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Page 1 of 2 <br /> <br />DATE: March 14, 2016 <br /> <br />TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers <br />Sue Iverson, Acting City Administrator <br /> <br />FROM: John Anderson, Acting Public Works Director <br /> <br />SUBJECT: 2016 Rain Water Garden Planting <br /> <br />Requested Action <br /> <br />Review background material and give staff direction on a course of action to complete design of <br />planting layouts, coordination with residents, obtaining pricing for plant materials and assisting <br />in planting layout of the 22 front yard rain water gardens and 2 larger City gardens along trails. <br /> <br />Background <br /> <br />The Rice Creek Watershed District Rules require the City install storm water treatment in <br />conjunction with construction of the 2015 PMP. The construction that took place in 2015 <br />prepared rain water gardens for planting by excavating, installing drain tile, and placement of <br />planting soil and mulch. Rain Water Gardens located in front yards were only put in if the <br />residents volunteered the space. When we solicited volunteers for rain water gardens, residents <br />were told the planting would be done in 2016. We also told residents that the City would partner <br />with them on maintenance of the gardens. Some basic planting plans were described but <br />residents were told specific plans to each garden would be developed and shared before planting <br />begins. Attachment A is the letter that was sent to prospective rain garden hosts. Attachment B <br />contains materials provided to potential rain garden participants about design, construction and <br />planting options. Attachments C and D shows the rain garden footprint proposed to be <br />constructed. <br /> <br />Discussion <br /> <br />In order to proceed with the rain water garden planting, we need to assemble planting layouts, <br />coordinate with residents, get quotes for plant materials, physically mark layout, and plant the <br />plant materials. In 2015, we had planned to do this work though the Assistant City Engineer as <br />the lead and I did most of the leg work in collecting volunteers, mailing information to residents, <br />etc. With the current limitations on my time, I am unable to devote the time needed to this <br />process and need assistance to complete the preparations for planting. All of this work described <br />is the planning and preparation prior to the actual planting of the plants. <br />AGENDA ITEM – 1B <br /> MEMORANDUM <br />