Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for funding through the Conservation Partners Legacy grant program to enhance floodplain forest habitat at Hidden Falls Regional Park, and, if successful, enter into an agreement providing indemnification for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Body
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Lessard-Sams Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) grant program; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul is eligible to receive grant funds through the CPL program; and
WHEREAS, it is the intention of Parks and Recreation to submit a $118,000 proposal to enhance 59 acres of floodplain forest at Hidden Falls Regional Park through invasive woody species removal and reforestation efforts; and
WHEREAS, project work will occur within unique restoration opportunities identified within site-specific management plans; and
WHEREAS, the project will increase connectedness of high-quality forests, reduce sedimentation of impaired waterbodies, and improve habitat for wildlife; and
WHEREAS, if funded, the grant agreement will require that the grantee indemnify the State, its agents and employees from any claims or causes of action arising from performance of the grant agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council finds that accepting these grant funds will allow Parks and Recreation to fulfill ecological principles of habitat restoration; and
WHEREAS, the expenditure of public funds, which includes the promise of indemnification, for such a purpose will facilitate and enable it to take place, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that designated Parks and Recreation staff are hereby authorized to seek CPL funding on behalf of the City and, if successful, the appropriate city officials are authorized to enter into an agreement with the State, which includes an indemnification clause, to accept the funds for the grant activities.