HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998 - Oct 21- connect of rebuilt residence to existing septic TO: Street File for 1770 West Farm Road
FROM: Stephen Weckman, On-Site Systems Manager
DATE: October 21, 1998
SUBJECT: Connection of rebuilt residence to existing non-compliant septic system
The existing residence is being replaced due to fire damage. The existing septic system was found
to be non-compliant and the City would not normally allow the connection of a new dwelling to a
non-compliant system. However, it has come to our attention that the City Council will reconsider
the extension of municipal sewer to this neighborhood when highway 12 is upgraded (see March 10
and June 9, 1997 City Council minutes attached). All of the residents residing in the nearby "the
homstead", on the east side of Brown Rd. south of this property asked for municipal sewer The City
Council acknowledged the possibility of sewering these lots if the sewer line was enlarged and the
property owners are willing to pay for the entire cost of the project and sewer capacity is adequate.
Since municipal sewer could be provided to this property in the near future, we will allow connection
of the new residence to the existing septic system if the system is repaired or replaced according to
City and State Standards if sewer is not pending for the property. The current Orono Municipal Code
requires that existing non-compliant systems be repaired within seven years, which means the repair
deadline for this property is December 31, 2005. Currently, the highway 12 upgrade is proposed to
begin in 2001. If municipal sewer is not available when repairs are required, the system must be
replaced. This exception is being allowed to prevent the homeowner from replacing the system and
then having municipal sewer available soon after the system replacement.
WILLIAM M. BRACKEN
1770 WEST FARM ROAD
LONG LAKE, MINNESOTA 55356
OCA 1 9199a
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October 15, 1998
City of Orono
2750 Kelley Parkway
Long Lake, MN 55356
Attn. Steve Weckman
Dear Steve:
As per our telephone conversation this morning, here is my understanding with respect to
our septic system situation at our home at 1770 West Farm Road.
We will hook up to our existing septic system. I understand that our current system is
non-compliant with respect to current state and city septic codes. I agree to make the necessary
repairs and alterations made necessary by the septic code when requested to do so by the City of
Orono. We will make the necessary repairs and alterations assuming there is no city sewer
pending that would be available to us.
I appreciate your time and efforts in assisting me in this rather confusing situation.
Sincer y:
Will Bracken
BUSINESS ADDRESS: NORTHCO CORPORATION • 4900 VIKING DRIVE • EDINA, MN 55435 • PH. (612) 820-1600
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL
MEETING HELD ON JUNE 9, 1997
(#12 -North Long Lake/Long Lake Country Club Addition Sewer Project Easement -
Continued)
Jabbour noted that the City will use the 90 day quick take process. He asked if there
would be any impact from this on the sewer project. Gappa said there would be no major
impact but possibly remobilization later on. A cost increase may occur.
Goetten asked what the Anderson's objection is to the easement. Gappa said Anderson
was unwilling to sign the easement document since he is appealing his assessment.
Goetten asked if there would be any difference if no objection had been made. Gappa
said Anderson said he would have signed the agreement if it would have held up the
sewer project.
Barrett said the rights of legislation would not prejudice Anderson's appeal of the
assessment. He was asked to contact Anderson's attorney to discuss this issue.
Jabbour moved, Kelley seconded, to adopt Resolution No. 3915 and to direct staff to
proceed with the 90-day quick take process and notify Mr. Anderson and his attorney
that the easement would not prejudice his appeal of the assessment in attempting to
resolve the easement issue. Vote: Ayes 5,Nays 0.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
(#13)REQUESTS FOR SEWER SERVICE OUTSIDE THE MUSA LINE
Moorse presented information to the Council regarding requests for sewer service
outside the MUSA line. Meanwhile, Moorse asked Wan extension should be given to
those residents in the Shoreland District outside of the MUSA line who are in need of
replacing their septic systems. The extension period would allow time for the City to
determine whether additional areas will or will not be sewered. The Attorney will be
asked for his legal opinion regarding the 2 acre minimum zoning for sewering. Jabbour
suggested a work session be held with members of the Metropolitan Council.
Kelley noted the issue was of great importance and supported providing the residents
with an extension.
Jabbour said the extension should be tied in to the Council's discussion of the issue.
Council agreed.
