Minutes from the Public Hearing on the Proposed Sanitary Sewer Collection System
Special Assessments – KRS 91A
Mayor Don Kirby opened the Public Hearing at 6:35 p.m. in the Ryle High School Auditorium to discuss the proposed Sanitary Sewer System. The meeting was called to talk about the plans to finish the sanitary sewers in the City of Union specifically the reason for the Special Assessments for the benefited property owners required by KRS 91A.
PRESENT: Mayor Don Kirby, Commissioners: John Adams, Bob Kelly, John Mefford and Todd Sayers. Others Present: City Administrator Warren Moore, City Attorney Greg Voss, City Clerk Kathy Porter, City Engineer Barry Burke, PE and Tim Foster EI Foppe Technical Group.
Mayor Kirby stated that Mr. Barry Burke P.E., the city’s engineer with Foppe Technical Group, would give a multi-media presentation on overhead projection media on the sewer collection system and related issues regarding the Special Assessments.
Mayor Kirby stated that the audience would be given time to ask questions, give input, and feedback. There would not be any decisions or votes at the meeting. He stated that we want to be as honest and forthcoming as possible with residents’ questions and concerns, to insure that everything is done the right way.
Mayor Kirby called on City Engineer Barry Burke to give the presentation on the particulars via prepared graphics on the background, the plan and arriving at the assessments for the sewerage plans. Mr. Burke stated that the plans would eliminate a pollution problem and on-site sewage disposal system that have been problematic for years due to unacceptable soils in Northern Kentucky. He stated that with the project’s intent the city is trying to create uniformity in public sewers services and eliminate pollution problems, which will benefit the residents, in addition to increasing property values.
Mr. Burke discussed the handouts including the Comprehensive Report, assessment Rolls and the Question and Answer (Q&A) sheet. He would respond to any oral and written questions. He stated that what was taking place at the meeting was in conformance with Statute KRS 91A and that a Comprehensive Report had been completed. Mr. Burke stated that the entire project cost is estimated at approximately 1.147 million dollars. A total of $600,000 of grant was awarded. Based upon previous projects, the city has agreed to fund 1/3 of the remaining costs, leaving a balance for the assessment. We still will need to obtain bids and there is the grant money available. Final Assessments will be calculated based upon the bids and easements must be signed. Easements will be turned over to the sanitation district, the entity responsible for future ownership and maintenance of the plans proposed.
Mr. Burke stated that there is an opportunity and hope to start this project in the spring and finish it thru the summer/early fall in order to have the system operational.
Mayor Kirby opened the floor for a Question and Answer session at 7:30 p.m.
Mr. James Magee, 1352 Mt. Zion Road, stated that he lived 5-6 houses down (east) from Russwill Lane and asked if there would be a Plan D to the sewer system. He stated that he would like to get sewers and asked if the system could be extended to north side of Mt. Zion Road. Mr. Burke stated that Phase C terminates west of this area; but he will check into this regarding feasibility.
Mr. Randy Lovett, 1810 Whispering Trail, wanted to know what is in this project for him. He was concerned about damage to his property fence and mature trees. He also questioned future maintenance of the sewer piping in his yard. He wants to receive a call from the City Engineer, in order for him to walk over their property with Mr. Lovett for further clarification. Mr. Burke agreed to meet with the residents.
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Mr. Gary Vice, 1822 Whispering Trail, stated that there is a natural creek that runs on his property and was concerned about digging. Mr. Vice also wanted a visit to review the property. Mr. Burke stated to identify his concerns on the Q & A sheet and turn in at the end of the hearing.
Mr. Bernard Schrage, 1838 Mt. Zion Road (across from city building) stated that the sewer design is not behind his house but goes across his front yard, which doesn’t compared to everyone else rear yard service. He wants to meet with Barry Burke and walk over his property at earliest possible time. Mr. Burke was in agreement.
Mr. Brown stated that he lived on Frogtown Road close to Cedarwood. Mayor Kirby stated that this area would not be covered by Union that it would fall under Boone County at a future date.
Mr. John Isler, 10077 Russwill Lane, asked about some clarification on the assessment and actual tie in by the city’s contractor. Mr. Burke stated that the city’s contract would be limited to public sewers with the twenty (20) foot wide easement. The Tap-ins and building sewers would be the responsibility of a separate or same contractor at additional costs borne by the benefited property owners.
