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13. C. FERTILIZER ORDINANCE <br />Attorney Polackwich provided background on the Board's decision to not adopt a <br />fertilizer ordinance in 2012, at which time the Indian River Lagoon was not on the list of nutrient <br />impaired water bodies. He relayed that at the time, the Board opted to pursue other restoration <br />strategies; however, the Flonda Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has now <br />designated the Indian River Lagoon as nutrient impaired, and the County is statutorily required <br />to adopt either the FDEP's Model Ordinance For Florida -Friendly Use of Fertilizer on Urban <br />Landscapes (Model Ordinance), or a more stringent law. <br />Commissioner O'Bryan spoke to the necessity of including an enforcement component in <br />whatever fertilizer ordinance the Board adopts, and suggested creating a specific code <br />enforcement position for that purpose. He remarked on the importance of education in the <br />proper use of fertilizer, and said that part of the Model Ordinance is that all commercial <br />applicators of fertilizer must receive certification in Best Management Practices before obtaining <br />a Local Business Tax Certificate. <br />A lengthy and detailed discussion followed as the Board debated whether enforcement <br />was necessary, and if so, which County department should assume the responsibility. <br />Vice Chairman Davis felt the task should fall to the Stormwater Division of the Public <br />Works Department, or to the Agricultural Extension Services Department. <br />Commissioner O'Bryan suggested creating a split position through Code Enforcement. <br />Chairman Flescher opined that one additional County employee would not prevent <br />violation of the ordinance, and suggested having an evaluation period before a position is <br />created. <br />July 2, 2013 25 <br />BK <br />44 PG 038 <br />