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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-27-02 Public Services Committee minutesDublin City Council MINUTES OF PUBLIC SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday, August 27, 2002 — 6:30 p.m. Attending: Mr. Lecklider, Chair Mr. Reiner Mrs. Boring Ms. Salay Ms. Brautigam Ms. Grigsby Mr. Hammersmith Mr. Herskowitz Mr. Neff, Camp Dresser & McKee Mr. Branson, Camp Dresser & McKee Mr. Lecklider called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. He stated that the purpose of tonight's meeting is to consider the feasibility study for water and sewer services for Indian Run subdivision. The study was commissioned in response to the residents' petition for these services. The representatives of Camp Dresser & McKee are here tonight to present the results. Mr. Hammersmith stated that the Indian Run residents petitioned Council on April 22, 2002 for water and sewer service. Council directed staff to conduct a feasibility study, and CDM was engaged. The study results were forwarded to Council for the July 22 meeting, and Council referred this matter to the Public Services Committee. Presentation from Camp Dresser & McKee Trent Branson, P.E.. CDM stated that they looked at extending water and sewer lines from High Street. The goal was to minimize the disruption on residential properties, to keep the lines within the right -of -way, and to minimize the need for removal of large trees. Based on extending the water and sewer lines from High Street, there is an existing manhole on High Street on the north side of Indian Run. Therefore, the sewer line would be installed along the north side of Indian Run. The waterline has to be a minimum of 10 feet away from the sewerline, so in general, the water line parallels the sewer line. On the south side, there is an existing storm sewer for the first 1,000 feet of Indian Run and some power poles which must be avoided. This project would also require replacement of the pavement along Indian Run. Rock excavation is another factor in this project —the depth ranges 0 to 6 to 30 feet. In the packets, a detailed cost estimate is provided. For the waterline, the cost is estimated at $390,000. For the sanitary sewer, there are two options — basement service or first floor service. The advantage of the first floor service is minimizing the excavation of rock. With basement service, the estimated cost is $719,000; not providing basement service reduces the cost to approximately $600,000. Jay Herskowitz, Assistant City Engineer stated that a question was asked about the possibility of a grinder pump system. Conceivably, the sewer could be raised even higher — four feet beneath the surface — if each home is provided with a low pressure system that collects, grinds and pumps the sewage through a small diameter force main up to a gravity sewer to be installed in the stream. The cost with this option is reduced to an estimated cost of $450,000. In the packet, the advantages /disadvantages of the options are outlined. There is also a comparison of costs to the Hanna Hills project -a petition driven project as well. The philosophy at that time was to provide the same type of infrastructure as that provided to new development — basement service. Public Services Committee Minutes of August 27, 2002 Page 2 He also directed CDM to approach this project in terms of the Indian Run residents only. But in meeting with the residents a few days ago, there is a dirt road just north of Indian Run Drive and several residents along that road signed the petition as well. This is another issue to be considered. The cost estimates provided tonight are for the 17 residents along Indian Run. The auditor's map reflects five parcels along the dirt road. Mr. Reiner asked what would happen with a grinder system in a power outage due to a storm. Mr. Herskowitz stated that unless an auxiliary source of power is available, sewage would back up. Mr. Hammersmith added that there is a similar system installed on Vista Ridge in the Amberleigh subdivision along the river lots. Typically, there is storage provided within the unit. But in an extended power outage, the service would not be operational. Mr. Reiner asked if the cost for the additional five properties would be approximately the same proportionately as that for the 17 under consideration. Mr. Herskowitz stated that the total project costs would then be divided among 22 property owners. Mr. Reiner asked if any of the existing residents are having an immediate problem with their groundwater supply. Mr. Herskowitz stated that until a few days ago when they met, staff had been unaware of any problems in that area. One of the factors driving the Hanna Hills project was that the Ohio EPA and Franklin County Board of Health were close to issuing findings and orders against the City because of repeated sewage overflows into Billingsley Creek. What they have heard from the