Agenda - Council Work Session - 04/07/2009

Home

:L - CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Topic Report: Topsoil Ordinance By: Tim Rimmer, Assistant City Engineer Background: Due to the City's soil type, being located in the Anoka sand plain, Ramsey has been identified as one of the largest users of non-consumptive water in the metro area. The City has been considering ways to conserve water and "keep Ramsey's water in Ramsey" for several years now. The proposed topsoil ordinance is one way to accomplish that goal. This ordinance alone will not achieve the overall water conservation goal, but it is a step in the right direction. Requiring topsoil that will increase water retention capacity should be considered to decrease irrigation needs and work in conjunction with other initiatives that have already been implemented. At the January 13, 2009 City Council meeting staff introduced the proposed ordinance for consideration and discussion. The Council felt that the ordinance, as introduced, was not stringent enough in regards to organic content, and made revisions to the specific soil composition. It was decided that the new specification would be introduced, as amended that evening, and that it would be brought forward to a future work session for further discussion and refinements prior to adoption. Additional information was requested for inclusion in that discussion; including having samples on hand for review, a price break down of each, and a list of suppliers that could produce the material. Staff has continued investigating this matter and is now prepared to discuss the matter further. In addition to the materials requested, a local supplier of topsoil blends will be available at the meeting to answer questions. Action Statement: Based upon discussion Reviewed by: Assistant City Engin; Director of Public 0 City Administrator CCWS: 4/7/2008