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Development Services Manager Gladhill questioned the expense of a soil moisture sensor. <br />Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson did not have an exact expense, but <br />noted other cities had begun incentive programs for the use of these devices. He explained that <br />in the long run, the property owner would see savings through reduced water usage. He <br />commented the City of Ramsey was approached by the State to implement some water saving <br />measures. The soil moisture sensor was a part of this program along with requiring top soil. <br />Commissioner Bauer suggested property owners with multiple roadway frontages be allowed <br />greater flexibility with tree credits. <br />Development Services Manager Gladhill commented this could be considered. <br />Commissioner Field stated the additional expense of the soil moisture sensor may deter some <br />new businesses. However, future cost saving benefits and use of these sensors could be <br />encouraged. <br />Development Services Manager Gladhill indicated the City had four test plots with varying levels <br />of top soil and soil moisture sensors. He explained that if the Commission would like to hold off <br />on this mandate, further analysis would be available in the future. <br />Commissioner Bauer did not support the 50% building perimeter requirement. <br />Chair Levine was concerned with the sensors becoming a mandate. <br />Development Services Manager Gladhill stated Staff would report back to the Commission at a <br />future date with further information as there was an aesthetic benefit. <br />Motion by Commissioner Schiller, seconded by Commissioner Brauer, to amend the City Code <br />draft for the Consolidated Landscaping Section removing the soil moisture sensor mandate and <br />the building perimeter requirement. <br />Motion Carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Levine, Commissioners Bauer, Brauer, Field, Perez, <br />Schiller, and Van Scoy. Voting No: None. Absent: None. <br />Development Services Manager Gladhill reviewed the amendments made to the draft City Code <br />this evening and recommended the Commission close the public hearing and take action on the <br />amended sections of the zoning code. <br />Citizen Input <br />None. <br />Planning Commission /September 6, 2012 <br />Page 16 of 18 <br />