10-13-1997 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCU. MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 22,1997 (#11 Shoreland and On-Site Sewage Treatment Ordinance Amendment - Continued) The City had previously felt the Shoreland District should be a higher priority wth the septic systems lacking the 3’ separation. Staff recommends failing systems be jpven highest priority. Gaffron reported that State regulations were reviewed and found to bt ever chan^ng. The lepslature has recently changed the separation allowance from 3’ to 2' for existing systems at the direction of the local government. This has a minimal impact on ^ono as those not meeting the separation generally have been found to have less than a 1' sQiaration. Kelley asked how the State regulation was interpreted without a set time frame. Gai^n iixlieated the DNR had recognized that and suggested a 2 year replacement time penod in its Model Shoreland Ordinance. Jabbour stud he understood and agreed with the regulation but has found that the DNR ordinance is for the greater state at large and zeros in on the small older cottages on rural lakes throughout the state. Jabbour said most problems occur where the 1000' mark touches a lot trigg ering the upgrade. Jabbour feels the City will be remedying the situation and contmue to work towards it. Jabbour said he did not agree with a Planning Commissioners comment regarding a longer upgrade time frame presenting a health hazard. Gafifron said both Staff and Council have the same goal of protecting Lake Minnrtonka. Sewering is being done on the majority of properties around the lake. Gaffron said his concern is with the time frame of 10 years in the Shoreland as being too long. He felt a shorter time finme would be better. Gafifron suggested the sewer study regarding sewer in the rural area be conducted and determinations made as to the extend of sewer in the rural area; then the issue of septic replacement timeliness could be revisited. Jabbour responded that he feels sewering is preferred by residents. If the current zoned dentity can be maintained with sewer, the City may be able to sewer more properties. He noted the highest density is by the lake. He agreed that all parties are attempting to move in the same direction. Jabbour asked Gaffron if he preferred a five year time frame. Gafiron said he would be more comfortable with that figure. Gaffron reviewed comments made by Septic Inspector, Steve Weekman. Weekman questioned whether it would be fair to change the ordinance for those that have already replaced their systems. Gaffron noted that this does not affect very many residents, however. Some residents have placed funds in escrow for potential septic replacement, and these residents will no longer need the escrow money set aside. This affects only about 3-4 residents.