Buck Run sewer problem persists

Residents of the Buck Run III subdivision are still not on the city sewer system -- and they're looking for some action from the Sisters City Council to resolve the situation.

"If the sewer does not get in place, I'm unable to sell my house," said Mike Robillard, a resident of the Buck Run III neighborhood.

Quay Richerson, a homeowner in the same area, is in the same boat. A buyer purchased his house and at the last minute ducked out because of the sewer situation.

Part of Buck Run III was connected when the sewer system was originally installed, due to exigencies of the engineering layout. Others will have to pay up to $6,000 for the service because the neighborhood was, according to the city, not part of the original sewer plan.

"I feel like I am being discriminated against," Robillard said. "I'm trying to figure out why the other lots should not have to pay."

Robillard said Buck Run III residents have been taken advantage of because, while the subdivision was not included in the sewer plan, the city later "used the subdivision to its advantage" by putting in a line on Tyee Drive and also connecting the Tyee Drive properties.

City Administrator Eileen Stein wrote in a city memorandum that Tyee Drive lot owners paid systems development charges but not connection fees. In consulting with City Attorney Steve Bryant regarding the Tyee line, Stein wrote that the city was entirely justified in changing the layout based on engineering determination in order to save project costs.

"I didn't realize that you could pick and choose who gets what," Robillard said.

When Robillard began building his house in May of 1999 he was unaware that he would have to put in a sewer. In checking back with his building permits, the documents are incomplete with no indication that they would not be included in the sewer system in their subdivision.

Robillard requests written proof that the developer, Mylon Buck, knew Buck Run III would not be included in the sewer.

Residents of Buck Run have been dealing with this issue for two years and have approached the city several times. So far, after many requests for documentation in writing, the city has not provided these papers, Robillard said.

Last month, the city adopted Ordinance 337 providing the authority to create reimbursement districts, which might be a solution for installing lines on Maple Street and Tyler Drive, according to Stein. The likely applicant is the developer of Coyote Springs, who is ready to begin a second phase.

Mayor Dave Elliott requested a written plan from the residents explaining where they would like to go from here. The council will then take up the issue again in workshops.

Another complaint was presented to the council by city resident Mel Bryan.

He takes issue with a building in Pine Meadow Ranch exceeding the maximum building height of 30 feet. Bryan requested a council discussion at a later date.