HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-09-21 PACKET 04.B.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA
MEETING ITEM #
DATE 9/21/11
PREPARED BY Parks and Recreation Zac Dockter
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT HEAD
COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST
Consider authorizing staff to submit grant applications for the MN DNR's Local Trail
Connections and /or Park, Trails and Legacy program for future recreational trailway projects at
Pine Tree Pond Park and /or West Central Ravine Open Space Corridor for a total amount not
to exceed $125,000.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Authorize staff to submit grant applications for the MN DNR's Local Trail Connections and /or
Park, Trails and Legacy program for future recreational trailway projects at Pine Tree Pond
Park and /or West Central Ravine Open Space Corridor for a total amount not to exceed
$125,000.
BUDGET IMPLICATION
N/A
N/A
ACTUAL AMOUNT
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
BUDGETED AMOUNT
❑ MEMO /LETTER:
❑ RESOLUTION:
❑ ORDINANCE:
❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION
❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION:
❑ OTHER:
ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS
r' City Administrator Date
C: \Documents and Settings \nbelscamper\Local Settings \Temporary Internet Files \Content.Outlook \OFUXMGAF \Council Action Form -Pine
Tree Pond WCtrlRavine Trails.doc
City of
Cotta Grove
Minnesota
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director
CC:
Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
Date:
September 16, 2011
Subject:
MN DNR Trailway Grant Program Applications
Introduction
Staff has identified two grant programs offered by the MN Department of Natural Resources which may
provide financial contribution towards the completion of recreational trails within the community park
system. Those programs include the Local Trail Connections Program and the Parks and Trails
Legacy Program.
Background
Both grant programs are designed to provide residents of the state of Minnesota more access to
recreational trails. Recreational trails inherently improve quality of life for users by providing a healthy
transportation alternative to access parks and nature areas. The Local Trail Connections Program is
designed to award projects of more local and community based significance whereas the Parks and
Trails Legacy Program is geared towards projects of more regional and statewide significance. Staff
believes the city has applicable projects in the capital improvements plan for one or both of these
programs.
The Local Trail Connections program allows applications up to $100,000 from the DNR, with a required
25% match of cash from the city.
The Parks and Trails Legacy Program allows applications up to $500,000 from the DNR, with a
required 10% match of cash from the city.
Staff is currently reviewing potential trailway projects at Pine Tree Pond Park and West Central Ravine
Open Space Corridor to determine scope of work. Staff believes both projects merit application to one
or both grant programs but still need to analyze which program and projects provide the best fit.
Considering an application deadline of October 31, staff is requesting authorization to apply for either of
the grant programs for the aforementioned projects prior to having final cost estimates. At this point,
staff estimates that both projects in their entirety will not exceed $125,000. As a worst -case scenario,
should the city receive grant funding of $125,000 for both of the projects, the city's cash contribution
would be $31,250 through the Local Trail Connections program. It's anticipated those funds would be
derived from the Park Trust Fund as scheduled in the capital improvements plan.
Staff Recommendation
Consider authorizing staff to submit grant applications for the MN DNR's Local Trail
Connections and /or Park, Trails and Legacy program for future recreational trailway projects at
Pine Tree Pond Park and /or West Central Ravine Open Space Corridor for a total amount not
to exceed $125,000.