HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.a. - 20190520 - Rain Garden Rebate Program
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Utility Commission Meeting: May 20, 2019
AGENDA SECTION:
AGENDA ITEM: Rain Garden Rebate
Old Business
PREPARED BY: Stephanie Smith, Assistant City Engineer AGENDA NO. 6.a.
ATTACHMENTS: None APPROVED BY: BLE
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Recommend City Council adopt a rebate program for
residents who install and agree to maintain a qualifying Rain Barrel, Rain Garden, or Native
Plantings Garden on their property.
BACKGROUND:
In Minnesota, multiple cities and counties offer cost share or rebate programs to residents,
organizations, and businesses that install a qualifying rain barrel, rain garden, or native plantings on
their property. These types of programs encourage water reuse, reduce the volume of stormwater in
the stormwater system, minimize pollutants in runoff, and replenish aquifers by allowing water to
infiltrate into the ground. Most programs offer a rebate in the form of credit towards their utility
bill.
On February 25, 2019 the Utility Commission recommended staff establish a policy regarding the
establishment of a rain garden, rain barrel, and native planting rebate program for Rosemount
residents.
SUMMARY:
Staff recommends a program to credit property owners who install a qualifying rain barrel, rain
garden, or native planting garden on their property. Similar to the smart irrigation controller rebate
program, credits would be given on a first-come, first-serve basis, up to a maximum of $5,000 per
year.
Staff recommends using the City of Northfield’s program as the best model to fit the City of
Rosemount. The program would include three options:
Rain Barrel
o Participants who buy and install a rain barrel can receive a $20 credit on their
utility bill after sending in a completed rebate form, a receipt of purchase and
a staff visit to verify installation.
Rain Garden
o Participants who install a rain garden on their property and enter a
maintenance agreement with the City can receive a credit on their utility bill.
The credit would be available for 50% of the cost of rain garden materials
and equipment rental up to a $250 maximum. Staff approval is required
before and after installation.
Native Planting
o Participants who plant a native area on their property can receive a credit
utility bill for 33% of the cost of the seeds, up to a $75 maximum. Staff
approval is required before and after installation.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff proposes the Utility Commission recommend City Council adopt the program to credit
property owners who install a qualifying rain barrel, rain garden, or native planting garden on their
property.