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Committee approves revised sanitary sewer service area map — selects option 2 to avoid forcing hookups
Summary
After multiple reviews and DNR feedback that sanitary sewer service areas cannot have 'holes,' the committee selected option 2 — a modified boundary that reduces capital cost impacts while avoiding the perception that property owners would be forced to connect. The motion passed unanimously.
The committee voted to approve a revised sanitary sewer service area (SSA) boundary and selected option 2 from staff and the Utility Advisory Committee.
Staff explained the background: an earlier draft sought to exclude the Isabelle Farms subdivision from the SSA because those lots are on private systems and are not expected to need municipal sewer within the near term. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) advised that SSAs cannot contain holes, which led staff and the Utility Advisory Committee to develop alternate boundary options. Option 2 opens a peninsula area slightly so it meets DNR or sewer-pack review while limiting added capital costs to ratepayers.
Committee members discussed both the potential capital cost increase to MMSD (capital cost passed to ratepayers) if more area is included and the perception issue where homeowners worry they would be compelled to connect. Staff clarified that municipal code does not compel connection and that option 2 reduces homeowner concern while keeping capital-cost increases modest.
A motion to select option 2 — the Utility Advisory Committee recommendation — passed unanimously. Staff noted the change includes several technical mapping fixes (parcel boundaries, town-line notches) and will be forwarded as the committee’s recommendation.
