Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for a grant of up to $300,000 from the Parks Acquisition Opportunity Fund (PAOF) for Phalen Regional Park.
Body
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council administers a Parks Acquisition Opportunity Fund (PAOF); and
WHEREAS, the PAOF reimburses 75% of all eligible costs for property acquisitions for regional parks and trails; and
WHEREAS, the 25% local share of costs is eligible for consideration for reimbursement from future appropriations of the Metro Parks CIP program; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation wishes to purchase a parcel identified as an inholding in the Phalen Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, if funds are granted, the Metropolitan Council will require a grant agreement that includes the requirement that the City of Saint Paul indemnify the Metropolitan Council; and
WHEREAS, the promise of expenditure of future funds in the form of indemnification requires a public purpose; and
WHEREAS, Phalen Regional Park provides recreational and outdoor activity opportunities which will benefit the public and the City Council finds that the promise of indemnification in return for money to fund a portion of the purchase will facilitate and enable acquisition of the property; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby authorizes the Director of Parks and Recreation to apply for, and if successful, along with the appropriate city officials, enter into an agreement with the Metropolitan Council, which includes an indemnification clause, to accept the funds on behalf of the City.