Indian Run residents are concerns more about water quality problem than quantity. A lot of conditioning is required. Some believe that the I -270 construction project and the Cardinal project impacted the wells. Mr. Reiner asked if deepening of the wells would resolve some of the issues. Mr. Herskowitz stated that the quantity of water may be enhanced, but the quality may not. Additional softening and conditioning may be required of a supply from a deeper well. Mr. Reiner asked about the average depth of wells for Indian Run. A resident responded that they average about 150 feet; one newer well is 200 feet. Mr. Reiner asked if the septic systems are operating without problems. Mr. Herskowitz responded that reports indicate that there are no problems with the septic systems. Mr. Lecklider asked for clarification about construction activity in the area with Cardinal Health. Mr. Herskowitz responded that there is a landlocked piece south of I -270 and north of Indian Run owned by Cardinal. There is nothing proposed at this point. It is unlikely that a commercial developer would volunteer to extend infrastructure to a residential neighborhood. Mr. Hammersmith indicated that this is a targeted future expansion area for Cardinal Health. Public Services Committee Minutes of August 27, 2002 Page 3 Mrs. Boring asked if it would be less expensive to access utility lines at the Cardinal Health site versus from Dublin Road. Mr. Herskowitz responded that the starting point would still be on Dublin Road. Mr. Hammersmith added that Cardinal would most likely bring their utility lines from Emerald Parkway or their existing site versus from Dublin Road. Mr. Branson indicated that they looked at tying into the existing sewer west of Indian Run, but the elevations made this not feasible. Mr. Reiner noted that, currently, there are no orders from the Franklin County Board of Health related to the wells on these properties. Mr. Herskowitz stated that health departments typically look at bacteria and nitrates. Issues such as hardness of water and quality are secondary ones. Staff was unaware until a couple of days ago that residents believe there are problems with bacteria in the wells. Mr. Reiner asked when this development annexed to the City. Ms. Grigsby responded that the area was annexed in October of 2001. Mrs. Boring asked if land acquisition would be needed to extend the utility lines. Mr. Herskowitz stated that the land needed is all within the right -of -way; but to consider the other petitioners aside from those fronting on Indian Run, there would be additional easements needed which could affect the total cost of the project. Mr. Reiner noted that there is a large list of neighborhoods desiring water and sewer services throughout the City. Is this issue specifically health - related, similar to the Hanna Hills area? Mr. Herskowitz stated that when people annex to the City, there is some expectation that they have a right to public infrastructure. In the Hanna Hills area, there was an odor problem after a heavy rain, and some wells were located next to failing septic systems. Mr. Hammersmith showed a map highlighting the areas within the City without water and sewer services at the present time. Mr. Lecklider asked whether there are some areas within the community where, for various reasons, it would be impossible to extend waterlines. Mr. Hammersmith responded that it would not be impossible, but perhaps economically not feasible. Discussion followed about the specific areas and the issues related to serving them, i.e., rock conditions, development planned, and the policy of not allowing open cuts in roadways which precludes service to some areas to the south along the river. Mr. Lecklider noted that the properties on the north side of Post Road east of Avery have septic systems. A house constructed in the last 18 months used an onsite system. Public Services Committee Minutes of August 27, 2002 Page 4 Mr. Herskowitz stated that this was a $20,000 system. It is economically not feasible for individual homeowners to consider extending sewer lines. In the Post Road area mentioned, the City does not have a project planned to serve them. The sewer line is quite a distance away. Mr. Lecklider then invited public testimony. Denny Meadors, 110 Indian Run Drive thanked Council for responding to their petition. He has spoken with many residents of their area, some who have lived there for 40 years, and found that the quality of their wells is not acceptable. The residents believe that their wells have been affected by the construction of Emerald Parkway and the development of Cardinal Health. There are several residents who will testify that they cannot drink their water, although the Board of Health has not condemned the wells at this point. Jim Barnes, 235 Indian Run stated that his house is located at the farthest northwest point of the street. They have been residents for 19 years. This area was developed