08-25-1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 25,199? Vml°o - Appeal ofnulrdydstr tive Decision for Drairifield Location - Continueu} • Kel!e;, asked ivh,»t the f »L-tg tuPrP a »d —bW Staffbelievess those within the g}inreiAnr ZrP^a, should conform. Gaffron responded that the DNR informed the City to make sure that the systems be upgraded and allow one year to comply. Kelley asked where the DNR now stands on the issue. Gaffron said he did not know. Jabbour indicated there are more failing systems in the out -state area. He said all of the residences should be allowed the 10 year grace period. Weckman responded that there is not mesh debate regarding the 3' separation and is only a f nancial matter. He. indicated it is Council's prerogative to change the code but noted that the 1000' shoreland regulations were to protect the lake. He indicated the code has always stipulated the 3' separation but allowed those not meeting it to be grandfathered in. Goetten asked how often the septic systems would be checked for sewage entering the lake if the code was changed in the shoreland area as suggested. Weckman said he has reviewed all systems installed prior to 1973 and is continuing on the remaining systems, in checking for the 3' separation. Goetten asked what would trigger Weckman to take the next step in checking for discharge. Weckman said he inspects all systems every 2 -3 years for failing systems. Jabbour noted that the Eastmans have a non - conforming system, not a failing system. Weckman indicated that it may be a matter of semantics as the State considers a system not meeting the 3' separation as failing while the City calls • that non-conforming. A system that is disch— arging is callod a imminent health hazard according to the State and called failing by the City. is Tabbn»r pc,Ll?ri the Co��r±c1 and �c�Pgtionpd whether the policy rc�iring a two -y?ar period for septic system replacement in the shoreland district could be changed at this time. Gaffron informed him that revising the Shoreland Regulations are part of the Zoning Ordinance requires Planning Commission review and a public hearing. Kelley said the City should go ahead with the zoning ordinance amendment process. He indicated the City is sewering more and more, and people are being caught up within the noliev &% the 1000' line goes through their properties. Goetten acknot pledged that the cost of a new system would be tremendous for the Eastmans, though acknowledged that economics should not be a consideration. Gaffron asked to clarify to the Council that there is no connection between the property in question and sewering Saga Hill area due to the distance and topography. Jabbour suggested the Eastman wait on installing a new system. Kelley noted that the same concern will occur elsewhere. 25