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John Enstrom, 8702 - 181" Avenue, stated he had been asked to assist with a topsoil ordinance <br />with the goal to conserve water resources. He indicated the basis of the new recommendation <br />was not for water conservation, but for a cheap way for developers to develop their properties. <br />He stated this Ordinance would not conserve water. He noted the City has a unique soil <br />environment. He indicated the City needed something for the City and not for the entire State. <br />He stated soil was available and there were a lot of places to go and get dirt once the soil was <br />inspected. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated the purpose of this Ordinance was not to save money for developers <br />and by having a topsoil ordinance would add costs to developments.' <br />Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Mayor Ramsey, to waive the reading and adopt <br />Ordinance #10 -01, amending the definition of topsoil in City Code Section 9.02 (Definitions) to <br />read as follows: <br />Topsoil: Black dirt composed of unconsolidated material, largely undecomposed organic matter <br />that is a suitable foundation for vegetative growth. The composition of the topsoil shall include a <br />well balanced medium consistent with the requirements of Table 3877 -3 in MnDOT <br />Specifications 3877 (Premium Topsoil Borrow), and a copy of said table will be on file at the <br />City offices. <br />Further discussion: Councilmember Dehen stated there had to be some balance on quality soil <br />and enforcement. City Engineer Himmer responded the U of M testing was for the organic side <br />and the MnDOT testing was for the structural side. Mr. Enstrom recommended a minimum of <br />five or six inches instead of four inches. Councilmember Wise stated this was a huge <br />improvement over what the City has had and he believed this would save a lot of money on <br />water. <br />Motion by Councilmember Dehen, seconded by Councilmember Look, to amend the motion for <br />an additional 2 inches of top soil or 4 inches of NRT. <br />Amendment to Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Ramsey, Councilmembers Dehen, Look, <br />Elvig, McGlone, and Wise. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Jeffrey. <br />A roll call vote was performed by the Recording Secretary: <br />Councilmember Dehen <br />Councilmember McGlone <br />Councilmember Wise <br />Councilmember Elvig <br />Councilmember Jeffrey <br />Councilmember Look <br />Mayor Ramsey <br />Motion carried. <br />aye <br />aye <br />aye <br />aye <br />absent <br />aye <br />aye <br />City Council/ January 12, 2010 <br />Page 10 of 13 <br />