Agenda - Council Work Session - 03/16/2020 - Special

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146 principal building. However, this is not necessarily addressing the water usage as many property owners have not altered the programming of their irrigation system to account for the higher organic content of the topsoil. The Environmental Policy Board (EPB) recommended a change to City Code that required any new in -ground irrigation system to be equipped with some form of water efficient technology (e.g. smart controller, soil moisture sensors, evapotranspiration sensors, etc.). But, beyond that, the EPB also expressed an interest in incentives and/or rebates to encourage existing property owners with in - ground irrigation systems to consider retrofitting their irrigation system with water efficient technologies. Due to the greater financial impact of retrofitting, the EPB felt that a carrot, rather than a stick, approach would be better. There continues to be a need for public education on the current status of groundwater availability and conservation techniques and measures that could be implemented by individual property owners to help reduce the demand on aquifers. Ramsey has a keen interest in this subject as it had previously explored utilizing surface water from the Mississippi River as a source of drinking water. However, this is truly a regional issue and one that Ramsey believes needs a regional solution. Thus, instituting an education and awareness campaign around groundwater has the distinct ability to help delay and defer any significant capital expenses that Ramsey may incur. Solid Waste Reduction Ramsey contracts with a single hauler for curbside service for single-family residential . This not only helps with participation rates and education, but also helps reduce the number of trucks traversing local streets (less wear and tear and likely reduces air pollutants as well). The curbside program provides collection of recyclables on an every other week (EOW) schedule. Ramsey is divided into an east side and west side for collection purposes, generally along Sunfish Lake Blvd and Nowthen Blvd (with all residential properties south of Highway 10 being considered west). In 2014, State Statute 115A.551 (Recycling) was amending to specify that by December 31, 2030, each metropolitan county will have a goal to recycle seventy-five percent (75%), by weight, of the total solid waste generated. Furthermore, it states that counties will develop or require political subdivisions within the county to develop and implement programs, practices, and/or methods designed to achieve this goal. In recognition of this aggressive goal, Ramsey has created new and/or additional opportunities for residents to properly dispose of recyclable materials. This includes expanding the list of acceptable materials collected during Ramsey's Recycling Day events, which now accepts carpet, carpet padding, textiles, motor oil, oil filters, and antifreeze. Additionally, Ramsey has added a third Recycling Day (summer) event to provide an additional opportunity for residents to properly dispose of materials generally not accepted through the curbside program. After review of a recent metropolitan waste sort (completed for Hennepin County in 2016), it is clear that organic materials represent the largest component remaining in trash. This represents a potential opportunity to boost Ramsey's recycling tonnage, which led the city to implement an organics recycling drop-off program. city of RAMSEY Comprehensive Plan 2040