07-12-1999 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR JULY 12,1999 ( #1) PUBLIC HEARING - FOX RIDGE SEDER PROJECT -Continued is Jabbour explained the cost is based on many variables. He explained the City's policy on sewer assessments. He gave examples of other areas where the cost of installing a sewer line was very high compared to the value of the homes. Headrick said he thinks houses that are worth more should pay more. He said it is unjust that future homes will hook into the sewer on South Brown Road and the present homeowners have to pay the entire cost of the line along South Brown Road. He feels the nine homeowners should not pay for the line along South Brown Road or they should pay a reduced amount that is more fair. Sansevere asked Cook to show where the sewer will run along Brown Road. He asked if the cost of sewer to future homes along Brown Road will be less because the line is already installed. Cook said their cost will be lower. Kelley said there is a policy question on whether the City should pay the cost of the main line. He agrees with the neighbors that the residents should not have to bear the entire cost of the main line. He said the Council has not addressed this question before. He feels the line should be big enough to accommodate future development and the present homeowners should not have to pay the entire cost of the line. He is concerned about long -term planning of the sewer system. Sansevere asked how far the line would go. Cook said it will run approximately one -half mile or 2,600 feet. He said that section adds approximately $65,000 or approximately $7,000 per unit. Jabbour said there is a question on how many more homes can be connected to this line. If it requires too big a pipe, they will have to dig the pipe in rather than use directional boring which will add to the cost. He asked how large a pipe can be used with directional boring. Cook said that a three -inch line would accommodate future development and it can be installed using directional boring. A three -inch line would add approximately $5.00 per foot to the cost. Flint said he favors planning for future development, but it is difficult to determine who should pay the costs. Jabbour warned that the Council members should not make a decision based on one site because they will be setting a precedent. i Page 2