Minutes - Planning Commission - 09/03/2009

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Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that while stepping back to 25% organic matter would be a step down from the original requirement, prior to this there had been no requirement in place. He advised that there is a cost upfront but the cost down the line would be reduced. He eXplained that the proposed changes would allow for a larger market of suppliers, rather than having one supplier with a monopoly. He stated that staff envisioned the pre-certification of the soil process to simplify the process for the builders and homeowners. Commissioner Brauer stated that staff should instead certify the people that certify the soils, rather than specific suppliers. City Engineer Himmer explained that a contract had been put in place with a Geotechnical Consultant and the City that included this service at no cost. He advised that the point was to not pass this cost.onto the homeowner. Commissioner Dunaway stated that the end request came down to the different levels required in the soil. He stated that he was concerned that this discussion could come up again down the road. He advised that he understood the reason for the requirement and the intent to conserve water, as the City is one of the highest water consumers for the Metro area. City Engineer Himmer stated that the reason for the composition was to develop an easily quantifiable soil mixture. Chairperson Levine stated that he was concerned that dropping the organic material and raising the sand levels would affect the amount of water conservation. City Engineer Himmer confirmed that this change would be lowering the standards but reminded the Commission that prior to this there was not a requirement in the City. He explained that this process would help City staff to quantify the soil. He advised that while the intention was not to create a Ramsey mix of soil that is what the result would be. He confirmed that while the change to the ordinance would not retain as much water it would still be twice the recommendation of any other city in the state. Motion by Commissioner Brauer to recommend that City Council not adopt an ordinance amending the definition of topsoil in Section 9.02 (Definitions) of City Code. Motion Failed. V oting Yes: Commissioner Brauer. Voting No: Chairperson Levine, Commissioners Cleveland, Dunaway, Hunt, and Rogers. Absent: Commissioner VanScoy. Motion by Commissioner Brauer, seconded by Commissioner Cleveland, to recommend that City Council adopt an ordinance amending the definition of topsoil in Section 9.02 (Definitions) of City Code reducing the minimum required organic content to twenty-five percent (25%) and increasing the maximum allowable sand content to thirty percent (30%). Further discussion: Commissioner Hunt stated that he would be in favor of using the high-end MINDOT scale rather than creating a Ramsey mix; City Engineer Rimmer stated that when this Planning Commission / September 3, 2009 Page 8 of 10