The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutCorrespondence re septic system � �� I O _ O �� I , ��r� ;:-� i� C ITY of ORONO ,� �� z �., ��, �` �, +�, h� !� Municipal Offices ��' �i� r. �� '� ��.� ��, � ��.�� Street Address: Mailing Address: `9$EggOg' 2750 Kelley Parkway P.O. Box 66 Orono, MN 55356 Crystal Bay, MN 55323-0066 February 7, 1997 John Nolan 1540 Fox St. Wayzata, MN 55391 Dear Mr. Nolan: Due to a recent home remodel, you agreed to set aside fifteen thousand dollars until your septic system could be evaluated to determine what upgrades would need to be performed in conjunction with the remodel. I met with you in June of 1996 at which time your system was found to be non- compliant and a new system would be required by the August 1, 1996 deadline. When we last discussed options in July of 1996, you were deciding whether to have a new design completed or install the system previously designed for you. Since then the home remodel has been completed, but the septic system has not been upgraded. Your bank,Norwest Bank Minnesota, has been notified that the septic system upgrade has not been completed. Therefore, the funds in the escrow account will not be released. If the septic system upgrade is not made by July 15, 1997, the City will be forced to draw on the escrow account to upgrade the septic system. Please contact me at the City offices to resolve this matter. Sincerely, � �-� ,.�--- Step en Weckman On-Site Systems Manager cc: Kip Heegard, Vice President Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A. Telephone (61�) 4'13-7357 • FAX 473-0510 � June 17, 1997 Steve Weckman ,�, City of Orono , �C�� P.O. Box 66 C,, ��/y� �✓�.� Crystal Bay, MN 55323 ��_ B �F �ys Re: 1540 Fox Street �''' � �G '�!, Dear Mr. Weckman, As you know, I have been proceeding on the installation of a new septic system. As such, I have enclosed an amended system design. Apparently, and unknown to me, the system which was previously designed, was for a three bedroom house. We currently have a four bedroom house. Please review this information and let me know if there are any problems. I have been very frustrated with the process of getting a contractor out to even get a bid. I have contacted several contractors and had very little luck getting a bid from any of them. Although I have contacted many companies, I currently have only two companies from which I hope to receive a final bid. Frankly, for whatever reason, I am having little luck hearing back from them despite numerous calls. Nonetheless, I am proceeding. However, if you have an updated list of septic system contractors, I would appreciate receiving this. Lastly, in looking through my file on this matter, we discussed and you agreed to send to me, the information which requires us to do this work. In particular, the particular event which triggers or necessitates this work. I do not recall seeing this and I could not find a copy in my file. Would you please send this to me. In the mean time, I am moving forward. If you have any questions please call me at 546- 3206. Ve tru urs ` ; John Nolan � O� o ,. o �,��-� CITY of ORONO �� -T�� 1'`�� ' �e �'" !4 Municipal Offices .� Cb( �� ,i.� Y� :.?'�y� � �� G Street Address: Mailing Address: l�q �; r .g,� kEBH� 2150 Kelley Parkway P.O. Box 66 Orono, MN 55356 Crystal Bay, MN 55323-0066 June 24, 1997 John Nolan � 1540 Fox St. Wayzata, MN 55391 Dear Mr. Nolan: You requested information regarding the City's "triggers" which necessitate your septic system upgrade. I have enclosed a portion of section 12.30 of the Orono Municipal Code. This section specifically requires the review of a septic system capacity whenever additional bathrooms or mechanical equipment are likely to affect the operation of the septic system. In your situation two bathrooms, a laundry room and a garbage disposal were added. As you began the remodel in the winter, we asked for