in the late 1960's -early 70's and they have been on well and septic systems since that time. They began to notice problems with their well water after Emerald Parkway and Cardinal Health headquarters were constructed. They believe that the blasting necessary for these projects has contributed to the problems with their wells. Since then, they have had bacteria, chloroform, mud and sand in their wells. They installed filters and bleaching equipment, but no longer drink the well water. They do use the water for showering. He thanked staff for their thorough research in conjunction with the study. Mr. Reiner asked Mr. Barnes about the depth of his well. Mr. Barnes indicated that the well is 135 feet deep. Mr. Reiner asked when they began buying water instead of drinking their well water. Mr. Barnes responded that 4 -5 years ago, they began to purchase water. He has invoices from plumbing companies he hired to try to resolve the problems. There are three houses on the west side of Indian Run Drive who have sand contamination in their wells, and all are close to the depth of his well. Mr. Barnes added that there has been a general degradation in their water quality which they had hoped would go away. In order to wash clothes, they must change the sand/mud filter every three hours. Bill Sharon, 165 Indian Run Drive stated that he has lived in his home for 12 years. The septic system failed prior to their moving in, and a new system was installed. The water quality was acceptable until about 15 months ago. The well was tested by FCBH and the bacteria count was found to be high. The FCBH advised them not to use the water for drinking or cooking. He assumes that he would have to drill 50 feet deeper to obtain quality water. Mr. Reiner asked if the drinking water has been affected by the septic system. Mr. Sharon stated that the aeration system is not located close to the well, so this is not possible. He assumes that the construction to the north has affected the rock formation. Harold Horner, 90 Indian Run testified that four years ago, his well was redrilled to 210 feet deep at a cost of $5,300. After it was redrilled, the water quality from that depth was Public Services Committee Minutes of August 27, 2002 Page 5 satisfactory. He does not drink the water, but purchases drinking water. He has experienced rust conditions with the water, and so must use a lot of water softening products. His issue is more with water quality versus bacteria. The reason his well was redrilled was because his old well casing failed and the water became very dirty. Karen Royice, 195 Indian Run Drive stated that her house was built in 1969. The water quality has changed — in the late 70's, early 80's, there was a rust problem which later subsided. There were no further problems until 1999. Their well was tested in 1998 through an Ohio Health Department program and it passed. In 1999, bacteria was found in the water and it did not pass inspection. They do not drink water from their well which is 150 feet deep. She added that ODNR has information online about wells. Most in this area are 135 -150 feet deep, with the Horner well at 200 feet deep. They believe that development in the area and blasting has caused problems in their wells. Parker Jarvis, 135 Indian Run stated that he is a recent resident. His well is one of the newer ones and is 150 feet deep. He has not had time to have his water tested at this point in time. Joe Lambert, 180 Indian Run Drive stated that he purchased the property 11 years ago. At that time, a mortgage was not approved due to high bacteria count in the well water. The seller was required to install equipment in order to pass the test. He does not drink the water which is heavily chlorinated. He had the well tested five years ago and there was a recurrence of bacteria. Cal Eger has indicated that his well is 107 feet in depth. Jim Shumaker, 101 Indian Run Drive testified that he has lived in this house for 14 years. At the time he moved in, the well water was of acceptable quality. Four years ago, he discovered a higher bacteria level and opted for an ultraviolet system to chlorinate the water. He has not had the well tested since that time. He does not drink the water, and uses a reverse osmosis system for cooking and other water needs. Joe Connors, 140 Indian Run has resided in this house for 4 years. He noted that the day he moved in, a heavy rain occurred —the water became "dirty and foggy." Prior to this, the water was tested by the previous owner and passed. Whenever there is a fairly heavy rain, the water is cloudy. He does not drink the water, but uses it for showers and laundry only. The previous owner installed a water softener. Their well is 168 feet deep. Jerry Trabue, whose mother owns the nronerty at 81 Indian Run Drive stated that she is currently in a nursing home, but resided in this property prior to her transfer to the nursing facility. His recollection is that the water from