Council weighs enforcing sewer hookup for long-annexed properties; some members urge flexibility

Council members discussed enforcement of sewer-connection requirements for several properties annexed into the city years ago that continue to rely on septic systems. One council member urged patience and financial options, noting the original annexation agreement included expectations about connection timing and repayment arrangements. “I don't like sending violations to people when we were working with them way back when to get annexed,” the member said.

The public works director pushed back that the sewer mains have been in place for years and said the two remaining properties have had ample time to connect. “They've had 7 years since they were annexed, and they've never hooked to it,” the director said, arguing it is appropriate to enforce the code requiring connections within city limits. Council did not adopt an immediate enforcement resolution at the meeting but directed staff to continue work with the affected property owners and to clarify the annexation agreement language.