TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Amending the Code of the City of North Port Chapter 22 - Fertilizer and Landscape Management to Extend the Period of Time When Use of Fertilizer is Restricted.
Recommended Action
Discussion and possible action to amend Chapter 22 of the City Code to extend the time during which the use of fertilizer is restricted.
Background Information
On May 20, 2022, Commissioner McDowell received an email from North Port resident Barbara Lockhart with concerns about the lime green color in the Cosmic Waterway. This discoloration extended the width of the canal running up and down the canal. Staff did a site visit of the area and took water samples.
Since then, Commissioner McDowell reviewed North Port City Code Chapter 22 - Fertilizer and Landscape Maintenance which was adopted in 2007. This code restricts the use of fertilizer from June 1 through September 30 each year and establishes best management practices and application protocols. She also reviewed Resolution #2018-R-26, which encourages a voluntary ban on fertilizer usage year-round. State Statues allow cities to enact more stringent standards than those set forth in the model ordinance if certain criteria are met.
Commissioner McDowell is seeking discussion to consider amending Chapter 22 to extend the restriction timeframe on fertilizer usage, possibly from March through November, or possibly for the entire year.
Strategic Plan
Environmental Resiliency & Sustainability
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Two photos the Cosmic Waterway
2. City Code Chapter 22 - Fertilizer and Landscape Management
3. Resolution 2018-R-36
4. Florida State Statute 403.9337
5. FDEP Model Ordinance for Florida Friendly Fertilizer Use on Urban Landscape - 2015
6. Email thread “Cosmic Waterway Algae Bloom”
Prepared by: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager, on behalf of
Commissioner Debbie McDowell
Department Director: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager