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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES NOVEMBER 18, 2014 Page 3 of 4 City Administrator Zuleger explained that the City had Inspector Paul Brandt perform an inspection. His report was included in the Agenda Packet. Depending on what the City elects to do, that the city could provide a letter of intent to the residents to allow the property to be sold with the expectation that the septic would be addressed next year. The minimum size for a septic system was explained. The minimum size is at 20,000 feet. It was also explained that it would be cost-prohibitive to bring sewer to the area. Council Member Smith asked why the county is not responsible for providing the septic solution. It was explained that the 201 systems are a City responsibility as part of the federal grant funding the City received when the systems were installed. Non-compliance vs. non-operational was further clarified. Mr. Griffin explained the various options: Repair, replace and expanding the system. The City also has the option to get out of the business after the system is made whole. The estimated number of parcels that would potentially need to connect is not known at this time. Council Member Smith asked how the City can verify users pump the systems regularly. Mr. Griffin said a program to verify would have to be established. It was noted that the systems were designed to be 20 year- systems. It has now been 30 years. Council direction is to investigate and return to council with specific options and details. This would entail authorizing Paul Brandt to study the individual specific issue. Expected costs were discussed. The specific costs are not known at this time. Mr. Zuleger suggested adding not to exceed $5000 language to motion. The immediate concern is to address the smaller issue, not the possible larger system. There is a chance that the current site can be rehabilitated, but Mr. Brandt does not think it is likely. MOTION: Council Member Bloyer moved TO DIRECT STAFF TO INVESTIGATE POTENTIAL REPAIR/REPLACEMENT ALTERNATIVES FOR THE JANE ROAD 201 WASTEWATER SYSTEM (TRI-LAKES REMOTE D), NOT TO EXCEED $5000. Council Member Reeves seconded the motion. Council Member Nelson wants the City to look at the bigger picture. Mr. Nelson stated that the other systems are at some point going to fail. It is incumbent upon the city to address it. He is not in favor of being in this business, but it has to be addressed. The urgency of addressing the current property was discussed. City Administrator Zuleger suggested clarifying that the costs should be funded from the sewer fund with costs applied to a future assessment. That language was added to the motion. Council Member Smith is concerned that current residents may not be interested in joining the septic when they do not need it at the moment. The Council consensus is in agreement but also believes it is prudent to conduct survey because eventually the systems will fail. The systems have to be compliant for the properties to be sold. FINAL MOTION: DIRECT STAFF TO INVESTIGATE POTENTIAL REPAIR/REPLACEMENT ALTERNATIVES FOR THE JANE ROAD 201 WASTEWATER SYSTEM (TRI-LAKES REMOTE D), NOT TO EXCEED $5000, FUNDED FROM THE SEWER FUND WITH COSTS APPLIED TO A FUTURE ASSESSMENT. MOTION PASSED 5-0. ITEM 15: DEVELOPER ESCROW RELEASE PROCEDURES; RES. NO. 2014-89 Council Member Nelson explained the background of this item and the Finance Committee’s proposal. The Council agreed the proposal was a good step. The new policy is only related to developer agreements and not individual permits.