Terri, do you think maybe the $75Mil covers connecting existing residents to the new system? Or at least up to their property line. If not I would think that they would grandfather in any residents existing to stay as they are if they want. Personally I'm all for providing the services to those that want it.

Sure wish I had that manhole cover you have pictured! They make great stepping stones for pathways!

Danny--That's the problem--Most Ham Lake residents do NOT want these services. The question is not up for a vote. The decision is to be made by a task force and the city council. Ham Lake does not currently  have public utilities at all and people love it! It is strictly private sewer and well for individual households.

If you read the articles, there are options. The least expensive is remaining with the current system. To keep costs down, there would be no grandfathering according to the articles. Wells would have to be capped and septics shut down. Even if grandfathering would be allowed, homeowners would have a tough sell as this situation is in several surrounding communities...If it is in the street, they want it connected prior to the sale! It would create a problem where nothing is broken.

Teri- In my town I was very surprised that on one of the large Residential streets, in the center of town, we have a dozen or so homes not on the sewer system.  So far, no one has made them hook-up but it is coming......little by little all of our septic tanks have disappeared, and I do know that it is very expensive to hook up to water after everyone else has........It's a shame that a few get to choose for the many.

Kathy--I am trying to get the word out as it seems like there is a force trying to have this expensive decision made "under the radar" as many do not read the city publications over the holidays. Especially when the headline is vague. Residents need to pay attention or they will pay with their pocketbooks!

Teri, you make a great point about getting involved with our civic duties. Everyone likes to complain and moan but be part of the SOLUTION.

I'm always amazed when people spend our dollars and never ask how we want them spent.

Gary--This is a frustrating situation as many don't even realize these discussions are going on. If there is a city utility zone in the area they have designated, many people would not be able to afford the assessments and could lose their homes.

Get involved and/or be aware of what is happening in your local government!

Teri,  Good for you to catch that information in the city updates.  Sometimes it really sneaks up on folks, and then citizens wonder when all this happened. 

My family lives in Afton right now, and Lake Elmo is our neighbor.  Met Council "won" and now Lake Elmo will be forced to have sewer and water.  Its been very bitter, as the citizens don't want it, but the Met Council demanded it.

Best wishes to all you Ham Lakers!!!!

Craig--It is very concerning because I am a Ham Lake resident and I work extensively in the area. I was originally from North St. Paul and follow the eastside happenings in the Review so I know a bit about the Lake Elmo situation. I hope that more Ham Lake residents start to pay attention before the situation is out of our control.

Thanks for your support and welcome to Active Rain!!

Hi Teri, events like this can make you more than blink!  We had an area where they city father's (because they are old, real old!) decided to fund their sewer project with a $10,000 surcharge on every home sold until the sewer costs were covered.  The local Realtors told them they would effectively shut down all or nearly all sales in the area.  They wanted the buyer to pay the penalty!  Nice post Teri.  Let us know how this works out.

Teri,

I don't understand.  If the community doesn't want this, who is going to force you to install additional utilities?  Is it the county?

Mike in Tucson

Teri,

A task force made up of folks not from the city?  That sounds a little bit strange to me.  I hope this situation turns out for the best.  Giving this information to your clients makes sure they can take the available facts into account.

P.S.  Thanks for the card - I hope you had a great holiday!

Gary--That is exactly the situation but the price tag is closer to $30K per resident in the city water/sewer district. Many homeowners will be forced to sell opening opportunities for developers to buy their lakeshore at a discount according to the Lakes and Loons article. It will be an interesting story to follow and difficult to sell homes in the area with this situation in the works AND a buyers market.

Mike--I think the city is involved with the Met Council who then will say that a private well or septic could contaminate the lake or public water supply. They can force all septics to be tested by a city inspector who will fail could fail older septic systems. If the law is written so that the septic cannot be replaced in a certain area when public utilities are available, you would be forced to connect. I understand that you would be required in the area to connect to the water so that your well did not affect the water supply or some such nonsense.

The city and council are not very forthcoming with the information to the homeowners. Most people moved to Ham Lake secure in the knowledge that there were no public utilities. There have been many surveys--Most residents do not want to public utilities, walking paths and community centers. People assume that a big change like this should require notice. Area developers and large land owners would like the utilities so they can sell their land for more money. The notice from the city was distributed over the holidays under the guise of a survey article when according to the Lakes and Loons article, the discussions are well underway. The council doesn't want residents to know what is going on and have overflowing council meetings....until the change is underway. If you read the Lakes adn Loons articles, this businessman who has been asking questions has had his newspaper targeted to be put out of business for informing the public. I noticed that the ads in the paper have dropped considerably. It is a scary situation for a homeowner and people need to be aware as it will affect their property values. It doesn't make sense unless you consider who will benefit.

Rita--Yeah--That is an eyeopener isn't it? I knew that they were pulling together a task force. I did not know that the members were not part of the community until I read the Lakes and Loons article. Not only are my clients affected, many friends and neighbors are affected as well as I live in this area too. You are very welcome! :)

Teri, Well written informative post on the public servants' intentions that could affect your business and your clients' home values.  I'm not near you but am do respect and appreciate you writing this for those that it will affect. Keep up the good work.

Judi--Thanks... I appreciate your comments! This is a very hot topic in our area, as you can imagine. The message to all is to pay attention to local politics and make your voice heard as apathy could be costly.