09-23-1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 23, 1996 ( #12) REQUEST FOR SEWER - JOHN MARESH, 2085 SIXTH AVENUE • NORTH Gaffron reported that the Council had directed Staff to review the septic concerns brought forward by Mr. Maresh at the June 10 Council meeting, and Staff met on site with the applicant. He reported that the house is on a 2 -1/2 acre parcel purchased in 1987. An adjoining vacant lot is also owned by the applicant. A potential septic site was tested to the southwest of the house in a treed area requiring removal of a large number of trees. The applicant then received a second opinion and was told that the site included depressions made from previous tree removals and would technically not meet the requirement. The only option would be for an "experimental" mound system, which would result in a financial responsibility to the property owner only if the system failed. There is no other suitable site within the homestead lot. Gaffron said there are a potential of two to three septic sites on the vacant lot. This location is not desired by the applicant, who requests that sewer be provided to his homestead property. Another option is the combination of the homestead and vacant lot parcels. This would require a lot line rearrangement as only a portion would be taken of the vacant lot with the homestead parcel but leaves a lot that is less than the required 2 -acre minimum. • Gaffron said the applicant prefers to receive sewer from the east with the extension of the sewer in the Lakeview Terrace neighborhood. The line would have to be extended about 200' to 250'. The line possibly could run under Brown Road with an easement over the vacant lot. Gaffron said the City hopes to gain sewer to this neighborhood in 1997. This request would technically require a subdivision according to Gaffron, but with an easement, it would not affect the buildability of the lot. Because it is vacant, however, the lot does not meet the criteria to be considered for one of the undefined 50 sewer units. Gaffron said if the City denies the request for sewer, the applicant would be left with the option of the experimental mound system or pursue another option. Callahan confirmed with Gaffron that the vacant lot is now 2 acres and would not be conforming with the lot line rearrangement suggested. Callahan questioned the financial responsibility of an experimental mound system noting that most homeowners are already responsible if their septic systems fail. Gaffron agreed but noted that others usually have alternate sites and the evaluator usually stands behind their recommendation. In the case of an experimental mound system, there is no recourse. Callahan noted that this does not have anything to do with the septic's ability to work. Gaffron said the possibility of failure is there due to the site having previously been disturbed. Hurr asked about the first opinion received noting an available septic site. It was questioned whether the second opinion or another opinion is necessary. 40