Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to accept and execute a multi-year Legacy Grant from the State of Minnesota for $1,960,000 for arts and cultural heritage at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
Body
WHEREAS, a Legacy Grant from the State of Minnesota, Office of Grants Management, in the amount of $1,960,000 has been awarded to the City of Saint Paul, Department of Parks and Recreation, from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund for programs at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory; 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 parks and trails of state or regional significance; and
WHEREAS, funding from the arts and cultural heritage fund may be spent only for arts, arts education, arts access, and to preserve Minnesota's history and cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, this grant spans the State's 2016-17 biennium, beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2017, with the Department of Parks and Recreation applying for reimbursement of costs on a quarterly basis; and
WHEREAS, the Legacy Grant contains an indemnification clause whereby the City will hold the State harmless from any claims resulting from the City's performance under the terms of the grant; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that acceptance of the indemnification clause will allow the grant to be accepted and will benefit the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory which in turn is a benefit to the public; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby authorizes the appropriate city officials to enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota for a multi-year Legacy Grant in the amount of $1,960,000 for arts and cultural heritage of the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory from July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2017, and to indemnify the state as part of that agreement.