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203 <br />COUNCIL MEETING <br />NOVEMBER 25, 1991 <br />process of a divorce and not eligible for any public assistance <br />to eliminate the possible health hazard. Also, the financial <br />institutions are unwilling to work with the landowner and provide <br />financial assistance. <br />Mr. Schumacher proposed that the City contract to install a mound <br />septic system on the property and assess all costs to the <br />property. Three (3) bids have been received to construct a mound <br />septic system. The building official has explained that the bid <br />submitted to the Council tonight is low considering the land is <br />marginal and there is only a very small space to work in. A <br />right of access document would be required from the adjoining <br />landowner and this cost as well as legal costs, engineering costs <br />and administration costs would be included in the total <br />assessment. It was noted that the property owner could also get <br />bids and submit them to the City. However, the ground is <br />beginning to freeze and it is important to get this work done <br />soon. <br />It was noted that the bid includes restoration of the neighbors <br />property. Since this cannot be done before spring, it was <br />suggested that a percentage of the bid be held in escrow to <br />insure that restoration is completed. <br />Mr. Schumacher noted that the property owner will be required to <br />sign a petition for the improvement, sign a waiver of a public <br />hearing and an acceptance of the assessment. <br />Council Member Neal moved to order the mound septic improvement <br />project and hold 10% of the bid until all work is completed <br />including restoration of the neighbors yard. Council Member <br />Kuether seconded the motion. <br />Council Member Bohjanen asked Mr. Hawkins if this was standard <br />procedure in emergency cases. Mr. Hawkins explained that when a <br />public heath hazard exists, the City has authority to correct the <br />hazard. Council Member Bohjanen asked what would happen if the <br />current landowner defaulted in mortgage payments and walked away <br />from the property. Mr. Hawkins explained that the property would <br />be assessed and the assessment would be passed on to the new <br />property owner. Normally the mortgage company pays all <br />outstanding debts on the property. <br />Council Member Bohjanen asked if the City would become a "welfare <br />city ". Mr. Hawkins explained that installing a septic system as <br />is being proposed this evening is very costly since the City will <br />include such expenses as engineering and administration. This <br />will discourage unwarranted applications. He explained that the <br />City should discourage such involvement since the City would have <br />some liability. This would be a situation of last resort. <br />PAGE 10 <br />1 <br />1 <br />1 <br />