5.5. PCSR 07-08-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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!~ J~ City of Elk -~-_, River REQUEST FOR ACTION To Item Number Plannin Coininission 5.5. Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Plannin Items ul 8, 2008 erem Barnhart, Plannin Mana er Item Description Reviewed by Request by City of Elk River for Ordinance Amendment Jeff Gongoll, Community Regarding Placement of Black Dirt, Public Hearing -Case No Develo ment Director OA 08-06 Reviewed by Action Requested Staff recommends the Planning Commission review the proposed ordinance, receive public comment, and table the discussion to allow staff to address concerns raised during the public hearing. Concerns include: 1. Effectiveness in actual water reduction 2. Enforceability 3. Cost Based on the information provided to date, Staff cannot support the ordinance as it is written. Staff can also support a Planning Commission recommendation of denial, due to the concerns listed. Background/Discussion The Utilities Commission, in an effort to reduce the City's water use during the summer months, is proposing an ordinance amendment that would require certain soil improvements for new lots throughout the City. This draft ordinance is attached. Bryan Adams, Elk River Municipal Utilities Superintendent, will verbally provide information regarding the proposed ordinance at the meeting. The intent of the ordinance is to reduce water consumption during the summer months. Utilities have noticed a trend where the summer water demand doubles and triples the winter demand. The bulk of this water is used to water lawns, wash cars, etc. Utilities generally have an obligation to reduce summer water usage metro area wide, to preserve water for non-recreation or lawn needs: drinking, cooking, bathing, and fire protection. Utilities have instituted volume pricing, education, and other programs to reduce the amount of water being pumped during the summer months. The ordinance proposed is another `tool' to reduce this water.