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<br />e.g., Blaine, St. Francis, and Andover. He added they have attempted to define the topsoil <br />requirement to have something quantifiable based on the needs in the City. > <br /> <br />Commissioner VanScoy applauded the efforts of staff and the Public Works Committee with <br />respect to water conservation. He asked if the ordinance will be easily enforceable and whether <br />staff believes it will accomplish its intended purpose. <br /> <br />Assistant City Engineer Himmer replied staff believes the ordinance is enforceable and added <br />that staff will be working with the Building Department Staff to incorporate the ordinance into <br />the building permit process. <br /> <br />Commissioner Van Scoy asked what the additional cost will be for the developer to comply with <br />the ordinance. <br /> <br />Assistant City Engineer Rimmer replied that for a quarter-acre lot, including transport and <br />delivery, the additional cost will be approximately $1,000-$1,200 per lot. He added it is <br />important to keep in mind that this additional cost will likely be recouped in water savings to the <br />property owner. <br /> <br />Commissioner Van Scoy asked if there is any way to demonstrate the water savings to the <br />property owner. <br /> <br />Assistant City Engineer Himmer replied this depends on the end user. He stated the educational <br />component of the proposed ordinance will be a significant factor in helping residents understand <br />what they are spending on water and how they can reduce their sprinkling. He added the <br />proposed ordinance relates only to new construction and staff is looking at further conservation <br />measures for existing homeowners. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated staff will rely on an educational program for <br />existing properties with irrigation to help them understand how they can conserve water. <br /> <br />Commissioner VanScoy asked if the proposed ordinance encourages alternatives to sod for <br />certain buildings. <br /> <br />Assistant City Engineer Himmer replied the proposed ordinance does not speak to this and added <br />residential properties are only required to sod the boulevard at this time. He stated staff allows <br />some flexibility with respect to commerciaVindustrial properties as long as it is presented to and <br />approved by the City Council. <br /> <br />Citizen Input <br /> <br />John Enstrom, Ramsey Organic, appeared before the Planning Commission and stated he has <br />been in the business of building and designing soils for thirty years. He added he has worked <br />with Assistant City Engineer Himmer on the proposed ordinance and requested an opportunity to <br />further work with City staff on some of the wording in the ordinance in order to create the most <br /> <br />Planning CommissionlDecember 3, 2008 <br />Page 4 of7 <br />