01-13-1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 13, 1997 (96 - Proposed North Long Lake Sewer Projects - Continued) Keith Gasner, 884 Dakota Avenue, questioned the $350 per unit charge. He noted the neighboring area would gain a blacktopped road and the cost is spread amongst all residents in the project, but those along Dakota Avenue would have to pay separately for the blacktopping of Dakota Avenue without the cost spread amongst all involved in the project. He questioned whether there would be a credit for the residents along Dakota Avenue. Goetten informed him that the $1950 charge is for those along Dakota Avenue, who would not receive any credit. She did note that if the cost was spread amongst all of those in the project, it would cost $350. Don Lund, 1465 Long Lake Boulevard, asked who makes the ultimate decision on what properties are included in the project. Cook informed him the Council makes that determination. Lund asked what rules were being followed noting the properties north, south, and east of him were not included, yet he was included. Jabbour informed him that "hot spots" for sewering were identified by the City where existing septic systems were substandard, having primary and secondary septic sites with problems. He noted lot sizes and developments were reviewed and a determination made through public meetings for the limited number of sewer units available. Jabbour informed Lund that the procedure to gain permission from the Met Council for the sewer units was over a long time period. Lund questioned whether the size of the lot was a factor noting he had 2- 1/2 acres. Gaffron reported that Lund's property was included as sewer was projected to serve properties on the same street as Lund. He did note Lund's property is larger than • most and has a steeper topography. Gaffron said Staff has not closely reviewed each property and can further review it regarding whether or not to include it if requested. Kelley informed Lund that if he had the opportunity to hook up to sewer he would do"so immediately. He noted the advantages of sewering, the cost of mound systems, system failure, and new regulations on septic systems. Lund asked if the cost of severing was based on so much per foot. Jabbour informed Lund that if Staff finds it unnecessary to include his property, he may opt out. Lund said he had not made that decision. Gaffron reported that criteria has not yet been set for the project as it has in the past in regards to fringe properties. Jabbour explained that the project did not become a reality until the end of 1996 and was only speculation up to that point. He noted the septic rules established in 1978 and 1992 which laid out shoreland regulations. Jabbour said there were probably 600 properties in Orono who would not pass septic inspections at this time. He noted 25% of the systems are inspected yearly. The City also had a 2 -year moratorium on requiring septic repairs. Jabbour said the State legislature is reviewing cost and effect of the regulations. He also informed Lund that whenever a property has septic, the residence is limited to the number of bedrooms allowed. With sewering, the property has more options for expansion. 4