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The Victoria GAZETTE |
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Kevin Siefering: It looks like water is off the table, which is a pretty big help. We bought the house 16 years ago. Never thought the gravel road would last. It's really an embarrassment at this stage. You don't want to invite people to your homes. It has to be rebuilt. It's come to the end of its life. I can't just fix the small piece in front of my house. I urge you guys to vote to do the whole neighborhood. It's somewhat of a safety hazard. As for sewer, I'm pretty sure I'm noncompliant. My house is worth less because of it. It'd be worth more with sewer. I'm also in favor of the sewer project. Warren McLaughlin: I've lived on Aster Trail for 37 years. It's a lot of money and I'd have to recommend you vote no. We've got everything paid for and don't need this. Fred Sittler: Two years ago my septic system failed and I paid to have it fixed. I'd be against sewer. I've lived there 31 years. Without water, sewer doesn't bring value. In my opinion, do the road and leave the other two alone. Pat Peterson: I've got three acres. Our water is good. I'm not in favor of water. I've lived there 25 years. I suspect I do need a sewer. I do want a paved road. I'm talking to realtors and they're all telling me that my value will increase substantially with a new road and sewer. Mark Simanek: For as bad as the road is, it doesn't bother me that much. The dust is bad. All the houses out there are on one side of the street so costs per house are high. I'm not interested in sewer or water. Dan McInerny: The road needs to be fixed. It's expensive when you only have 19 people on the road. The sewer is the rub. Lynn Owens: I'm against water. I'm in favor of the sewer and the road. I want a gravity system, not a pump system. Nicole Koonce: I'm in favor of the sewer and the road, not the water. Eric Simmer: Initially, I was in favor of all three. If the others don't want water, fine. It would be worth it to me to have a clean body of water [failing septics affect Lake Virginia]. *** As all Aster neighbors in attendance spoke, the hearing was concluded. Said Mayor Tom O'Connor, "Clearly the costs are staggering." Said City Manager Don Uram, "We're looking for a solution to help homeowners. Typically we do 15-year bonds. I'm not sure there'd be much difference with a 20-year bond. We've noticed, internally, an advance number of prepayments on utility improvements." Deferrals of assessment are also possible when criteria is met. Councilmember Jim Crowley was concerned about the number of noncompliant septic systems allowed to remain online in a city. "How do you typically inspect septic systems?" he asked. Replied Cara, "They're regulated by the county, and the city doesn't get involved. They must be inspected if a property is put up for sale." Asked Councilmember Crowley, "How did we ever get in a position of possibly 13 noncompliant septic systems?" Explained Community Development Director Holly Kreft, "The county uses a carrot rather than a stick." Stated Councilmember Tom Strigel, "The road needs to be replaced. That's a moot point. The worst case is if we'd drive someone off of their property. I'm not in favor of continuing a study." Agreed Councilmember Crowley, "I'm not in favor of continuing the study." Said Mayor O'Connor, "This is the last time we're going to look at this. This has got to be the end of it. Most speakers are in favor of road and sewer. We owe it to the people who showed up tonight to voice their opinion. There's little support for water. Are we making a mistake by not putting in water?" Replied Cara, "It's cheaper now than later, but there isn't support for water today. Wells are a perfectly acceptable source of water." Said Councilmember Joe Pavelko, "Pushing a property owner to develop when they're not ready doesn't sit well with me." He cast the lone vote against improving the neighborhood with a new road and sewer system. The estimated total cost of the road improvements is $751,100. The estimated total cost of the sanitary sewer improvements is $474,600. The estimated cost of watermain improvements ($701,800) is no longer a factor. Engineer Cara Geheren will start the design process and be in regular contact with the council as the process continues.
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Lake Auburn Moravian Church Victoria 952-443-2051 |
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Southwest Christian H.S. 952-556-0040 |
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CLICKSTART 952-902-2014 |
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February 2013 |