the well was darker than coffee itself. When the home was winterized a year ago, the company flushed the waterlines and found lots of sand, dirt and dark - colored water. His parents had a new casing put in the well a few years ago. If he lived in the home, he would not drink the water. It is a shame that this situation exists in the Dublin community. Mr. Reiner noted that he would like to find out what well depth would provide acceptable drinking water in this neighborhood. He noted that the project to extend water and sewer lines to Public Services Committee Minutes of August 27, 2002 Page 6 the neighborhood is very costly, as outlined in the study, and it would have a large impact on the City's budget if it were undertaken. It is important to be fair to all City taxpayers who would subsidize these improvements. In addition, he would like further information about the health issues involved with the wells. He does not want the citizens to be endangered by drinking their well water. He asked if this is a typical situation, where property owners are advised not to drink their water, but the well is not condemned by the Board of Health. Mr. Hammersmith responded that he lives in Concord Township and has not heard of a similar situation. Until tonight, he had not heard a group with this type of collective concern about their wells. Mr. Reiner noted that he is concerned with the bacterial aspects alluded to in testimony tonight. The Franklin County Board of Health has not notified Dublin of any problems, as far as he understands. Ms. Royce stated that the Ohio Health Department offers a program to test wells for a fee for nitrate and bacteria levels. If the results are above their acceptable level, the property owner can pay to have the well retested in order to differentiate between bacteria types. In addition, her property and the Barnes' property were dye tested by FCBH to determine if the surface casing of the wells were leaking. Mr. Herskowitz stated that the elevation of the area is 80 feet from the top of the hill down to High Street. There may not be a level where good quality water can be obtained. Mr. Reiner asked if this is a municipal responsibility. If the City caused this or was party to it by constructing a road or allowing the Cardinal Health development, is there City liability? Or is this a homeowners' responsibility because they purchased homes with wells? This would have to be researched in order to be fair to all of the taxpayers. Jim Barnes, 235 Indian Run stated that this is an old development. Years ago, they were in the country and development of the City took place around them. Their concerns are with what will happen with their wells as construction continues on the next phase of Cardinal. He further testified that their problems began with the blasting done for the Emerald Parkway bridge to lower the grade. In fact, one of the original residents indicated that the Indian Run creek previously had water year round. When Muirfield was developed, significant blasting was done and the creek runs now only during a heavy rain. Mr. Reiner asked if, as a group, they are more interested in water than sewer service. Mr. Barnes stated that the septic systems are more of an issue to be worked out with neighbors — if one system isn't working properly, it affects the neighboring property. The water issues are different. Mr. Horner added that at 200 feet in depth, he still does not have the quality of water he desires. One driller said that he would not work on Indian Run Drive because of the problems — it is hard to drill deep enough to obtain good water. But depth is not a guarantee of better water quality. Public Services Committee Minutes of August 27, 2002 Page 7 Mrs. Boring stated that there is a misperception that wells are a cheaper option than City water. Many costs are associated with maintaining a well system. The average new homeowner doesn't pay a high fee to tap in, but well owners can't call the City when there are problems with their systems. She believes that Dublin is very fortunate in having the resources to improve the quality of life for all neighborhoods. Other cities assess the costs to homeowners for extension of utility lines, but, typically, Dublin does not. It is a quality of life issue, in her view. Good, dependable water is a very important matter. This area has been surrounded by intense development and has been impacted. Her concerns relate to the options provided in terms of project estimates — she tends to favor the lower cost estimates. However, another important issue is requiring tap -in to the lines by all property owners if the City decides to extend the lines. Some residents may have a fairly high cost to tap in because of the distance from the street to their basements. They should be made aware of these costs. Marian Simon, 20 Indian Run has lived in this property for 38 years and raised five children in this home. She had the well tested