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<br />Case #1: <br /> <br />Water Conservation Guidebook/Tool Box <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson presented the staff report and distributed an email that <br />Board Member Riley-Daniels sent him outlining some ideas for the water conservation tool box. <br /> <br />Board Member Freeburg distributed several handouts regarding irrigation, water demands and a <br />copy of his water bill. He suggested that the water bill should be revised to reflect the water <br />usage in 1,000's of gallons so that people have a better understanding of just how much water <br />they are consuming. <br /> <br />Board Member Enstrom recommended explaining the actual cost of wells, including installation, <br />lifespan with and without irrigation systems and the cost of pumps. This adds up to a rather <br />significant cost while most people are under the impression that well water is 'free'. <br /> <br />Board Member Enstrom stated that he has prepared a write up that focuses on how to grow grass <br />in Ramsey and mentioned that it is important to use non-salt based fertilizers, as salts will <br />destroy beneficial organisms in the soil. <br /> <br />Board Member Hassett recommended that the tool box include 'top 10' lists that highlight or <br />summarize various water conservation options. <br /> <br />Board Member Bentz suggested that the tool box should really focus on why people want a yard. <br /> <br />Chairperson Max formulated a list of topics that may be included in the <br />included: <br />. Soil <br />. Seed <br />. Fertilizer <br />. Mowing <br />. Mulching/Composting <br />. Irrigation <br />. Rain Sensors <br />. Moisture Sensors <br />. Pest Control <br />. Ground Water Quality <br />. Dust Control <br />. Low Flow Fixtures <br />. Rain Barrels <br />. Rain Gardens <br /> <br />'tool box', which <br /> <br />. Wildlife <br />. Landscape Considerations <br />. Rain Gutters <br />. Native Plants <br />. Top Dressing <br />. Dormancy vs. Death <br />. Car Washing <br />. Hardscape Options <br />. Xeriscape Landscaping <br />. Alternative (Forgotten) Sources of Water <br />. Evaporation <br />. Grass Clippings <br />. Yard Conversion <br />. Grey Water <br /> <br />The Board then discussed the outline of the 'tool box', which will include an introduction, major <br />categories such as benefits, lawn care, alternative landscaping, alternative water sources, <br />irrigation, Ramsey rules, calendar, top ten lists, grant opportunities and resources. <br /> <br />The Board proceeded to assign categories to individual members as follows: <br /> <br />Environmental Policy Board / July 6, 2009 <br />Page 2 of3 <br />