09-22-1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 22,1997 ( #11 Shoreland and On -Site Sewage Treatment Ordinance Amendment - Continued) • The City had previously felt the Shoreland District should be a higher priority with the septic systems lacking the 3' separation. Staff recommends failing systems be given highest priority. Gaffron reported that State regulations were reviewed and found to be ever changing. The legislature has recently changed the separation allowance from 3' to 2' for existing systems at the direction of the local government. This has a minimal impact on Orono as those not meeting the separation generally have been found to have less than a 1' separation. Kelley asked how the State regulation was interpreted without a set time frame. Gaffron indicated the DNR had recognized that and suggested a 2 year replacement time period in its Model Shoreland Ordinance. Jabbour said he understood and agreed with the regulation but has found that the DNR ordinance is for the greater state at large and zeros in on the small older cottages on Waal lakes throughout the state. Jabbour said most problems occur where the 1000' mark touches a lot triggering the upgrade. Jabbour feels the City will be remedying the situation and continue to work towards it. Jabbour said he did not agree with a Planning Commissioner's comment regarding a longer upgrade time frame presenting a health • hazard. Gaffron said both Staff and Council have the same goal of protecting Lake Minnetonka. Sewering is being done on the majority of properties around the lake. Gaffron said his concern is with the time frame of 10 years in the Shoreland as being too long. He felt a shorter time frame would be better. Gaffron suggested the sewer study regarding sewer in the rural area be conducted and determinations made as to the extend of sewer in the rural area; then the issue of septic replacement timeliness could be revisited. Jabbour responded that he feels sewering is preferred by residents. If the current zoned density can be maintained with sewer, the City may be able to sewer more properties. He noted the highest density is by the lake. He agreed that all parties are attempting to move in the same direction. Jabbour asked Gaffron if he preferred a five year time frame. Gaffron said he would be more comfortable with that figure. Gaffron reviewed comments made by Septic Inspector, Steve Weckman. Weckman questioned whether it would be fair to change the ordinance for those that have already replaced their systems. Gaffron noted that this does not affect very many residents, however. Some residents have placed funds in escrow for potential septic replacement, and these residents will no longer need the escrow money set aside. This affects only • about 3-4 residents. 1