in 1999 and purchased a new stainless casing for the well. They have an aeration system. They can't drink the water now, however, as she is diabetic. She purchases drinking water on a weekly basis. Denny Meadors, 110 Indian Run stated that the focus so far has been on the water. However, there are problems with the septic systems also. The petition was for both water and sewer services. The residents have been made aware of the costs of hooking up to the system. He noted that the Lamberts are out of town and could not be present. He urged Council to give consideration to both water and sewer line extensions for their neighborhood. Mr. Lecklider asked about the nature of the problem with the septic systems. Mr. Meadors responded that he spent $2,000 last year to have the problems resolved, but there continues to be back up into the system. It is a leech bed system. Mr. Lecklider asked if there is any possibility of correlation to the surrounding development which has taken place, as alluded to by the residents. Mr. Hammersmith responded that it is possible, although difficult to determine. In the southwest area, the issue for the wells was the depth; in this situation, the issue is geologic conditions which are difficult to determine. There is no historical data available to support this correlation. Mr. Lecklider asked if it would be practical to separate the water and sanitary sewer services. Mr. Hammersmith responded that there is an economy of scale in doing both, but they can be separated. Separating them would require restoring the roadway twice, and there is economy in designing and bidding these as one package. Mr. Lecklider commented that if only water lines were provided, then there may be a possibility that the sewer lines would never be extended in this area. Mr. Hammersmith stated that it could be quite some time, based on the need and the condition of the existing systems. It would require coordination with the Franklin County Board of Health, especially in view of tonight's testimony. Discussion followed about the impact on the roadway. Public Services Committee Minutes of August 27, 2002 Page 8 Jim Barnes, 235 Indian Run Drive asked the Committee to take into consideration that this development was once in a rural area and is now in the middle of the City, surrounded by development. Does the City want this area in the center of the City to have septic and aeration tanks draining into Indian Run Drive? Missing this opportunity to do both at a cost increase of $100,000 more would be a mistake. Both water and sewer services should be provided in the package. It should all be done at one time, so that they have the same infrastructure as all other residents. Mrs. Boring clarified that the difference in adding the sewer project is $600,000, not $100,000. Mr. Barnes stated that he had misread the information. He still encouraged Council to undertake both projects at once. Mrs. Boring stated that the prioritization of water and sewer services for the areas of the City without services has been referred to the Community Services Advisory Commission. Ms. Grigsby confirmed this. Mr. Lecklider stated that, speaking only for himself, it would probably be a good policy to make every effort to provide water and sewer services to all portions of the community presently without them. He is not certain if there is an adopted policy in this regard, or if one is being pursued informally on an ad hoc basis. Ms. Grigsby responded that there is not currently a formal policy. The informal policy prior to the 2000 City project to serve four specific areas of the City is that water and sewer lines were installed (1) as a part of a development; or (2) at the request of an area and then implemented with a special assessment process. This is generally the policy that municipalities follow with regard to water and sewer line extensions. Mr. Lecklider asked if most cities would then not extend water and sewer service to particular areas without a request? Ms. Grigsby stated that in an extraordinary circumstance, that could be done. Typically, it is done via development or through a special assessment where the property owners pay for the installation of water and sewer lines. Mr. Hammersmith noted that there was a similar situation on Acme Road in the City of Delaware. The area was originally in the township, and the residents annexed to the City. They requested water service from the City upon annexation. The City did provide water service and assessed a front footage fee to the residents for installation of the water main. The residents were also responsible for the tap fees and for bringing the service to their homes from the street. Ms. Brautigam stated that special assessment projects are very common in municipalities. The way the assessment is determined is based upon the benefit to the property owner. A front footage basis is often done with a road- paving project. It would be unusual to do a water