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CASE #o)., INFORMATIONAL UPDATE ON STORMWATER PONDING AND AESTHETICS WITHIN EAST MEANDERING COMMONS PARK By: Tim Himmer, City Engineer Background: The development of East Meandering Commons Park, located within Ramsey Town Center, was created by URS and Close Landscape Architecture during the visioning process for the Town Center, and included a collaborative effort by various groups and stakeholders. The stormwater design and natural environment proposed for the ponding aesthetics was modeled after Heritage Park in Minneapolis. It includes gentle slopes, walking trails, innovative stormwater design, and native vegetation and rock outcroppings along the shoreline. The idea was to incorporate a vibrant ecosystem around this water feature to allow passive uses and pedestrian interaction with these elements. In addition, this native vegetation edge also serves as an important filter strip to maintain water quality within this water feature. This case is to remind the HRA about the natural aesthetics and native vegetation that will be incorporated in and around the stormwater pond within this park. Attached are some photos that were supplied and reviewed during the design process for all the parks within the Town Center. Also attached is an outline of suggested materials and procedures supplied from Prairie Restorations, Inc., the subcontractor performing this work within the existing park contract, and some photos showing their proposed process for installing the plant material and the associated maintenance/management requirements to ensure proper growth. Staff wanted to clarify for the HRA that it will be a process to establish this vegetation, and it will take time and active management (approximately 3 years) for this plant material to thrive and reach its intended appearance. We are currently evaluating the required management activities outlined to see which items could potentially be performed by City staff and which components may require outside assistance. We have requested an estimate from Prairie Restorations, Inc. for these management services since they are essential in maintaining the warranty and guarantee for this work. Action: This case is for informational purposes only, but pending internal review of the management obligations staff may come back at a later date to discuss contracting for this work; potentially tying into the outdoor wetland classroom discussion. Attachments: Heritage Park photos Prairie Restoration photos An outline of suggested mat Reviewed By: City Administrat Director of Public Parks Supervisor HRA: 5/18/10 is and procedures for implementing this native vegetation work rks/1" rincipal City Engineer