Water conservation is becoming more and more of a priority given the current state-wide drought.

Organizations such as the Ripon Garden Club are looking to do their part.

On Tuesday, the Ripon City Council will discuss a plan by the group to hire a contractor to remove the landscaping on Stockton Avenue in the planters near the historic downtown arch and the parking lot. In its place will be drought tolerant plants.

According to City Administrator Kevin Werner, staff has already met with Ripon Garden Club’s Michelle Bartels and Linda Sawdey.

They estimate the cost  for the landscaping plan at $10,000. The group had yet to meet with a contractor for quotes during that recent meeting with staff.

The Garden Club did indicate that on-going maintenance or replacement cost would be minor.

The organization would also look to mount a small plaque to acknowledge the donors and other contributors to this project.

The Garden Club, in addition, could be in line for a refund.

In 2011, the group donated $4,000 to the City of Ripon to be used for trees for the park at the corner of Stockton and Second streets.

At the time, this property was part of the City’s Redevelopment Agency.

Unfortunately, the dissolution of the RDA nixed the plans to build the proposed park and town square.

Staff is now recommending that the City return this sizeable donation back to the Garden Club.

Council will discuss these items and more at the 7 p.m. open session in the Council Chambers, 259 N. Wilma Ave.

For more information, call 209.559.2108 or log on to www.cityofripon.org.