HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.07.98 Special Council Minutes
Special Joint City Council Meeting
Ash Street/Castle Rock/Septic Systems
July 7, 1998
Members Present: Ristow, Cordes, Fitch, Gamer, Strachan
Members Absent: None
1. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ristow at 7:00 p.m.
2. County Commissioner Joe Harris recapped last meeting - Dakota County agreed to survey
septic systems since water sample from the ditch at 6th and Ash Streets was contaminated.
3. Dakota County gave a report regarding the testing of the septic systems. Of 37 septic
systems, 4 passed, 24 failed, rest undetermined. All drinking water wells were sampled and
found to be uncontaminated. Water in ditches was re-tested, coliform levels have dropped
since original test which would be consistent with the rainfall and pumping of the ditch.
Other ditches along Ash Street and Trunk Highway 3 were sampled. Septic system test
results for each owner have been sent out.
4. City reported on lift station. A dye test and verification that flow was coming from the force
main show no indications at this time that the lift station is leaking.
5. Residents asked questions regarding the lift station, recent pumping of the lift station and the
testing of the lift station.
6. Castle Rock indicated their willingness to cooperate to resolve the issues. The township did
indicate that they would not be willing to allow the commercial area along Highway 50 to
come into City and a joint powers agreement would need to be arranged in order to service
those properties.
7. Residents asked about time frame to resolve the situation, County said they wouldn't force a
quick solution in light of the possible long term solution that could be provided by the Ash
Street project.
8. The County indicated that it couldn't guarantee that the Ash Street project could be funded as
a 1999 project, probably in 2000 is a better guarantee, but that the Commissioner's would
certainly take a look at trying to get it in the 1999 CIP.
9. Resident comments:
a. Eugene Thurmes - Don't take fence away.
b. Ron Thelen - Thinks project should go ahead, it has been looked at for many years.
10. City Administrator Erar went over County Ordinance to discuss imminent health threat.
11. County replied that the failing system must be upgraded in 10 months after a compliance
inspection.
12. Erar discussed the City pumping the ditch, who would be responsible for costs?
13. County suggested not to pump unless levels were high, and flooding is possible. It was
agreed by all parties to leave the fence up around the ditches at 6th and Ash.
14. The Farmington City Council and Castle Rock Township Board committed to finding a
solution to the situation within 60 days, and that this effort needs to include Dakota County
Fair Board and Dakota County Extension Service, as well as Dakota County.
15. Resident comments:
a. Dykstra's want to be included.
b. Wilson's - What legal recourse do residents have to force the City and Township to
do the project? Castle Rock responded that legal action could be initiated by
Castle Rock against residents.
c. Darlene Grabowski - Wants the situation resolved in the 60 days.
16. It was agreed upon by all parties that no township development on Highway 50 would occur
until negotiations are complete and a solution to the problem is found.
17. The Township agreed that from west of Highway 3 the properties could be annexed into the
City. East of Highway 3 - the Township would like to negotiate whether these properties
would have to come into the City.
18. The City Council and Castle Rock Board agreed to review issues and come back together.
Castle Rock suggested forming a committee might help to get the process going quicker. The
City Council and Township Board agreed to have the first committee meeting on July 22,
1998 at 7:00 p.m.
19. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.