5.3. PCSR 08-12-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR ACTION ver To Item Number Plannin Commission 5.3. Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Plannin Items Au ust 12, 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-OG Reviewed by Action Requested Staff recommends the Planning Commission deny the proposed application because insufficient evidence to justify the cost. Concerns include: 1. Effectiveness in actual reduction of water consumption 2. Enforceability 3. Cost Background/Discussion In an effort to reduce the City's water use during the summer months, the Utilities Commission 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 (ERMU) Superintendent, presented information illustrating the need for metro wide water conservation at the Planning Commission meeting July 8, 2008. The intent of the ordinance is to reduce water consumption during the summer months. ERMU has noticed that the summer water doubles and triples the winter demand. The bulk of this water is used to water lawns, wash cars, fill swimming pools, etc. Utilities generally have an obligation to reduce summer water usage metro area wide to preserve water fox non-recreation or lawn needs, including drinking, cooking, bathing, and fire protection. To assist in water preservation, ERMU has instituted volume pricing, education, and other programs to reduce the summer water demand. The proposed ordinance is another `tool' to reduce the demand and would replace the existing ordinance. The ordinance in place is generally consistent with those of surrounding communities.