7.2. SR 03-21-2005
Item # 7.2.
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation Director
DATE: March 16, 2005
SUBJECT: Public Hearing and Council Resolution Authorizing Staff to
Apply for a DNR Natural and Scenic Area Grant
Introduction
The Parks and Recreation Commission have identified an 80-acre parcel of land, adjacent to
Woodland Trails Park and Top of the World Park, as a high priority land acquisition. The
recently completed Natural Resources Inventory supports this priority.
Acquisition of this parcel would preserve a high quality natural area and enlarge a popular
recreation amenity.
Staff has held discussions with the property owner, Tiller Corporation, regarding the
purchase of this parcel. In October 2005, staff submitted a request for $250,000 from the
DNR Metro Greenways program. Parks and Recreation staff is preparing to submit two
more grant applications to the DNR, a Remediation Fund grant and a Natural and Scenic
Area grant. These programs assists local governments and school districts in acquiring fee
title acquisition and permanent easement acquisition of natural and scenic areas.
Public Hearing
The Natural and Scenic Area grant application requires a public hearing and a Council
resolution authorizing staff to apply for the grant. The information requirements for the
public hearing are as follows:
. Project Scope and type of activities involved
Purchase 80 acres of land from Tiller Corporation. Develop a management plan to
insure preservation of this high quality natural area.
. Implementation Schedule
Complete a purchase agreement by March 2006.
. Overall Cost and the proposed financing for the project
Total Cost $1,700,000
Proposed Funding Sources
· DNR Remediation Fund Grant Program
· DNR Metro Greenways Site Protection Grant
· DNR Natural and Scenic Areas Grant
$500,000
$250,000
$250,000
· Park Dedication Fund $350,000
· Park Dedication Credits $350.000
T~ ~OO~
. Costs to be assessed to community residents
1. No funds are to be assessed to community residents for acquisition.
2. $800 will be spent for a consultant to develop a management plan to insure
preservation of natural resources.
. Associated Project Costs
Volunteer groups currendy do much of the maintenance, such as trail grooming, at
Woodlands Trail and Top of the World Parks. It is assumed that this volunteer
component would continue in the new addition.
Open Public Hearing
Park Commission Recommendation
At the Park Commission meting of March 9, 2004 the Commission voted 6-0 to
recommend that the City Council consider approval of a resolution authorizing staff to
apply fro a DNR Natural and Scenic Areas grant for $250,000.
Action Requested
Staff requests that the City Council consider approval of a resolution authorizing staff to
apply for a DNR Natural and Scenic Areas grant for $250,000.
RESOLUTION 05-_
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STAFF TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR A
DNR NATURAL AND SCENIC AREAS GRANT
WHEREAS, The City of Elk River values the preservation of scenic and natural areas that
have been identified in the natural resources inventory; and
WHEREAS, The City of Elk River recognizes the importance of providing high quality
recreational resources to the community; and
WHEREAS, The City of Elk River recognizes the need to partner with other government
agencies in order to preserve scenic and natural areas in a cost effective manner; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED That the City of Elk River act as legal sponsor
for the project contained in the Natural and Scenic Area Grant Program Application to be
submitted on March 31, 2005 and that the Director of Parks and Recreation is hereby authorized to
apply to the Department of Natural Resources for funding of this project on behalf of City of Elk
River.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Elk River has the legal authority
to apply for fmancial assistance, and fmancial capability to meet the match requirement and ensure
adequate management and protection.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Elk River has not incurred
any costs described on Item 5 and has not entered into a written purchase agreement for the
property described on Item 4.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon approval of its application by the state,
the City of Elk River may enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota
for the above-referenced project, and that the City of Elk River certifies that it will
comply with all applicable laws and regulations as stated in the grant agreement including dedicating
the park property for natural and/or scenic uses into perpetuity.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Parks and Recreation Director is
hereby authorized to execute such agreements as are necessary to implement the project on behalf
of the applicant.
Passed and adopted this 21st day of March 2004.
Stephanie Klinzing, Mayor
ATTEST:
Joan Schmidt, City Clerk