DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With South St. Paul For Natural Resources Restoration Projects Within Select Parks
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the execution of an agreement to partner with the City of South St. Paul for natural resources restoration at Mississippi River Greenway nodes (Kaposia Park and Simon’s Ravine Trailhead, Kaposia Landing, and Wildflower Levee Park) (Attachment: Project Map).
SUMMARY
The Land Conservation Plan, adopted by Resolution No. 20-568 (November 17, 2020), called for creating a City-Conservation Collaborative to “more effectively protect critical undeveloped areas, increase natural resource restoration and management, and share information and financial and staff resources within all incorporated areas.”
On March 28, 2023, the County Board of Commissioners authorized the submittal of a grant application to the Legislative-Citizen's Commission on Minnesota Resources’ Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (LCCMR-ENRTF) program. This application included restoration work at key nodes along the Mississippi River Greenway, including South Saint Paul’s Kaposia Park and Simon’s Ravine Trailhead, Kaposia Landing, and Wildflower Levee Park.
The Natural Resources Restoration joint powers agreement (JPA) uses a previously established standardized, citywide template for collaboration, replacing the need for multiple project-specific agreements for each of these projects (Attachment: JPA). It centralizes information for jointly managed restoration projects in an efficient, transparent format. Future amendments will be made by adding or updating exhibits as new projects are undertaken.
Project Details:
Mississippi River Greenway Nodes at Kaposia Park and Simon’s Ravine Trailhead, Kaposia Landing, and Wildflower Levee Park.
Conduct natural resources restoration on 43 acres following recommendations of the 2025 Natural Resources Management Plan (NRMP).
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that Dakota County execute a JPA with the City of South St. Paul to cover the described natural resources restoration projects.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The Parks Capital Improvement Program includes $364,000 for Completing The Mississippi River Greenway project. The estimated total cost of all proposed restoration and enhancement projects for the described parks within the City of South St. Paul is approximately $255,215. There is sufficient funding in the project budget.
2000668 Completing the Mississippi River Greenway Grant Project
|
Funding Source |
Total Approved Budget |
Available Budget |
|
Parks CIP Greenway Collaborative Set Aside (ELF) |
$75,000 |
$75,000 |
|
Award 311014 Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund |
$289,000 |
$289,000 |
|
Total |
$364,000 |
$364,000 |
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Land Conservation Plan, adopted by Resolution No. 20-568 (November 17, 2020), called for creating a City-County Conservation Collaborative to “more effectively protect critical undeveloped areas, increase natural resource restoration and management, and share information and financial and staff resources within all incorporated areas”; and
WHEREAS, on March 28, 2023, the County Board of Commissioners approved to submit a grant application to the Legislative-Citizen's Commission on Minnesota Resources’ Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (LCCMR-ENRTF) program; and
WHEREAS, this LCCMR-ENRTF grant application included restoration work at key nodes along the Mississippi River Greenway, including Kaposia Park and Simon’s Ravine Trailhead, Kaposia Landing, and Wildflower Levee Park; and
WHEREAS, the Natural Resources Restoration joint powers agreement with the City of South St. Paul uses a previously established standardized, citywide template for collaboration, replacing the need for multiple project-specific agreements for each of these projects; and
WHEREAS, the joint powers agreement centralizes information for jointly managed restoration projects in an efficient, transparent format; and
WHEREAS, future amendments will be made by adding or updating exhibits as new projects are undertaken.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby execute a joint powers agreement with the City of South St. Paul for natural resources restoration projects.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
20-568; 11/17/20
23-130; 03/28/23
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Draft JPA
Attachment: Project 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: Karen Solas