money to be held in escrow until we knew what, if any changes would be required. In the spring of 1996 I told you that we needed to verify the size and condition of the existing septic system to see if it would be adequate for your residence. I met with you in June of 1996 at which . , time I found only one septic tank and could not find the drainfield. In order for you to show us that the system was of adequate size and construction,you would have to pay a contractor to locate your system. I told you that locating the system could be costly and it may prove your system to be too small or not in compliance with current codes and require replacement anyway. At that time we decided to perform a soil boring to determine whether a standard(in ground)trench would meet the current code. The soil borings indicated that the existing system could not meet current standards and a new system would be required by August 1, 1996 deadline. We have been working with you since then to get the septic system upgraded. The septic system design submitted to us has been approved. Please make sure that your contractor gets a permit for the septic system by July 15, 1997. Please contact me at the City offices if you have additional questions. Sincerely, ��„/ Step en Weckman On-Site Systems Manager Telephone (612) 473-7357 • FAX 473-0510 June 30, 1997 Stephen Weckman City of Orono P. O. Box 66 Crystal Bay, MN 55323-0066 Dear Mr. Weckman: I received your letter over the weekend. I appreciate your sending me the information regarding the "triggers" which necessitate a septic system upgrade. I would like to correct you on the scope of the construction on our house. Two bathrooms were not added. Two bathrooms were relocated. A laundry room was not added, it too was relocated. A garbage disposal was not added. There has been no increase in any bathrooms or mechanical equipment whatsoever at our house. The only increases were attaching a garage and adding a family room off of the kitchen. As you state in your letter, to facilitate the construction, I agreed to put money in escrow. In the event it was determined that a septic system upgrade is necessary. I remain prepared to do so. However, I did not see anything in the City Ordinances that requires or "triggers" a septic system back in 1996 nor do I see anything now. You will recall that I have mentioned this many times before and we have had this discussion before. As stated above, I am prepared to move forward. As I mentioned in my previous letter, although it has not been easy to get responses, I have finally received a bid (albeit only one) to perform the work based on the most recent system design. Nonetheless, while I am certainly willing to comply with the city ordinances, I do not see that the ordinance requires me to upgrade the existing system. I should add, the existing system shows no sign whatsoever of failing. Please advise me as to the City's position on the above. Very trul yo rs, � � cirY oF . ORONO �.��f��.�r� John Nolan cc: City Administrator J��' 2 1��7 � o� , o 0 ��i �3�� ;��,» i CITY of OI�011TO � ,� ,��;,I,3�,�,. , A. '\ r�`,, ��'�;:'y'��t � !� � Municipal Offices ,� F��+� 11 z 'ti' 'i'` -� ��°��'' G Street Address: Mailing Address: �,q ��,� 4,,� � lf'EgKO 2150 Kelley Parkway P.O. Box 66 Orono, MN 55356 Crystal Bay, MN 55323-0066 July 21, 1997 John Nolan 1540 Fox St. Wayzata, MN 55391 Dear Mr. Noian: Per your letter to me dated June 30, 1997,you claim that no bathrooms, laundry room, nor garbage disposal were added to your property. I contacted Hank at Aqua City Plumbing to verify what changes they made to your residence. After he examined his records, he found that they had added a laundry room, but the si-ik from the old laundry room was not abandoned, the upstairs bathroom had a shower added, a bathroom was added off of the foyer, one bathroom was relocated, and a garbage disposal was