2002-04-24 CC Packet (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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. ,. Grassroots actions push phosphorus legislation Jennifer O'Rourke Remi Stone Cities :lIe a few steps closer to having another tool to help keep local waters clean. Early last week, the House passed the phosphorus lawn furtilizer restric- tion bill with a gigantic margin 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 conunittee met Thmsday to work out the differ- ences between the House and Senate and finalized the bill's language, preparing it for its journey to the governor's office. This first-in-the-nation piece of legislation establishes a use restriction for 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 fert:ifuer fur new turf and soil deficiencies. The law does not affect fertilizers used for agr;icultural purposes. The law preempts the enfurcement of sale restriction ordinances adopted after Aug. 1,2002. The law becomes effective Jan. 1, 2004, giving the fertilizer industry 18 months to adjust fur the law. Interestingly. several fertilizer manufac- tures and retailers, such as E.C. Grow and Menard's, are already providing zero phosphorus fertilizers for the summer of2002 market demands. Next stop for thebill will be the governor's desk where it is likely to become law. The bill seems to have snpport from within the executive branch to become law. Dean Barkley, director of Minnesota Planning and a resident of Plymouth, testified on the bill in Senate committees. The League 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 (DfL-Fulda), Rep.Al Juhnke (DFL-Willrnar), Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliber (DfL-Minneapolis), Rep. Henry K.ilis (DFL- Wells), and Rep. Ron Erhardt (R-Edina). On the Senate side, Sen. Linda Higgins (DfL- Minneapolis) chief-authored the bill and worked extremely well with all those with interests in the bill City officials and staff are to be commended fur their involvement with local legislators. Thanks to everyone who made phone calls, e-rnails, and personally contacted their legislators. a- Recognizing Minnesota cities for building quality communities Each year the League of Minnesota Cities Awa.n:Is Program honors the outstanding contributions of elected and appointed officials, and recognizes city innovation and excellence. The 2002 LMC Aw:ltds Program includes three opportUnities fur recognition: . The c.c. Ludwic Award honors the accomplishments of an outstanding elected city offidaL . The Leadership Award honors the accomplishments of an outstanding appointed city officia/. . The CIIy AchIeveIIl8nt lIIranIs recognize city innovation and exec/- knee in the following five areas: Citizen, Community & Youth Involvement; Communications; Cooperation; Housing, Economic Development & Community Spaces; and Public Safety. Help the League honor the accomplishments of your city's leaders and services in building quality communities across the stare. Please consider entering a city project or nominating an elected 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- istratots, managets or clerks. . Application marerials and background materials will soon be available on the LMC web site at www.lmnc.org. . Watch your mail, cheek the Cities Bulletin fur latest developments, and visit the LMC web site. AprIl 10,2002 Page 3