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Planning Commission Minutes Pagc 9 <br />July s, zoos <br />--------------------------- <br />Mr. Barnhart stated that many of the issues are policy issues for the City Council and that <br />staff is comfortable with moving the ordinance forward. <br />Chair Westgaard stated that he also had concerns about the effectiveness and enforceability <br />of the ordinance. He noted that in some cases, the topsoil is scraped back for construction, <br />and then is replaced, and that this soil is sometimes as good as or better than the topsoil mix <br />being proposed. Mr. Adams stated that he would be comfortable with using the topsoil on <br />site, if it is tested first. Chair Westgaard stated he is concerned that the amendment will not <br />produce the results they are looking for, and that it will be difficult to enforce and monitor. <br />He stated that if it could be done without a lot of cost to the homeowners and placing a <br />burden on staff, he would be more supportive of the amendment. Mr. Adams stated that he <br />felt the amendment was written so sit would not place a burden on staff, by requiring a <br />certificate of compliance. <br />Commissioner Scott stated that if other cities are adopting similar ordinances and reducing <br />water consumption, it would be helpful for Elk River to implement an ordinance that has <br />been proven to be successful. <br />Commissioner Anderson stated that education is the most important way to encourage water <br />conservation. He was not in favor of the proposed ordinance because of the enforceability <br />issue. He suggested finding other ways to encourage people to use less water, such as <br />financial rebates. <br />Rebecca Haug, Environmental Administrator -stated that she has discussed the ordinance <br />amendment in great length with Mr. Adams. She stated that for environmental purposes, <br />she supports the use of less sod and more native vegetation. She did not feel there were <br />enough lots left for development for the ordinance to have much of an impact. She stated <br />that since Elk River is Energy City, she supports conserving water, as well as all other energy <br />resources. <br />Commissioner Scott suggested talking with some of the larger users to look at alternatives to <br />excessive watering. Mr. Adams stated it has been his experience with the townhome <br />associations that they are not willing to give up their "green" grass. <br />Chair Westgaard summarized the concerns of the Planning Commission from the <br />discussion. He stated that he felt it was important to find a way to educate the property <br />owners of existing lots who are high users. <br />Commissioner Lemke stated that he was in favor of tabling the issue. <br />Mr. Adams stated that he was willing to table the request, but that he had concerns with the <br />DNR allowing new wells to be drilled, if the city is not willing to take measures to conserve <br />water. <br />Commissioner Staul stated that he would be in favor of the ordinance if cost effectiveness <br />could be demonstrated. He also stated he would be interested in a comparison of <br />commercial water usage compared to residential. <br />MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LEMKE AND SECONDED BY <br />COMMISSIONER TO TABLE THE REQUEST BY THE CITY OF ELK RIVER <br />FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REGARDING THE REQUIREMENT <br />