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Residents tell Darmstadt council letters about forced sewer connections felt 'threatening'; attorney outlines exemptions
Summary
Multiple residents told the council they were previously denied sewer taps and called a recent notice 'threatening'; town attorney Josh Claybourn said exemptions exist for properties on five or more acres, properties more than 300 feet from a sewer line, or homes with working septic systems inspected by the county health department.
Several residents raised objections during public comment at the May 20 Town Council meeting over notices they say pressured property owners to connect to the town sewer system. Steve English of St. Joseph Avenue said a letter he received about mandatory connection "was threatening and he didn't appreciate it," and other residents, including Tom and Karen Angermeier and Robert Goedde, said they were denied sewer taps in earlier years and asked whether the town could guarantee sewer service would work in their area.
Town attorney Josh Claybourn responded that state and local practice provides exemptions to mandatory connections in specific circumstances: properties of five or more acres, properties located more than 300 feet from an existing sewer line, or homes with functioning septic systems verified by a licensed inspector with the county health department and meeting the established timelines. Claybourn said those exemptions could apply to residents who previously were denied taps.
Council members did not vote on changing connection policy at the meeting; they discussed the exemptions as guidance for residents receiving notices and noted the council would follow up on individual cases as needed.
