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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes "Draft" September 21, 2004 Page 8 1 Tony Jordan stated that he has owned the property for approximately ten years. He stated that he 2 has always thought it would be nice to have a natural prairie next to the adjacent park. He stated 3 that over the years they have saved money and made it happen last year. He stated that he was 4 not aware of an ordinance regarding this type of planting noting that he recently received 5 notification that he is not in compliance with City Ordinance. He stated that he also found out 6 that he could not get a variance to the ordinance noting that it has to be amended. He stated that 7 he would like to be the catalyst to make that happen. He indicated that within the City there are 8 smaller projects similar to his that would also be included in this process. He stated that their 9 intent is to have a natural prairie. 10 11 Chair Stromgren asked Mr. Jordan to clarify his understanding of a natural prairie. 12 13 Mr. Jordan explained that it would include plants and grasses noting that there would be a list of 14 noxious plants that would not be included and if observed in the yard,would be removed. He 15 stated that a representative from Prairie Restorations,who did the actual installation, is with him 16 tonight to answer any questions the Commission might have regarding the plantings. 17 18 Ron Bowen, Prairie Restorations, stated that his company has been in business for thirty years. 19 He stated that he has become more involved in City ordinance issues noting that some Cities 20 have taken a more aggressive approach noting that what Mr. Jordan has a small space in the 21 backyard that is a perennial garden with native plants. He noted that the weed ordinances that are 22 coming along are allowing for native plants and encouraging native plants. He stated that this 23 saves water and infrastructure for the City in addition to providing a haven for native songbirds 24 in the area. He stated that it is an individual issue and acknowledged the City Ordinances and 25 their purposes. He stated that they do not have the same issues that were a concern at the time 26 that the ordinances were developed. He reviewed the benefits of the native landscaping with the 27 Commission. He offered to work with the City to develop new language for the ordinance that 28 would incorporate native landscaping standards for the ordinance. He stated that he does not 29 think native landscaping is going away noting that it is not a trend. 30 31 Commissioner Jensen asked for clarification of the area. Mr. Jordan stated that currently it 32 would remain in its' present location in the backyard. 33 34 Commissioner Jensen clarified that what he is asking is if they are proposing that the ordinance 35 be changed so that individuals could convert their entire property or just a portion of the 36 property. Mr. Bowen stated that this is a very individual thing. He stated that the property 37 should start with a general balance and reviewed with the Commission. He stated that for some 38 it could be a portion turf grass and a portion non-turf grass noting that the City could review and 39 identify a maximum split to include in the verbiage of the ordinance. He stated that the 40 landscaping is good for the land noting that it is a personal judgment and to a certain extent a 41 property right issue. He noted that the six-inch ordinance is so vague and recommended 42 considering a change. 43