CCP 09-13-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 30,1999 D.~'. ,1: i j} 3 F C:;'i:" ,t;4.iiAi i Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she was in support of the amended ordinance. She felt, however, that more time should be allowed to correct their sump pump connections. She asked Mr. Messerly how long it took him to install his new sump pump with the proper connections. Mr. Messerly stated that he had begun the project in the beginning of May and completed it in October. Councilmember Aplikowski did not believe that 30 days would be adequate and suggested a 60-day time limit. Mr. Stafford noted that the work referred to by Mr. Messerly was more than changing a connection. Councilmember Aplikowski understood this, however, she still felt 30 days would not be enough time and would prefer 60 days. Councilmember Larson stated he too was in support of the ordinance and concurred that the time limit for correction should be extended to 60 days. He also felt the use of the word "may" in the portion of the ordinance which discusses the surcharges should changed to "shall." He felt that it was reasonable to allow the homeowners who must make a change in their current connections an additional 30 days to accomplish this. However, he would prefer for the City to state that it will impose a fine for those who are not in compliance at the end of the 60 days. Councilmember Rem stated that the staff presentation this evening and the handouts were useful. She wondered how much the public really knows about the actual content of the ordinance. She noted that the ordinance states the purpose of these requirements was to prevent hazardous public health conditions and significant damage to properties, as well as to prevent the flooding and overloading of the sanitary sewer system. Councilmember Rem noted that the ordinance discusses surcharges for no more than 12 months. She felt that this would allow homeowners to buy additional time to correct their sump pump connections if they are unable to accomplish tbis in 30 or 60 days. Mr. Post noted that Councilmember Rem was referring the last paragraph of Subsection C. This paragraph indicated that the maximum charge is not to exceed 12 monthly surcharges. It was initially suggested, as part of the rate structure, that the surcharge be set at $100 per month. Therefore, it would be cheaper to correct the problem than to pay the surcharges. Councilmember Rem pointed out that this ordinance amendment is not something being done only by the City of Arden Hills. Many other cities inspect residential sump pump connections and require corrections in order to reduce the amount and cost of sewage treatment. Councilmember Malone stated that he supported the amended ordinance and noted that these prohibited connections have been illegal since it was first codified in 1974. With regard to the 30 day time limit, he stated that the City has not strongly enforced these requirements and he believed there are many houses within the City that are in conformance. He stated he would support a 60 day time limit or longer. He suggested the possibility of a 90 day time limit to allow homeowners time to adapt to the new restrictions. He suggested adding an additional clause to the ordinance stating that, as of January 1,2001, the time limit will revert back to 30 days. . Councilmember Rem concurred that a 90 day time limit may be especially useful since the inspections will begin in the fall and winter when there may be seasonal implications. She noted