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m <br />ff <br />V <br />MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />MoMlay, November 14,2005 <br />7:00 o*dock p.m. <br />(FabHc Commeats, Coatlmied) <br />Mooree indicated the first several times this occurred the City admitted some responsibility for the back­ <br />up of the sewer system, but that since that time the City has installed a SCADA system, which <br />automatically notifies the City when there is a problem at a lift station. Moorse stated in this instance all <br />of the City’s systems functioned properly and that the Public Works Department arrived at the residence <br />within approximately one-half hour of the backup. Moorse indicated due to the quickness of the backup, <br />there was nothing the City could have done to prevent this situation. Moorse stated the City has done a <br />number of things over the years to try to correct the situation. <br />Sansevere commented the outcome was still the same regardless of the efforts the City has taken. <br />Anderson staled tfiey did suggest a backup generator be installed back in 1992 and other times, which has <br />still not been done. <br />Sansevere inquired whether the City’s insurance company has stated that the City is not accountable for <br />this. Sansevere stated if that is the case, it is not accepuible. <br />Peterson commented it is not the individual’s private septic system that has backed up into the resideiKe <br />but rather the City’s sewer system. Peterson stated she also has a difficulty accepting the rationale of the <br />insurance company. <br />Barrett stated it is possible the insurance company is claiming they are not responsible due to the <br />measures already taken and that it is the responsibility of the City to remedy the situation. <br />Murphy concurred that the City needs to take steps to see if this problem can be corrected in some fashion <br />and that the present situation is intolerable. Murphy inquired whether a gate valve has been installed. <br />Anderson staled they have an older residence and they have now installed a gate valve but it is not fail <br />proof. Anderson stated having a gate valve is also a major iiKonvenience because everything needs to be <br />dnit off whenever they leave the residence for a period of time. <br />Anderson staled her mother lives next door in a four-year old home and she also experienced a small <br />amount of sewage backup into her basement as well as two other neighbors. Anderson stated <br />approximately 10 homes have been added to Spruce Street in the last few years. <br />Murphy corranented this is a City sjrstem and that the residents are paying for the use of this system. <br />Murphy slated the inad«|uacy in the Cit>' system appears to be causing this trouble. <br />Moorse stated the lift station gets overrun, which can result in a backup. <br />Gappa stated the nuijority of the City sewer system has been installed after the homes were constructed <br />and that there are weak spots in the system. Oappa indicated a generator has now been placed at that lift <br />station but that there still is the potential that this could happen again due to the low elevation of the <br />residence in comparison to the sewer system. <br />Ea|c2 <br />I