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RESOLUTION APPROVING APPLICATION TO THE GREATER MINNESOTA REGIONAL PARKS AND TRAILS COMMISSION AND MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR GRANT FUNDING NOT TO EXCEED $14,280 THROUGH A REGIONAL LEGACY CONNECTING PEOPLE TO THE OUTDOORS TRACK WHEELCHAIR GRANT APPLICATION TO EXPAND RECREATIONAL ACCESS TO DULUTH PARKS AND TRAILS.
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CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS, the City of Duluth has the right and authority to sponsor a grant funding request to the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) for up to $14,280; and
WHEREAS, the City of Duluth has a right and authority to act as Legal Sponsor for the State Grant Application (the “Application”) and will work with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (“DNR”), in developing a Grant Agreement relating to the funding which may be awarded by the Commission.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Applicant certifies it has read and understands the Office of Grants Management Conflict of Interest Policy 08-01, will maintain an adequate Conflict of Interest Policy and monitor and report any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest to the Commission and DNR.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Applicant confirms all of the information in its Application and further confirms that it has no expectation of, or entitlement to, reimbursement of costs incurred prior to grant agreement execution date and, if applicable, it has not entered into a written purchase agreement to acquire property or equipment described in its Application if grant funds are to be used for the purchase.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Applicant agrees that it will comply with all applicable laws, regulations and requirements as stated in the Grant Agreement with the DNR, including completing required final work plans, ongoing management plans, data collection and sharing, and interim and final project reports.
BE IT FURTHER UNDERSTOOD, that the GMRPTC will confirm at such time that it has made the award of funds authorizing a Grant Agreement to be developed between the DNR and the Applicant.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes application to the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) for grant funding of up to $14,280 from the Regional Legacy Connecting People to the Outdoors Track Wheelchair grant program to expand recreational access to Duluth parks and trails. A track wheelchair is an off-road-capable, electronic mobility device that traverses trails, snow, and sand, allowing users to explore areas that traditional wheelchairs might not reach.
The grant is specifically created for the purpose of providing a successful applicant with up to $14,280 towards the purchase of a track wheelchair for use at designated Greater Minnesota Regional facilities. Duluth has four designated regional facilities including Hartley Park, Spirit Mountain Recreation Area, the Duluth Traverse and the Duluth Winnipeg Pacific (DWP) Trail, and Waabizheshikana: the Marten Trail. The chair could be utilized at additional locations for Duluth Parks and Recreation programming as well.
The GRMPTC has secured a discounted price of $14,780 plus tax for the purchase of a track wheelchair from Action Manufacturing/Midwest Trackchair. The City of Duluth will provide a match of at least $500 plus tax through parks operating funds.
Acquiring a track wheelchair would increase access to Duluth parks and trails for individuals with mobility limitations. Improving access directly supports the implementation of the Essential Spaces: Duluth Parks, Recreation, Open Space & Trails Plan that was adopted in October 2022 by promoting inclusion in park spaces, facilities, and programs ensuring that all persons have equitable and appropriate access to the park and recreation system (Goal G). A track wheelchair also offers an opportunity to remove barriers to accessing parks and open space, which the Imagine Duluth 2035 Plan identifies in Open Space Policy #3.