Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to accept the Shade Tree Program Bonding Grant (2021-2024) of $50,000 from the Department of Natural Resources to replace trees lost to the Emerald Ash Borer and authorizing the proper City officials to execute the grant agreement which includes indemnification language.
Body
WHEREAS, the City Council of Saint Paul previously authorized the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for the Shade Tree Program Bonding Grant (2021-2024) per Council Resolution 21-361; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation was awarded $50,000 in grant funds from the Department of Natural Resources to support the replacement of trees lost to Emerald Ash Borer; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation is requesting permission to accept the grant funds; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation is requesting permission to enter into a grant agreement with the State of Minnesota - Department of Natural Resources which requires the City to indemnify the State; and
WHEREAS, the grant agreement requires that the City sign a General Obligation of Bond Financed Property, meaning that the property cannot be sold, mortgaged, encumbered, or otherwise disposed of without the approval of the Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget, and
WHEREAS, the City Council of Saint Paul finds that the expenditure of these funds to replace trees that have been lost to Emerald Ash Borer has a public purpose; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul authorizes the Department of Parks and Recreation to accept $50,000 from the Department of Natural Resources to support the replacement of trees lost to Emerald Ash Borer, and authorizes the appropriate City officials to enter into the grant agreement with the State of Minnesota - Department of Natural Resources which includes indemnification language.