Minutes - Public Works Committee - 01/17/2006

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structure to encourage conservation, adopting regulations, requiring rainfall sensors on irrigation systems, promoting use of water conserving fixtures and educating customers. The development agreements for multi-family and commercial buildings have required rain sensors for several years. The requirement should be extended to single family irrigation systems; however a permit is not required so the single family system plans are not reviewed. Measures suggested for new development include requiring 6" of topsoil under landscaping areas and promoting use of low water demand plants. The ordinance can include a definition of acceptable topsoil materials. Examples of informational materials are attached for your review. These materials can be incorporated in the Public Works section of the City website or links to the sources can be added. Brochures can be developed and made available at City Hall and articles can be xwitten for the Ramsey Resident. Mr. Olson noted the hydrant sign boards developed by Public Works are another avenue for reminding residents of the odd- even sprinkling ban. They are reversible for notification of hydrant flushing. Employees of other cities have observed the signs when driving through Ramsey and have inquired about the source of them. The materials researched indicated some electric and gas utilities offer rebate or incentive programs to encourage replacement of shower heads and faucets. The Connexus and CenterPoint Energy websites did not list any programs at this time. Assistant Public Works Director Olson stated staff has learned that the DNR will be increasing the rate for water pumped in excess of the winter average rate. This fee will be applied to the peak pumping months; this fee is part of the State efforts to encourage conservation. The potential impact of this fee should be reviewed in the Finance Committee; the rate structure may need to be amended to provide an avenue for passing along this increased fee. Assistant Public Works Director Olson advised staff recommends Chapter 9 of the City Code be revised to require 6" of topsoil in all new developments. Rain sensors should be required on all new residential irrigation systems. Educational materials should be developed and disseminated through the website, the Ramsey Resident and brochures at City Hall and the new resident package. Revising the rate structure to encourage conservation should be evaluated and implemented through the Finance Committee and City Council. Mr. Olson indicated the feasibility study for a surface water treatment plant has been authorized by the City Council. A strong conservation plan will aid in obtaining regulatory approval for the next two wells in addition to gaining approval of a surface water treatment plant if it is selected as the long term source for drinking water. Chairperson Elvig suggested this Committee make a recommendation on the policy, and that it be forwarded to the Environmental Policy Board as well. After discussion of the policy, the consensus of the Committee was to recommend that the City Council direct the following regarding a Water Conservation Policy: · Define topsoil to be a sandy lome with 40% organic matter · Forward the policy for input from the Environmental Policy Board · Education, including a booth at the environmental expo and a QCTV program · Incentive program for existing homeowners to install rain sensors Public Works Committee / January 17, 2006 Page 9 of 14