Title
Approving the application for grants from Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment funds through the Parks and Trails program for state fiscal years 2016 and 2017.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul performs significant services for citizens of the Metropolitan area and all Minnesota residents through its ownership and operation of Regional Parks; and
WHEREAS, the City supports and will continue to support the cooperative efforts of the State of Minnesota, Metropolitan Council, and Regional Park Implementing Agencies to provide resources
for the betterment of the Regional Parks and Trails system; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council has estimated an allocation of approximately $16.35 million in FY 2016 and $17.211 million in FY 2017 be appropriated from the Land and Legacy Amendments Parks and Trails Fund to be granted to regional park implementing agencies to support land acquisition, facility renovation, facility development, visitor service improvements, natural resource restoration, and park/trail master planning for the Metropolitan Regional Park System; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Regional Park System currently open for public use encompasses over 54,286 acres of parkland and includes 53 regional parks and park reserves, 8 special
recreation features, and 340 miles of regional trails. These park/trail units are owned and operated by ten regional park implementing agencies of which the City of Saint Paul, Parks and Recreation Department is included as the Implementing Agency for St. Paul; and
WHEREAS, the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment to Minnesota's Constitution, dedicates 3/8ths of 1% of the state sales tax to clean water, habitat, arts and culture, and parks and trails of state or regional significance. In accordance with 2008 M.S. Sec. 85.53, Subd. 3, the funds would be disbursed to the City of Saint Paul, Department of Parks and Recreation projects as follows:
Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Projects
FY 2016 and 2017
Education Coordinator - fund up to $70,000 for an Education Coordinator position to continue the program initiated in 2010 with Legacy funds to develop and implement activities such as classes, citizen science surveys, field labs, hands-on nature study programs, and interpretive tours.
Volunteer Coordinator - fund up to $67,000 for a Volunteer Coordinator position to continue the program initiated in 2010 with Legacy funds to recruit, coordinate, and lead Natural Resource Volunteers in habitat restoration, environmental education and garden maintenance, and for up to 3% to be used for program supplies.
Como Regional Park Shuttle - fund up to $100,000 for the Como Regional Park shuttle operation to provide access and more convenient parking at an off-site parking lot with front door service to over 40,000 park users each year.
Great River Passage Division - fund up to $165,000 for operating budget for new division, focus on activating the river through an equity lens. Includes implementation and management of the Great River Passage (GRP) Master Plan, which covers 17 miles and over 3,500 acres of Mississippi River lands in St. Paul. Goals include achieving annual visit increases by underserved demographic groups to GRP regional parks. Equity initiatives include innovative public engagement, areas for cultural activities, training for participation in natural resource based activities, programs, and multi-modal access. Management will include protection and restoration of natural areas, bluffs,and slopes.
FY 2016
Lilydale Regional Park - Phase III - fund up to $1,200,000 to continue implementation of adopted park master plan. Complete road and utility construction from the end of Phase II to the Harriet Island area (2,800 lineal feet).
Phalen Regional Park - fund up to $82,000 to continue implementation of the adopted regional park master plan. Perform a traffic study of four intersections, traffic counts, circulation patterns, and parking access/layout at 9 parking lots to provide a framework for improving access and circulation for the roughly 1 million annual visitors, with approximately 64% of users being of Asian background.
Phalen Regional Park-Bathhouse Upgrades - fund up to $619,000 to continue implementation of the adopted regional park master plan. Perform necessary aesthetic upgrades to the beach house focused on improved bathroom/changing rooms, concessions, staff space, storage, and seating areas.
Indian Mounds Regional Park - fund up to $135,000 to continue implementation of adopted master plan to include design, engineering, and construction of a splash pad (small artistic interactive water feature with year-round interest).
FY 2017
Como Regional Park - fund up to $310,000 for completion of an important Como Regional Park access road, Estabrook Drive, and related infrastructure, lighting, and landscape restoration.
Hidden Falls/Crosby Farm Regional Park - fund up to $150,000 for Master Plan Amendment required to update the 1970's master plan. Implement a master plan amendment as outlined in the Metropolitan Council 2030 Plan under master plan process. Use the adopted Great River Passage Master Plan as a base plan to start with.
Lilydale Regional Park - Phase IV - fund up to $800,000 to continue implementation of adopted master plan to include clearing Pickerel area including restroom, shelter, and associated site improvements.
Indian Mounds Regional Park - fund up to $539,000to continue implementation of adopted master plan to include construction of a splash pad (small artistic interactive water feature with year-round interest).
Cherokee Park Play Area - fund up to $350,000 for reconstruction of the 3,800 sq. ft. Cherokee Play Area to provide active play opportunities for children between the ages of 2-12.
TOTAL GRANT FUNDS $4,989,000.00
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Saint Paul, that support is granted for the Metropolitan Council's request to the Minnesota State Legislature for Saint Paul Regional Park and Trail Legacy Program projects noted for FY 2016 and FY 2017.