Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 12/01/2008

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Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that this item was requested during the October meeting to summarize the regulations for in ground irrigation systems. He advised that a permit is required, regardless of whether it is for single family, multi-family or commercial/industrial, and that the permit fee is $47.50 for a single family home and $60.50 for multi-family and commercial/industrial properties. He explained that the permit covers the cost of one round-trip inspection, along with the issuance of the permit and administrative costs that go along with it. He advised that as of July 1, 2003, all new irrigation systems need to be equipped with rain sensors per MN Statute 103G.298. He advised that newer technology is now available, such as moisture sensors and that retrofitting a system with either rain sensors or moisture sensors would not require a permit. He advised that during the inspection process the City checks to make sure that the irrigation system is fitted with a back-flow prevention device. Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that this item was on the agenda at the request of the Board but also explained that Staff was hoping that this may lead into a broader discussion of water conservation. He explained that the Board could look further into this item and recommend items to the City Council, such as methods for conserving water. He thought this item could be discussed further during Case # 3. Chairperson McDilda advised that he would save his water conservation ideas for the Case # 3. Case #2 Citizen Group Summary Report on Open Space Referendum Research Board Member Sibilski stated that the feasibility study results were fairly favorable, outlining several potential funding options. He advised that Embrace Open Space then conducted a public opinion survey in the City in July and August of 2008. He advised that there was interest in protecting certain areas in the City but that the sentiment was that due to current economic conditions, now was not an appropriate time to consider any tax increase. He explained that Embrace Open Space was not willing to publish the results of the survey at this time and stated that that was their right to do so because they funded the project. He advised that the City may choose to move forward on this when or at least reconsider this once the economy improves. Board Member Max thought that the survey results could have been more favorable had it been conducted sooner rather than later, but agreed that it may have been a blessing in disguise because with the current economy the referendum probably would not have passed this past November. Case #3: 2009 Work Plan Discussion Environmental Coordinator Anderson advised that with the year coming to an end, the Board should start to discuss items for inclusion in their 2009 work plan. He stated that the current year had been a fairly active year for the Board, including the tree planting in Riverdale Park, the revamped Environmental Expo and Tree Sale, and exploring open space referendum possibilities. He advised of a few possible ideas for the Board to explore in 2009. He stated that the Public Works Committee had requested that the EPB explore water conservation ideas and advised that item would be added to the work plan. Chairperson McDilda thought that it would be very beneficial to get the input of the newly elected City Council in regard to the 2009 proposed work plan, once completed. He thought that the tree planting should be added to the work plan as an annual item, as he enjoyed that project Environmental Policy Board / December 1, 2008 Page 2 of7