05-22-1989 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 22, 1989 • STUBBS BAY SEWER CONTINUED the cost of the project could be lowered. Bernhardson said that looking at the combination of assessment connection charges and reserve charges, the City could obtain financing through a user fee. Bernhardson was not sure that was the most productive way to approach the financing issue. He said that it would be best to hold a public meeting of the residents in July to update them and see what level of interest existed. Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator Gaffron reported that there were septic systems in the Stubbs Bay area that were problems. The combination of small lots and clay soils contributed to the problems. After studying the area, it was his opinion that sewer was the best permanent solution. Gaffron felt that the City should proceed with the preliminary phase of a public meeting to apprise the residents of the information determined from the feasibility study. Mr. Minkema expressed his need to have some specific direction from the Council as to what they might expect. He said that the cost of the sewer project was rather substantial. He did not want to invest $10,000 to install a new septic system and then be required shortly thereafter to hook up to sewer. He said their house was the last house in the study. He said he could not wait six months to find out how the City intends to proceed. • Mayor Grabek asked Mr. Minkema what consequences would result from waiting six months. Mr. Minkema replied that their present system has failed and he was in the process of replacing it with three tanks for a shallow trench system. Grabek commented that there was no easy way to do this. He questioned whether the Minkemas could pump the present system. Gaffron noted that there was another property in the area that was in the same situation and that pumping the system would be possible. Grabek asked if it would be possible to allow persons installing new septic systems to alleviate a health and safety problem an extension of time required to hook up to sewer? Gaffron noted that there is always concern on the part of those persons who hook up on schedule regarding those that have not. Councilmember Peterson asked if it would be possible to eliminate the Minkemas from the project entirely due to the location of their house. Mayor Grabek questioned how long the project would take once the public meeting had occurred? Cook estimated that hookup probably would not occur until September, 1990. Gaffron noted that the City has been allowing minimal septic system repairs to occur in the Stubbs Bay study area rather than requiring full - scale repairs since the area was under study. Grabek suggested discussing such an alternative with the Minkemas as well as the • possibility of an extension of hookup time. It was moved by Mayor Grabek, seconded by Councilmember Nettles, to establish July 27, 1989 as public meeting with staff 9