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Home My WebLink AboutRe: Stubbs Bay sewer project S i: �P1�� O� O ., O ` � CITY of ORONO � _ � �� -=""_ �, �� ,�,ti �o�� ,��p "�,��3��'� �'j c,ystat say,Minncsota 5532.44066 '�''v:.'�,�,;, `, �r .I�Y`n! Y `qkESfI�4 July 5, 1991 Rathryn Anderson 398 Leaf Street Long Lake, MN 55356 Dear Mrs. Anderson: Thank you for your July 2 letter regarding the Stubbs Bay Sewer Project. riany of the concerns you have raised have been brought up by other Stubbs Bay area residents during the past 3 years of project discussions. The issue of where to place the boundaries of the sewer project has generated considerable debate. The City's philosophy has been to not inc lude areas deve loped at the 2-acre standards in effect since 1975, which generally have functional septic systems � or the ability to replace systems if they have problems. This would be in keeping with the City's Comprehensive Plan adopted in 1980, and would exclude areas such as Fox Bend, Oxford Road, and Christine Drive which developed under those standards. The 2-acre minimum lot size was put into effect because most properties can support septic systems on 2 acres indefinitely under ideal conditions. However, soil conditions in the Stubbs Bay area generally indicate that mound type drainfields are needed in order to avoid high water table effects that have been a significant cause of problems for trench drainfields in the area. To replace a failing trench system with a mound typically costs $8,000 - $10,000. Many properties with only 1 acre or less area do not have a suitably flat or large enough area to construct a mound system, hence they have no options other than holding tanks for disposal -of their sewage. Because they need to be pumped out on a bi- weekly or monthly basis, holding tanks are an extremely expensive proposition, perhaps $1,500 - $2,500 yearly maintenance costs. TELEPHONE-473-7357�FAX-473-0510 � ;Rathryn Anderson 'July 5, 1991 Page 2 The Council has considered what standards would be appropriate for allowing exemptions for properties currently within the proposed project boundaries. Properties with at least 2 acres and providing testing to show that they have primary and alternate drainfield sites available, would be considered for exemption as long as other properties served by their neighborhood lateral had similar conditions. Your lot is 1.0 acre in area, and while your system may be functioning adequately, the properties directly to your west and north have problem systems, are both significantly less than 2 acres in area, and likely will need expensive repairs if the sewer project does not serve them. You mentioned that perhaps Cygnet Place should be included in the �roject. While Cygnet Place will possibly •need City sewer in the uture, it is not included in the current project. Including Cygnet Place at this time would not significantly decrease the overall project cost for the rest of the Stubbs Bay area. However, the Council is considering whether it is appropriate to defray a portion of the trunk cost now, expecting to recoup that investment at a future time when the Cygnet area is served. This would have the effect of reducing your assessment to some degree. At the June 24th City, Council meeting, the City Engineer was directed to update his previous feasability study, to indicate any changes in estimated project cost since his last update. City staff is working with the Engineer to ensure the most cost effective system design. The City Council is wel 1 aware that the cost of this project may be prohibitive for a share of the residents in the area. Again thank you for your letter stating your concerns. We will try to keep Stubbs Bay area residents informed as discussions on the project continue. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me at 473-7357 . Sincerely, r ir � , �: � �-�.�.�� Q�►��' a k E Ber rdson_ � ' City Administrator MEB/lsv � -� - July 2 , 1990 D c^r� o,^;;yp ! ��0��!L� r�1 Y �UL, � - - -- �ity of orono � �993 p,p. Box 66 Crystal Bay, Mn 55323 RE: STUBBS BAY SEWER PROJECT. �'o Whom it May Concern: I am writing concerning the Stubbs Bay Sewer Project. I live at 398 Leaf St. , in back of 400 Leaf St. I am several hundred feet from the road. My sewer is working fine. I keep it in good maintenance and since I am a one person household, I do not use much water and sewage, I am working, so gone during the week. I`ve been very frugal in using water and sewer. I do not need the sewer like possibly those on East Lake St. or those with lakeshore. I do Not Want Sewer and would like to be Exempt, like several others that are closer and have lots size of mine or smaller lots. I cannot afford to pay $15,000-$20,000 for assesments and hookup, even in payments. And then, I know that is not the end of costs of this project. I say have those fix their systems, keep them functioning properly. Several houses that were built in the area knew at the time that there was a problem, yet they built. The houses on Oxford St. , several of those dwellings have had failing s�Zstems, yet they are not included. Sussex Square ( Fox Bend) is not included. These houses will be large houses with several bathrooms and many people, they are not included eventho the lots are just a few feet from me. Before the field was developed, we had several ponds, this spring I tried to walk across it and water was inches deep in many of the areas, this has drainage that runs into the Bay. Cygnet place, that area drains into the Stubbs Bay through the creek. . . . If we are going to pick a selected few, why nat the whole area??? There are many disgusted people in the area. Even our District � Representative John Burger has placed his house up for sale. Our area used to be a nice area to live in, but with all the progress we are losing our wild life,. country living and making it a hardship for some people to stay in their homes. Litterly forcing those who cannot afford this project to sell or lose their homes. We have the sewer project from one side and the Highway 12 corridor from the other, what sleft to be desired?? We'll be another metropolitan. July 2, 1991 Pg 2 Due to health problems I haven't been able to keep up and take in all the meetings. I have attended several, but am taking this time to write and ask to be considered for exemption from this project. A reply would be appreciated. Thank you for your time. Sincerely: Kathryn Anderson 398 Leaf St. Long Lake, Mn 55356