Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH CYCLISTS OF GITCHEE GUMEE SHORES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF DULUTH TRAVERSE TRAIL INFRASTRUCTURE FROM 2025 TO 2028 AT NO COST TO THE CITY
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS, resolution 17-0306R approved the Duluth Traverse Mini Master Plan and authorized application to the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission for regional trail designation for the Duluth Traverse; and
WHEREAS, resolution 21-0193R authorized a three-year agreement with Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS) for the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of the Duluth Traverse Trail at no cost to the City; and
WHEREAS, resolution 23-0465R authorized a second, two-year, agreement with COGGS for the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of the Duluth Traverse Trail at no cost to the City; and
WHEREAS, both parties are interested in continued partnership for the maintenance and enhancement of the Duluth Traverse Trail.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the proper City officials are hereby authorized to execute an agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit A, with Cyclists of Gitchee Gummi Shores for continued preservation, maintenance and enhancement of the Duluth Traverse Trail from 2025 through April 31, 2028, at no cost to the City.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes the third successive multi-year agreement with Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS) setting forth the terms and conditions under which COGGS may continue to perform trail maintenance and enhancement activities on the Duluth Traverse Trail System from 2025 through April 30, 2028.
The Duluth Traverse is a more than 100-mile-long, bike-optimized, multi-use natural surface trail network that spans the ridgeline of Duluth, connecting neighborhoods, trail hubs, and parks from Lester Park to Chamber’s Grove Park. The Duluth Traverse Mini Master Plan was approved by City Council in 2017, and subsequent agreements with COGGS (in 2021 and 2023) have facilitated significant maintenance and enhancement of the trail.
COGGS is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to building, maintaining, and advocating for mountain bike trails. COGGS’ advocacy, volunteer service, and fundraising have been essential to the establishment of Duluth as one of the foremost mountain biking destinations in the United States alongside Park City, Utah and Aspen, Colorado.
The agreement provides detailed guidelines and requirements for each type of maintenance project including work specifications, equipment operating procedures, and trail construction best practices. COGGS is responsible for all costs and employee compensation associated with its performance of trail maintenance activities. COGGS will perform its duties in coordination with the Property, Parks, and Libraries Department Parks and Recreation and Park Maintenance Divisions. The agreement requires COGGS to procure and maintain liability insurance while performing trail maintenance activities.
The agreement does not permit COGGS to construct new sections of the Duluth Traverse Trail System; however, with advance written permission of the Parks Manager, sections of the existing trail may be realigned within existing trail corridors.