Title
Authorizing the appropriate City Officials to enter into and complete a draft development agreement with Lower Phalen Creek Project to prepare the site and create and operate at Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary a community gathering place and an interpretive center called the Wakan Tipi Center.
Body
WHEREAS, the purpose of Lower Phalen Creek Project is to strengthen Saint Paul, Minnesota's East Side and Lowertown communities by developing and maximizing the value of local parks and trails, ecological and cultural resources and connections to the Mississippi River;
WHEREAS, the City has identified in its Great River Passage Master Plan the need to create a gathering place at the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary ("Nature Sanctuary") and to provide interpretive, educational and visitor amenities and services, landscape improvements, as well as improved trail connections from the Nature Sanctuary to nearby trails;
WHEREAS, the City realizes the importance of establishing partnerships with community organizations to provide recreational opportunities and enhanced interpretive and educational services;
WHEREAS, Lower Phalen Creek Project has worked with the City and the community to acquire, restore and develop the Nature Sanctuary and has a vision to create and operate, at this location, a community gathering place and an interpretive center called Wakan Tipi Center, ("Center") in honor of Wakan Tipi Cave, a Dakota sacred site and historic site; and
WHEREAS, the City and the Lower Phalen Creek Project wish to set forth the expectations of each party as to what is needed for the parties to design and construct Wakan Tipi Center and the City to lease the building to Lower Phalen Creek Project as developer and operator of the facility;
NOW, THEREFORE, The City Council authorizes the appropriate City officials to complete and move forward with the attached draft development agreement with Lower Phalen Creek Project to prepare the site and create and operate at Bruce Vento...
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