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<br />Board Member Sibilski responded that there was a recent article in the newspaper about a <br />suburb of St. Paul that was implementing a requirement for six (6) inches of topsoil. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated that other cities have such an ordinance. <br />Blaine has an ordinance similar to this as does Andover. Andover's ordinance is actually <br />highlighted in the Met Council's water conservation toolbox. <br /> <br />Board Member Olds stated there are new homes in his area that put sod on sand, which <br />requires a lot of watering. <br /> <br />Board Member Max expressed his concern that grass evolved from northern Europe is <br />being used in Minnesota. He suggested using less water dependent grasses and different <br />grass mixes. There are other ways to enrich topsoil with compo sting and other <br />alternatives. . <br /> <br />Chairperson McDilda concurred with the recommendation of Board Member Max. <br />Chairperson McDilda suggested looking into what the sod industry is doing to assist with <br />grasses that are more water retentive than Kentucky bluegrass. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson concurred with the concern expressed by Board <br />Member Max. He stated this is one section of code that the City Council does want to <br />see amended, but that education is key; using channels such as the Environmental Expo, <br />using plants that are more appropriate or less water dependent, and providing an incentive <br />for homeowners with existing irrigation systems to retrofit them with rain gauge sensors. <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated rain sensors are already required for multi- <br />family and commercial developments. A permit is not required for single-family homes <br />to install sprinklers. <br /> <br />Chairperson McDilda stated that often times, residents are responsible to self manage the <br />ordinances. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated he brought this to the EPB at the Council's <br />direction, to ask for input and for additional measures the City could investigate for water <br />conservation measures. <br /> <br />Board Member Max stated that he liked the concept of a toolbox for management. He <br />stated that the U of M is within a year of introducing some new turf grasses that use less <br />water. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated it requires changing the perception of the <br />public to get them to use alternate varieties. Some of the newer grass varieties do not <br />have the traditional manicured appearance. A lot of this will fall back on education and <br />changing the mindset over time. <br /> <br />Chairperson McDilda stated he would like to see the City adopt an ordinance that would <br />require a permit for an irrigation system for a single family home. That would be a way <br />to ensure that these systems include rain sensors. <br /> <br />Environmental Policy Board/July 23, 2007 <br />Page 8 of 16 <br />