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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes <br /> November 17, 1998 <br /> Page 5 <br /> Thompson stated fertilizer manufacturers should be restricted from the use of phosphorus in their <br /> products. Gondorchin stated that natural factors may also be'a cause of erosion, and'enforcement <br /> is difficult. <br /> Bergstrom requested a consensus from the Commission with regard to the lawn fertilizer <br /> restriction issue. Bergstrom invited Mr. Doug Jones to speak at his insistence. Mr. Jones stated <br /> vendors have state licenses and could be restricted from using phosphorus fertilizers in the City. <br /> He added certain instances require the application of phosphorus to soil which can be determined <br /> through soil tests. He reiterated his position that phosphorus,should be banned from the <br /> community. <br /> Gondorchin stated his support of the lawn fertilizer restriction, expressing his strict opposition to <br /> the total ban of phosphorus fertilizers as there is no proof that other factors do not promote the <br /> degradation of Silver Lake. <br /> Bergstrom stated it will be necessary for the ordinance under question to meet the requirements <br /> • of the Metropolitan Council as it relates to the Comprehensive Plan. <br /> Doug Jones, 2505 Silver Lane, stated phosphorus is the controlling element in lake water and <br /> must be reduced to decrease the chemical mix in the water. He added the Planning Commission <br /> should not be concerned with the enforcement of a ban on phosphorus fertilizers as City staff <br /> would be responsible for such enforcement. He cited the metropolitan communities of Plymouth <br /> and Eden Prairie which have instituted bans on phosphorus fertilizers, adding this encourages <br /> suppliers to eliminate phosphorus from their products. <br /> Mr. Jones presented his comments on the Planning Commission's recommended changes to the <br /> draft storm water ordinance, adding residents should be responsible for controlling storm water <br /> on their property. He added a total ban on phosphorus fertilizer applications should.be imposed <br /> on areas closest to Silver Lake, and residents in the area support this idea. He stressed the <br /> importance of water treatment requirements for commercial sites. <br /> Bergstrom thanked Mr. Jones.for his comments, adding the process is on-going and includes <br /> opportunities for fine tuning. <br /> Gondorchin asked whether any residents on the lake have pools, and where pool water is drained. <br /> Mr. Jones confirmed there are 2 pools in St. Anthony and 1 pool in Columbia Heights. He added <br /> he has a spa in his house which he drains onto his grass, and larger pools are only drained once <br /> every 3 years. <br /> • <br /> Bergstrom stated the ordinance will be redrafted with the Commission's changes and presented <br />