Council debates bringing septic permitting and inspections under town control

Council members reviewed a detailed draft septic ordinance and permit application that, if adopted, would expand town responsibility for septic permitting and inspections to ensure advanced septic systems are installed and monitored to protect local groundwater. The draft application in the packet listed a $450 fee; council corrected it to $350 during the workshop and asked staff to change notice and timing language (one comment asked to change a 24‑hour requirement to 48 hours prior notice).

Discussion focused on whether the new rules belong under the "personal utilities" code section or the subdivision chapter; staff recommended placing the technical requirements under personal utilities and cross‑referencing that language in the subdivision code so it won't be overlooked. Council also discussed adding explicit certification requirements for contractors installing advanced septic systems and formal registration so the town can enforce installer qualifications and ensure engineered designs in challenging geology. Mr. Akin and staff will redraft the ordinance language to clarify code location, installer certification, and references to any zoning changes before the next review cycle.