3. Request from Michael Seaman for Sewer ConnectionAGENDA ITEM 3 - REQUEST FROM MICHAEL SEAMAN FOR SEWER CONNECTION
405 EAST COTTONWOOD
BACKGROUND/CONSIDERATION: Mr. Seaman has recently purchased the property
at 405 East Cottonwood and desires to be hooked to the Evergreen Sewer System. I have
enclosed the analysis and recommendation from the Public Works Director.
RECOMMENDATION: I concur with Jim Hansz's analysis, concerns, and
recommendation. I do not believe that a parcel with a working septic system should be a
viable candidate for sewer service. As pointed out in Jinn's report, it will be very difficult to
control the "service line" and prohibit future hook ups to the line to serve other parcels or
users.
ACTION REQUIRED: To approve this request, we should have the annexation waiver,
etc. Mr. Seaman has been informed of this but we have not yet received them. A motion
would be in order to either approve or reject this request.
MEMORANDUM
March 11, 1998
To: Clarence Krepps, City Manager
From: Jim Hansz, Director of Public W rks
Subject: Sewer hook-up request, 405 East Cottonwood
Background:
The Interlocal Agreement between the City and Evergreen provides for the extension of sewer
service beyond the boundary of the Evergreen district and outside the City. Connections may be
made to their system provided the applicant receives the consent of the City for this connection.
In addition, the applicant must file a waiver to protest annexation, consent to withdraw from the
fire district and meet any other requirement of the City which has in the past included a specific
petition to annex to the City.
Request:
The owner of 405 East Cottonwood has asked for City consent to connect a functioning septic
system that lies outside the boundary of the Evergreen Sewer District to the Evergreen main.
This would involve about 400 feet of service line that would cross several parcels to reach the
house. No petition to annex, waiver to protest annexation or consent to withdraw from the fire
district accompanied the letter of request. The letter of request specifically indicated no problem
with the function of the existing septic system.
Review:
Based on what was stated in the request, there appears to be no current problem to be solved. The
existing septic system is in the flood plain but this is common to many areas of the valley and
alone is not necessarily indicative of a problem. Several potential problems could be created for
Evergreen and the City by granting the request. A service line of this length would be extremely
difficult to accurately install and to maintain. The sewer would need to cross several other
parcels of land to reach the site in question, therefore, easements for installation and maintenance
would be necessary. A service line of this length would amount to a de facto main extension
which might require review and approval by MDEQ. I believe MDEQ would require assurance
of which public agency would be responsible for this main. Such an extension would not be one
the City could effectively maintain, and in my opinion, neither would Evergreen since it would
be outside their boundary. The extension would be a private main which would be outside the
Post Office Box 1997 • Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997
Telephone (406) 758-7700 • FAX (406) 758-7758
control of Evergreen and the City. This would make the sewer main an attractive "loophole"
improvement to make other uncontrolled connections if the adjacent parcels develop with houses
or businesses. A portion of the surrounding land is presently used for a nursery and so long as
that style of agricultural use continues there would be little likelihood of other connections to the
sewer service line. However, should the surrounding land uses or zoning change then
unauthorized connections to this long unregulated sewer line would be extremely difficult to
prevent.
It appears there is no problem -driven reason to encourage this connection outside the District's
boundary and beyond the City's direct control. In my opinion several problems and potential
future problems would be created if this sewer extension is made. With these thoughts in mind I
researched recent Council decisions on similar matters concerning out -of -City connections to
sewer:
• When an existing septic system has failed, and a sewer main presently exists, the City
Council has supported connecting the failing system to City sewer to relieve the current
problem. (Greenacres)
• When the proposal is to develop additional lots and then connect those new lots to sewer, and
no sewer main exists but would have to be installed, the Council has refused to approve the
extension. (Hammerquist)
Costs also are a significant consideration. Fees to Evergreen would be required, the amount I do
not know. City connection fees for this "service" would be $2,047.50, plus a $10.00 permit fee.
Construction costs for a typical service connection can reach $8,000.00 depending on specific
conditions. A water meter will be required to account for the monthly sewer use charges. The
cost of a service line nearly 400 feet long would be substantial to the applicant. In addition to
these costs, the City will incur additional costs to maintain this account and read the meter.
Recommendation:
I cannot recommend installation of a service line of this extreme length, which would be readily
available for additional use beyond any City control, particularly when there appears to be no
problem with the existing system and no benefit to the City. A copy of the request and a location
map are attached for your information.
March 9, 1998
Clarence Krepps
City of Kalispell
P.O. Box 1997
Kalispell, Mr 59903
Dear Clarence,
I am the new owner of 405 East Cottonwood. This property has an
existing, functioning septic system and is in the flood plain.
I am seeking city concurrence and approval that this property be hooked
up to the Evergreen Sewer System.
Thank you for your assistance and cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
Michael V. Seaman
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