service project with a front footage fee, as the benefit of service is the same to each resident and has no relation to the frontage of the property. Another option would be to divide the cost by the number of houses to be served. It is very common for cities to do a special assessment to Public Services Committee Minutes of August 27, 2002 Page 9 provide water and sewer, and this often results from a petition presented to Council for these services. Mrs. Boring asked Ms. Grigsby if it is common in other cities to assess property owners for installation of sidewalks, curbs and gutters, or traffic calming? Ms. Grigsby stated that sidewalks are generally installed in Dublin by the developer; in other cities, when installed later, the property owners are assessed or a cost sharing would be agreed upon. The Tuller Road improvement project was done on an assessment basis, as was the Muirfield Drive assessment. Many assessment projects were done by Dublin in the 80's. Mrs. Boring stated that her point is that Dublin does not do things in the same way as other communities. The City has not assessed property owners for bikepaths or traffic calming measures requested. Because of the City's wonderful financial condition, assessments have not been imposed on property owners. Ms. Grigsby stated that many of the new roadways constructed have opened up areas for economic development and TIF's have been used. She is not aware of bikepaths installed resulting in an assessment to the property owner. She agreed that property owners have not been assessed for traffic calming measures. Mr. Lecklider stated that in most developments, the cost of sidewalks were passed on by the developer and included in the price of the home. Mrs. Boring noted that she is talking about retrofitting of areas, such as the southwest and the Dublin Road bikepath. The sidewalk in front of her former residence on Glencree was installed after development and the property owners were assessed for it. Mr. Lecklider stated that this is consistent with what Ms. Grigsby has indicated about assessment policies. Ms. Grigsby clarified that the only sidewalk project she can recall where the property owners were not assessed was on Monterey Drive. Previously, assessments were done for this type of proj ect. Mr. Reiner noted that in the southwest area, the goal of the traffic- calming plan was to alleviate the problems resulting from the rezonings that occurred which decreased property values. Mrs. Boring stated that the goal of the southwest traffic calming is to improve the overall quality of the community. In the case of Indian Run, the zonings which occurred around them impacted their wells and their quality of life. The City is in a position to provide these services, and it is important to find ways to help preserve these older areas of Dublin. Mr. Reiner stated that in regard to the bikepaths, the system is being created to benefit the entire community as a means of transportation. The bikepath is not an enhancement to personal property, per se, but instead a community goal. Public Services Committee Minutes of August 27, 2002 Page 10 Mrs. Boring recalls being fined in the past for dumping sewage in the river, and it would benefit the entire community not to have sewage draining into the river via septic systems. Mr. Lecklider added that some individuals along Dublin Road did not want the bikepath on their properties. It would not be fair to those who did not support the project to assess them for it. He does agree with the public benefit of having sanitary sewers in terms of pollution and contamination of waterways. At a minimum, is the assessment done dollar for dollar? Ms. Brautigam responded that Council could assess the total cost, or they could acknowledge the public benefit of the project, with the City paying for a portion of the cost and assessing the remainder to the property owner to be paid over a period of time. Often, a discount is given if the homeowner pays the entire assessment within the first six months. There are many options available. Mr. Lecklider summarized that if Council acknowledges that there is some public benefit, it would be a matter of determining to what extent the City will fund the project or assess the property owners. Ms. Brautigam stated that in terms of sidewalks, 50 percent of the cost is a very common assessment, but every situation is different. Mr. Lecklider stated that, assuming that Council determines there is some public benefit, and the City would bear a percentage of the costs, there would likely be a significant cost to be divided among 17 homes. It may be a hardship for some homeowners and not others. How would this be handled? Ms. Brautigam responded that it would be necessary to treat everyone the same — each homeowner would be assessed equally to obtain the same benefit. The City cannot treat one homeowner who has experienced financial reversals in a different manner because of his