added. He did not know if an existing garbage disposal was in place before a new one was added. Also, the plans submitted to us for your remodel confirm the plumbers records. Since the evidence provided from your remodel plan and the plumber are in agreement and both indicate that plumbing was added to your residence,the septic system must be shown to be adequate to serve the residence. Since you have not shown that the existing system is suitable for your residence over the past eighteen months and you have submitted soil testing and design for a new � system, we ask that you get a permit to construct a new septic system for the residence. If a permit is not issued by August 1, 1997 and the installation of the septic system completed by September 30, 1997, the city will pursue legal action. Please contact me at the City offices if you have additional questions. Sincerely, .. 9"'� /�" �/ � Step n Weckman On-Site Systems Manager Telepd�one (512) 473-7357 • �?� 4'73-0510 �� :� } �`� � �` 1)iY:cn.�r 13, 1995 �...�. � � ¢°�'� Citti•Aciministrator ��, : � �'" City of OCono P. O. Box FFi Cr��t;�f $a�,;�1P1$5323 R�.: I S�lt) Fox S�rcct scplic systeit, Iu o�der to�urc a building pernut frc,m the Cih�of Orono for��•ork to}��one on our home as specified in the plans b}• Parth Architects d:ited Septembcr 9, I995, �vc Jotu�and 1ck�n Noia�i�gree lo set up an escrow account at Nornesl Banlc to etuure pa}-rnent for��ork ta he don�on our current septic svstem or ne«•septic sy�stem as may be rCr�uired hy tlie Cin�of Orono Orc3inanccs, said work ro be perforn,er;b�•svch contraciors as arc dcsigru�tei!by� u5. • .4s oti.r�ers ot the propem txatzd at 15d0 Fox Str�t Orono, I�fN n�e undersi.��nd that ti�c may need to upgrade ottr septic system fur it to confonn to and be sdcquate for tl�e t�se bf thc residcnce and agree to " uPgrade the Septie 5��tetti;fccordingly as soon;�s is practieal if required by the Ciry of Orono Ordinances. In such casc, the upgrade of tl�e svstetn sh;�li be completed no I:�ter t1�an Juh� ;�1, 1996 unless it can not be cotiipleted for r�r�s be��ond our control_ Ir, the e�•ent that the svstem is not co�ttpteted by such date, the Ci[� slialt ha�•e the ri�ht to u,te thc tt�or�ies in the Nonti�cst eecrow account to complcre thc�vi�rk. A IClter from NoCtit•cst IIank co�tfirming thc esiro�v is.ittached Itcrero. I Un a sic3e note, I l�a��e cliscussed«iih Ste�•c Weck,n:u�of the �'in�of Oroilo, n1��concern that the eit}�n�Il! instal!se�tier scrvice sometiRie in the futwe renderii�g any ��ark or►the s�ptic systett� funclionally otys�tete. f�o�vc��er, it is nty undcr�tancli:►g,based on a couver�,�tion n�th Ste�•e, that t��e city is nol planning to inslall sci�•er sc;n ice to our home is� the foreseeable fitture_ I have discussed n'ilh Steve my interesi in iiicli�rling this in this Ict!er to«•hi�h he had nu ubjection. I 7�7�)CCCI�tC}'lltt7 (IfEIC C1i?1_Liis n�attcr, ��puj� [I1CrC�9n}-qucstiutts p►easc call me. My p,ione munbers ;tre:is follo«�s: (w}S4G-32oE+ and(li)473-b�7G. V�� tn� '}�c�urs, , /`~ �.�l,t_ � - � Joiin Notan y� i :.�-- '�P'��` / , � � - 1 �� ..�� 1 � ___ r------ -- _ —�_ " Kip Heegaard �� Vice President � Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A. Norwest Center Mo�awEsreaNKs Sixih and Marquette D E C 2 .� ;''�`�� Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479-0073 612/667-8876 December 19, 1995 Attention: Ronald Moorse City of Orono P.O. Box 66 Crystal Bay, MN 55323 RE: 1540 Fox Street Septic Svstem Dear Mr. Moorse: This letter will certify that John and Joan Nolan have established an escrow fund at Norwest Bank Minnesota, N.A. The condition of this fund is that John and Joan Nolan have agreed to upgrade the septic system at 1540 Fox Street, Orono, Minnesota, if required by the City of Orono ordinances. In such case, if the City Administrator of Orono certifies on or after August 1, 1996 that the upgrade of the