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File #: DC-5171    Version: 1
Type: Consent Action Status: Passed
File created: 12/5/2025 In control: Board of Commissioners
On agenda: 2/17/2026 Final action: 2/17/2026
Enactment date: 2/17/2026 Resolution #: 26-076
Title: Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With City Of Lakeville For Lake Marion Greenway: Ritter Farm To Downtown Lakeville Segment
Sponsors: Parks
Attachments: 1. Area Map

DEPARTMENT: Parks

FILE TYPE: Consent Action

 

TITLE

title

Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With City Of Lakeville For Lake Marion Greenway: Ritter Farm To Downtown Lakeville Segment

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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED

Authorize execution of a joint powers agreement (JPA) with the City of Lakeville for the Lake Marion Greenway: Ritter Farm to Downtown Lakeville Segment.

 

SUMMARY

By Resolution No. 13-441 (August 27, 2013), the Lake Marion Greenway Master Plan (Master Plan) was adopted by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners. The master plan established a 20-mile preferred alignment from the Minnesota River to Farmington. The proposed JPA will fund design, and construction for the following elements:

 

                     Ritter Farm trail gap ~ 1 mile

                     2 miles of trail improvements to meet regional greenway standards from Juno Lake Trailhead to Downtown

                     1/2 mile of trail connection improvements to greenway

                     Wayfinding, gateways, and rest areas

                     Trailhead at Ritter Farm

                     Feasibility study of 67-acre property adjacent to greenway for greenway opportunities

The City of Lakeville is facilitating the design, bidding, and construction management of the project with Dakota County staff providing design review and oversight. The total estimated costs for construction and consulting services are estimated at $4,608,600. The City of Lakeville has received $2,000,000 in external grants that will be applied to the project, reducing the total local cost to $2,608,600. The typical greenway cost share will be applied to the local balance with an estimated Dakota County contribution of $1,931,708 and a City of Lakeville contribution of $677,180. The cost share by project element is below (County / City):

 

                     85/15 percent for main greenway items ($1,523,356 / $268,828)

                     50/50 percent Ritter Farm Trailhead ($224,088 / $224,088)

                     50/50 percent towards local trail connections to greenway ($164,264 / $164,264)

                     50/50 percent for feasibility study of 67-acre quarry on Lake Marion ($20,000 / $20,000)

Upon completion, Dakota County will assume operations and maintenance of 4.2 miles of regional greenway. The City of Lakeville will provide ongoing operations and maintenance for the Ritter Farm Trailhead and local trail connections. A supplemental maintenance agreement will be developed to coordinate ongoing roles and responsibilities along the greenway.

 

This greenway collaborative project is consistent with current cost share practices for city-led projects.

 

RECOMMENDATION

recommendation

Staff recommends Dakota County execute a JPA with the City of Lakeville for the Lake Marion Greenway: Ritter Farm to Downtown Lakeville segment project delivery and construction costs for the period February 1, 2026 - December 31, 2028.

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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS

Dakota County’s total cost of the JPA is established at not to exceed $2,124,879 which provides for a 10 percent contingency. Sufficient funding has been authorized in the 2026-2030 Parks Capital Improvement Program. Greenway Collaborative Set-Aside budget will be used to supplement the project budget. The annual cost of ongoing operations and maintenance of adding 4.2 miles of regional greenway is estimated at $16,800 or $4,000 per mile.

 

Project 2000453 Lake Marion Greenway - Lakeville (Ritter Farm Park to Holyoke)*

Funding Source

Total Budget

Available Budget

Sales and Use Tax

$429,382

$428,382

Transportation Advance Account

$273,338

$273,338

Total

$702,720

$702,720

* City-led project - budget does not include City of Lakeville’s cost share

 

Project 1000651 Greenway Collaborative Set-Aside

Funding Source

Total Budget

Available Budget

Environmental Legacy Fund (ELF) Balance

$116,581

$116,581

Sales and Use Tax

$1,858,601

$1,858,601

Transportation Advance Account

$1,647,983

$1,493,089

Parks Fund Balance

$179,163

$0

Total

$3,802,328

$3,468,271

 

  None              Current budget              Other        

  Amendment Requested                           New FTE(s) requested

 

 

RESOLUTION

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WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 13-441 (August 27, 2013), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners adopted the Lake Marion Greenway Master Plan; and

 

WHEREAS, the City of Lakeville is leading the design, bidding, and project delivery; and

 

WHEREAS, the project will construct and upgrade 3 miles of regional greenway, one trailhead, and .5 miles of local trails; and

 

WHEREAS, the total project cost is estimated at $4,608,600; and

 

WHEREAS, the City of Lakeville has received $2,000,000 of external grants to reduce overall local costs to $2,608,600; and

 

WHEREAS, Dakota County will reimburse the City of Lakeville based on current greenway cost share practices; and

 

WHEREAS, the total estimated cost to Dakota County is $2,124,879 which includes 10 percent contingency; and

 

WHEREAS, sufficient revenues are available in the Parks Capital Improvement Program; and

 

WHEREAS, the Supplemental Maintenance Agreement will be revised to include ongoing maintenance and operations for the Lake Marion Greenway from downtown to Ritter Farm Park.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director, or their designee, to execute a joint powers agreement with the City of Lakeville to reimburse the City for costs associated with the Lake Marion Greenway: Downtown to Ritter Farm segment for the period February 17, 2026, through December 31, 2027, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.

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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION

13-441; 8/27/13

 

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment: Area Map

 

BOARD GOALS

   Thriving People        A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources

   A Successful Place for Business and Jobs         Excellence in Public Service

 

CONTACT

Department Head: Niki Geisler

Author: John Mertens