05-18-2020 Regular CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Minutes May 18, 2020 Page 14 Mayor Dietz stated a financing plan for the private septic improvement could be considered but he wouldn't be in favor of funding it. Mr. Bailey stated he didn't think it would be fair to charge his neighborhood the full $2.2 million outlined in the feasibility study because in the future the nearby neighborhoods could also join the city's main sewer system and should be required to pay their fair share. Mayor Dietz asked if there was developable land in the area that could benefit from a sewer line. Mr. Femrite stated it would be a Council policy decision on whether the city is willing to participate in some of the oversizing costs. He stated it is hard to determine costs without a trunk area study. Mr. Femrite stated other parcels could connect to this line with their own improvements. Councilmember Westgaard stated it wouldn't be fair to make the neighborhood pay for the infrastructure for future nearby development. He suggested a work session to establish a Council policy. He felt the city sewer connection was the best for this development in the long-term. Mayor Dietz asked when a final decision needs to be made. Mr. Bailey stated he didn't think the septic system would get them through the next winter. Mr. Femrite stated the construction window for the season is rapidly closing and all approvals, homeowner signatures approving the assessment, final design, bids, and construction would need to be completed within the month in order to fix the system by the end of the year. Mr. Bailey felt half the homeowners wouldn't sign off on approving the assessment. Mr. Femrite questioned what percent of neighborhood approval of the project Council would accept before deciding to move forward to force people to connect to a city sewer system. Councilmember Westgaard stated there must be a majority or collective agreement and then the city can step in help the neighborhood with installing the infrastructure and setting up a finance plan. He stated it is up to the homeowner's association to make the decision to go this route or continue with private permitting through the state. Mayor Dietz asked if the city would have to use the 429 Assessment Process. He further stated the city would like the homeowner's association to be on board. Attorney Beck stated yes and further discussed the hearing process. He stated the issue of costs spread to adjoining neighborhoods and a trunk assessment raises a lot of potential issues. He stated there are a multitude of financial and policy issues. Councilmember Westgaard stated the city is here to help and to work with the association. P011aII a NATURE