septic system at 1540 Fox Street as required by the City of Orono Ordinance has not been substantially completed, then and in such event, the City of Orono shall have the right to draw upon the escrow account for the purpose of completion of the septic system upgrading up to an amount not to exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00). I trust this information meets your requirements. Should you have any questions regarding this arrangement, please feel free to contact me at 667-8876. Sincer � ee ar Vice President cc: John and Joan Nolan Name Address Securi Comp Date Exp Date McCune 1�"73 Bay Ridge $15,000 Certi£ 7/31/96 1/31/97 � ��t] � ��'�-f' Bouchard 1860 Shoreline $14,092.50 LOC 7/31/96 11/28/96 r D� � �� Whitworth 1425 Bay Ridge $15,000 Acct. 7/31/96(98?) 1/31/97(99?) �� Q(�(l� Alworth/Hitch 40 Smith Ave. $15,000 LOC 8/12/97 8/12/98— � � (,r`� t� s[.W`Q(� Maresh 2085 Sixth Ave N $15,000 LOC 7/31/96 6/1/97 -,�,� �(�V�Ir — --- __ � Nolan 1540 Fox St. $15,000 Escrow 8/1/96 2/1/97 � �_�_, _ Fund --—_-- ��C1-a-t �,� (�� \\ �� '�� \�S `�� ►,� .� �,� s��:��s �� c� t U�� y��-� � \ ��c�- ,�,-�-- , ' T�1�5 `�1 ��C�- � ., � � � �. . , ��C' ��-- ��` " ''�(� � � �;��L� �0.�.�-- �� `�,�,,`5�.� � ��--- � �� "'xo Jeanne T,. ��:atiusth, Builc;; r.�, ; � .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . �:t � . Prom: Mic,hael t�. Gai �ron , t,sst i . ..,. ,. : . . . . . .. . • . . Date: Auc�ust 7 , ? ygy Subject: #1431 Luci.� taor� �:or. , :�ui,�li •,- i . Se��tic rc�vi c:w This is an ��c*rc�mely 1 imite�] :;it �•, , , of the F�roperty has s 1 oE�es in c�•,,cc. r; :, � �, �'� f i cant E. ortic.:� clifficult to locate suitai�lc� cirain: ir�l ,; ' � :';��xinq i t •:c�r; Z wauld make thP fo7 lowing CJIi,f'��;. ' �•�: � : �linq � t,� seE�tir system information pro•i i dF�cl ( ��n�? ; . ; �, , ; �i ��; ) witt� thi c suhdivision apF�lication : 1• Proposed Lot 1 cont:ains ��n �•;: ; , ; ,,,, � ;� ��:,•, The existin< septie tank/clrainfieJ.cl syst �;•rn ;;<,��. :,�,• �,�•..,; c�rifirme�l �is tc�, lacation, conc]iticn or r��iqr,. . . :, i , ,. i r,SE,c.ction found no evidence of drainf ield or r �,r,r :,� i :: � t�� 1 ocaLion shown, � alth�ugh our record carc3s h�,ri -� . � r�<, 1 1 y in:licat�c3 the locati� - of that system in that � r�-�:. It will be neressary for t}�e .� ,.;, ; , : n+. ��i� h�r agents to locate the tanks and c3rainfael �3 r,:. : ;; 1 .,�, verify that the system does not cross the propo�;�.�; i �,• . , „ , 2. The existing wel 1 location i s r.�,r -:�,cu.•��,r;ted. Since the well locati.on lias �� signif i c �� r� � , dr.ainfield sites, it must Y�e foun�l r,•,-, 1 ,,1,��_��,n�, "n E'°��-'ntia 1 3 . The proposed alternate dra� r:f ; �_ ; ; ::i te for I,ot 1 does not meet minimum code stAndards. F'cr • ;.F�• �,4 MF�I ��ercolation rate reported, the mound cann�� :,�- _ ,. l :�c��r3 on slopes of �reater than 6$. The proposed sit�• h��s sloE�es ranging from 0$ to 138. Additionally, this 4-i, ,-:��r, homF would need a dedicated �rea of aPproximately •;i, 'x�sr, � t;;u* rt,cets the soil and slope criteria. Even if the ., l c,,�s r� t t t�is site were suitable, the edges of the moun�? wc;. ; cl t,c� 10' from the new lot linp rath�r than the 2U' rec;�_; i rec� , and the opposite corner would be just a few feet fr�,;,, �,r�, ��xi .;ting F�r. ivate driveway easement which, if ev�r -'.�::- .. ; � . - si nificant � - 't�''�- , Wouid create 9 problems for the mour�� . In summary, the i.nformation provi �:�� ; �>r ;,ot I is totally inaclequate, incomplete, arid n�t tl:c,r ��u�;i, r�r comj�rehensive. I had to go ttirough an actual c�c:; i ��:; l,rUCC SS for the mound (since none was provided ) in orr3��i- � -, �?••� ,.rj, ;i;� Whether the alternate sitE� was feasible. = i �t31 Lucia Morisor� , SLuc3j.visian I:uyust 8 , 1989 ' '<<�� 2 O£ 3 4. I?egarc3inq pi•opos��c3 ;.oC 'l, ri�e ;-: . . . � . •� �, loc�,,! �• , . the borde:r of a low �leE,r�ssic;r, , �,:; : . : : . • •�-; t�y :;t�..,,i sl�pes, drainaye anci t he nei�Jlil��rit��r �;. _ . : :.vc t. aE%f,e��r:; t u be only 1 cri entation for a n�c;unc3 �, ? �_ . . .. .. , • .