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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — MAY 13, 2024 6 Ms. Jacobson stated some rain gardens were not draining properly, while others were being inundated with too much water. Mayor Grant questioned how long a rain garden should be full of water. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported rain gardens were designed to fill up and be dry within 48 hours. Councilmember Holden asked if rain gardens had to have plants. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen indicated rain gardens do not have to have plants to properly function. He stated plants assist with creating root systems that help to capture pollutants. Councilmember Rousseau questioned if an educational component should be included in this campaign in order to make residents aware of the location of rain gardens throughout the community. Ms. Johnson reported she would like to share the rain garden inventory with the community through the City newsletter along with information on how to improve the health of the rain gardens. Councilmember Holden stated she had a problem with identifying the property owners that have rain gardens because ultimately the rain gardens were the City's responsibility. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen indicated the rain gardens were within the City's easement, but there were intended (residential and commercial) maintenance owners for the rain gardens. He stated residential property owners agreed to have the rain garden installed on their property. Councilmember Holden clarified that the agreement that was signed by the homeowners was not enforceable. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated this was correct. Councilmember Monson asked who would be doing the rain garden inventory. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen indicated he has a map that was outdated that needs to be updated and put into GIS. Councilmember Monson explained she could support the City taking an inventory of the rain gardens and deciding how to manage it. However, she did not understand how much work this would be for staff. She suggested staff look into funding that may be available for rain garden maintenance. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported once every six years he does a full inspection of a particular portion of the City. He stated after six years he would have a full inventory. He commented he was in the middle of year two at this time. He indicated the Rice Creek Watershed District has funding available for rain garden maintenance.