Mr. Dennis Mathis, 1539 Mt. Zion Road, asked how the assessment was fair to him and stated that the property lines were not correct on our drawing. Mr. Burke responded that he was aware of some inconsistencies with the PVA and GIS mapping. Since the locations of the Russwill sewers are adjacent to this property, a small extension could easily benefit this unsewered property and eliminate on-site pollution.
Mr. Ken Roo, Boone-Union Masonic Lodge, asked a question about the tap in fees. He stated that they have a 2-inch water line going into the lodge building for sprinkler system for fires. Mr. Burke stated that his records from the water district or commission showed the lodge has a 1-inch line. Tap-In fees paid to SD#1 are based upon water meter size, the larger the meter, the higher the fee. Mr. Roo directed his question to Mr. Burke as to what a grinder pump was. Mr. Burke answered to say that a grinder pump transports sewage to a higher level via pumping.
Mr. Stuart Ferguson asked about the Volpenhein property. He stated that he will be hurt by the sewer line because he will have no parking at his place of business. Mayor Kirby stated that this would be something that the city engineer would need to work with Mr. Ferguson on during construction and that the disturbance would be temporary.
Mr. Steve Gadd, 1527 Mt. Zion Road, stated that there is a likelihood that the state would be purchasing his home and asked about paying for something he will not use. He stated that a sewer in rear yard would prevent future development or building on the property. Mr. Burke stated he would work with him and asked that his concerns be stated in writing.
Mr. Terry Dwelly, 10109 Russwill Lane, concerned that his fenced area for his pets would be impacted asked why not go down the rear property lines of the residents properties on Russwill Lane to install the sewer lines in order to serve adjacent properties. Mr. Burke using the pointer with Mr. Dwelly explained the situation that sewers on more detailed mapping were located based upon more detailed topography. In reference to serving adjacent properties, areas to the west and east of Russwill including Indian Hill Drive and TJ Lane are already served by public sewers. Locating sewers on the property line would also impact many more trees and fences.
Mr. Jim Collett represented the Collett property. Mr. Collett asked about the capacity restrictions awarded and whether or not the District would permit more connections for growth. Mr. Burke stated that sufficient District capacity thru Florence system exists for existing development within Phases A & B and Phase C. Additional capacity for new development would have to be approved by the District in a separate application.
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Ms. Pam Ruschell, 1898 Mt. Zion Road, stated that she was interested in understanding what the tie in requirements and timeline will be. Mr. Burke stated that the city will consider an Ordinance including a time frame to tie-in such as 30, 60 or 90 days, in an ideal sense with construction starting in late spring. Mr. Moore stated that his understanding was that SD#1 would require tie-ins with one- (1) year.
Mr. George Allen, 10021 Russwill Lane, asked who will own the easements. Attorney Voss replied that the city will own the easements and will transfer to SD #1.
Ms. Fran Cheser, 10156 Russwill Lane, asked if this project will wait for A, B and C concerning easements, etc., to start, or if A and B would start first. Mayor Kirby stated that the intent is to construct phases A, B and C simultaneously. It is the intent to get sign offs from property owners and start as soon as possible.
Mr. Kenneth Bradley, 10006 Russwill Lane, asked how the assessment on the property would be calculated. Mr. Burke deferred the question to Foppe’s Tim Foster. Mr. Foster stated that assessed market value on the tax rolls; front foot and area of the property would be weighed equally. Mr. Burke agreed that we will subtract the areas planned for the new highway along Mt. Zion Road for consistency.
Mr. Robert Boehm, 10099 Russwill Lane, asked about the location of the sewer lines. Mr. Burke responded that the design is along the rear lots to intercept on-site systems rather than front yards or under streets which would be more costly.
Mr. George Allen, 10021 Russwill Lane, stated that he was lost as to understanding how the property value is assessed. Mr. Burke stated that is the responsibility of the tax assessors and is stated in the 2007 tax bills.
Mr. Curtis Rath, 1752 Mt. Zion Road, stated he was curious about the quarterly fee. Mr. Burke explained that the city has the options of financing the project themselves, have a bank do it, include within SD#1 bills or via tax bills. Since the District’s billing statement are quarterly, a surcharge could be added to the bills for reimbursement to the city for paying off the loan. Mr. Rath stated that he has been fine without a public sewer for 20 years.
Mayor Kirby stated that if anyone had other questions or concerns to please don’t hesitate to contact the city. We will talk with each property owner and address their concerns.
Hearing no further comments, the Mayor closed the public hearing at 8:31 p.m.
Signed ______________________, 2008 __________________________
Don Kirby, Mayor
Respectfully submitted by:
______________________________
Kathy L. Porter, City Clerk/Treasurer
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