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4.4 SR 05-01-2023�, Elk s �- River Request for Action To Item Number Ma Tor and CinT Council 4.4 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Consent A enda Matir 1, 2023 Michael HeckeY, PaYks and RecYeation Mana er Item Description Reviewed by Great Northern Trail (GN"I� Memorandum of Cal Pormer, Ci r Administrator Understanding Revision Reviewed by Action Requested Approve, byT motion, the Great Northern Trail Memorandum of Understanding Revision. Background/Discussion The original MOU `vas approved byT the Parks and Recreation Commission and Cit�T Council in November of 2020. The primar�T objectives of the original MOU were to develop a master plan and applyT for Regional Designation through the MN Regional Parks & Trails Commission (GMRPTC). The original MOU was for one �Tear. The staff from each partner agency reviewed the original MOU and drafted a version that meets the G1�IRPTC's standards addressing longevityT, implementation, and maintenance. Attorney review has also been conducted byT each parmer agency. iVlichael Hecker will continue to be a member of the GNT committee. Financial Impact The cityT's local cost share for the professional services to complete the master plan is $9,500 to be paid from the Park Improvement Fund. Mission/Policy/Goal Regional designation of the GNT �vill benefit Woodland Trails Regional Park status and meets the objectives of the cityT's trail master plan. Attachments ■ GNT MOU Revision ■ Gina Hugo Memo The Elk River Vision A 2a�elcolning co�nlnunity 2a�ith T evolutiona� y and spizzted T esou� cefulness, exceptional se�vice, and coln�nunity engagelnent that encou�ages and ins�iz•es pTo�pe�zty. rowEREo ar �I'1 ���� Update�l• January 2023 Great Northern Trail Partners MOU Sherburne and Mille Lacs Counties, Cities of Elk River, Zimmerman, and Princeton (collectively known as "Parties') hereby enter into this Memorandum of Understanding: The Parties agree to work together on the development and management of the Great Northern Trail (GNT), consistent with the Great Northern Trail Master Plan in order to enhance recreational opportunities for residents of the eastern Sherburne County and Mille Lacs County region. The Parties will continue the GNT Committee previously established consisting of staff representatives from each of the Parties. Through the Committee and the implementation of the MOU; the Parties will seek to denote the roles and responsibilities of each governing entity in grant solicitation, refining trail corridor to improve local connections, defining allowable trail uses and suggesting best practice in managing operations and maintenance. The Parties understand that decision-making lies with each respective Board or Council (collectively referred to as "Boards") of the respective parties that have ownership of the trail corridor. The Committee will: 1. Include key staff from the Parties to provide recommendations to be considered by their respective Boards; 2. Include townships and cities that are bisected by the trail corridor in discussions and seek feedback on decisions impacting their respectivejurisdictions; 3. Schedule meetings as needed with regular communication through emails; 4. Work together to assist Parties in maximizing grant opportunities for construction and maintenance of the trail segments and trail heads as prioritized in the master plan; 5. Support the development prioritization strategy set forth in the master plan. It is the intent that Sherburne County apply for funding to complete the south half of corridor first; 6. Recommend to the Parties' respective Boards a cost sharing model per project or a cost allocation of professional services that benefit the entire trail that can be codified in writing; 7. Develop a GNT event permitting recommendations to promote regulatory consistency along the entire regional corridor; 8. Recommend to each Party, based on Party-specific circumstances, guidelines for Trail Closure(s) (such as hunting season, etc.); 9. Establish minimum base trail conditions and maintenance schedule recommendations to assist Parties in coordinating such activities for maximum cost effectiveness; and 10. Make recommendations on the acquisition of easements and fee title interest in real property for each Party's Board consideration. Party Responsibilities: 1. Each Party is responsible for maintaining the portion of the trail corridor in their ownership; 2. Each Party shall assume leadership for grant and construction administration for work on portions of trail corridor in their ownership; and 3. Each Party shall be responsible for their acts and those individuals who are under their direction and control. Each Party agrees to designate a person(s) to work with the committee. This Memorandum of Understanding will automatically renew annually, unless affirmative action is taken by a Party wishing to opt out. A Party desiring to opt out must do so in writing with six (6) months' notice. Sherburne County By: Name: Title: Date: Mille Lacs County By: Name: Title: Date: 2 City of Elk River By: Name: Title: Date: City of Princeton By: Name: Title: Date: City of Zimmerman By: _ Name: Title: Date: SHERBURNE 13880 Business Center Drive NW � Ste. 100 � Elk River, MN 55330 � 763-765-3308 C 0 U N T Y PARKS & RECREATION MEMO To: Elk River City Council From: Gina Hugo, Parks Coordinator CC: Michael Hecker, Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Elk River Date: April 24, 2023 Re: Great Northern Trail Partnership Committee — MOU Revision In early 2021, we formalized a partnership committee through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed by Sherburne & Mille Lacs Counties and the Cities of Elk River, Zimmerman, and Princeton. The primary objectives of the committee, codified in the MOU, were to develop a master plan and apply for Regional Designation through the MN Regional Parks & Trails Commission (GMRPTC). Over the past three years staff from each partner agency have worked together to develop a master plan for the 30-mile Great Northern Trail (GNT) corridor. This planning process included a robust public engagement element that involved the entire spectrum of stakeholders from townships, youth, ATV and snowmobile groups, active seniors, and adjacent landowners. The plan was approved and by the respective Boards and Councils of all partner and stakeholder agencies. The plan is available online: https://www.co.sherburne.mn.us/Facilities/Facilitv/Details/Great-Northern-Trail-7 Upon approval, we proceeded to apply for Regional Designation through the GMRPTC. Once Regionally Designated, partner agencies will be eligible to apply for Legacy funding to extend the trail along its full extent to end in Milaca. Our application has been reviewed by the staff of the GMRPTC and was very well received! The GMRPC has requested an updated MOU that addresses longevity or a renewal provision, defines participants, and clarifies implementation strategy and maintenance. With an updated MOU, our application can move forward to the full Commission for final consideration. The staff from each partner agencies reviewed the original MOU and drafted a version that meets the GMRPTC's standards. Attorney review has also been conducted by each partner agency. We respectfully request your continued partnership to further develop and manage the GNT and further ask for your approval of signing the MOU. Kind Regards, Gina M Hugo The Sherburne County Parks Mission is to positively affect the community by providing outdoor recreational opportunities while protecting and preserving the environment.