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Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for funds from the Outdoor Recreation grant program in an amount of up to $250,000, and to apply for grants to other agencies and groups as needed for any matching amounts required; and if funds are granted, authorizing the proper City authorities to execute grant agreements in compliance with all applicable laws, which may include an indemnification clause; and authorizing staff to apply for reimbursement from the grant funds approved for the Hidden Falls and Lower Landing Park projects.
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WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul Department of Parks and Recreation ("City") 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 wishes to: 1) renovate an existing restroom facility in Hidden Falls Park to meet ADA requirements; and 2) add benches, signage, and lighting to Lower Landing Park; and
WHEREAS, the City has read the Conflict of Interest Policy contained in the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program Manual and certifies it will report any actual, potential, perceived, or organizational conflicts of interest upon discovery to the state related to the application or a grant award; and
WHEREAS, the City has the legal authority to apply for financial assistance and financial capability to meet the required 100% match, and ensure adequate construction, operation, maintenance, and replacement of the proposed project for its design life; and
WHEREAS, the City 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 the application; 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 the City Council finds that the indemnification would serve a public purpose by allowing the City of Saint Paul to receive funds for the projects described, which will provide additional opportunities for enjoyment of the outdoors; and
WHEREAS, the City has or will acquire fee title or permanent easement over the land described in the site plan included in the application; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council authorizes Michael Hahm to apply to the DNR for funding for these projects on behalf of the City of Saint Paul which will be the legal sponsor for the projects contained in the Outdoor Recreation grant application to be submitted by March 29, 2019; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that if approved for the grant, the appropriate city officials may enter into a grant agreement which includes promise of indemnification, and 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.