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Regular City Council Meeting <br /> Monday, February 26, 2024 <br /> Page 6 <br /> Councilmember Schroeder stated she knew that when a well is located deep on the <br /> property, it can be quite expensive to hook up to City water and some cities <br /> grandfather a well use if it is a certain distance from a hookup. Her concern is that <br /> it could be very expensive for a property owner to have to connect to city water and <br /> wondered if the City wanted to consider the distance as a possible reason for <br /> grandfathering in. <br /> Councilmember Groff raised the point that the sewer fees would be easier to <br /> establish correctly if connected to city water. Also, another concern from the <br /> County and State is the possible contamination of groundwater and when people <br /> sell their homes, there is the possibility of the wells being contaminated. <br /> Mr. Freihammer indicated that was correct. <br /> Mayor Roe reviewed the bench handout. He noted if a well is already pretty old,he <br /> assumed there were costs associated with replacing the well and continuing to use <br /> well water, if such an installation would be permitted in the metro area. <br /> Mr. Freihammer explained the majority of the time,and under the current city code, <br /> a person would not be allowed to drill a new well. The existing well can be <br /> maintained but a new well cannot be drilled. <br /> Public Comment <br /> Mayor Roe offered an opportunity for public comment. <br /> Mr.Brandon Heffron and Mr.Jim Daire <br /> Mr. Heffron stated on the property mentioned by Mr. Freihammer that has the well <br /> far back on it is their property. Their concern is basically the cost and because it is <br /> cost prohibitive,that is their concern. They love their well water and if they do not <br /> have to change it, they would prefer that. <br /> Mr. Daire explained theirs is a newer well because the previous sandpoint well <br /> failed and the new well is similar to the diagram shown. He explained the well is <br /> about 300 feet back from the street and there are two possible connections with the <br /> municipal water supply. However, they were told it would be prohibitively <br /> expensive to put in the water. He asked that this property be excluded from having <br /> to comply with the proposed ordinance. <br /> Mayor Roe asked how old the new well is. <br /> Mr. Daire indicated a new well was installed a few years after they moved into their <br /> home, approximately fifty years ago. <br />