Minutes - Planning Commission - 03/02/2017

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Commissioner Anderson inquired if the property would be fenced. Mr. Johnson indicated only the playground area on the southwest corner would be fenced. Commissioner Surma expressed concern with the lack of parking that would be available for pick- up and drop-off. He believed the Coburn’s parking lot did not have adequate parking, especially during peak times and that businesses there were negatively impacted. Mr. Johnson stated the proposed parking was all that would be allowed on the one acre lot. Commissioner VanScoy believed the proposed project was much needed and would greatly benefit the City of Ramsey and The COR. Chairperson Bauer was pleased that both parties were able to reach an agreement on the purchase agreement. Assistant City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama summarized the feedback provided by the Planning Commission. He understood a public road connection was preferred. 5.03: Consider Draft Ordinance Amendment Addressing Irrigation Requirements (Discussion Purposes Only) Presentation City Planner Anderson presented the staff report stating over the past two months, the Environmental Policy Board (EPB) has discussed a potential ordinance amendment regarding irrigation requirements for multi-family and commercial/industrial developments. The intention originally was simply to eliminate the City Code requirement that in-ground irrigation systems shall be installed in all multi-family and commercial/industrial projects. However, based on information received at their January meeting from a guest speaker, the EPB directed Staff to revise the DRAFT Ordinance so that it also stipulates that if an irrigation system is installed (including single family parcels), it shall be equipped with a rain sensor (per state statute) as well as one or more water efficient technologies. This could include, but would not be limited to, a smart controller, soil moisture sensor(s), and/or an evapotranspiration (ET) sensor(s). This provides enough flexibility so that as future advances in water efficient irrigation technologies are developed, it will not require additional ordinance amendments. City Planner Anderson explained the cost of these ‘smart’, water efficient technologies has come down as they have become more commonplace. Again, based on input from a guest speaker from Conserva Irrigation, including a smart controller, for example, to a new irrigation system, only adds about $250 to $350 to the overall cost. It is more expensive to retrofit existing systems with the more water efficient technologies, approximately $650 to $750. However, the Return on Investment (ROI) for a standard residential system could be realized relatively quickly, maybe in as few as two to four years (and would be even quicker on larger, commercial systems). Planning Commission/March 2, 2017 Page 11 of 15