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MINUTES OF THE ORONO COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 22, 1990 <br />DRILLING REGULATIONS CONTINUED • <br />Councilmember Goetten commented that it could be very costly <br />for a homeowner if a mistake is made. She suggested placing a <br />notice in the paper, or using some other method, to alert <br />residents of this change and what the consequences could be. <br />Gaffron said that another change of which property owners <br />should be aware is that any disconnected, unused wells will be <br />required to be abandoned. It will also be necessary for sellers <br />to notify the State of abandoned wells when a property is sold. <br />Gaffron further noted that there will be a $50.00 /year State <br />charge for a homeowner to maintain an unsealed well on their <br />property. <br />Bernhardson said that the basis for this new legislation is <br />protection of the aquifer. <br />Nettles said that there is going to be a part of our process <br />and land use controls that will not be met at all. Nettles said <br />that the State is not going to fill the gap. He suggested that <br />Orono should be a little bit gutsy" and tell the State that <br />until they have a program in place that will satisfy our land use <br />controls that we consider this an area of concurrent <br />jurisdiction. He said to tell them we intend to keep on with our <br />permit process because the consequences of not continuing is that <br />homeowners will have misplaced wells and more harm than good will • <br />be done. <br />Callahan also suggested that the City continue as if it were <br />able to issue permits so at least we will know the locations for <br />new wells. <br />Bernhardson said that Gaffron has contacted many of the <br />well drilling companies and asked them to voluntarily notify us. <br />Gaffron noted that he knows of several companies that more <br />than likely will not comply. <br />Callahan said that the City will be aware of the wells that <br />are drilled as part of new subdivisions. He suggested that the <br />City pursue the aspect of what else it can legally do to protect <br />the City and individual property owners. <br />HIGHWAY 12 FRONTAGE ROADS <br />Bernhardson said that three general areas had been proposed <br />in the Highway 12 Comprehensive Plan. Bernhardson advised that <br />should the Highway 12 1992 safety improvements proceed, MNDOT has <br />indicated an interest to help fund a portion of the frontage <br />roads. Bernhardson said there is still a need to discuss <br />locations with property owners in that area, but he wanted to <br />take the estimates to MNDOT to begin working on the necessary <br />agreements. Bernhardson said that he should know in a couple of . <br />months whether or not the safety improvement project will <br />proceed. <br />8 <br />