DEPARTMENT: Parks, Facilities, and Fleet Management
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Authorization To Addend Memorandum Of Agreement And Renew Lease With University Of Minnesota For Natural Resources Collaboration
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RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 17-274 (May 23, 2017), the County Board adopted the Dakota County Natural Resources Management System Plan (NRMSP) to create a healthy environment with quality natural areas; and
WHEREAS, the NRMSP’s Tier 1 Goals include expanding volunteerism, pursuing partnerships, and leveraging additional external funding; and
WHEREAS, implementation of the NRMSP has included the initiation of a plant production program to grow native plants with local genotypes to be used for restoration that would otherwise be difficult and expensive to purchase, and expansion of this program would provide yet additional cost savings and positive ecological impacts to the County; and
WHEREAS, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized agreements with Dakota County Master Gardeners (DCMG), a volunteer program of the University of Minnesota (U of MN) Extension, and the U of MN Rosemount Research and Outreach Center (RROC) establishing a trial partnership through the end of 2023; and
WHEREAS, this partnership provided for the expansion of Dakota County’s native plant production efforts through the use of RROC growing facilities and an annual Dakota County contribution to offset expenses, including a 1.0 FTE position responsible for managing Dakota County plant production and DCMG program activities; and
WHEREAS, a partnership update was presented at the March 21, 2023, Community Services Committee of the Whole meeting; and
WHEREAS, to date, this partnership has resulted in the production and installation of 89,000 native plants, valued at $231,400, and 2,200 volunteer hours; and
WHEREAS, the results of this trial have exceeded expectations, and all partners wish to continue this partnership in 2024; and
WHEREAS, the funding for this program is included in the 2024 County Manager’s Recommended Budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Parks, Facilities and Fleet Management Director to execute an Addendum to the Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Minnesota for the support of the Dakota County Master Gardener program in 2024, including $89,085 for a 1.0 full-time equivalent position responsible for managing Dakota County plant production and Dakota County Master Gardener program activities and $10,500 in direct and in-kind support for Dakota County Master Gardener program activities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director to execute a Lease Agreement with the University of Minnesota for the lease of facilities and provision of associated furnishings and equipment at the Rosemount Research and Outreach Center for an amount not to exceed $4,000, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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