March 26 - City of Melbourne, Florida

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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. Page 14 of 26
CITY OF MELBOURNE, FLORIDA MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING BEFORE CITY COUNCIL MARCH 26, 2013 Discussion continued. Barry Troutman returned to the lectern and provided his background and expertise. He stated that the urban turf rule has specific limitations on phosphate. Unless there is a soil test, they are prohibited from using more than one-quarter pound of phosphate in a single application and no more than two of those applications per year. At Ms. Tasker’s request, the City Attorney read a different portion of the administrative code, which indicates that the amount of phosphate used is offset by the use of directions. For example, “fertilizers labeled as low phosphate shall have use directions that do not exceed an application rate of .25 pounds per application, etc.” Mr. Troutman elaborated on application. Ms. Tasker pointed out that this is not clear. Following continued discussion, Mr. Troutman stated that you can overuse a low phosphate fertilizer; therefore, it is a combination of the percentage and the rate of use. By saying that no more than .25 pounds can be used, the amount has been defined. The maximum phosphate in fertilizers available in the industry is 5%, unless it is a corrective or starter fertilizer. The urban turf rule indicates how much phosphate can be applied, the maximum limit of phosphate per application, and the number per year. Allen Fugler, Orlando, representing Florida Pest Management Association, said he is speaking on behalf of 169 companies based in Brevard County, many of which do work inside the City. He encouraged Council to pass the model ordinance and stated that stricter or stronger does not mean better or more effective. He discussed the licensing and certification process for people in the industry. Mark Slavens, West Palm Beach, lead science and technology group for the Scotts Miracle Gro Company, stated that they support policies designed to protect the natural resources that are based on sound science, peer reviewed science. He discussed his background in the area of research and encouraged Council to adopt the state model ordinance. Carol Hamilton, 522 Carmel Drive, Melbourne (unincorporated Brevard County), said that the property behind her home slopes to a lake, which eventually travels to the Indian River Lagoon. She discussed the results of her own study and requested Council consider imposing a summer fertilizer ban from June 1 through September 30. Ms. Hamilton discussed her decision to not fertilize her lawn during these months. She commented that her lawn is thick, green, and beautiful. Kathy Reinhold, 1277 Royal Birkdale Court, Rockledge, stated that Rockledge passed a strong ordinance because it is much easier to educate residents and enforce an ordinance when it contains clear, strong language. Rockledge also decided that this was the most cost efficient way to reduce the total maximum daily loads, which is almost an insurmountable challenge to accomplish within a limited city budget. Ms. Reinhold encouraged Council to adopt a strong ordinance based on the fact that there won’t be a legal challenge. She closed by saying that she spent the last week driving over the causeways looking for pelicans and in six days, she only saw two. The river is at a tipping point and it needs help. Mayor Meehan closed the public hearing. Page 15 of 26
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March 26 - City of Melbourne, Florida

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