Agenda - Council - 11/10/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASE # I PUBLIC HEARING ON THE USE OF THE SEPTIC SYSTEM REPAIR POLICY TO REPAIR A FAILED SEPTIC SYSTEM AT 16207 AZURITE STREET By Steven Jankowski, Assistant City Engineer Background: The City adopted a policy in 1992 to insure the elimination public health hazards associated with failed septic systems. The attached policy was intended to address property owners who were recalcitrant in repairing their systems or who had no other means to finance a repair. The property owners at 16207 Azurite Street have approached the City because their septic system has been determined to be in failure and have no other means of financing the necessary repair other than that offered by this City policy. This policy allows the City to undertake the necessary repairs with the cost of the work, plus a 25% administrative charge, plus interest being assessed to the property. The assessment process requires that a public hearing be conducted prior to ordering the improvement.. Since this policy has had little use since the time it was adopted, it was reviewed by the Public Works Committee on August 19,2009 and the City Council at a work session on October 13, 2009. The consensus at each of these meetings was that the policy is necessary to protect the public health. However there was a concern that the use of City funding, even though it would be recovered through a special assessment to the property, should be the option of last resort. Staff has learned that there are two local options for assisting with the cost of a septic system repair. The Anoka County Community Action Program (ACCAP) has emergency assistance monies available for housing related issues. The eligibility requirements are based upon family income guidelines. A second potential for assistance is the Greater Metropolitan County Housing Resource Center which administers community block grant funds through a contract with Anoka County. The eligibility requirements include; home value, age of the unit, residence time within the unit, and family household income. Four quotations have been received for the replacement system of which the lowest cosUs $7,200. The property owners will also need to sign an Agreement of Assessment and Waiver of Irregularity and Appeal which accepts the assessment of the replacement costs to the property and waives the right to challenge or dispute the amount This Agreement is attached to the case. Recommendation: Staff recommends that upon closing the public hearing it be directed to cause the repair of the septic system at 16207 Azurite Street by awarding the repair work to the lowest responsible bidder contingent upon an executed Agreem~nt of Assessment and Waiver of Informalities. In