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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, April 13, 2009 . Page 12 City Attorney Anderson noted that "vegetation" was a very broad term and pro- vide substantial leeway for property owners, as long as ground cover was alive, and not "Astroturf." Mayor Klausing noted concerns with composting language and the comprehen- sive list, suggesting that "faded flowers" be removed; and the material list be firr- ther defined. Ms. Radel advised staff had drafted proposed revisions based on their review of similar ordinances in the Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, but that staff would review language further and more specifically. Councilmember Ihlan suggested that another approach would be to specify mate- rials that would not be allowed for yard cover; while addressing pervious and im- pervious materials. Councilmember Ihlan opined that she had no major concerns with the general language; further opining that she didn't want to require people to have lawns as long as their options were aesthetically pleasing. Councilmem- ber Ihlan addressed enforcement issues for such a specific list of compost materi- als and their diameters, suggesting that guidelines be provided, rather than en- forceable language. Mayor Klausing suggested that the intent in providing a diameter of no more than '/ inch for compost materials was to avoid fallen trees in compost materials. City Attorney Anderson concurred; and noted that enforcement with a nuisance code was always an issue; however, if language was changed to guidelines, there would be no way to enforce it at all, and then a nuisance code would not be the appropriate place. Mayor Klausing spoke in support of language enforceable to avoid people putting general garbage or other non-compostable materials in their compost areas. City Attorney Anderson noted that this gets to the terms of a list of materials not allowed; items that give rise to effervescence in the air; and basically get enforced when neighbors complain. City Attorney Anderson noted that this allows for a definitive nature as staff reviews each specific situation and can then respond to those complaints. Councilmember Ihlan requested that staff seek additional expertise from green gardening promoters and how this suggested language fits into composting prac- tices. Ms. Radel advised that she and Recycling Coordinator Tim Pratt would seek addi- • tional information.