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DRAFT <br />ordinance is a bit of a money grab. The argument is made that this will set aside areas for other uses. That should be a <br />decision made by the homeowner and not the County. The argument has also been made that the economic viability of <br />the sewer system depends on the public connecting to it. That is a fine argument for new construction but not a good <br />reason to change the rules for the existing homeowners who have already expended resources to have a viable repair <br />area. Finally, the argument that Mebane will require this when they take over the system I feel is also a poor one. Making <br />a bad decision based on the knowledge that a bad decision will be made by someone else in the future is wrong. Not <br />requiring a connection also lets existing homeowners assess the condition of their existing septic system and make repairs <br />or switch to a repair area before the sewer in effect. <br />Brian Crawford: Once they are connected to the sewer system, what will be the ongoing cost to the new homeowner <br />going forward? <br />Craig Benedict: If they have a public water system through Orange Alamance Water system, the sewer is based on a <br />base fee per month and based on the gallons of water they would use. <br />Kevin Lindley: Based on 4,000 gallon per month usage, would be about $12.68 and the per thousand gallons is $10.86. <br />One other point, Mebane's connection requirements only exist inside their city limits this is the same for Durham. <br />Mark Marcoplos: I totally agree with Pete. <br />Brian Crawford: Any other comments from the board. Mr. Marbais would you like to address the board? <br />Peter Marbais: Our concern is largely not having the choice to repair a system and also, about a monthly bill. If we have <br />to replace a septic system that is a one -time occurrence that may not ever happen. <br />Lisa Stuckey: I wondered what the health department had to say about the viability of the second site and it doesn't sound <br />like it is a public health issue. If it were, I would be in favor of requiring people to hookup but if it is not, I don't see how we <br />can do that. <br />Pete Hallenbeck: I took a straw poll at the fire department but the general idea was that if you have a viable field, you <br />should be able to make a choice. <br />Brian Crawford: We are talking about existing homeowners, is the any objection to the requirement that the new <br />homeowners come in and have to connect? <br />Alan Campbell: I think we discussed a grandfather clause so this would not apply to anyone except new construction. <br />Brian Crawford: The board's reservation is forcing existing homeowners to tap on. <br />Tony Blake: Do we have any idea how many people are affected? <br />Craig Benedict: The lots do vary in size from % acre to 2 % acres. All the concerns you have mentioned are valid. It is <br />true that staffs recommendation did have economic sustainability of a sewer system as part of our recommendation. A lot <br />of the smaller lots are making connections to the sewer systems we are putting in now. <br />Johnny Randall: How does being connected to a sewer versus a septic tank affect the value of the home? <br />Craig Benedict: Part of the market assessment made on the lot refers to the viability of having public water versus a well <br />and they do give a credit for someone who has a well. <br />Brian Crawford: Pete, have you given any thought as to how you would like the recommendation be worded? <br />2 <br />26 <br />