Sunman board debates proposed ordinance to require sewer connections, penalty structure contested

Council members spent substantial time on Ordinance 20-26-08, a draft that would require certain properties to connect to the town sewer and set an enforcement regime including written warnings and fines. One speaker summarized the ordinance's enforcement scheme, saying it "sets up enforcement structure in section 11, you know, written warning with 5 days to comply," and flagged a fine schedule included in the draft.

Members pressed staff on practical implications: whether the ordinance could be applied retroactively to existing driveways or landscaping, how the town would treat existing trees or easements, and whether the town's interlocal agreement with the county covered water and sewer issues. Several members urged caution about enforcement and noted the department of health and existing annexation statutes also affect when connection is required. The council did not adopt the ordinance at this meeting; instead members asked for clarification and said they could table the item or take it up for a subsequent reading after edits.