05-26-1992 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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1/ i MINUTES OF THE STUBBS BAY ASSESSMENT HEARING HELD BY THE ORONO COUNCIL ON HELD MAY 4, 1992 Qaffron explained that discussions on sewer installation for the area Initiated In 1974. The 1980 Comprehensive Plan identified five areas within the City to be studied for possible sewer- install at I on. Four of those five areas have been sewered and Stubbs Bay is the fifth area. He noted that in 1988 ari AI ternat i ve Waste Management Study was done for the area, which did not Include Oxford Road, Cygnet Place and Leaf Street. Since that time t e project has been expanded to include those areas due to the proximity to the creek or the lake, the small lot sizes and the potential problem due to a lack of an a Iternative septic site, in 1989 the PCA updated their septic system regulations, Including a redefinition of what Is a non-conforming system, which definition Includes systems that do not have a three foot vertical separation above zones of soi I mottiing or other Indicators of a seasonal water table. The DNR has mandated that cities with significant lakes and streams adopt shore I and regulations which development near shore I and and mandated the adoption of the PCA s septic regulations. Gaffron reviewed that staff has analyzed a number of factors of the area and established a classification system. He stated that 18 of 127 existing homes have falling or non-conforming systems and 78 homes probably do not have an alternate septic site. He noted that based on their data, nearly all alternative sites would require a mound-type septic system. He stated that homes without an alternative site, would have to Install a holding tank If their system failed. Gaffron said that municipal sewer will elImlnate existing septic problems and provide a cost-effective alternative to holding tanks. Cook explained the project design. He stated that the project is expected to take approximately four months to complete, and if do not encounter any problems with obtaining the required easementc, the entire project could be completed by September 1992. Moorse explained that staff worked with a number of assessment experts to determine benefits to the properties which are reflected In the assessment cost. He noted that to keep the cost down, formal Individual appraisals were not dona in the area. He indicated that some factors that quantified benefits included: 1. Cost of sewer vs. holding tank. It was determined that a 15 year period, a holding tank would cost two to three times the cost of the sewer assessment. 2. There are a number of properties in the area that have systems that are expected to have a short life span and would neea to be upgraded.