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<br />structure to encourage conservation, adopting regulations, requiring rainfall sensors on irrigation <br />systems, promoting use of water conserving fixtures and educating customers. The development <br />agreements for multi-family and commercial buildings have required rain sensors for several <br />years. The requirement should be extended to single family irrigation systems; however a permit <br />is not required so the single family system plans are not reviewed. Measures suggested for n~w <br />development include requiring 6" of topsoil under landscaping areas and promoting use of low <br />water demand plants. The ordinance can include a definition of acceptable topsoil' materials. <br />Examples of informational materials are attached for your review. These materials can be <br />incorporated in the 'Public Works section of the City website or links to the sources can be added. <br />Brochures can be developed and made available at City Hall and articles can be written for the <br />Ramsey Resident. Mr. Olson noted the hydrant sign boards developed by Public Works are <br />another avenue for reminding residents of the odd- even sprinkling ban. They ate reversible for <br />notification of hydrant flushing. Employees of other cities nave observed the signs when drIving <br />through Ramsey ,and have inquired about the source of them. The materials researched indicated <br />some electric and gas utilities offer rebate or incentive programs to encourage replacement of <br />shower heads and faucets. The Connexus and CenterPoint Energy web sites did not list any <br />programs at this time. <br /> <br />Assistant Public Works Director Olson stated staff has learned that the DNR will be increasing <br />the rate for water pumped in excess of the winter average rate. This fee will be applied to the <br />peak pumping months; this fee is part of the State efforts to encourage conservation. The <br />potential impact of this fee should be reviewed in the Finance Committee; the rate structure may <br />need to be amendedto provide an avenue for passing along this increased fee., <br /> <br />, Assistant Public Works Director Olson advised staff recommends Chapter 9 of the City Code be <br />revised to require 6" of topsoil in all new developments. Rain sensors should be reqUired on all <br />new residential irrigation systems; Educational materials should be developed and disseminated <br />through the website, the Ramsey Resident and brochures at City Hall and the new resident <br />package. Revising the rate structure to encourage conservation should be evaluated and <br />implemented through the Finance Committee and City Council. Mr. Olson indicated the <br />feasibility study for a surface water treatment plant has been authorized, by the City'Council. A <br />strong conservation plan will aid in obtaining regulatory approval for the next two wells in <br />addition to gaining approval of a surface water treatment plant if it is selected as the long term <br />source for drinking water. <br /> <br />After discussion of the policy, the consensus of the Committee was to recommend that the City <br />Council direct the following regarding a Water Conservation Policy: <br /> <br />. Define topsoil to be a sandy lome with 40% organic matter' <br />. Forward the policy for input from the Environmental Policy Board <br />. Education, including a booth at the environmental expo and a QCTV program <br />. Incentive program for existing homeowners to install rain sensors <br /> <br />Public Works Committee I January 17,2006 <br />Page 9. of 14 <br /> <br />12 <br />