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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />MINUTES FOR JUNE 28,1999 <br />( #3 - Webber Hills Sanitary Sewer Project, Continued) <br />owned a waste management treatment - company and is presently involved in companies that are <br />active in alternate waste management systems for commercial and residential. <br />Lythe indicated during the last eight to nine months a large number of residents have been <br />contacted regarding this proposed project and a significant amount of information has been obtained <br />regarding different waste management treatment systems. Lythe commented he is appearing <br />tonight on behalf of 12 other individuals who have signed proxies indicating their desire that Lythe <br />represent them at tonight's meeting. <br />Lythe stated that out of the 22 failing systems in this particular area as defined by City Code, the <br />majority of those individuals would prefer to have City sewer. Some alternate systems have been <br />reviewed, but unfortunately, at this time, have not been approved by the State of Minnesota, but do <br />provide a less expensive approach to this problem. Lythe commented that property value should <br />also be taken into account when a new septic system is being proposed, noting that the majority of <br />the residents who move into the Orono area are not familiar with traditional septic systems. <br />Mayor Jabbour requested that Mr. Lythe gear his comments towards this particular project, noting <br />that he is quite familiar with the various septic systems that are currently available. <br />• <br />Lythe stated that based upon their review of the area, a mound system is probably not a viable • <br />option for the majority of the residents due to the high maintenance and the unsightly appearance of <br />a mound system, as well as the lack of available sites. Lythe commented that the pressure system <br />was reviewed as well, which will help to preserve the environment and actually reduce the costs to <br />the homeowner in the long run. Lythe stated that there are some individuals who have recently <br />installed a mound system who have concerns that they will be pressured into converting to City <br />sewer and bear an unreasonable financial burden. <br />Mayor Jabbour stated that the City of Orono since 1990 has taken a non - adversarial role in <br />providing City sewer to its residents and does not mandate that the property owner hooks up to <br />City sewer unless their current system is failing and the property owner has no other options <br />available. Jabbour noted that the City of Orono has a certain number of MUSA units available <br />to its residents and that the MUSA units are in high demand. The City of Orono has taken a <br />strong position that unless the property owner is requesting hookup to City sewer and a need is <br />demonstrated, the City does not force the property owner to hookup to City sewer. <br />Dave Williams, 2055 Webber Hills, commented that he installed a mound system in 1986, and <br />sees this as a viable solution to some of the residents in this area. Williams stated he would like <br />the mound system to remain as an option to those residents who desire to install one rather than <br />hooking up to City sewer. <br />Kelley stated that the City is not requesting that everyone in this area hook up to City sewer if <br />their present system is conforming. Kelley indicated that the costs for those residents who choose <br />not to hook up will be borne by the City until the property owner decides to hook up, at which • <br />time the resident will pay the initial cost as well as interest. <br />Page 4 <br />