08-23-1993 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO COUNCIL MEETING HELD AUGUST 23, 1993 • SEPTIC UPGRADES - CONT. According to Mayor Callahan, in the Comp Plan Amendment presented to Met Council in January of 1993, information suggested that 190 to 200 homes may require repair. Since that time it appears that 600 to 800 homes may require improvement within five years. It would be possible to do a sewer project for $2 million and in cases where this has been done, the City has made considerable contributions. In failing systems where a mound system was required, the cost would be approximately $11,000. Where homes are not able to use a mound system or some other type of repair, long range effects have not been considered. Callahan asked if Orono would change its Comprehensive Plan. Council needs to further study the ramifications of the septic ordinance. Callahan proposed a moratorium until November 1, 1993 to discuss the cost and effect on citizens. Kelley concurred noting there have been four to five new mound systems required in his neighborhood and neighbors have discussed this with him. This whole process started with the DNR Shoreland Regulations that required restrictions within 1000' of the lake. Jabbour added that the 3' separation has been in the code and observed by staff since 1978. Most of the septic systems (approximately 600) since then do meet the requirements. There is a limited number of sewer units available to the City so there may not be many options. If all of the possible neighborhoods identified as potential sewered areas were to be sewered, there would not be enough units available. Jabbour questioned if residents in these neighborhoods should be • notified that they are in a potential sewered area. If half of the homes in a particular area were going to be required to install a mound system, maybe a sewer system should be considered and residents should be aware of this. Gaffron noted that all new systems installed since 1978 have been required to meet this standard. Hurr asked if a system installed 20 years ago would require some maintenance. Since approximately half of the septic systems were installed prior to 1978, how many have required repair. Gaffron thought a significant number have been upgraded and most have been maintained by pumping. Until 1989 the State codes did not define an existing system that did not meet the standard as non - conforming. Orono adopted that State code in 1992. Gaffron stated the City has taken a closer look at existing systems to try to estimate how many systems may need to be replaced. This is difficult until inspections have been completed. Kelley asked for information on the results of the inspections Weckman has made this year on septic systems. This may give an indication of the number of systems that may need replacing. Kelley added that although some systems installed after 1978 met the Code at the time of installation, they are not meeting the 3' separation today. Gaffron noted that new technologies have been developed so the information from site evaluators prior to the early 1980's may not be accurate. 6 41