situation. Mr. Lecklider stated that he is envisioning someone who may plan to retire in 10 years and who is faced with repaying a $30- 40,000 assessment at a time when his or her income is greatly reduced. Ms. Brautigam responded that this question relates to how Council wants to establish the policy. Council may choose not to impose an assessment and instead pay for all of it or perhaps 80 percent of the cost. Ms. Grigsby stated that she reviewed the $22,000 plus per property owner for water services and assessment options. For a 20 -year assessment, she looked at 0, 3 and 4 percent interest rates. The payments would be $1,150 annually at 0 percent, $1,550 at 3 percent, and $1,700 at 4 percent. This would be included on the county property tax bills. This is for the water portion only. Mr. Reiner stated that the homeowners would also be required to pay the cost of bringing the lines to the house. Is there an estimate of the cost? Public Services Committee Minutes of August 27, 2002 Page 11 Mr. Hammersmith stated that for water, at 150 feet in length, the cost including tap -in would be $5,443; for sewer, the same 150 feet in length plus the tap -in would be $6,680. This includes the Dublin and Columbus portions of the tap fees. Mr. Lecklider stated that, personally, he has some unanswered questions. He would be more comfortable with having the results of a comprehensive test for bacteria in the wells. The other issue relates to whether it is possible to drill deep enough to reach drinkable and acceptable water. Mr. Herskowitz stated that he has struggled with the issue of where the bacteria are coming from, if not from an adjacent septic tank. Perhaps the bacteria is coming from the river basin, located a couple of hundred feet from these residents. Mr. Hammersmith offered that staff would work with the Franklin County Board of Health on testing the wells for bacteria. Mrs. Boring asked where this is leading — it is only fair to the residents to know what the neat step will be. She is not inclined to pursue more studies without knowing the goal. Mr. Lecklider stated that where there are issues of bacteria in the water, he would like to see the City provide some relief. The neat question is whether the cost of providing relief is borne 100 percent by the City or shared with the residents. Perhaps that policy issue should be referred to the Community Services Advisory Commission, if that is the Committee's desire. Given that there are many areas within the community without either or both services, he would like to see a policy established so that these are addressed on a consistent basis. This is not the first request reviewed, and it will likely not be the last. Mr. Reiner asked if there is a possibility of septic or sewage leaks in this area contaminating the wells. Mr. Herskowitz stated that there is a 36 -inch sanitary sewer line in the vicinity. The portion near Indian Run is the last piece to be camera inspected, and perhaps this could be accelerated to make this determination. Mr. Reiner stated that to be fair, if the City proceeded with this project, it would be incumbent upon the residents to tap in to the system. Sometimes the cost of tapping in is higher than anticipated and residents are reluctant to do so. Are all the residents in a financial position to pay for the costs of tapping in? If there is some type of assessment imposed, are residents willing to bear this cost? Mr. Lecklider stated that he recalls discussion in the past where properties are required to tap in within a certain period of time. Ms. Grigsby responded that currently, the City's ordinance requires tap -in to a sewer within 100 feet of a property; similar legislation was approved for the water tap -in. This is legally enforceable. Ms. Grigsby added that it is important to keep in mind that the overall estimated cost to serve the areas of the City currently without sewer service is $17 million, which is a rough estimate, and Public Services Committee Minutes of August 27, 2002 Page 12 $10 million for water, again a rough estimate. In the past, the water and sewer fund have been self- supporting, as they are enterprise operations. If the City chooses to undertake all of the projects identified, they will have to be subsidized with income tax or rates will have to be increased. Mrs. Boring stated that, in any case, the projects would have to be prioritized. Mr. Reiner stated that he was involved with a proposed rate increase a few years ago for a utility, and there was little Council support for it. Mr. Lecklider noted that these are significant dollars, and in view of the potential budget impacts, he would agree that it is important to emphasize participation, regardless of whether or not there is an assessment for the project. Mr. Barnes reminded Council that the focus has shifted from the original issue. The reason they are requesting water and sewer service is due to the degradation of water and sewer from the