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12 <br />lot sizes. Scearbo responded that this issue <br />began in 1989 when twice the minimum lot size was <br />required for a septic easement and has evolved <br />to this point. <br />Jacobs continued, asking Scearbo if she felt it <br />would be reasonable to approve the proposed <br />amendment with the exception of 3) which <br />addresses septic easements. She responded that <br />it would be logical. However, she felt it <br />should remain in the proposed amendments in <br />order that staff may.specifically address septic <br />easements. <br />Best expressed concern with the reduction in <br />minimum lot sizes and increase in density. <br />Scearbo responded by reminding the Board of a <br />problem with a subdivision in 1989 which had a <br />similar problem; having public water but not <br />public sewer. There seemed to be no solution, <br />since the Ordinance did not address lots with the <br />combination of public water and individual septi( <br />tanks. This particular problem was the one whicl <br />brought this issue to the attention of the <br />Planning Staff. <br />Best continued, expressing particular concern <br />with the possible increase in the number of <br />septic tanks. He noted that the entire upper <br />one -third of the County is in a watershed and <br />more dense development would not provide <br />protection for that watershed. Collins reminded <br />the Board that the provision for 15,000 square <br />foot lots in unzoned townships is already in the <br />ordinance. What is being proposed is not <br />essentially different. He continued that the <br />water and sewer policy prohibits the extension o <br />water and sewer into rural areas except for <br />certain purposes (a public service such as a <br />school and failing septic systems). Best noted <br />again that he was opposed to the increase of <br />density. Collins responded that the prohibition <br />of water and sewer extension would not allow the <br />increase in density that Best seemed to expect. <br />Best stated that he would prefer that Little <br />River and Cedar Grove Townships be zoned and <br />such issues would not occur. Waddell responded <br />that the point of recommending zoning had not yet <br />been reached. Best indicated he also felt then <br />that the point of approving these proposed <br />amendments had also not been reached yet. <br />Reid noted that the solution that Best <br />