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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 16, 1987 PAGE 4 City Engineer Bohrer stated that, based on the soil tests, an adequate drainfield and an alternate drainfield could be constructed at the elevation of 895.0 or above. Mr. Thompson responded that since the elevation of 891 would be denied, he would be interested in the 895 elevation that was approved in 1984. Also approved were (1) Lot size - the lot size is 1.0 acres where 2.0 acres is required. The hardship being this is a previous platted lot of record prior to the enactment of the shoreland requirements. (2) Grant variance for drainfield elevation for 895 where 897 is currently required with the hardship being there is not sufficient land available above 897 that a drainfield and an alternate drainfield could be constructed. It was reaffirmed, as in 1984, that it is determined that 895 provides adequate protection. The applicant will go through the normal staff review so the Building Inspector and City Engineer can verify that he is actually going to build what was agreed upon. M/S/P Graves/Moe - to reaffirm approval of a shoreland permit which was granted on 10-2-84 and grant a lot size variance and a minimum drainfield elevation variance for 895.0 which was acceptable in 1984, but deny the minimum floor elevation. (Motion carried 5-0). B. PUBLIC HEARING: Variance to Allow Approval of Preliminary Plat for Lake Elmo Heights, 2nd Addition. Mayor Christ opened up the public hearing at 8:20 in the City Council chambers. At the June 2, 1987 City Council meeting the Council commented and passed a motion stating that a variance was not required for the length of the cul-de-sac because it was considered a temporary cul-de-sac. Because the public hearing noitce contained the cul-de-sac length variance, this had to be formally brought up. Bruce Folz referred to the letter he received from Doug Thomas, dated June 5, 1987, regarding soil suitability for on -site sewage absorption systems. The letter stated that the soil survey report itself does not support nor is it intended to be used as a means of denial for on -site sewage absorption systems Instead it is to be used as a guide in recognizing inherent limitations of soils and the need for further testing. The rating system of slight, moderate and severe is used as a means of raising a flag to potential unsuitable soil characteristics for an intended use. Doug Thomas further stated that in regard to Santiago soils in Washington County, the soil survey does indicate a severe limitation for on -site sewage absorption. The severe limitation only indicates that certain soil conditions (slow percolation) exist that would prevent the proper functioning of a sewage absorption system and that detailed on -site investigation is needed. If detailed soil testing shows that a Santiago soil has percolation rates in the allowable range or on -site sewage absorption, the soil in fact would be suitable ror on -site sewage absorption systems.