needed for fish and other animals to survive.

7. What happens to the solid material?

The solids that are removed during the plant process are pumped to an on-site dewatering process. After dewatering the solids, then known as Biosolids, are trucked to an authorized processing facility for composting.

8. Is the Water Reclamation & Reuse Facility (WRRF) what smells in Moscow?

No. Offensive odors are indications that something in the treatment process is not working correctly. To ensure the treatment process is working correctly, Plant Operators make daily assessments of the system checking for potential odor causing problems.

9. Where does the water go?

In accordance with our EPA regulated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, the City of Moscow discharges the treated wastewater into Paradise Creek on the west side of Moscow.

10. How does rain affect the wastewater treatment plant?

Rain water tends to thin out the domestic wastewater allowing certain unwanted bacteria to thrive. Plant Operators make adjustments in the plant process to curtail the unwanted filamentous bacteria. The City works to identify where rainwater is entering the sanitary sewer system so that the flows can be permanently redirected to the storm water collection system.

11. How many "bugs" does the Aeration Basin have?

Millions and millions of microorganisms or "bugs" live in the wastewater treatment plant. They are essential for proper treatment and are directly responsible for pollution removal.

12. What do the "bugs" eat?

The microorganisms consume organic material such as fecal matter, ammonia, and other microorganisms. They cannot consume or break down inorganic material like metal, plastic, latex, or cinders.

13. Where do the "bugs" come from?

The "bugs" are natural living organisms in human and animal excrement.

14. How do the microorganisms reproduce?

The microorganisms reproduce themselves approximately every 20 to 30 minute by a process called mitosis.

15. What "bugs" do you look for?

We look for several different types of microorganisms in wastewater. Our Lab Analyst collects daily wastewater samples, and uses a microscope to identify the most prolific number and type of organisms present at that time. This information is used to calculate how much solids material is removed from the system or how much material can be used in the process again.

16. Is it acceptable to put grease, egg shells, and coffee grounds in my garbage disposal?

The City of Moscow Wastewater Division recommends that these items be disposed of in the garbage rather than being introduced to the sanitary sewer system. All of these materials, and in particular, a combination of the three can create opportunities for plugging private sewer services and public sewer mains. Grease is especially challenging as it solidifies within the mains or floats through the system and through the WRRF.