05/29/1990 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e systems, such as the treatment facility, would be an improvement. Mr. Buckley warned the City that expensive lawsuits and class action suits should be expected if it proceeds with the project. Jim Drake, 1245 Elkay Drive, said that the original estimate on his property was $19,400 and now appeared to be over $16,000, and he did not know how he would pay. Vivien Friendly, 1147 Park Avenue, said that she was unemployed and living on a limited income and would have difficulty paying her $12,000 assessment. She cautioned that if annexed, River Road residents would vote against City budgets. Roy Hartbauer, 1771 Linwood, commented on the lack of representation for River Road residents. There being no further requests to speak, Ms. Schue closed the public hearing. Responding to testimony, Mr. Smith said that a person financing the sewer hook-up would be able to obtain a receipt that would allow for a pollution control tax credit for $150 per year over a period of five years. He pointed out that the council has already committed to the large payment deferral plan and noted that the City has taken action that will result in a significantly greater reduction in sewer costs for River Road/Santa Clara than any community in Oregon of similar size or type. Mr. Smith maintained that the square footage assessment method is no more unfair than the front footage method because the average cost will remain the same. Because the interceptor was installed some time ago, financing costs accrued during the intervening period must be added to the overall costs of the project. While some plumbers may require advance payment, Mr. Smith encouraged residents to find one who only requires a deposit. Mr. Smith believed that County code will require hook-up because groundwater pollution is evidence that the septic systems are inadequate by design or capacity. Both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environmental Quality have determined that the project is required, and repayment of the grant would probably be demanded. if the hook-up schedule is not met. He cited studies which indicate that septic systems have a significantly greater impact on groundwater pollution than the treatment plant has on the Willamette River, and that impact is more widespread than just the River Road/Santa Clara area. The high nitrate combined with high coliform concentrations of contaminants in the groundwater are a pollution pattern indicating a septic tank problem and cannot be caused by leaking sewers. Regarding public notice, Mr. Smith said that everyone in River Road on the mailing list was sent a newsletter that announced the public hearing and those properties within the 1990 basins also received a direct mail notice of the meeting. MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 29, 1990 Page 5 I I t /