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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/02/1976 Council MinutesDecember 2, 1976 IIIThe continuation of the special hearing for utilities in the Lexington Park Lakeview area was called to order at 8:05 P.M. on December 2, 1976 by Mayor Bohjanen. Council members present; Karth, McLean, Schneider, Zelinka. Mr. Locher, Mr. Carley and Mr. Gotwald were also present. Mayor Bohjanen outlined the procedures for this meeting. He asked Mr. Locher to read the notice of publication and the notice that was mailed to all property owners in that area. The continuation date was set at the first hearing that was held on November 16, 1976. The Clerk was asked to read the petition presented by the residents of the area and the names on that petition. Mr. Carley then reviewed the discussions of the previous meeting. When a show of hands of the people present at this meeting who were not present at the first meeting was asked for, the majority of the people here had not been present at the first meeting. Since this was the case, Mr. Carley went throught the explanations, basically present- ing the same line of thoughts as the first time. The draft of the proposed regulations for the installation of septic systems was discussed. These regulations are being proposed by the PollutionControl Agency. Mr. Zelinka asked if the Metropolitan Council will have the authority to enforce these regulations and Mr. Carley said, Yes. Mr. McLean emphasized these are PCA regulations, not Metropolitan Council regulations, and they are expected to be adopted by September. IIIMr. Zelinka asked what the repercussions this document would have on the local commun- ities? Mr. Carley said the Cities will be forced to employ an officer to be in charge of the annual inspection of all on -site septic systems in the City. This officer will also regulate where the systems are installed and the size of the system. This docum- ent requires sealed tanks and if the existing systems do not conform, residents can be forced to either rebuild or install an entirely new system. Mr. Schneider asked if the MMTC was included in these projected costs, wculd this re- duce the individual assessment and Mr. Gotwald felt that it would. Mr. Schneider asked by how much? Mr. Gotwald said this had not been considered as yet. Mr. Carley noted that institution has a two year extension to operate the current treat- ment plant at that location. They will certainly connect, if lines are available, but the City must order the system and be ready to construct before the State is approached. Mr. Schneider asked about the total cost of the Park property and Mr. Carley said he was coming to that. Mr. Carley explained the City had applied for a federal Grant in conjunction with the Cities of Blaine and Lexington for the construction of a water tower in East Blaine. If this grant is approved, approximately $170,000.00 can be deducted from the overall cost of this project. This is the estimated cost for installation of a well to serve the area. But, Mr. Carley explained, this cost has been added in as of this date. He felt it is better to inform the residents of the total possible cost. IIIMr. Carley warned the people this system will have to be installed sooner or later. If it is postponed, then they will have to deal with inflation and the new rules and reg- ulations on the installation of septic systems and water systems. The Park lands will be assessed as a part of the project. The toal cost being $86,000.00 l6 December 2, 1976 which is 42% of the total costs. Mr. Carley said the bids that are being received now on other projects such as this are coming in 10% to 20% below the estimates. He felt there is a good chance this cost could be included in the overall project and paid for by the people in that area and the assessment would not be any more than these estimates. If the City is to pay the assessment, a 1.17 mill would be levied against all property in the City. Mr. Winger of Lakeview Avenue felt the project should not be ordered until more facts are known on the exact costs. He felt these figures are too indefinite and the estimates are clearly just estimates. Mr. Gotwald said there are many steps to be taken before a project is ordered and this hearing is just the first. Each step requires a Resolution to be passed by this Council. The only way exact cost figures can be obtained is for this Council to pass a Resolution ordering the plans and specifications to be prepared and bids advertised for. Even when the bids are in, that does not indicate the project will proceed. If the bids come in at 20% over the estimated costs, then another public hearing must be called. The entire project can be abandoned even then. There was discussion on the utility easements on the back lot lines. A gentleman asked if the costs of securing a right -of -way on the rear lot lines had been put in these figures. Mr. Carley said, No, it was assumed each owner would sign a quit claim deed for the easement needed. If there is to be condemnation necessary, then thiswould not be the most econ'mical way to install the lines. Mr. Schneider said he and Mr. Karth had attended a Cirlce Pines Utility meeting and discussed the possibility of obtaining water from that utility. The Engineers were to have the figures to him before this meeting but they had not arrived. Mr. Joe Davis, Sunrise Avenue, apoligized for not having the figures available. felt this is a possibility that should be explored. Mr. Munchou asked if bids cost the City any money. He felt that by getting bids a more concise cost figure would be available. Mr. Gotwald said that bids cannot be obtained until complete plans and specifications are prepared. This preparation cost approximately 6% of the total cost of the project. Mr. Schneider said he had stopped in on a neighborhood meeting and these people had offered to make up a survey form and canvas the area. He felt this might be a good idea. Mayor Bohjanen asked Mr. Locher how long can this hearing be continued? Mr. Locher said six months from the date of the first hearing, otherwise the publication precedures would have to be repeated. Mr. Gruber, Lakeview Avenue, asked if there is likely to be any Federal Grants in the near future to pay for this system? Mr. Carley said all the Federal Funds go through the Metropolitan Council and are used to construct treatment plants and construct inter- - ceptors. There are no funds available for communities located within a regional area. Mrs. Wilson, Lakeview Avenue, asked about the assessment on two lots and on corner lots. Mr. Carley said the assessment would be computed on each lot and would be the same amount except for the unit charges. On corner lots, the first 150' would be credited to the frontage, and the remainder would then be assessed, this is because a corner lot i December 2, 1976 can be divided. Mrs. Diana LaRock, Lakeview Avenue, said she realizes this is a lot of money but the system is needed because there are a lot of people in that area who pump their wash water out on top of the ground. She said she took the petition and walked over this water. This practice is against the law and she wondered what would happen to those persons septic systems if this water was not pumped on top of the ground. Mr. Beecher, Sunrise Avenue, wondered if anyone knew what the cost of installing a new septic system is, particularly if it has to be installed according to the new regulations coming out? Mrs. Rector, Sunrise Avenue, wanted to know how this would affect her taxes, how much would they go up? The Clerk said she didn't know. There was more discussion on the survjy with Mr. Schneider suggesting this be done. Mr. Regnier said they plan to formulate a questionaire. Mr. Davis said they would try to get it completed by Monday Dec. 6, 1976. There was some discussion as to whether people should sign or not. Most of the people felt the forms should be signed. Mayor Bohjanen said the forms should be signed or the address noted and only one. form to a household. He asked Mr. Davis how much time would they need to complete the sur- vey? 30 days? Mr. Davis felt it could be completed in that time. Mrs. Johnson, Lakeview Avenue, felt the forms should be signed, Mr. Davis said it is entirely up to the people - it made no difference to him; these questionaries are just for informational purposes. Mr. Schneider felt that in the meantime, the possibility of getting water from either Circle Pines or Blaine should be checke and also MTG. sharing the costs. He moved the Engineers be authorized to do this. Seconded by Mr. Zelinka. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Zelinka moved to adjourn this meeting until January 6, 1977 at 8:00 P.M. Seconded by Mr. McLean. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting ended at 10:15 P.M. These minutes were approved, with correction on / q T „ „ CLERK - TREASURER