HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - May 20, 2009 Public CommentsContinued May 20,2009
THE TIME ALLOWED PER NON -AGENDA ITEM FOR COMMENTS MADE BY THE
PUBLIC IS LIMITED TO FIVE MINUTES. The City Council cannot deliberate or take any
action on a non -agenda item unless there is factual evidence presented to the City Council
indicating that the subiect brought up by the public does fall into one of the exceptions
under Government Code Section 54954.2 in that (a) there is an emergency situation. or (b)
the need to take action on the item arose subsequentto the agenda's being posted.
Unless the City Council is presented with this factual evidence. the City Council will refer
the matter for review and placement on a future City Council aaenda.
Steve Jarrett, Vice Chair of the Lodi Improvement Committee (LIC), read a prepared letter (filed)
by LIC Chair Bob Takeuchi regardingthe establishment of an Eastside Summit for the
improvement and funding of the infrastructure, appearance, and private investment into Lodi's
eastside and requesting the appointment of a City Council representative to work with LIC on this
effort. Mr. Jarrett requested the matter be placed on a future Council agenda.
Suga Moriwaki distributed to Council a booklet prepared by the San Joaquin Historian regarding
Lodi's Japantown and further provided a brief historyof Lodi's Japanese community.
Ms. Moriwaki requested that the City consider including an historical time line on its Website to
includethe diverse ethnic communities in Lodi, which have contributed greatly to the culture and
economics of this City.
Louise Fassio distributed information regarding rebates for syntheticturf (filed) and urged Council
to consider offering such a program in Lodi. In responseto Mayor Hansen, Ms. Fassio confirmed
that she is involvedwith the installation of synthetic turf and works for Valley Landscaping and
Maintenance. To date, the company has completed four projects in Lodi.
Ann Cerney expressed concern regarding the suggestion of synthetic turf, stating that
groundwater is recharged by seepage of rain from the water table and any covering that impedes
that process should be taken into consideration.
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Council Member Johnson commented on a recent meeting of the San Joaquin County Board of
Supervisors, at which the Board discussed the allocation of Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds. Several disparaging comments were made about the City of Lodi and its decision
to become an entitlement city, which puts the City outside of the County's control of CDBG funds,
and he expressed disappointment in the i mpl ications that were made.
Council Member Mounce announced that the Greater Lodi Area Youth Commission will once
again host Teen Lead, which helps foster leadershipfor young people in Lodi. She provided
application packets to each Council Member and encouraged them to share the information.
Anyone wishing to participate or be a sponsor was encouraged to contact the Lodi Youth
Commission at 333-6800 x2424. Ms. Mounce further reminded Council that the upcoming
League of California Cities meeting will be held on June 11 at Wine and Roses; guest speaker
will be California State ControllerJohn Chiang. Steven Qualls, League of California Cities
representative, added that due to the generosity of local sponsors there will be no charge for
dinner.
Council Member Hitchcock requested that the Council decision to install syntheticturf at the
Grape Bowl be agendized for reconsideration. Since the action was taken, she has received
further information and feedback and is uncomfortable with the decision that was made.
Ms. Hitchcock requested a more detailed report regarding synthetic turf be provided to Council to
include cost, cost savings, and any controversy.
REBATES FOR SYNTHETIC TURF
Good evening Mayor, City Council Members, and Staff.
I am here tonight to urge you to consider a rebate program for the replacement of natural
grass with synthetic turf for the homeowners and business owners in the City of Lodi.
We have always been considered a progressive city when it comes to ideas and programs
that not only save money but also improves our community as a whole. For those
homeowners and business owners that choose to install synthetic t -y -E, I feel we should
reward their decisions to conserve our natural resources. For those who are unaware of
the benefits of synthetic turf, I feel we should spread the word and give our community
an incentive to improve everyone's quality of life. The savings benefits can be seen
immediately and continue to be seen on a long-term basis. The ecological benefits are
overwhelming. We not only improve our air quality but also experience a savings of our
most precious commodity, water. It is not only important but also necessary.
Why we need to conserve water:
The State of California is in its third year of drought. In each year of the current drought,
annual rainfall and the water content in the Sierra snowpack have been significantly
below the amounts needed to fill the California's reservoir system. The rainfall and
snowpack deficits in each year of the current drought have put California further and
further behind in meeting its essential water needs. 2008 was the driest spring and
summer on record, with rainfall at 76 percent below average. The Sacramento and San
Joaquin River systems, which provide much of the state's reservoir inflow, were
classified as Critically Dry for that year. As a result of our current water situation,
Governor Schwarzenegger issued an Executive Order proclaiming a statewide drought on
February 27,2009. The Governor is seeking a 20% reduction in water use by the year
2020. This is the second year such action has been deemed necessary by the Governor.
- Latest Snow -pack Survey
The latest snow survey taken on April 2,2009 from the Department of Water Resources
indicates that the snowpack water content is 81 percent of normal, statewide. This entity
further stated, "A below-average snowpack at this time of year, especially following two
consecutive dry years is a cause for concem...Our most critical storage reservoirs remain
low, and we face severe water supply problems in many parts of our state. Californians
must continue to save water at home and in their business."
