SEBASTIAN — The Sebastian City Council approved new fertilizer rules for homeowners that, it says, will help limit damage to the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Sebastian River. The ordinance, though not enforceable, recommends property owners to follow Florida’s best management practices as they pertain to applying fertilizer.
The council voted 4-1 in favor of passing the Florida model ordinance proposed by the state.
Councilwoman Andrea Coy, for a second time, was the lone vote against the ordinance. She had recommended the council amend the ordinance to make it clear that phosphorous fertilizers not be used unless soil testing deems it necessary. She also wanted it to be clear that property owners should not use more than a 50 percent solution of quick-release fertilizer.
“I think there is room to compromise on this issue,” Coy said, later adding that Martin County recently passed a beefier ordinance and Brevard County was “on the verge” of doing likewise.
Coy said the City of Sebastian should not be willing to accept a “mediocre” ordinance, explaining that what she was proposing is already being followed by the professional lawn care industry.
“It helps us go to the box stores,” she said of regular property owners.
Coy’s fellow council members noted that her requests were already a part of the proposed ordinance, though perhaps not readily evident.
Councilman Richard Gillmor agreed with Coy that it would not hurt to add language to clarify the city’s stance on the use of phosphorus. Neither Coy nor Gillmor were able to persuade a third on the dais.
“I’m very comfortable with the ordinance,” Mayor Jim Hill said.
“I think we’re picking at words” to satisfy the public, Vice Mayor Don Wright, referring to the dozen or so from the public who called on the council to add clearer language to the ordinance.
Brian Carman, a member of the Board of Directors for the Marine Resources Council, voiced opposition to the Florida model ordinance, saying it needed more teeth.
“I think what’s there has come way short,” Carman said, explaining that homeowners need to know that they shouldn’t use phosphorus or quick-release fertilizers that leach quickly into the lagoon.
Others echoed Carman’s sentiments, including representatives from the Pelican Island Preservation Society, a former lagoon guide, Friends of the St. Sebastian River, a Florida Master Naturalist, and the Pelican Island Audubon Society.
Representatives from professional lawn care companies, including Scotts and TruGreen, and the Florida Turfgrass Association spoke in favor of the city adopting what had been proposed by the state, noting that their groups already follow the state’s best management practices.
With the approval of the ordinance, the city plans to post educational slides pertaining to the best management practices for fertilizer use on the government’s TV station, Channel 25 on Comcast/Xfinity.
