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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MAY 28, 1991 <br />( #9)HARDCOVER STATUS OF WEED CONTROL FABRICS CONTINUED <br />Goetten stated that anything which allows rain to seep into <br />the ground should not be classified as hardcover. <br />Mayor Peterson agreed with Jabbour that offering the <br />residents a viable alternative would benefit everyone. . She <br />stated that it would-be difficult for Staff to find every .bit of <br />plastic that is put under landscaping. It is much better to <br />allow the use of• fabric., than to -have plastic everywhere.. <br />Callahan noted that allowing the use of fabric will not <br />automatically mean that everyone will stop using chemicals. <br />Goetten agreed with Jabbour and Mayor Peterson that allowing <br />the use of non -woven fabrics would .benefit the City. <br />Butler reiterated Goetten's point about the inability to <br />classify anything that allows water to penetrate as hardcover. <br />She said, "I, would. much rather have someone cover portions of <br />their yard with something that-allows water to run through., than <br />have them hire a company to come out and spray everything." <br />Bernhardson asked whether the fabric would allow water to <br />penetrate at the same rate if it is located under rockbeds. <br />Gaffron advised that the fabric functions best when it is in <br />contact with the ground, as opposed to being in open air. <br />Bernhardson stated that it is unlikely that it' will ever <br />rain hard enough to• exceed the capacity of even the woven <br />fabrics, which typically allow up to 25 gallons of water per <br />minute to pass through. <br />Butler noted that Staff's recommendation specifically states <br />allowing the use of non -woven fabric. She questioned whether a <br />distinction should be made between woven and non- woven. <br />Gaffron stated that though it will be impossible "to check <br />every piece of fabric that is put under landscaping, it would be <br />best to inform the residents of the-best solution. <br />. It was moved by Butler, seconded by Goetten, to amend the <br />current hardcover policy to allow the use of non -woven permeable <br />weed control fabric as non - hardcover when placed below clean, <br />permeable landscape rock, wood chips, or similar materials in <br />landscape beds.. Further, Staff: is directed to update the, <br />hardcover informational brochure. to reflect current hardcover <br />policy. Motion,, Ayes -4. Callahan, Nay. Motion passed. <br />- 10 - <br />