- Public Works Dept. of Lodi
The News Advisory issued by the Lodi Department of Public Works stated "all City of
Lodi water is pumped from underground aquifers, which is recharged by the Mokelumne
River, foothill aquifers and local rainfall. Despite our local conservation efforts, we have
been using under groundwater faster than it is being recharged." The advisory further
stated, "A 20 percent reduction in water use should include landscaping and indoor use
changes."
- Landscape Water Consumption
Landscapes, notably the turf, are the largest area of water consumption for the residential
homeowner. According to Publication 8044 fkom the University of California
Agricultural and Natural Resource "Lawn Watering Guide for California", the minutes
per week required to irrigate a lawn in San Joaquin County can be very significant.
Depending upon the sprinklerhead output, the weekly amount of time to irrigate a cool
season grass can average from 9 minutes in the winter to as much as 119 in the summer.
This averages out to a daily requirement of 1.28 minutes in the winter and 17 minutes in
the summer. Since we are unable to water everyday in Lodi, the time necessary to
irrigate a lawn on the appropriate watering days would increase. The water output from a
typical lawn irrigation set-up, allowed to run for 17 minutes, sprays 20-25 gallons of
water per sprinkler head. When you consider the number of turf areas in the City of
Lodi, this is a considerable amount of water!
Synthetic Turf as an alternative:
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California estimates that synthetic turf saves
37 gallons of water per year —per square foot. If you assume that atypical residential
customer might install 900 square feet of turf, this equates to over 32,000 gallons saved
each year not to mention the savings in water/sewer charges.
- Reduce Water Contamination
Water savings is just one of the many savings advantages that can be attained with the
installation of synthetic txf. The elimination of fertilizers and herbicides not only is a
monetary savings but also can help to reduce the amount of contaminants our children
and pets are subjected to while playing on natural lawn surfaces. The use of synthetic
t-irEalso eliminates fertilizers and herbicides from entering our water system in the form
of runoff fkom watering lawns. Northern California not only supplies water for the
surrounding areas but for a large portion of Southern California.
- Reduce Green Waste
The amount of green waste generated fkom grass clippings is significant. Qx landfills
are full now. With the increase in the population in California and more and more houses
being built with natural turflawns, this problem is only getting worse. Synthetic turf
does not generate grass -clipping waste.
- Reduce Air Pollution
The air pollution from the use of gas -powered mowers can be greatly reduced with the
installation of synthetic turf. Even the gas used by mowing crews to drive to a j ob can be
eliminated. This saves money and improves our air quality.
- Reduce Maintenance Time
With synthetic t mf, the homeowner will not have to spend precious time or money to
keep his or her own lawn mowed. Business owners also will enjoy abig dollar savings
by eliminating the need for mowing crews necessary to keep lawn areas looking nice.
Synthetic tLirEnever needs mowing. The perfect appearance is very appealing to
homeowners, HOA's, apartment owners and businesses. With minimal upkeep, this
alternative to natural turf is virtually maintenance free.
Rebates for installation of Synthetic Turf:
Several cities are offering rebates to homeowners and businesses for replacing their
natural turf with synthetic turf. The City of Roseville has a "Cash for Grass" program
where they will offer homeowners $1.00 for every square foot of lawn converted to a
water smart landscaping, including the use of synthetic turf, with a maximum of $1,000
per address. The North Marin Water District offers to pay $100 for 100 square feet of
lawn removed. The cash rebates are limited to $1,000 for single-family dwellings, $200
for townhouses or condominiums, and $100 for apartments. Soquel Water District is
offering up to $2 per square foot of turf replaced. SoCal Water$mart of the Metropolitan
Water District of Southern California, which includes many counties in southern
California, will pay rebates starting at $.30 per square foot for turfreplaced with synthetic
turf. Several water districts throughout the state and country are offering incentives for
replacing natural t-irEwith synthetic. Some districts offer cash while others with apply
the rebate money toward the water bill. Either way, everyone saves.
I appreciate your consideration on this important and beneficial alternative. Thank you
for your time.
P �f; _�6r, -9
F'Oft4l, 0--l- P.41-1,
Louise A. Fassio
Marketing Director
Valley Landscaping & Maintenance, Inc.
References:
State of Emergency -Water Shortage-Proclamationby Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger, dated February 27,2009
Department of Water Resources -News for Immediate Release, dated
April 2,2009
City of Lodi Department of Public Works -News Advisory, dated April 14,2009
University of California Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources -
Publication 8004
Rain Bird Landscape Irrigation Products Catalog, dated 2008-2009 (1800 series
spray head with a 15 series MPR half circle nozzle at 20 psi)
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, April 2009
City of Roseville, May, 2009
North Marin Water District, April 2009
Soquel Creek Water District, April 2009