Minutes - Council - 10/24/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Peterson responded that if there are three here and three there, soon there's 10, 20 in a couple of other subdivisions, and soon you have 100 people. That number could be added to year after year. Councilmember Zimmerman suggested if you run sewer and water into 40-acre tracts, you will not run sewer and water down streets where it's not wanted. Councilmember Peterson stated that if sewer is relatively nearby and a septic system fails, there will be a demand for sewer and water. We do have a large number of homes built in the 70's - these people are at the life end of their septic system. Mr. Schroeder explained that where the MUSA is now, there are a number of homes that could petition for City utilities; that could happen tomorrow. He has no idea how many of these may have newer systems. Councilmember Zimmerman commented that possibly 51 percent of the people voting against the project is too low. Mayor Hardin inquired if anyone is interested in extending the hookup period 10 to 12 years rather than indefinitely. Motion by Councilmember Beyer and seconded by Councilmember Zimmerman to amend the policy language to include that any connection charges be deferred until the well and/or septic system fails and the language that the Mayor suggested be changed, be left as originally proposed. Motion failed. Voting Yes: Councilmembers Beyer and Zimmerman. Voting No: Mayor Hardin, Couneilmembers Beahen and Peterson. Motion by Mayor Hardin and seconded by Councilmember Beahen to adopt the language as proposed by staff for the amended policy including the 10 year hookup deferment. Motion failed. Voting Yes: Mayor Hardin and Councilmember Beahen. Voting No: Councilmembers Beyer, Peterson and Zimmerman. Councilmember Zimmerman reiterated that maybe instead of 50 percent to petition for a project, the City should require 60 to 70 percent. That would mean greater support in the neighborhood. Consensus of City Council was that the Charter Commission should review changing these requirements. Mr. Schroeder stated "it seems to me that it's Council's intent to provide some liberalization of the policy". Councilmember Beyer responded " absolutely". Mr. Schroeder stated "if that's the feeling - it would seem that a compromise be made or that Council should direct staff in order for that to occur". Councilmember Beyer stated that she feels strongly that a person who puts that type of money into a system should be able to utilize that system for as many years as possible. We need to look out for residents - we should not be turning our heads on them. City Council/October 24, 1995 Page 12 of 19