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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, June 08, 2009 Page 21 St. Paul, creating more yard waste than could be accommodated in two 5' x 5' bins, inclusive of his own yard, and specifically during the fall of the year until those leaves had deteriorated sufficiently. Mr. Rosen noted smaller containers, containing mostly kitchen scraps, actually attracting rodents and causing damage to the vessel itself. Mr. Rosen further addressed specific concerns in Section 409.06 related to man- agement of compost piles; noting that some may be unable to comply (i.e., elderly residents) with restrictions; and noted that there were many ways to manage a compost pile without repeated turning. Mr. Rosen opined that there were ways to regulate nuisances, and a process needed to be in place; however, he opined that he was not confident that this pro- posed language was the best way to do so. Councilmember Johnson thanked Mr. Rosen for attending tonight's meeting; and opined that he had excellent points for further discussion, but sought how Mr. Rosen would draw a distinction between those abusing current ordinance and those making a bone fide effort at backyard composting; and asked if Mr. Rosen was available to assist staff in further refinement. Mr. Rosen recognized the difficulties in that distinction and the different degrees of composting materials; and volunteered his time and expertise to staff in resoly- ing existing issues. Discussion included need for enclosures or restrictions on compost materials; and the need for a flexible process in managing micro-organisms. Councilmembers requested that staff and Mr. Rosen consult to resolve remaining issues and to provide a more flexible process, while allowing for regulatory pre- vention of nuisances that are not qualified as composting and modifying language to accommodate those who are attempting compliance and sustainable efforts. c. Discuss and Affirm the City Council Travel Policy Acting City Manager/Finance Director Miller summarized the City's out-of--state travel policy for City Council affirmation or revisions; noting that existing lan- guage had been crafted from League of MN Cities (LMC) language and was con- sistent with peer communities. Mr. Miller advised that MN Statute 471.661 re- quired municipalities to adopt and annually review their out-of--state travel policy for Councilmembers. Councilmember Pust expressed appreciation to staff for bringing this forward in a public forum; and expressed confusion that, to her knowledge, this had not been previously brought forward for annual review. Councilmember Pust spoke in support of the existing language, offering no suggested additions or removals.