March 26 - City of Melbourne, Florida

CITY OF MELBOURNE, FLORIDA
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING BEFORE CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 26, 2013
Peter Snyder, Executive Director, Florida Turf Grass Association, Lakeland, stated that he
represents sports turf managers, golf course superintendents, lawn care professionals, sod
producers, and commercial/institutional groundskeepers. He provided the names of some of
the research they have funded at the University of Florida, including “The Putting Speed of
Paspalum,” and stressed that they have not funded one study on nutrient research.
Mr. Snyder stated that he is here to advocate on behalf of healthy turf grass because science
clearly shows that healthy turf grass provides the best filter of nutrients. It also cools the
environment, improves carbon sequestration, provides recreational benefits, etc. Science
clearly shows that more restrictive provisions, such as summer blackouts, will have
unintended consequences of creating more nutrient leaching into water bodies. He stated
that they are an extremely heavily regulated industry and provided examples. Mr. Snyder
encouraged Council to pass the model that was developed by a consortium of very bright
people.
Mr. Jones asked what criteria the industry uses to judge good science. Mr. Snyder replied
that they rely on peer review studies and reputable journals. He added that the eight-year
study that came out of IFAS is spectacular science.
Mr. Jones asked how the industry has adapted to more stringent guidelines in the Sarasota
and Tampa area. Mr. Snyder replied that some people have packed up and left while others
have raised their (rates). There have been layoffs because of the four-month blackout
period.
Mr. Jones asked what the industry’s approach is to phosphorus. Mr. Snyder replied that
from his point of view, a soil analysis is required. Phosphorus should be used only when it’s
needed.
Mr. Snyder confirmed for Council Member Jones that a soil test costs about $10. He added
that it’s only done when it appears there is a deficiency.
Mr. Jones asked Mr. Snyder if his industry is committed to spending money to educate
citizens, not just people in the industry. Mr. Snyder replied absolutely and elaborated.
Vice Mayor Tasker asked Mr. Snyder if he would object to specific wording about a voluntary
fertilizer free zone of 10 feet on each side of streets without stormwater retention that drain
into the Indian River Lagoon. Mr. Snyder said that he could personally support voluntary,
with education.
Mrs. Tasker returned to the phosphorus language, where it states only no phosphorus or low
phosphorus as defined in a specific Florida Administrative Code. She said that no
phosphate is defined as products with a level below .5%. Low phosphate fertilizer means
products with levels equal to or above .5%. She stated that this is vague and has no
meaning. Anything above .5% could mean 97%; therefore, it’s legally insufficient.
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