08/11/1997 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• • COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 11, 1997 Mayor Landers asked if the experimental system Mr. Ahrens mentioned would be a better alternative than a mound system. Mr. Ahrens stated his understanding is that its advantage would be that it is slightly less expensive than a mound system. Council Member Kuether asked why the term "experimental" was used. Mr. Ahrens explained that this is because it does not meet 780 NPCA Code but is acceptable to the NPCA. Mayor Landers indicated that he would like to see a cost estimate for installation of such an experimental system. Council Member Kuether expressed concern regarding future costs. Mr. Ahrens explained that future assessments such as inspection fees would be at the City's discretion. Council Member Bergeson asked Mr. Wessel if Council could order acceleration of the Comprehensive Plan for this area to respond to the needs of these property owners prior to completion of the Plan. Mr. Wessel indicated that he would look into spotlighting this area, perhaps expediting the process due to immediate need. Council Member Kuether asked if this issue could be revisited sooner than at the end of the requisite one-year waiting period which must pass prior to reconsideration of a project which is met with majority opposition. Mr. Ahrens deferred to Mr. Hawkins, who explained that the Charter dictates the 12 month period must be observed. He further explained that according to State statute there is a maximum period of 6 months within which the Council must act following the date a public hearing is closed. Mr. Hawkins clarified for Council Member Kuether that this process could be reversed by withdrawal of the negative petition. Mayor Landers asked how the date by which Council must act on the project coincides with the projected Comprehensive Land Use Plan Task Force Committee's schedule for completion of work in this area. Mr. Wessel explained that it should take 4 to 6 months to finalize the Committee's recommendation, and the actual allocation of MUSA acreage would probably occur far beyond that time frame. He further explained that the Metropolitan Council has recently loosened requirements regarding areas which can be designated MUSA; but that further investigation would be required, as MUSA allocation is the primary issue. In other words, even when the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Task Force Committee makes its recommendation, MUSA designation might not be in place. Council Member Kuether moved to approve Resolution No. 97 - 88 pursuant to the terms of Option 1, not ordering the project. Council Member Neal seconded the motion. Council Member Bergeson asked about the status of the subject property absent this project going forward. Mr. Ahrens explained that he planned to contact the affected property owners if Resolution No. 97 - 88, Option 1 is adopted and suggest that they contact the company that installs experimental septic systems. Motion carried unanimously. Resolution No. 97 - 88 can be found at the end of these minutes. Consideration of Resolution No. 97 - 89, Cedar Street Utility Improvements, Approve Plans and Specifications and Approve Change Order - Mr. Ahrens explained that GNW, Inc. is constructing a Tight industrial facility on Cedar Street, and requires sanitary sewer and water