Title
Approving the application for a grant of up to $300,000 from the Parks Acquisition Opportunity Fund (PAOF) for the Robert Piram Regional Trail project.
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 construction of the Robert Piram Regional Trail will require acquisition of permanent trail easements; and
WHEREAS, these permanent trail easements are eligible to receive funding from PAOF; and
WHEREAS, the grant agreement 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, the Robert Piram Regional Trail will provide additional recreational and outdoor activities 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 public will facilitate and enable the construction of the trail; 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.