DEPARTMENT: Library
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Submit Grant Application To The Toro Company, To Accept Grant If Awarded, And To Execute Grant Agreement
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the library to submit a Greenspace Enhancement grant application to the Toro Company for the purpose of developing an outdoor learning and event space at the Wentworth Library and authorize the Public Service and Revenue Director or their designee, to accept the grant if awarded and execute the grant agreement and authorize an amendment to the Library budget.
SUMMARY
The county is planning a renovation of the Wentworth Library beginning in April 2025. The Capital Projects budget does not contain funds for the grounds. The library wishes to apply to the Toro Company through their Greenspace Enhancement program to develop a portion of the grounds on the east side of the library. This would allow for events and learning play to happen in that space.
Ideas being considered are a patio space with sustainable plants around the paved areas. Appropriate outdoor learning activities would be incorporated into the design. Native plantings could also be added under the windows which face Wentworth Avenue.
After consulting with Facilities Management staff, with authorization from the board, the library plans to ask for $150,000 in the grant application. This would include fees for a landscape architect, labor, and materials.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that Dakota County submit the grant application to the Toro Company. Furthermore, staff recommends that Dakota County execute the grant agreement in the amount of up to $150,000 and authorize an amendment to the 2025 Library budget.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
This grant has no associated additional County cost. Authorization is requested to amend the 2025 Library budget by $150,000 to reflect the revenues and expenses associated with the grant agreement if the grant is awarded to the County. The grant will have no impact on Full-time equivalent.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☒ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, a renovation is planned for the Wentworth Library beginning in April 2025; and
WHEREAS, the project budget does not include funds for enhancement of the surrounding grounds; and
WHEREAS, the library wishes to add a learning and event space outside Wentworth; and
WHEREAS, the library requests to apply for grant funds to pay for the development of the grounds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorizes the library to submit a Greenspace Enhancement grant application to the Toro Company in the amount of up to $150,000; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That, if awarded, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners herby authorizes the Public Service and Revenue Director, or their designee, to execute a grant agreement with the Toro Company for Greenspace Enhancement in the amount of up to $150,000, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby amends the 2025 Library budget as follows, if awarded:
Expense
Wentworth Library Greenspace Enhancement Project Expense $150,000
Total Expense $150,000
Revenue
Greenspace Enhancement Grant - Toro Company $150,000
Total Revenue $150,000
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Margaret Stone
Author: Margaret Stone