08-22-1994 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MAY 28, 1991(#8*)ZONING FILE #1643-DAVID J. NELSON 740 WILLOW DRIVE SOUTH RENEl^AL VARIANCE-RESOLUTION #29G7It was moved bv Jabbour, seconded bv Goetten, to adoot Resolution #2967, granting a renewal of a side setback Variance to permit the construction of an attached two stall garage at 740 Willov; Drive South. All voted aye. Motion passed.* (#9)HARDCOVER STATUS OF V7EED CONTROL FABRICS Gaffron presented Council with* a variety of literature regarding weed control fabrics. He also distributed several samples of different types of v/oven and non-woven weed control fabrics. He stated that the non-woven fabrics have a much higher permeability range of 10 to 100 times that of woven fabrics. He added that the local garden centers sell both non-woven and woven varieties. Gaffron suggested that it v;ould create a problem, from an enforcement standpoint, jf Council agreed to allow the use of non-woven versus woven fabrics, but by doing so, it will tell the residents that the City prefers non-v;oven over woven fabrics. Also, certain fabrics, manufactured for other uses, have been treated with .irious chemicals and/or resins that will make them impermeable and those should not be used. Jabbour indicated that he would like to find out what percent of water will not pass through permeable fabric and use that percent v;hen figuring hardcover percentages. Gaffron advised that there are various methods of testing. Most tests involve a falling or constant head of water focused on a square foot of fabric, and the rats that water runs through is determined. The woven fabrics will typically take up to 25 gallons per minute, per square foot. The non-v/oven fabrics Vi/ill take 10 times as much. Gaffron said, "I cannot tell you whether 25 gallons per minute is good, or if we need to approach 250 gallons per minute. From just reading the product literature it v/ill be nearly impossible to determine how each of the various products have been tested." Callahan asked why Council is considering a revision to the existing Hardcover Ordinance, which does not allow permeable fabric. Jabbour replied, "People want a method for controlling weeds, and most will use plastic. When v/e find out that plastic is being used under landscaping, we ask to have it removed. I think it would be beneficial for everyone if v/e provide an alternative. I think it would help the City if v/e could steer people av/ay from using plastic, yet offer an alternative that will help keep weeds down." Mabusth added that if people cannot use plastic, or fabric, they will be more likely to use chemicals to control weeds. - 9 -