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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson McGlone and Councilmembers Wise and Backous. <br />Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Elvig. <br />APPROVE MINUTES <br />Motion by Councilmember Backous, seconded by Councilmember Wise, to approve the minutes <br />from the November 15, 2011 Public Works Meeting. <br />Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson McGlone and Councilmembers Backous and Wise. <br />Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Elvig. <br />COMMITTEE BUSINESS <br />Case #1: Discuss Septic System Repair Policy <br />City Engineer Himmer reviewed the staff report. <br />Chairperson McGlone stated he likes the idea of adding degree of failure into the consideration <br />to rank the more important cases that involve a public safety issue where action is required. He <br />wants the policy to assure the City's costs are covered and asked if consideration should be <br />delayed if the property is near foreclosure to allow the bank to make the improvement. <br />Public Works Director Olson explained there are generally public safety issues generated from a <br />City inspection and not much flexibility to wait if sewage is discharging to the surface. He noted <br />there are only 45 days from inspection until steps are taken so there is not much time for <br />prioritization. <br />Chairperson McGlone agreed the City needed to act if there is eminent threat with discharge to <br />the surface. He supported an alternative that would keep this cost "off the public's back" and <br />supported City involvement only if there is no other choice. <br />City Engineer Himmer explained that by the time it comes before the Council, the letter has been <br />issued and time is running out. <br />Public Works Director Olson noted the City imposes a 25% surcharge on top of the costs as a <br />deterrent to asking the City to become involved. <br />Councilmember Backous expressed concern with the timeframe and normal course of <br />government requiring approvals. He raised the option of crafting a policy to circumvent some <br />approvals so it does not have to come before the Council. <br />City Engineer Himmer stated the property owner could be required to sign an agreement to <br />waive the public hearing and notifications. He asked whether the suggestion is to leave the <br />decision to staff's discretion if established thresholds are met. <br />Public Works Committee / December 13, 2011 <br />Page 2 of 7 <br />