08-12-2008 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 August 12, 2008 --------------------------- Chair Westgaard stated that he would support efforts to find other ways of reducing water usage. He questioned what impact the ordinance would have, since most of the urban service district is already built. Mr. Adams stated that last year's usage was between 165 - 170 million gallons, this year's usage is already at 150 million, even though last year was drier. Commissioner Anderson stated that he could appreciate Mr. Adam's position in trying to meet the DNR's request, but that he was having a difficult time supporting an ordinance that would affect perhaps only 10 percent of the lots, since the urban service area is 85-90 percent built out. He felt they would essentially be penalizing future residents on a small number of lots. Mr. Adams stated that he did not agree that the city was 85-90 percent built out, since the urban service area can change. He stated that he felt the Commission needed to look further ahead, and start somewhere in reducing water usage. Commissioner Staul stated that Mr. Adams has stated he has no hard numbers to support his case and has a "gut" feeling that the ordinance will help. He stated that he would have a difficult time supporting an ordinance, which is a legislative action to regulate citizens, when they don't know if it will accomplish their goal. He felt the city needs to take a more in- depth look at the issue of water reduction. Commissioner Westberg concurred. He asked if Mr. Adams was aware of any other programs or incentives that could be implemented that the DNR would view as an effort to reduce water consumption. Mr. Adams stated that the city has already passed the requirement for low flow fixtures. He explained that there are two ways to reduce water; 1) technology (such as plumbing fixtures and rain sensors); and 2) changing peoples' hfesryles, which is the most difficult. He stated that the goal is to change people's habits. He noted that they are struggling with the same issues in electricity usage. He noted that the black dirt ordinance would be considered a technology issue. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER STAUL AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER LEMKE TO RECOMMEND DENIAL OF THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REGARDING PLACEMENT OF BLACK DIRT. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. Chair Westgaard thanked Mr. Adams for his efforts on the ordinance and his willingness to "agree-to-disagree" on this difficult issue. 6.1. September Planning Commission Meeting Date Mr. Gongoll explained that due to the primary election on September 9, 2008, the Planning Commission meeting will need to be moved to another date. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER LEMKE AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WESTBERG TO CANCEL THE REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2008 AND CALLING A SPECIAL MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2008 AT 6:30 P.M. MOTION CARRIED 6-0.