11-14-2005 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, November 14, 2005 7.00 o'clock p.m. (Public'Comments, Continued) ` Moorse indicated the first several times this occurred the City admitted some responsibility for the back- up of the sewer system, but that since that time the City has installed a SCADA system, which automatically notifies the City when there is a problem at a lift station. Moorse stated in this instance all of the City's systems functioned properly and that the Public Works Department arrived at the residence within approximately one -half hour of the backup. Moorse indicated due to the quickness of the backup, there was nothing the City could have done to prevent this situation. Moorse stated the City has done a number of things over the years to try to correct the situation. Sansevere commented the outcome was still the same regardless of the efforts the City has taken. Anderson stated they did suggest a backup generator be installed back in 1992 and other times, which has still not been done. Sansevere inquired whether the City's insurance company has stated that the City is not accountable for this. Sansevere stated if that is the case, it is not acceptable. Peterson commented it is not the individual's private septic system that has backed up into the residence but rather the City's sewer system. Peterson stated she also has a difficulty accepting the rationale of the - insurance company. Barrett stated it is possible the insurance company is claiming they are not responsible due to the . measures already taken and that it is the responsibility of the City to remedy the situation. Murphy concurred that the City needs to take steps to see if this problem can be corrected in some fashion and that the present situation is intolerable. Murphy inquired whether a gate valve has been installed. Anderson stated they have an older residence and they have now installed a gate valve but it is not fail proof. Anderson stated having a gate valve is also a major inconvenience because everything needs to be shut off whenever they leave the residence for a period of time. Anderson stated her mother lives next door in a four -year old home and she also experienced a small amount of sewage backup into her basement as well as two other neighbors. Anderson stated approximately 10 homes have been added to Spruce Street in the last few years. Murphy commented this is a City system and that the residents are paying for the use of this system. Murphy stated the inadequacy in the City system appears to be causing this trouble. Moorse stated the lift station gets overrun, which can result in a backup. Gappa stated the majority of the City sewer system has been installed after the homes were constructed and that there are weak spots in the system. Gappa indicated a generator has now been placed at that lift station but that there still is the potential that this could happen again due to the low elevation of the residence in comparison to the sewer system. 0 Page 2