Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sewer Main Adoption topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City moves to accept ownership of Stonewood Drive low-pressure sewer main if homeowners donate easements
Summary
Lee's Summit staff told the committee they will seek donated easements and majority homeowner approval to accept the 1993 low-pressure sewer main serving 23 houses on Stonewood Drive; the city will not pay to repair or purchase the system but will take ownership after the system is repaired, donated and easements are recorded.
Deputy Director Jeff Thorne told the Public Works Committee on Feb. 10 that staff will pursue homeowner-signed easements and donation of the common low-pressure sewer main on Stonewood Drive so the city can accept and maintain the main.
Thorne said the system, built in 1993, serves 23 houses and is governed by covenants that historically placed maintenance responsibility on the property owners unless an HOA or other agreement existed. "For that to happen, we need to have a system that is intact. We the city doesn't take on broken systems. They have to be repaired and functioning. The systems have to be donated to the city. We're not paying for them," he told the committee.
Staff completed an inspection and found the main to be in generally usable condition. Thorne said residents led by Seth Donaldson have petitioned for city adoption and that the department has drafted easement language and ownership documents. If a majority of property owners sign the required documents and donate easements, the city will record the easements, accept ownership of the common main and then perform routine maintenance and future repairs as needed.
Thorne emphasized limits: the city is not taking on individual private pumping equipment or service lines from houses to the main, and it will not purchase the utility. If a small number of property owners decline to sign, Thorne said the city could pursue a cost-split arrangement with the non-signing owners or adjust plans accordingly.
Committee members said homeowners have long wanted clarity and relief; Thorne said staff expects to schedule an evening meeting within weeks to gather signatures, with filing and transfer following assumption of a majority signature set.
No formal council action was required at the Feb. 10 committee meeting; staff requested direction to proceed with homeowner meetings and documentation.
