Council approves minor plant swaps that reduce median refresh cost by $557.29

The Forest Lake City Council approved Change Order No. 1 for the Phase 1 median refresh project, replacing two previously selected plant species with alternatives expected to provide greater seasonal color and reducing the project cost by $557.29.

Dave, a city staff member, said the beautification committee and the contractor suggested swapping Walker's Low Cap Mint for Rudbeckia and daylilies for Little Lime Punch hydrangeas to improve color and seasonal display. The contractor repriced the revised plantings and proposed the change order, which staff presented as a net reduction in cost.

A council member moved to approve the change order; the motion carried by voice vote. Staff confirmed the grower had the replacement plants in stock and that the change would not delay the project’s start date, which staff said was approximately the 15th of the month.