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Specific to a rebate program, Chair Cihacek stated he was supportive of it unless it <br /> cost the city too much to implement compared to the benefits received; and if <br /> amortized on water bills, asked if it could be paid back over time unless receiving <br /> grant funds. Chair Cihacek stated he was fine applying for a grant as a pilot <br /> program, but only if the customer was interested in purchasing and paying back the <br /> city's initial cost over time. <br /> Member Seigler stated that the city should monitor itself on irrigation systems on <br /> city-owned property. Member Seigler opined there was nothing more <br /> disconcerting than observing irrigation systems running on city property when it <br /> was raining out. Member Seigler suggested as an educational point, the city show <br /> cost savings realized for taxpayers by monitoring those systems. <br /> Mr. Culver agreed that the city should certainly lead by example. Mr. Culver noted <br /> the city also had a lot of city water usage not currently metered; and advised that <br /> was one recommendation staff would make for the city to expend money to install <br /> meters on its own sprinkler systems in city parks and other city-owned properties <br /> if not currently metered to allow a record of how much water was being used and <br /> to hold the city more accountable. Mr. Culver admitted this was a good point and <br /> a reality for the city to spend funds to lead by example and better manage city water <br /> usage. <br /> Member Wozniak concurred, noting that was a great idea and served as a good <br /> starting point for the city's educational program for residents in talking about the <br /> steps taken by the city to restrict or limit irrigation use and landscaping; and set the <br /> stage for the long-term view of the cost of water historically from 1980, 1990 and <br /> what it may look like in 2030. Member Wozniak suggested this would incentivize <br /> residents to take steps now before water usage reaches that higher cost; and noting <br /> this is the city is doing — as well as other municipalities. Member Wozniak <br /> suggested the city also solicit feedback from residents. <br /> Member Heimerl also suggested that city staff review city code related to applying <br /> code to minimize irrigation people are currently doing, and ways through <br /> landscaping technologies and types of plantings that could further minimize water <br /> usages. Member Heimerl suggested the city take the lead, through example and <br /> education, through code changes and changing community views of what is good <br /> vegetation for yards beyond weed overgrowth but as an alternative to typical lawns, <br /> moving away from the 1950's pristine yard. Member Heimerl opined the education <br /> process could include what needs to be cut and/or irrigated, and the opportunities <br /> for plantings to reduce the need to sprinkler. <br /> In conclusion, Mr. Culver duly noted the PWETC's recommendation to the City <br /> Council the use of emerging technologies and educational opportunities to reduce <br /> watering in the community, utilizing some of the ideas brought forward during <br /> tonight's discussion. <br /> Page 6 of 17 <br />