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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES OCTOBER 15, 2013 Page 7 of 8 ITEM 16: CONSIDER PARKS COMMISSION APPOINTMENT Mayor Pearson noted that he felt very good about Dana Nelson’s interview. MOTION: Council Member Bloyer moved TO APPOINT DANA NELSON OF 2871 LEGION AVENUE NORTH AS 1ST ALTERNATE ON THE LAKE ELMO PARKS COMMISSION, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. Council Member Nelson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 4-0. ITEM 17: COUNCIL POLICY ON NON-COMPLIANT SEPTIC SYSTEMS IN OLD VILLAGE/ POTENTIAL SEWER AREA City Administrator Zuleger provided overview of the non-compliant septic systems located in the old village due in part to the new regulations. Lake Elmo has sewer coming in the near future, so the city is trying to provide a bridge for the gap between failing/non-compliant systems and the new sewer connection. The two scenarios are 1) septic failure, which is considered an imminent health threat and will require an immediate holding tank; and 2) non-compliant systems, which would be required to connect as soon as sewer is available. Mr. Zuleger explained what the letter. It was noted that Washington County supports. Proposal was reviewed by city attorney and engineer. Council Member Nelson asked if there was a funding source to help residents bridge the burden to hook up to these systems. Mr. Zuleger explained a couple possible sources but there are no specific funds known. Commissioner Kriesel has noted that legacy dollars may be available to protect surface water. It was explained that the City is not eligible for USDA funds for rural areas because Lake Elmo is part of metro area. Rep. McCollum may have some information federal funding. City Engineer Griffin explained that most of the funding he knows of go off of median household income. Lake Elmo’s median income is too high. Staff will look for and ask about additional sources. Council Member Bloyer asked if the state statutes require two years for connection. Associate City Attorney Brekken said he would check and get back to council. Mr. Griffin stated he believes it is two years. Council Member Reeves stated that he would like to look into the potential issues near the lakes that residents mentioned during the variance discussion and see if there is anything that can be done. Mayor Pearson thanked staff for communicating with residents about costs, but asked if there was anything else can be done. The costs and variables with connecting to sewer were discussed. It was estimated to be about $20,000-$25,000. Mr. Griffin noted that many of the projects may include multiple assessments because projects overlap (water, sewer, and roads). MOTION: Council Member Nelson moved TO ADOPT THE GENERAL PROPERTY NOTICE REGARDING PRIVATE SEPTIC SYSTEMS RESIDING IN THE OLD VILLAGE OF LAKE ELMO DATED OCTOBER 15, 2013. Council Member Bloyer seconded the motion. Mayor Pearson thinks it wonderful that City Administrator Zuleger did this. He thinks it’s great. He applauds Mr. Zuleger for his efforts. MOTION PASSED 4-0. SUMMARY REPORTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Council Member Nelson: no report, but noted his conversations with Mr. Zuleger about sewer for lakes and possible partnership with Oakdale. Mayor Pearson: after investigation, he thinks that staff did exemplary work and responded appropriately to recent resident issues. Council Member Bloyer: concurred with Council Member Nelson.