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Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for a Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation grant in the amount of $105,000 for the Willow Reserve project, and if approved, accept the grant, and enter into agreements with the MN DNR as are necessary to accept the funding, which may include an indemnification clause.
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WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul performs significant services for citizens of the Metropolitan area and all Minnesota residents through its ownership and operation of its parks and trails; and
WHEREAS, the City supports and will continue to support the cooperative efforts of the State of Minnesota to provide resources for the betterment of our parks and trails system; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul, Department of Parks and Recreation, wishes to construct two boardwalks over wetlands to complete a perimeter trail, construct a wildlife observation overlook, add benches and signage, and restore and manage native plant communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul has the legal authority to apply for financial assistance, and financial capability to meet the match requirement, if any, and ensure adequate construction, operation, maintenance, and replacement of the proposed project for its design life; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul will act as legal sponsor for the project contained in the Outdoor Recreation grant application to be submitted on March 24, 2017, and that Michael Hahm is hereby authorized to apply to the Department of Natural Resources for funding of this project on behalf of the City of Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, that the City of Saint Paul has not incurred any development costs and has not entered into a written purchase agreement to acquire the property described in the Cost Breakdown section on this application; and
WHEREAS, that the City of Saint Paul has or will acquire fee title or permanent easement over the land described in the site plan included in the application; and
WHEREAS, upon approval of its application by the state, the City of Saint Paul will enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota for the above referenced project, and that the City of Saint Paul certifies that it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations as stated in the grant agreement, including dedicating the park property for uses consistent with the funding grant program into perpetuity; and
WHEREAS, the grant agreement may contain an indemnification clause asking the City to indemnify the State as a condition of receipt of grant funds, and such indemnification would serve the public purpose of allowing the City of Saint Paul to receive funds for the project described, which will provide additional opportunities for enjoyment of the outdoors;now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby authorizes the Director of Parks and Recreation to apply for, and if approved, accept said grant, and to enter into such agreements as are necessary to implement the project on behalf of the applicant, which may include an indemnification clause.