Minutes - Council - 02/27/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Councilmember Kurak inquired if there was a way to identify which septic systems were past a certain age and if so require that the older systems be inspected by a certified inspector. Community Development Director Frolik replied that the City does keep record of septic systems, but she is not sure how accurate the records are from the past. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that he has received complaints from residents in regards to the lack of records the City has with septic systems. He gets the feeling that there is an incredible distrust of the citizens amongst some of the Councilmembers. A septic system drains to a drain field, which eventually fills up and will need to be moved. In his opinion, he feels that the septic issue is such a big deal because of the Met Council who want to require a need for City sewer because they can profit from it. Councilmember Kurak stated that what alarms her is the Building Inspector's report that 96 septic systems failed in the City of Ramsey, which impacts the health, safety and welfare of the City. Councilmember Hendriksen replied that what is included in the ordinance goes beyond State Statute 7080, and he is willing to vote for it with the new language. He stated that when you talk about failure of a septic system you are not talking about something catastrophic. Councilmember Anderson stated that she does think it is serious if a system is contaminating people's wells and the metropolitan water. Motion by Councilmember Anderson, seconded by Councilmember Zimmerman, to introduce an ordinance amending Section 8.30.02A "Sewage Disposal Systems" of the City Code, removing item f from the ordinance. Further discussion: Councilmember Hendriksen stated that a baffle falling into the bottom of the tank is not polluting the water. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Anderson, Zimmerman, and Kurak. Voting No: Councilmember Hendriksen. Case #7: Receive City Attorney's Opinion on January 23, 2001 Proposed Charter Amendment Petition and Report on Sufficiency City Administrator Norman stated that the City Council received a petition on January 23, 2001, for a proposed Charter Amendment to Chapter 5. Council directed the City Attorney to review the petition to determine if it complies with the State Statutes and the State Constitution. City Attorney Goodrich reviewed his legal opinion that was presented to the Council in a memo dated February 23, 2001. City Council/February 27, 2001 Page 16 of 23