Agenda - Council - 01/27/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Assistant City Engineer Himmer stated that he called around and asked these questions. The way to go is organic and clay. In looking for loam, he inquired of the nurseries if they had something like this available — they said no. When asked if they could create it — they said yes. With regard to the cost — Mr Himmer did not get an answer to that. Most people just ask for topsoil. It would cost about $20 a yard — you can get it from farms for $6 or so — a higher blend is about $35 a yard. Councilmember Dehen inquired what is staff's recommendation on how we can show leadership — good topsoil but not going overboard. Is there some compromise to get everyone on board. Mr. Himmer stated that in looking at Blaine and Andover's Codes, they gave ambiguous definitions of what topsoil is and they do not have specifications. He felt that this ordinance would give the City a quantifying start. Councilmember Look stated that we admit we are not soil experts; however, an expert is saying 60 to 80% and we are coming up with 5 to 15 %. He added that Councilmember McGlone had recommended a place and soil to him where the cost was very low. Councilmember McGlone stated it was the County NRG. Councilmember Look stated that we have a water conservation problem in the City. If we put together a topsoil — say 30% - it is a compromise. Businesses will get creative and find ways to do this. He stated he did not know if 5% or even 80% is the answer — that might be cost prohibitive. If we do not have topsoil requirements now, this is better than what we have, providing we can implement it. He suggested "testing the waters ". Mr. Himmer stated staff previously brought forward 40% and were told we were out of the ballpark. The Public Works Committee recommended advancing it to the Environmental Policy Board and they gave the same opinion. Councilmember Look stated that he appreciates advisory boards but if Council decides 40 %, it will be 40 %. Councilmember McGlone stated that NRG will sell to the public. The cost for non - screened dirt it is about $8 a yard; screened would be about $12 a yard. There is still the cost of trucking but you would have some serious organic content. Councilmember Look stated that Mr. Enstrom says that compost does not screen well, that it removes the organics. Mayor Ramsey stated we are just talking about introducing this ordinance and suggested changes could be made later. City Council /January 13, 2009 Page 26 of 32