actions of development over the past 5 -6 years. Bills, water surveys and other well tests during this timeframe can verify this. The issue is that they had great wells which have now degraded and are not acceptable. They are concerned about further degradation as economic development in the area continues. Mr. Lecklider suggested that the Committee take this under advisement, allowing staff time to research the issues raised tonight, including the bacteria issue. When those answers have been obtained, the residents can be notified and another meeting convened. Mr. Reiner stated that it is important to make sure that the residents are aware of the costs for bringing the water and sewer lines to their homes from the street. Mr. Hammersmith asked if the Committee would support having Eagon and Associates investigate the questions raised by the Committee about the depth of wells needed to obtain safe water or if there is no depth at which safe water can be obtained. Mr. Reiner stated that, in addition to this issue, he would like staff to investigate the contamination issue, investigate accelerating the camera inspection of the sewer line, and determine if septic systems are leaking and contributing to this. Mrs. Boring noted that studies require more time. She is hearing that the residents still are requesting water —they are not concerned with the depth of the wells. If the goal is to set a policy about assessment, this should be stated. The residents are tired of the maintenance bills, etc., and they are now annexed to the City and are asking for City water. Why should additional expense be incurred to investigate the wells? Mr. Lecklider stated that what he has heard from the residents is that the reason they are here is because their wells are not acceptable. If there is the ability to drill an acceptable well at a certain depth, that is a factor in deciding whether to go forward with a $1 million plus project for Public Services Committee Minutes of August 27, 2002 Page 13 water and sewer services. Drilling a deeper well at a much lower cost, if that is an option, may be preferable to the residents versus any level of assessment. Mr. Reiner agreed. It is also important to allow residents time to understand the costs of the project for each house, aside from any City contribution. Mr. Meadors stated that they have discussed the expenses with the residents for tap -in. All residents want to go forward with this at an estimate of a cost of $12,000 for tapping in. Mr. Horner had a deeper well drilled and still does not have good quality water. Mr. Reiner pointed out that there is a strong possibility of a shared cost for this project, in the form of an assessment, so the $12,000 costs are only a portion of the total cost. Mr. Meadors asked if the City has provided any areas with water and sewer service without assessment? Ms. Grigsby responded that the only time the City has done projects without assessment was in the last two years — Hanna Hills Drive, MacBeth/MacDuff, Dan Sherri, and the Dublin Manor subdivisions were provided water and sewer lines without assessment. Mr. Meadors asked for the basis. Ms. Grigsby responded that it was a decision of Council, based on information related to health and safety. Mr. Meadors stated that the situation is the same for Indian Run Drive. He understands this is a major cost, but they are surrounded by the City and believe they have been affected by development. If Council has done this for other areas, they are requesting the same consideration for their area. Mr. Barnes stated that the Committee has discussed another study related to a good water depth. This would be a viable option if they were in a stable situation. However, Dublin is not in a stable situation around their neighborhood. If all of the wells are redrilled at 250 feet, when Cardinal begins building or OCLC expands, there is no guarantee that the wells will hold up during the infrastructure change. Doing a study on new wells will accomplish nothing. They presume that with further development around them, the substratum will continue to be impacted. The only real answer is City water service. Mrs. Boring asked about the cost of the study. Mr. Hammersmith stated that he anticipates a quick study of the circumstances and an assessment by Eagon and Associates. For anything more extensive, he would return to the Committee for further direction. Mrs. Boring stated that she cannot support further study for the reasons she outlined previously. Mr. Lecklider suggested that this matter be taken under advisement to allow staff to proceed with investigation of the issues raised tonight. Public Services Committee Minutes of August 27, 2002 Page 14 Mr. Lecklider thanked everyone for their time and patience. He expects that the issue will be reconsidered at a meeting to be convened when the information is available from the consultant. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Clerk of Council