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<br />Councilmember Cook stated the density with single family and the cluster development would <br />be the same, but the cluster development would include more governmental controls over the <br />communal septic system. The Council is well aware there are failing septic systems in the City, <br />and they are allowed to keep dumping into the environment because there is no way to really <br />manage an individual household and to enforce the septic system. The question is whether this <br />developer was put under hardship because of the moratorium, and he believes that is the case. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec asked when the application for this development was submitted. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Trudgeon replied the timeline was provided to the Council a <br />few months ago when the cluster developments were discussed, and he can provide that <br />information again. At the first meeting there was a lot of discussion about the lack of access, and <br />it was indicated that would likely be a deal killer. A few months later the developer indicated <br />they could not purchase the land for the access, and the Council said they understand the <br />situation and the developer should proceed to the next stage. A lot of questions arose about the <br />cluster ordinance over the time period about access, management of communal septic systems, <br />open space, etc., and based on all of those questions, the majority of the Council thought it would <br />be better to have a moratorium in order to study the cluster ordinance. Absent anything else, if <br />there is a moratorium exception they would need to default back to the old regulations for the <br />subdivisions. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec commented the septic system would need to be inspected by the MPCA and the <br />professional management company, and would need to meet the criteria that have been set up. <br />Also, this subdivision is a separate unit of land with nothing around it; it is not interfering with <br />any other households. The real question is whether or not this developer has been treated fairly <br />with the moratorium. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated if this moratorium exception is granted there will not be any criteria <br />in place for the communal septic system. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook replied the communal septic system requirements can be included in the <br />development agreement. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig questioned if this moratorium has placed an undo hardship on the <br />developer. He stated the example in Oak Grove he has provided is of a communal system that is <br />run by a professional management organization. Times change, policies change, and now these <br />people in Oak Grove are forced into a much higher cost all at one time. There is nothing in Oak <br />Grove's provisions to help these people, which is another concern he would have in Ramsey. <br />Also, there are two Councilmembers that are not present tonight, and it may make sense to table <br />this item at this point. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook stated the cost increase that resulted in Oak Grove is part of living. Rules <br />and regulations change all the time. They cannot stop what is going on at this time because of <br />what might be the rule tomorrow, as there will always be rules changing. <br /> <br />City Council / August 22, 2006 <br />Page 7 of 18 <br />