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10062 Flanders Court NE, Blaine, MN 55449 – Ph: (763) 780-0450 – Fax: (763) 780-0452 MEMORANDUM To: Mr. John Anderson, Acting Public Works Director From: Kristie Elfering, Elfering & Associates Subject: 2015 PMP Improvements Project Rain Water Garden Planting Date: May 23, 2016 As you are aware rain water gardens were installed as part of the 2015 PMP Improvements Project last year to meet the permit requirements of Rice Creek Watershed. Residents in the Noble/Grant neighborhood had the option to volunteer to have a rain water garden constructed in their front yards. These individual rain water gardens, along with a new larger garden adjacent to the City trail aided in meeting the storm water requirements. The Venus/Crystal neighborhood also had three specific areas where rain water gardens would be beneficial, two of which are resident gardens and one which is a large garden along the trail that connects to the west end of Venus Avenue. In total, there are 21 rain water gardens adjacent to residential homes and 2 large rain water gardens adjacent to the City trails. The construction project included basic construction of the gardens, but did not include plant material or the actual planting. As directed and working in conjunction with City Staff we have developed planting plans for the rain water gardens. These garden layouts were provided to the residents and we have been working with individual home owners to finalize plans at each location. As part of this process we have obtained signed drawings from the residents to indicate their approval of the plantings. The proposed plantings for these gardens include a mixture of native shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses, totaling a need of approximately 3,670 individual plants. Eight nurseries were contacted and quotes were requested. Out of the eight nurseries only four were able to fill a portion of the order. Plant material was obtained to the extent possible from the provider with the lowest cost for a particular species. • Natural Shores, Inc. provided the lowest quote for plant material at $1.50 per 3” pot. • Taylor Creek Nursery provided the second lowest quote with pricing ranging from $1.25 to $3.00 per 2.5” pot. • Glacial Ridge Growers had plants at a price point of $28.95 per flat (a flat contains 18 plants) and $6.00 per gallon for the shrubs. • Green Mountain Hosta provided a quote for the hostas. Including tax and delivery the approximate price for all of the rain water garden plants is $7,554.89. We would ask that Council approve up to an expenditure of $8,000.00 on the plant material in case some required plant stock is not available at the lowest price listed. It is