• • t,a � ��-�tl r.,ce, the criteria foi the mounc3 systEr, : � . . .; - r �::? room h�usc, while allowinq the rerout.iny of �1r �� : ;, , t• • �; ,�rot�ct tt�ar tnounc.] sitc•. This wi 11 foi'ce th�_ ��r��; : ,: . ; i,�,u�:,• :,ii�� 1t�t-o �.n area of sloE,e r��nc�ing f rom 1 `_� !, t �� ; . . ; ;, ��I,f.r�� 1 , thi s �nounc3 sit� is accc�tat�le fcr a 4-t,c•�?r�.- : �,c, �;�•, wouic3 r�ot bF� large enough for a 5-bec?room housc•, . ::-; wi i 1 take carefu ! site planning anc] sit� gr.a�3i.ng wor'r. •��- �•;,�, :I ,� �� functional system. 5. �'he altc�rn�ite si te E,roE�o;;c�; � r,r :,c, . : ., 20U' to the north , on the north �ic3e of tt,e e•r.i :, � it,<� �lrivcwa y which b i s e e t s t he lo t. 7'liis northerly clr�, ir.: i �� i c? :;i tc has varied topogra��hy that does not st�ow up cl c�r�r : •,• <,n tt�c• t:o�,ographic survey. While some portions of thc� :, i � �• �,�, �,�-�F,far to be at 3$ slope, a portion of the area i,��•;1��3 �or cirainfiel�i appears to be at slopes of 6-lU ��. Ir, �,: -l._•r for r.his to be verified as a viable si�e, the sitc: �•�, ., 1 �� tc,r. will have to stake the exact layout of a muunc3 �,�:, �.�:;;; ( E,resume a �l- bedroom home) ana show that thc: � l �,�,c.:, t ;,1 uuyi,our. the treat- ment area are a 1 1 1 ess tt�an 6�,. This site also is just uphi 11 f r�_,: ,� �� ,� i nac�eway that �aral lels the privat� roac3 cominq f r c,: t;,�; r�orthwest. Thi� drainageway is currently clry, and ; t , :; r, �r known to what degree it is filled during wet season�,. �t'h�, c3rainage�•ay may have some effect on tha� proper fur:ct : �;r. i r,�j o£ the mcund i£ the drainageway stays £ull oF water fc>: �,��n�e F,�riod of time. The site evaluator did not. account :"��r r_::�� tc,�,oc�raphical inconsistenciPs nor the drainaq�way i r, !� i s rev iew of this site. A�ain, I had to go through �� cle:, i cr,. i,z-ocess in order to verify whether thi s site was fe��:�i: : t:. 6. In genera 1 , the proposed p 1 at 1 �:� •; �•�, i i t t 1 c� or no area to p 1 aee a house thnt wi 1 1 not a f f ac:t c : i��• �f f ected by the drainfield. The alternate plar , c�:-. �.�t, ich my seE�tic information has beer plottec� , WUII l <: ,� 1 i ow a house sitc directly sou�h downhill from the ��xist ir.�3 !�ouse, but in an area wh�re slopes range from 20- 2 ; % . �I'h� a�� l icant must c?etermine whether it is reason��k, l �� o: feasir�le to be constr�cting a house in thi s 1 oca t i c.:�. ;, 1 so, Qi veu the required setbncks and need for c3rivewa}�s, �tc, it would be a poor decision to locate the hou:�e s��utt� of the pro�osed primary mound site on Lot 2. In my ol,ir,i�n, this would lead to nothing but major encroachments into the mound site during construction as well as prc�t�abl e a�3ditional run-off to the primary mound site that it ��oul �: nc.t t�andle. . . �- #1431 Lucia �torison, Subdivision August a , 1989 Page 3 of 3 This is perha�s the must difficult : .i .;ivi�;ivn I hav�� se�:; in some time, from the stanclpoint tt�at s : �j-��:. ,,:,�i soi 1 s rc;a'r.c� t :� i � 4.5 acres of dry buildable land unsuit ��; 1 �- f�r ;:.,;re thac� just th� existing hui ldiny site. In my oE�in3 c�I1 , ; � wi 1 1 t�e uif f icu 1 t i f not impossible for the aF�plicant' s ��.qc•r:t :; t: o find a sufficient alternate drainfiel�i site for L�t ] �,��;: sri 11 have a second buildable lot. The steep sl�pes ar;cl i:� ,t, :;c�asc�nahle water table clay soils combine �o severely limir r ;.�� c:e•; E• lo��ment of tt►ia property in a reasonable manner. •� � = j# � F' �� . � �y � '�} �+ �, �;� "` � , �;� ' , � i � r � •,.' , . d �. x t �..5 � �� k{. ^� '� 1 ��i i �. �` �,� 7 ,�n��, ��' _ � ;: . �,i '4 . -' ' \ �, � �,1 a �J � � � , � � � �� " (� � � �� , _ .�� " � J� I � 1 Y