HomeMy WebLinkAbout10B - Watering Restrictions
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MEETING DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
AGENDA ITEM:
DISCUSSION:
ISSUES:
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake. MN 55372-1714
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
August 20,2007
10B
Craig Eldred, Streets and Utility Supervisor
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT EXTENDING
WATERING RESTRICTIONS THIRTY DAYS EACH YEAR TO OCTOBER 1.
Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to extend the City's even/odd watering
restrictions 30 days each year to facilitate conservation of water.
History
The 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan has the following five-year goal, "Adopt and
implement the well head protection plan and water supply plan emphasizing
production, conservation, education, communication and landscape maintenance
and continue to partner with neighboring communities to protect regional
groundwater resources."
A two-year objective also directs, "Expand conservation and communication
efforts emphasizing efficient use of water to meet the goals of the water supply
plan and promote best management practices; including providing account
consumption information to customers using the Internet.
In 1998, the City adopted even/odd sprinkler restrictions which are effective from
May 1 through September 1. We are proposing that the restrictions be extended
from September 1 to October 1 each year.
Current Circumstances
While the proposal is primarily a water conservation action, there are a number
of good reasons for its implementation:
· Even with restrictions on usage, in June and July there were between 5.6
and 6.3 million gallons of water used per day with a peak day of 7.0
million gallons.
· Landscaping can be satisfactorily cared for with the restrictions we have
adopted.
· Depending upon the year, drought-like weather can extend well into
September.
Conclusion
The Council should determine if the proposed action is a good conservation
proposal as recommended by the 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan.
There are issues relating to this recommendation. In some years the weather
can be quite mild by middle September. In such circumstances the extended
restrictions would be ineffective. By contrast, in years which are warm, the City
www.cityofpriorlake.com
Phone 952.447,9800 / Fax 952.447.4245
could earn greater revenues if it does not extend the restrictions. If the Council
shared this perspective, the extension could be revised to September 15 instead.
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
Revenues would be impacted to some extent based upon the weather. By the
same token the water system is protected from breakdown by extending the
restrictions.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Adopt the Ordinance Amendment extending restrictions to October 1 each
year.
2. Adopt the Ordinance Amendment extending restrictions to September 15
each year.
3. Take no action and leave the Ordinance "as is."
RECOMMENDED Alternative #1.
MOTION:
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CITY OF PRIOR LAKE
ORDINANCE NO. 107-xx
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SUBSECTION 704 OF THE PRIOR LAKE CITY CODE
RELATING TO CITY WATER WORKS SYSTEM
The City Council of the City of Prior Lake hereby ordains that Section 704, subsection 704.1500
is amended to read as follows:
704.1500: ODD-EvEN SPRINKLING BAN: Lawn or garden sprinkling, irrigation, car
washing and other non-essential outdoor use of the Municipal Water System shall
be restricted to an odd/even system in conjunction with an 11 :00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
ban effective May 1 through September October 1. Residents with an odd house
number may water lawns or use an outside hose, when necessary, before 11 :00
a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. only on odd numbered calendar days. Residents with an
even house number may water lawns or use an outside hose, when necessary,
before 11 :00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. only on even numbered calendar days.
This applies to all municipal water users. Exceptions shall be made for
landscaping, including newly seeded or sodded lawns, within the first thirty (30)
days of placement. Private wells used for irrigation shall be exempt from these
restrictions. Municipal water customers who have been notified of a violation of
these restrictions, and who violate them a second time, shall be fined $25.00 for
each day of violation. The fine shall be added to the offender's next water bill. A
third violation shall be cause for discontinuance of water service. After payment of
all outstanding bills, fines and connection fee (as stated in city fee schedule), the
water service shall be restored.
This ordinance shall become effective upon passage and publication.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Prior Lake this 20th day of August 2007.
ATTEST:
City Manager
Mayor
Published in the Prior Lake American on the 25th day of August 2007.
www.cityofpriorlake.com
Phone 952.447,9800 / Fax 952.447.4245