6. HRSR 12-03-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes November 13, 2007 5.4. Black Dirt Ordinance Page 4 Elk River Municipal Utilities General Manager Bryan Adams presented a PowerPoint outlining monthly water usage and statistics in Elk River. Mr. Adams also explained Elk River's water source. He stated that on an annual basis, lawn irrigation accounts for approximately 45% of Elk River's water use. He explained that the DNR is urging communities to implement water conservation programs and reducing lawn irrigation is one of them. He stated that surrounding communities were surveyed and a majority have a black dirt policy in place. Mr. Adams indicated that the Utilities Commission is recommending the City Council adopt a black dirt ordinance in order to foster water conservation. He recommended the ordinance contain the following four principles: 1. 4" of black dirt shall be tilled into the top approximate 8" of existing soil 4' of black dirt shall have the approximate following make-up by volume: ^ 61% sand ^ 12% clay ^ 12% silt ^ 15% organic 3. areas that naturally contain this approximate soil make-up shall be classified as meeting the black dirt policy 4. inspection as part of the certificate of occupancy process by building inspections Councilmember Morin questioned if the ordinance would apply to existing lots or only new lots. Mr. Adams indicated that the recommendation is for the ordinance to govern all new, urban lots. Councilmember Gumphrey stated that Elk River is Energy City and this would be an excellent opportunity for a conservation effort. Ms. Johnson indicated that staff agrees with implementing conservation efforts but has concerns regarding enforcement. Mayor Klinzing indicated that she believes it is worth a try and she would like to be consistent with surrounding communities and require 4" of black dirt. Councilmember Morin questioned how acreage lots in urban districts will be handled. Mr. Adams indicated that staff will need to review that and added that it may depend on how much lawn the homeowner intends to mow. It was the consensus of the Council for Mr. Adams to draft a black dirt ordinance to be brought back for Council approval. _~ ~ 5.5. HRA Projects from Cites Council Ms. Johnson explained that Councilmember Motin is requesting input from the Council on any projects they would like to see brought back to the HRA. Councilmember Morin indicated that the HRA will be working on the housing study in 2008 but has an otherwise light schedule.