05-13-1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MAY 13, 1996 • (#9 On -Site Systems Code Ordinance Amendment - Continued) Callahan said this amendment shows the reason why the application to the Met Council was made regarding the MUSA line. The application would assist people to meet the requirements where there are problems of non - shoreland, 3' separation, and smaller lots with no alternate septic sites. Moorse said alot of the properties with the smaller lots are included in the MUSA application. Callahan said other property owners in the non - shoreland areas are required to repair the 3' separation problem within two years according to the current ordinance. Weckman said this affected any failure, whether shoreland or non - shoreland. Callahan said the amendment now would separate the shoreland and non - shoreland properties. Kelley added that the state law shows no time frame. Hurr said if a property is located within the MUSA, the amendment could be used as leverage to have the property owner buy into the sewering. Jabbour said this would be a major burden. Weckman said he understood that the amendment was difficult for those within the shoreland resulting in resentment from those not in the shoreland. Kelley noted that the state made the distinction for the City. (He noted that there is already distinction between shoreland and non - shoreland when it comes to setbacks and hardcover.) Hurr suggested the 10 year requirement as well as Goetten. It was noted that the issue could be revisited at a later date. Kelley asked if the licensed pumpers that pump out the septic systems, take the manholes off the systems and look at the baffles. Weckman said this is a requirement, but Kelley said it is never done. Weckman agreed that there was no follow thru. Weckman said the pumpers will be asked as a requirement for more detailed information. The pumpers will be asked if the pumping was done through the manhole, if the tanks were leaking, or if the tanks have bottoms. Weckman said inspection of septic systems includes checking for discharge and identifying whether the 3' separation is met, but the tanks cannot be inspected as they are full of sewage. Weckman said if the first pump out would include extending the baffle, all subsequent pumping would be easy. Goetten said this was alot of responsibility with 300 -375 pumpings a year. Kelley asked about the integrity of the test for the 3' separation. Weckman said if enough soil borings are done, the soil tester will have a good understanding of the soil conditions. Weckman said the reliability of the test is ultimately based on how good the person is performing the test. Weckman said identifying the colors of the soil is the most reliable test. Whether the soil is wet or dry when the inspection is done does not affect the color. Callahan asked if the current ordinance should be amended. Council noted the function • of the 3' separation but not its importance. They saw value in developing a reasonable time limit for repairs. 13