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5. POLICY BOARD BUSINESS 5.01: Topsoil Requirement Update Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson presented the staff report. He confirmed that the topsoil requirements of Ramsey appear to be much more specific and more stringent than other communities. He noted that the results of a topsoil study in North Commons are not yet available and explained that the study is being completed in order to have data behind the specification. Board Member Valentine questioned when the results of the study will be known, as it will be helpful to have that data in regard to this process regarding top soil specification. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson believed the study results will be presented this winter. He stated that the recent MnDOT update has put some pressure on the timeline. Board Member Valentine questioned if the new MnDOT standard is similar to what the City already had. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson believed that there is a standard within the MnDOT specification book which is similar to what the City had, although he noted that each of the specifications have a fairly broad range of compositions. He stated that he is charged with conducting the topsoil inspections and highlighted some of the issues he has noticed on the sites. He noted that if the irrigation systems are not adjusted to account for the additional water holding capacity, the top soil mix becomes a null issue. He advised that because of the MnDOT changes the issue will come before the Public Works Committee he thought in December as the current specification references now out of date MnDOT information. He believed that a menu of options for water conservation could be provided in addition to a topsoil specification. He reviewed the recently updated MnDOT specification and compared that to the City's existing specification. Chairperson Max stated that he would support option A at this time and agreed that the issue should be placed on a future agenda to discuss alternate water conservation options. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson explained that the issue will first be reviewed by the Public Works Committee and then the City Council, noting after that time further direction will be known. He confirmed that the issue of water conservation could certainly come back before the Board in the future. Board Member Bentz questioned if the rain sensor language included for multi- family residential and commercial properties could be swapped out with a soil moisture sensor. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that had been debated in the past but the cost implication was not known at that time. He agreed that staff could look into that option. He noted that another option would be whether an in- ground irrigation system should even be required. Environmental Policy Board / December 2, 2013 Page 2 of 6