DEPARTMENT: Office Of Risk Management
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Contract For Subrecipient Agreement Between Dakota County And City Of Inver Grove Heights For Grant Funded Reimbursement For Northwest Area Weather Siren From 2025 Urban Area Security Initiative Grant
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Dakota County is the grantee for funds provided through the 2025 Urban Area Security Initiative grant (UASI) (26-316, 8/4/2026); and
WHEREAS, funding from the federal government under the UASI grant will enhance preparedness activities related to natural disasters and terrorism; and
WHEREAS, the goal of the preparedness efforts is to improve countywide disaster and emergency response capabilities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Inver Grove Heights applied for funding for a Northwest Area Weather Siren; and
WHEREAS, staff recommend approving the Inver Grove Heights Police Department request based upon federal and state guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the County desires to provide funding to the City of Inver Grove Heights as a subrecipient of the UASI Grant funds to be received by the County; and
WHEREAS, the City of Inver Grove Heights is willing to act as a subrecipient of such funds for the Inver Grove Heights Police Department Northwest Area Weather Siren purchase.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Deputy County Manager to execute a contract with the City of Inver Grove Heights for grant funded reimbursement for the Inver Grove Heights Police Department Northwest Area Weather Siren from the 2025 Urban Area Security Initiative grant, subject to approval of the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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BACKGROUND
In effort to best utilize grant dollars marked for countywide emergency preparedness and terrorism mitigation, Dakota County Emergency Management sought applications for regional preparedness projects from the Domestic Preparedness Committee in 2025. This project, the Northwest Area Weather Siren, is one of several projects internally approved using a regional standardized grading rubric. This project was budgeted for internally and is an approved expense under state and federal grant guidelines.
The City of Inver Grove Heights is seeking funding to install an outdoor warning siren near 70th Street East and Argenta Trail in the northwest part of the city. This area has a notable coverage gap because terrain, elevation changes, natural barriers, and development patterns limit the effectiveness of the nearest siren at Inver Wood Golf Course. As a result, residents there have limited access to timely outdoor warnings during severe weather. The location's proximity to Eagan means the siren would also improve coverage for the Vikings Lakes development, a high-density residential, commercial, and recreational area, and would improve audibility for residents of Sunfish Lake. The project addresses a known vulnerability identified through local planning and operational experience. Although mobile alerts and weather radios remain essential, sirens provide a redundant, community-wide warning for people who are outdoors, in transit, or without immediate access to electronic alerts.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommend the Board authorize the execution of this contract between Dakota County and City of Inver Grove Heights for grant fund reimbursement for the Northwest Area Weather Siren.
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FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPACTS
The 2026 Risk and Emergency Management budget includes $743,045 in revenue and expenditures for the 2025 UASI Grant (26-316; August, 4, 2026). This pass-through agreement has been budgeted appropriately within the grant expected revenues and expenditures. The City of Inver Grove Heights will receive up to $36,855, as requested in the project application. The County will only reimburse pre-approved costs incurred by the City of Inver Grove Heights.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
26-316; 8/4/26
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Northwest Area Siren Project Application
Attachment: Subrecipient Agreement
CONTACTS
Department Director: Jenny Groskopf
Author: Tom Olmsted