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091696 CC WS Min . . . CITY OF SHOREWOOD WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5755 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE 7:30 P.M. MINUTES 1. CONVENE WORK SESSION MEETING Mayor Bean called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m. A. Roll Call Present: Mayor Bean; Councilmembers Benson, McCarty, Shaw (arrived at 8:08 p.m.), and Stover; City Administrator Hurm B. Review Agenda There were no changes to the agenda as noticed. 2. DISCUSSION ON ISSUES RELATED TO HOOKUP TO THE MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM Mayor Bean explained the procedure to be followed for the Work Study Session as well as the issue to be discussed. He explained the current ordinance concerning mandatory water hookups relates only to multi-family and commercial. Mayor Bean summarized Ordinance 903.15 which provides any properties involving two or more dwelling units situated on the street or right-of-way where there is located a municipal water pump or lateral facility will be required, at the expense of the owner, to be connected to the water within 90 days of written notice of the Council of intent to connect. Mayor Bean explained the discussion would center around whether the ordinance should be amended in any way to either add the 18 month hookup requirement or leave the ordinance as it now stands. Mayor Bean noted from his standpoint he did not feel it would be necessary to require homeowners to hook up to the system. He further noted the issues to be discussed include corner lots, mandatory hookup requirements as well as the issue of the existing wells and possible requirements that the wells be capped or abandoned. WELLS Councilmember Benson expressed his opinion as long as the two systems are not co-mingled, the homeowner should be able to continue utilizing their private wells rather than require they be abandoned. He noted in a drought situation, it would be beneficial for everyone if homeowners used their wells for purposes such as lawn watering. Councilmember Stover felt the homeowner should have the choice to keep their own well, however, if a well is abandoned, she pointed out State law requires the well be capped. Mayor Bean noted the present ordinance allows for use of the well as long as the water is not co- mingled with the municipal water system. He questioned if the homeowner should be allowed to make repairs to their private well. He pointed out the current ordinance provides private wells may be maintained and continued in use after connection to the water system as long as there is no means of cross connection. . . . CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 - PAGE 2 Mayor Bean asked if a homeowner would be allowed to construct a new well and suggested the ordinance provide that a homeowner may construct, maintain and continue to use a well after the connection provided there is no means of cross connection. Councilmember Stover stated she would like the City Attorney's input. The Council reached consensus to direct staff to prepare an amendment to the ordinance with input from the City Attorney reflecting the Council's intent to modify the ordinance to reflect private wells may be constructed and maintained. MANDATORY HOOKUP Councilmember McCarty expressed her opinion she would like hookup to be at the choice of the homeowner. Councilmembers Stover and Benson noted their agreement. Mayor Bean pointed out the ordinance does include a mandatory hookup for commercial and multi-family facilities. Councilmember Stover inquired if developers would be required to hook up. Mayor Bean noted the concern with commercial property relates to the use of water by the public utilizing that property who may come into contact with unsafe water. Councilmember Stover noted an advantage for commercial properties being required to hook up is related to the safety issue of being able to sprinkle the property in the case of a fire. Mayor Bean stated he would be in agreement with requiring commercial properties to hook up at the point in time water is available. Councilmember McCarty inquired if this would include duplex and single family rental properties. Councilmember Stover noted there are also single family rental properties in the City. She commented at the present time there is not a residential facility larger than a duplex which is not on municipal water. Mayor Bean expressed concern relative to rental properties when there is not a local owner and regular testing of the water quality. Councilmember Benson noted the current ordinance with respect to multi-family residential and commercial property has been in place for many years and did not feel it should be changed at this time. Councilmember McCarty noted her agreement. Mayor Bean suggested redefining multi-family residential to distinguish between rental property and owner occupied property. He also felt rental properties would still need to be hooked up. Councilmember Stover was opposed to this commenting some owners temporarily rent out their homes and then move back. Councilmember Shaw suggested registered multiple rental properties be required to hook up. Councilmembers Benson and McCarty noted their agreement. Councilmember Stover expressed concern where an owner lives in one half of the property and rents out the other half. Mayor Bean noted concern with respect to rental properties. Councilmember Stover was in agreement with commercial properties being subject to the mandatory hookup. Administrator Hurm suggested staff could research this issue to determine the number of multiple family homes on municipal water. Mayor Bean suggested directing staff to look into current multiple family circumstances versus those which are registered, and further directing staff by simple resolution to clarify the interpretation relative to Ordinance 903.15 that it does not include mandatory hookup of single family residential properties by virtue of municipal water availability. . . . '.#' .,.. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 - PAGE 3 CORNER LOTS The Council was in agreement this matter became a moot issue due to the consensus that hookup will not be mandatory. Assessments will go through as water is made available. With respect to corner lots, City Administrator Hurm noted there is a preference for the connection to be in the front of the house, however if a property owner had a reasonable purpose for utilizing another connection, consideration would be given to that request. 3. ADJOURNMENT Benson moved, McCarty seconded to adjourned the Work Session Meeting at 8:40 p.m. Motion passed 5/0. RESPECTFULL Y SUBMITTED, Cheryl Wallat, Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial ATTEST: ') I . 1~+v.J~;{13~'j{:UL-~' ROBERT B. BEAN, MAYOR t~ _ S C. HURM, CITY ADMINISTRATOR