GOVERNMENT BRIEFS

Mountainside residence approved

CAREFREE – The Development Review Board approved the design of a planned home in Ocotillo Ridge Estates.

Although the 9,948‑square‑foot residence near Galloway Wash will cut into the hillside, the only issue noted at the meeting was access–made by way of a shared driveway with the neighboring property.

The neighboring lot is undeveloped at this time, but the board expressed concern that future development might create ownership issues, stating they do not wish to see another fence put up.

Planning Administrator Gary Neiss said there are easements in place to prevent such a situation from happening.

The board passed the application request 6‑0.

Cave Creek passes fee proposal for excess waste

CAVE CREEK – Loading up the sewer pipes will mean extra fees for big offenders.

Cave Creek Town Council unanimously approved an amendment to the town code adding volume charges for excess biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids in the wastewater system.

“This is the method most cities use,” said Town Engineer Wayne Anderson. “Instead of fining, they just pass on the costs.”

What this means is if a customer’s discharge level is found to exceed the limits imposed, they will be charged an additional fee based on volume.

Council indicated this problem mainly comes from commercial uses.

“We do have overages,” said Anderson. “But if (the businesses) are diligent with their grease traps, it shouldn’t be a problem.”

Councilman Tom McGuire noted it is important to maintain a tight control on BOD and TSS levels until the new waste‑water treatment plant opens.