2002-04-24 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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.. , Grassroots actions push phosphorus legislation Jennifer O'Rourke Rem; Stone Cities are a few steps closer to having another tool to help keep local waters clean. Early last week, the House passed the phosphorus lawn rertilizer restric- tion bill with a gigantic maxgin of 116 to 16. While debate on the bill took three hours. opponents of the bill were unable to attach any of their amendments. A conference conumttee metThursday to work out the differ- ences between the House and Senate and finolized the bill's language, preparing it for its journey to the governor',office. This first-in-the-nation piece of legislation establishes a Use restriction ror fertilizer containing phosphorus of 3 percent limit in greater Minnesota and a 0 percent limit in the seven- county metropolitan area. Exceptions are made to allow the use of phospho- rus in lawn fertilizer ror new turf and soil deficiencies. The law does not affect fertilizers used for agricultural purposes. The law preempts the enfOrcement of sale restriction ordinances arlopted after Aug. 1, 2002. The law becomes effective JaD. 1, 2004, giving the fertilizer industry 18 months to adjust ror the law. Interestingly, several fi:rtilizer manufac- tures and retailers, such as E.C. Grow and Menani's, are already providing zero phosphorus fertilizers fur the summer of 2002 market demands. Next stop for the bill will be the governor's desk where it is likely to become law. The bill seems to have support from within the executive branch to become law. Dean Barkley, director of Minnesota Plonn;ng and a resident of Plymouth, testified on the bill in Senate conumttees. The Leagoe has also been working on the issue with a variety of groups and with the governor's office. Many have championed the bill throughout the legislative process. House chief-author Rep. Peggy Leppik (R-Golden Valley) presented the bill, managed the floor debate, and handled all questions. Other represen~ tatives speaking in favor of the bill on the House floor included: Rep. Dennis Ozment (R-Rosemount), Rep. Ted Winter (DPL-Fulda), Rep. A1 Juhnke (DPL- WiDmar), Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL-Minneapolis), Rep. Henry Kalis (DPL-WeIls), and Rep. Ron Erhardt (R-Edina). On the Senate side, Sen. Linda Higgins (DPL- Minneapolis) cbief-authored the bill and wolked extremely well with all those with interests in the bill. City officials and staff are to be connnended ror their involvement with local legislators. Thanks to everyone who made phone calls, e-rnails, and personally contacted their legis1ators. t" Recognizing Minnesota cities for building quality communities Each year the League of Minnesota Cities Awards Program honors the outstanding contributions of elected and appointed officials, and recognizes city innovation and excellence. The 2002 !.Me Awards Program includes three opportunities ror recognition: . The c.c. Ludwlg Award honors the accomplishments of an outstanding elected city official . The leadership Award honors the accomplishments of an outstanding appointed city officiaL . The c., AcIdlwSllSnt Anrds recognize city innovaJ:ion and excel- lence in the rollowing five areas: Citizen, Community & Youth Involvement; Communications; Cooperation; Housing, Economic Deve!oPlIlent & Community Spaces; and Public Safety. Help the League honor the accomplishments of your city's leaders and services in building quality communities across the state. Please consider enteting a city project or nominating an dected or appointed city official for recognition by May 17. 2002. How to submit a nomination: . Application materials will soon be mailed to all mayors, admin- istrators, manage'" or clerks. . Application maretials and background materials will soon be available on the LMe web site at www.Imnc.org. . Watch yout mail, check the Cities BuOeIin fut latest developments, and visit the LMCwebsite. April 10, 2002 Page 3