HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.k Consider Resolution of Support regarding “Smart Salting” Legislation
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
City Council Regular Meeting March 20, 2018
AGENDA ITEM: Consider Resolution of Support regarding
“Smart Salting” Legislation
AGENDA SECTION:
Consent
PREPARED BY: Logan Martin, City Administrator
Brian Erickson, PW Director / City Engineer AGENDA NO. 6.k.
ATTACHMENTS: Resolution of Support APPROVED BY: LJM
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve a resolution offering support for State law providing limited
liability to commercial salt applicators that are certified through an established voluntary salt applicator
certification program.
BACKGROUND
The Rosemount Environment & Sustainability Task Force (REST) is requesting the City Council approve
a Resolution of Support of legislation that aims to mitigate the negative impacts associated with winter
salting application practices. As discussed on the attached Resolution, commercial salt applicators often
over-salt commercial properties due to the fear of litigation associated with personal and property damage
that can be caused by snow and ice.
Studies performed by the MN Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) indicate that the largest chloride source
to our lakes and streams is from the application of salt on roads, parking lots, and walkways. The MPCA
currently oversees a voluntary “Smart Salting Certification Program” that provides training to public and
commercial salt applicators on how to maintain safe surfaces while using salt efficiently.
Legislation is currently being discussed at the State Capitol that would limit the liability of salt applicators
that are certified through this program, and REST is supportive of this legislation. As such, REST has
requested the City Council consider approving the attached Resolution of Support regarding this pending
legislation.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve a resolution offering support for State law providing limited
liability to commercial salt applicators that are certified though an established voluntary salt applicator
certification program.
CITY OF ROSEMOUNT
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2018 -
A RESOLUTION AUTHORZING SUPPORT FOR STATE LAW THAT PROVIDES
LIMITED LIABILITY TO COMMERCIAL SALT APPLICATORS THAT ARE
CERTIFIED THROUGH AN ESTABLISHED VOLUNTARY SALT APPLICATOR
CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
WHEREAS, chloride contamination of water resources has been found in urban areas
around the state;
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has listed 39 waterbodies in the
Twin Cities metro area as impaired for chloride and is currently developing TMDLs
for the remaining impaired waterbodies through a metro-wide TMDL study; and
WHEREAS, the TMDL studies have indicated that the largest chloride source to our lakes
and streams is through the application of chloride compounds on roads, parking lots,
sidewalks and other hard surfaces for winter maintenance practices; and
WHEREAS, liability for property damage or personal injury as a result of snow or ice is
one of the main reasons over-salting occurs and many private commercial contractors
and property owners are reluctant to implement salt-reduction practices for fear of
increased liability; and
WHEREAS, the MPCA currently oversees a voluntary Smart Salting Certification
Program that provides training to public and commercial salt applicators, private
property owners and managers and others on how to maintain safe surfaces using salt
efficiently;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Rosemount,
Minnesota supports passage and enactment of state law that provides a limited liability exemption to
commercial salt applicators and property owners using salt applicators who are certified through the
established salt applicator certification program who follow best management practices.
ADOPTED this 20th day of March, 2018.
William H. Droste, Mayor
ATTEST:
Erin Fasbender, City Clerk