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6.3. ERMUSR 02-12-2008J, Elk River -;= Municipal Utilities 13069 Orono Parkway • PO. Box 430 Elk River, MN 55330-0430 February 6, 2008 To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Jerry Takle Jerry Gumphrey Jim Tralle From: Bryan Adams Subject: Grass Test Plot Phone: 763.441.2020 Fax: 763.441.8099 Utility and City Staff have been working on appropriate language for the proposed black dirt policy ~~~e discussed at previous meetings. City Attorney Peter Beck is now reviewing this proposed ordinance which is attached. Vl-'e now have, an opportunity to take this policy to another level w~~ith the use of eco-grasses. Bill Bronder with the Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District is applying for a state grant to do some test plots using eco-grass. Mr. Bronder is looking at us to partner with his office on this test. Typical grass used in our area is Kentucky Blue grass which requires much water, fertilizer, and frequent mowing. Kentucky Blue grass is very drought intolerant and turns brown while going dormant with loss of water. Eco-grass is anon-native fescue grass blend. This grass needs much less water and fertilizer with extended mowing intervals. Eco-grass is also much more drought tolerant. We would provide areas to do test plots in high visible areas where Eco-grass and Kentucky Blue grass-would be exhibited side by side. We have available areas by V~ells #2, 4, and 7 that have high visibility to the public. Our costs would be some staff tune and up to $1000 for grass seed. Elk River Park and Recreation is also looking at part;.cipating in this test. Staff recommends authorization be given to partner with Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District in this test. ORDINANCE 08- CITY OF ELK RIVER AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER «ordinance title here» The City Council of the City of Elk River does hereby ordain as follow: SECTION 1. Purpose Excessive watering of green spaces is a waste of valuable natural resources, thereby unnecessarily depleting our underground water supply contained in the aquifers. Excessive watering of green spaces necessitates additional water infrastructure to supply and deliver this water. Excessive watering increases undesirable run off to the storm water system. Adding topsoil and tilling the top 8" of grade after building construction is complete, breaks up the compacted soil from construction activities and increases water penetration into the ground therefore decreases water runoff and increases the drought tolerance of grass cover. SECTION 2. Policy All planned green space area in all residential and commercial lots in the urban service district, shall have 4" top soil tilled into the upper approximate 8" of grade. In larger lots (greater than one half acre) outside the urban service district, the disturbed areas shall have 4" top soil tilled into the upper approximate 8" of grade. Top soil shall meet the requirements of MNDOT Specification 3877 "Select Topsoil" containing the following approximate blend of materials: Minimum Maximum Sand 20% 70% Clay 5% 30% Silt 10% 70% Organic 10% 20% In locations where the above approximate blend of materials already exist on the lot, as determined by an independent certified testing laboratory or with prior approval of the Elk River building official, tilling the top 8" of grade only shall meet the intent of this ordinance. SECTION 3. Enforcement City of Elk River building official shall enforce this ordinance. Property owner or builder shall provide a certificate of compliance accompanied with appropriate receipts certifying this work has been completed prior to issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. This Ordinance shall take effect upon publication as provided by law. Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Elk River this day of , 2008. Attest: Stephanie Klinzing Mayor Tina Allard City Clerk CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE FOR ORDINANCE 08- I owner/contractor for the building at have installed 4" of top soil and tilled it into the top 8" of native soil per ordinance #08- As certification that this work was completed, the following receipts are attached (check the appropriate box). ^ Invoice for Top Soil ^ Invoice for Tilling operation ^ Invoice from Contractor doing work ^ Other