4.7. SR 05-21-2012~~~ REQUEST FOR ACTION
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TO ITEM NUMBER
Mayor and City Council 4.~
AGENDA SECTION MEETING DATE PREPARED BY
Consent May 21, 2012 Michael Hecker, Parks and Recreation
Director
ITEM DESCRIPTION REVIEWED BY
Resolution Acknowledging Monetary Contributions to Elk River Tina Allard, Ci Clerk
Parks and Recreation Department from Great River Energy REVIEWED BY
Cal Portner, Ci Administrator
ACTION REQUESTED
Adopt the attached resolution acknowledging the $8,350 monetary donation from Great River Energy
(GRE) pursuant to Minnesota State Statute X465.03. Statute requires that resolutions fox donations are
adopted by a 2/3 majority vote.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Last fall, Great River Energy had to remove trees along the transmission line right-of--way easement.
When the project was completed the volunteers at Hillside Park were concerned with the amount of trees
that were removed. Volunteers were surprised by the visible changes and clearing of the landscape under
the transmission lines. It was a quick change to the woodsy environment surrounding the mountain bike
trails.
Staff started working with the volunteers and GRE in October once the tree clearing project was
completed. The core volunteer group, called the DirtWirx crew, under the leadership of the park steward
Rich Omdahl, was requested to come up with various plans to repair and improve the trails near the
transmission lines. Some of the ideas included re-forestation plans and prairie grasses. These plans were
in the range of $8,000 to $20,000. The main problem with the plans was their sustainability.
GRE offered to make a donation of $8,350 to the City of Elk River for the DirtWirx crew to make
improvements to Hillside Park. This amount is basically the equivalent cost of a plan to install prairie
grasses to the transmission line easement. After meeting with the volunteers during the last six months to
come up with a viable plan, it was decided by the DirtWirx crew that equipment would be the best cost
effective method for park improvements.
Parks Supervisor Rodney Schreifels has been working with Rich Omdahl the past few weeks on a
comprehensive list of equipment and supplies that the city will purchase with the donation. Some of the
items include Sno-Scout snowmobiles for winter grooming, chainsaws, generators, and small tools.
The donation was discussed and approved by the Parks and Recreation Commission at the May 9
meeting.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT
An $8,350 contribution was received from Great River Energy for the purchase of equipment to make
improvements to Hillside Park. This should save the city money, as most of the equipment and supplies
purchased with the donation money will not need to be purchased by the city directly.
ATTACHMENTS
^ Resolution Acknowledging Contribution
Action Motion by Second by Vote
Follow Up
PONEIEI 11
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RESOLUTION # 12-
RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE
CITY OF ELK RIVER
WHEREAS, the Ciry of Elk River is grateful to all civic groups, organizations, and
individuals for their contributions to the community; and
WHEREAS, the Ciry of Elk River received an $8,350 donation from Great River Energy
with the intent it be used by the Elk River Parks and Recreation Department towards the
purchase of equipment and supplies for volunteers to maintain and improve the mountain
bike trail system at Hillside Park.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Ciry Council of the Ciry of Elk River,
by at least atwo-thirds vote, to acknowledge the support and commend Great River Energy
for their donation.
Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Elk River this 21S` day of May 2012.
John J. Dietz, Mayor
ATTEST:
Tina Allard, City Clerk