Gaffron suggested a formal document be presented regarding provision of an extension
to the time frame for septic repairs.
Jabbour asked Staff to analyze the properties of Mr. Johnson and Mr. Maresh, and
determine any differences in terms of the extension of the sewer to serve the properties.
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL
MEETING HELD ON JUNE 9, 1997
(#13 -Requests for Sewer Service Outside the MUSA Line- Continued)
Kelley asked if the State legislative session resulted in any changes that would affect this
issue. Gaffron said he received information that a faction within the legislature
apparently wants existing systems to have to meet only the 2'separation. Moorse said he
received a copy of a bill being presented in the legislature from Senator Gen Olson.
(#14)SCHEDULE TIF WORK SESSION
Goetten asked when the consultant would be available for a work session.
Jabbour expressed concern with providing public funding for private ventures. He noted
low income housing is a possibility but suggested the private sector could make that
provision.
Kelley said he objected to TIF. He said he was not in favor of public funding of private
projects and is concerned with losing businesses that have long been established. He
cited an example of such a problem existing in a neighboring community. He is
concerned with the outcome of TIF.
Jabbour agreed with Kelley. He questioned if City improvements were made with TIF
and what would occur once the TIF expired. He questioned where the funding would
come from. He suggested the possibility of TIF for a specific project that would cease
when the project ended. Jabbour suggested discussions be held regarding the issue.
Kelley asked that the first meeting be an explanation of what TIF is and how it works.
He is concerned with abuse of such financing and noted problems with inadequate record
keeping as noted in the auditor's management report.
Moorse said the concern expressed by Kelley is the reason he suggested a work session
be held with a consultant to learn what TIF is and how it works.
Goetten agreed with the need for a work session with the consultant.
Flint said he would like to receive more information. He also is concerned with new
development squeezing out the old established businesses.
Jabbour noted that the City does subsidize TIF districts in other communities, since the
incremental taxes that would be paid to the School District are offset partially by higher
taxes on Orono property. He reiterated the possibility of TIF for specific projects.
Moorse will contact the consultant to determine a date for the work session. •
10
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL
MEETING HELD ON MARCH 10, 1997
(Mayor/Council Report - Continued)
Kelley questioned whether the library hours of operation or number of employees would
change. Jabbour said no changes are expected.
Moorse will send a letter requesting expanded local library service.
(#12) SEWER CAPACITY/SEWER AVAILABILITY IN THE HIGHWAY 12
AREA
Jabbour said he attended the meeting held on February 27 regarding the future plans of
the Orono Schools in regards to sewer capacity and availability. With 75 units available
and 55 allocated to the North Long Lake project and 12 to the Ice Arena, only 8 units
remain. Additional units will be obtained when the sewer line is enlarged but the
occurrence of that event happening is based on the Hwy 12 project being completed or an
alternative.
Flint asked if this meant that another school cannot be built until the highway is built and
additional units obtained. Jabbour said other options for sewer expansion are costly.
Jabbour said it would be premature to suggest any solutions at this time. The highway
project is not slated to begin until at least the year 2001.
Kelley noted projected changes to the Hwy 12/Old Crystal Bay Road intersection and the
possibility of sewer connection by properties in the North Brown Road area. He said it
would make sense for all of the area to be sewered. Moorse said the sewer is there but
lacks the capacity. Goetten noted with the escalation of costs, the best timing for sewer
expansion would be when Highway 12 is reconstructed.
Jabbour requested the City Attorney to review the legal issues related to bringing sewer
to two-acre properties. Kelley said input from the Watershed District gives support to
two-acre density. Jabbour said the City would like minimal impact development to avoid
detriment to the lake. He said he does not believe the two acre zoning is in conflict with
sewering. Kelley noted that the residents have shown their willingness to pay the cost of
sewering. Jabbour said there is also the need to negotiate for a larger sewer pipe through
Long Lake with Mn/DOT.
In other reporting, Goetten saw the need to lobby for where the City stands in regards to
levy limits.
Goetten inquired if any Council member had a copy of the letter regarding snowmobiling
from the Meredith's. Peterson said she would check.
Flint cited a number of complaints have been received regarding snowmobiling at
Bederwood and should be communicated to the DNR.
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