MENTONE - If it doesn't run through his water meter, Mentone resident Chris Zolman told the Mentone Town Council Monday, he doesn't have to pay for it.

The council said homeowners are responsible to pay for the water that runs from the curb stop to the property.

Zolman said he's been having a problem with the water at the end of the drive; it's been leaking for 1-1/2 months. He was told it was his responsibility to get it fixed, but he said he wasn't sure why as he couldn't find anything in the code books to indicate where it was his responsibility. The water isn't going through his meter. If someone could show him a state statute where it was his responsibility, Zolman said, he'd pay for it to be fixed, but he couldn't find any such code.

Mark Hughes, councilman, said from the curb stop in, it's the homeowner's responsibility. That's the standard procedure.

At one time, said councilman Jack Simpson, all water meters were buried at the curb. For the homeowners' convenience, the meters were moved up to the home. "They can still put the meter out on the curb," he said.

As for it being written down somewhere, Simpson said, it isn't. It's procedure.

Zolman said if it isn't written down, it likely wouldn't hold up in court.

Utilities superintendent Brian Reed said as the homeowner, Zolman is responsible for the water from the curb stop to the home. That's been the general practice for years.

"I have a hard time paying for something that's technically not mine," Zolman repeated.

"That's the practice," Hughes said. "That's just the way it is."

The town plans to add such an ordinance in the future, he said, but the town doesn't have one on the books. "It's up to you to fix your water leak."

Rather than taking the matter to court, town attorney Larry Beeson said the town could either put Zolman's meter box out by the curb or fix his problem, which would "open Pandora's Box" since other people may have similar problems.

Reed said he hopes they would get an ordinance to address the problem. Most residents have been reasonable and understanding in such matters, he said.

In other business, the council:

• Heard that hydrants will be flushed June 9-10. Residents should refrain from washing to avoid discoloration.

• Approved a four-way stop at the intersection of Tucker and Jackson streets.

• Heard from Mentone resident Natalie Salazar that a drain at her residence at Broadway and Maple is clogged. There is stagnant water attracting mosquitoes. Simpson told her the drain is supposed to be fixed Friday.

• Approved an estimated $10,000-$12,000 to upgrade 12-15 water service connectors from the main line to curb boxes along Walnut Street, per Reed's request.

• Was introduced to new reserve officers Aaron Bird and Anthony DeMarco. The council also approved the purchase of a $475 gun for an officer that will be the property of the town.

• Approved a software agreement with Keystone for $4,400 per year, per clerk-treasurer Barbara Ross' request.

• Signed the financial and service agreements with H.J. Umbaugh & Associates for the water/sewer rate studies.

• Set the town's budget meeting for June 28 at 7 p.m.

• Moved the July 5 regular meeting to July 12.

Mentone town council members are chairman Mark Hughes, Tim Croy and Jack Simpson. They meet on the first Monday of every month in the town hall at 7 p.m. [[In-content Ad]]