05/31/1989 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e of the collectors to be constructed by 1990 with connections actually achieved 18 months later. The goal of 75-percent connections by 1995 would still exist. Mr. Smith referred to a map in councilors' packets showing a proposed construction schedule for River Road and said that regardless of which option the council chooses, sewer construction must begin soon. Mr. Smith reported that the DEQ has sent a letter to the EPA supporting the City's request for an extension of the connection schedule. In addition, consideration is being given to the next step in enforcement actions regarding the sewer requirement, which could be in the form of a rule-making process or the issuance of an order to comply. Mr. Holmer expressed concern regarding implementation of a cease-and-desist order against residents outside the city limits. Mr. Gleason said we are in compliance with the grant, but in anticipation that the compliance schedule will present a problem, having a mechanism to deal with connections outside the city limits is required. Next, Mr. Smith reviewed a comparison of median residential sewer costs with and without annexation, pointing out an approximate $362 cost savings if sewering is obtained with annexation (for a typical $60,000 residential property in River Road). Mr. Smith suggested that the question "is the biggest problem with annexation sewers or is the biggest problem with sewers annexation?" is a key one. e Mr. Gleason described earlier council direction as being to attempt to make the tax impact to citizens already inside the city and to those being annexed as equal as possible. Major capital reinvestments will be required in the sewage treatment plant, and treatment of storm water will be equally expensive. Mr. Holmer indicated that it would be unwise for the council to overly restrict staff1s ability to persuade River Road/Santa Clara residents that annexation is the best course of action available. He suggested that some form of subsidy for a specific period of time may be an appropriate tool in that effort. Mr. Gleason noted that Parks and Recreation is a difficult problem in terms of equalization. Mr. Boles said it would be helpful to compare the numbers involved in extending the tax differential beyond the proposed five-year period and at both a 65-percent and 50-percent rate. He questioned the systems development charge not being applicable in the IIno annexation" list of costs in the projected median residential sewer cost. Mr. Bennett asked about the consequences of losing the remonstrance election in a council-initiated annexation and not proceeding with changes to the Metropolitan Plan that would allow sewer connection prior to annexation. Mr. Smith said this most likely would result in a finding of substantial e MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 31, 1989 Page 8