Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 07/23/2007

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Board Member Bentz asked if the database errors were from the MNRAM database. Mr. Javens responded that there are problems with the Access database. He stated he would be in contact with the people in the office and if necessary contact BWSR. He assured the EPB members that the bugs would be worked out of the program. Case #2: Establishing Top Soil Requirements in City Code Environmental Coordinator Anderson reported that this came about in January 2006 when the Public Works Committee was holding discussions with the Engineering staff. Ramsey is one of the largest users of non-consumptive water and irrigation. Chairperson McDilda asked how the water usage is determined. Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that he was not quite certain, but would clarify that information with Civil Engineer II Linton. Board Member Olds explained that the City goes through peak watering of 6.5 million gallons of water per day in the summer, based on pumping through the water towers. This usage does not include residential private wells, but is determined only on usage based upon the volume and number of residential water meters in the City. Board Member Max asked if that was monitored and compared on a seasonal basis. Board Member Olds answered in the affirmative. Environmental Coordinator Anderson read an e-mail from the City Engineer Jankowski. He stated according to the DNR, Ramsey ranks 13th in the metro area in water use. In 2003, the city summer/winter water use ratio was 4.5. In 2005 it decreased to 3.35 presumably due partially to the education and sprinkling ban. The DNR wants this ratio to drop down to no more than 2.6. Board Member Bentz stated that in January the usage was 2.6 million gallons. Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that the Public Works Committee recommended that the City establish some topsoil requirements for new developments to add moisture holding capacity to the soils. The recommendation of the Public Works Committee, which was subsequently ratified by City Council in February of last year, was that Chapter 9 of City Code be amended to require six (6) inches of topsoil (topsoil would be defined as a sandy loam with at least forty percent [40%] organic matter) in all landscaped areas of new developments and that this be forwarded to the EPB for any additional input. He asked for input from the EPB on this recommendation. Chairperson McDilda asked if there was precedence for this. Environmental Policy Board/July 23, 2007 Page 7 of 16