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4.4. SR 02-14-2011Item # 4.4. MEMORANDUM Elk River TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Steve Benoit, Recreation Manager Rodney Schreifels, Parks Supervisor Tim Simon, Finance Director Justin Femrite, City Engineer Lori Johnson, City Administrator DATE: February 14, 201 1 SUBJECT: Grant Update Water and Storage Project (Hillside City Park) This Federal Recreational Trail Grant through the DNR Division of Parks and Trails would secure funds to aid in the installation of drinking water at the Hillside City Park front parking lot which would aid both general park users, as well as races held at the Park. Currently, no water is available at the park. Also, the grant would provide funds for additional supply storage to support the volunteer group that maintains the Park. The grant amount being applied for would be approximately $17,300. This grant requires a 50 percent match that would be funded from Hillside City Park user donations. If the Council concurs with applying for this grant, a resolution of support will be on the February 22 consent agenda fox Council approval. Athletic Field Lighting Project (Youth Athletic Complex) This Outdoor Recreation Grant through the DNR Division of Parks and Trails would secure funds to aid in the installation of lighting the four upper fields at the Youth Athletic Complex. The addition of lights would increase playtime at the Complex, especially in the spring and fall seasons. With the loss of the field at Oak Knoll, due to the Public Works facility expansion project, the lighting of the four fields at the Youth Athletic Complex will aid in alleviating the demand for athletic fields. The grant amount being applied for would be approximately $485,000. This grant requires a 50 percent match that would be included as part of the cost of the public works facility expansion project. If the Council concurs with applying for this grant, a resolution of support will be on the February 22 consent agenda for Council approval. If this grant is not received, the lighting project will revert back to the original plan included in the public works facility expansion plan. Fishing Pier (Lake Orono Park) The Lake Orono fishing pier was constructed under an agreement with the DNR 25 years ago. That agreement is ending and the DNR is requesting that the City enter into another 25 year agreement to maintain the pier. Staff is seeking support to proceed with entering into an agreement with the DNR for the next 25 years to maintain the public fishing pier on Lake Orono. By entering into this agreement the DNR will provide all materials required to rehabilitate the existing pier. The City would be responsible for the reconstruction work which will be accomplished through a contractor funded through the park improvement fund budget. The budget includes $5,000 for this project. The DNR would be aiding in the construction logistics. Solar Thermal Heat/Reheating Project (City Hall) Bids were received on February 9 and are currently being evaluated. Additional information will be presented at the meeting. Solar Lighting Project (Great Northern Trail) The application for solar lighting along the Great Northern Trail has been submitted and we should receive notification sometime in March 2011. Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent Reuse Grant In December 2010, we applied fox a Beneficial Wastewater Effluent Reuse Grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The grant opportunity has come available through the passing of the Clean Water Legacy Act. The grant funds projects that reuse wastewater effluent in an industry where their process water would otherwise come from groundwater aquifers. We partnered with Great River Energy and submitted an application requesting the project maximum 50 percent, or $308,540, for assistance with the planning, design, and construction of the improvements required to complete the project. We were recently notified by the MPCA that we have been awarded a $285,740 (46%) grant towards the project. We will be meeting with Great River Energy in the coming week to review engineering proposals for the completion of this project. The recommendation of an engineering team will come forward at the February 22 City Council meeting for consideration. Bailey Point The City is working with the Minnesota Land Trust to acquire Bailey Point. In addition, there may be grant opportunities available to fund a portion of the City's acquisition cost. A preliminary application was submitted and accepted by the DNR. A final application is due March 31. Additional information on this grant will be presented at the worksession.