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Home My WebLink About07-05-2004 re: possiblility of connecting to city water/sewer Keith & Vicky Williamson 190 North Willow Drive RF.CEIVED Long Lake, MN 55356 4111E 7 2t,04, July 5, 2004 o6 Y Cir- ()-QNp Mike Gaffron City of Orono P.O. Box 66 Crystal Bay, MN 55323 Dear Mr. Gaffron: We live at 190 North Willow Drive in Orono. We would like to investigate the possibility of us hooking up to city sewer and water as well. We have approximately 2 3/4 acres of land. We understand that this area of land has been designated to have higher density housing. We would be intersted in selling some of our property, but cannot do so with the current 2- acre minimum per residence. Allowing us to hook up to city sewer would enable us to sell some of that land. Our current septic system is non-conforming. It would seem wise to be able to hook up to the city now instead of replacing our septic system and then having double expenses in the future. Please inform what the next step would be in this process. Thank you. Sincerely, '6)2-4"\-- (-1L- 14}61, Keith & Vicky Williamson O O .4?,, 0 CITY of ORONO !4 Municipal Offices �� CG~ Street Address: Mailing Address: 9kES110¢ 2750 Kelley Parkway P.O. Box 66 Orono, MN 55356 Crystal Bay, MN 55323-0066 August 19, 2004 Keith & Vicky Williamson 190 North Willow Drive Long Lake, MN 55356 Re: Sewer Connection Feasibility Dear Mr. &Mrs. Williamson: Regarding your inquiry about the possibility of connecting your home to City sewer,I discussed the matter with Public Services Director Greg Gappa.We reviewed the location of existing municipal sewer lines in relation to your property;the potential cost and efficiency implications and constraints of connecting just your residence to the system;and the City's 2000-2020 Comprehensive Plan for your area. Based on our discussions, I would offer the following initial comments: 1. The area in Orono east of Willow Drive between Watertown Road and the railroad/new Highway 12 corridor,which includes your property,was reguided in the 2000-2020 Orono Comprehensive Land Use Plan to allow up to 3 single-family dwellings per acre as it further develops, rather than the one unit per 2 acres as it is currently zoned. 2. City staff approximately 2 years ago prepared an area concept plan depicting a development schematic that would efficiently allow for use ofthe re-guided land to obtain the City's housing density goals. While this area concept plan has not been formally adopted by the City Council, there is currently a moratorium in Orono on developments proposing housing densities of more than 2 units per acre. One reason for the moratorium is to allow for establishment of detailed development standards for the areas guided for higher densities. Development of individual properties in your neighborhood one at a time would likely lead to inefficient lot,roadway and utility layouts. Therefore,an expected outcome of the moratorium is adoption of standards that would likely require a developer to acquire multiple properties before development would be approved. 3. In reviewing your potential individual sewer connection,our conclusion is that currently the options are limited, probably not cost-effective, and perhaps not permanent. The nearest municipal sewer line is on the west side of Willow Drive,just south of Elm Lane. That line is Telephone(952)249-4600 • Fax(952)249-4616 www.ci.orono.mn.us t August 19, 2004 Page 2 16-18' deep. In order for you to connect, the City would have to extend a City line across Willow Drive,install a manhole,and extend a service line to your property boundary,to which you would connect. While the costs of such an extension might normally be recovered via a neighborhood assessment,it appears that this extension would not necessarily be in the most advantageous location to serve other properties as the area develops. Therefore, you would potentially be responsible for the full cost of the extension as well as your own connection costs and fees. Additionally,the location of the connection point maybe dependent or have an impact on how much land you would keep with your home.Locating the new manhole and connection point too far south would potentially result in the need to retain a connection easement over the property you eventually sell. 4. At such time that the deadline for upgrading your septic system approaches,if your system is not failing but is merely nonconforming,it is likely that the City would extend your deadline rather than require septic replacement or sewer connection,in anticipation of development in your immediate neighborhood which would provide a more efficient connection point. It appears to us that the most logical connection method would be to wait until the southerly portion of your property develops in conjunction with neighboring properties,which potentially will result in some cost- sharing opportunities not available today. We would expect that any purchaser of a portion of your property with the intent to develop at 3 units per acre would construct roads and utilities as an initial step, so that you would potentially be able to continue using your septic system until a connection becomes available. This would be worked out at the time of subdivision. To reiterate,our conclusion is that individually connecting your property to sewer likely will not be as cost- effective as connecting it to a future system serving the areas east of Willow Drive. I understand that this is not the answer you were looking for;if you wish to pursue an individual connection,we can provide you with a rough estimate of the costs involved.Please feel free to contact me or Public Services Director Greg Gappa at 952-249-4600 if you wish to discuss this further. Sincerely, -'Z--C./.:2-----‘- i ,A Mike Gaffron Planning Director cc: Greg Gappa