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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION TO THE LEGISLATIVE CITIZENS COMMISSION ON MINNESOTA RESOURCES FOR FUNDS FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND FOR UP TO $2,850,000 TO COMPLETE A RENOVATION OF THE THOM STORM CHALET AND OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTER AT CHESTER PARK.
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CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS, the Chester Bowl Improvement Club operates at Chester Park under a management agreement, authorized by Duluth City Council resolution 22-0010R, with the City of Duluth to implement outdoor recreation and education activities for children and families and underserved community members; and
WHEREAS, the Thom Storm Chalet and Outdoor Recreation Center located within Chester Park is past its useful lifespan and no longer meets community needs, including accessibility needs and capacity needs for Chester Bowl Improvement Club’s programming and operations and
WHEREAS, the City of Duluth, in collaboration with the Chester Bowl Improvement Club, seeks $2,850,000 to complete a renovation of the Thom Storm Chalet and Outdoor Recreation Center to improve accessibility and increase capacity for additional participation in outdoor recreation and education activities at Chester Park.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Duluth supports the above referenced project and authorizes the submittal of a proposal for funding on this project on behalf of the City of Duluth to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) in response to the 2025 Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) Request for Proposal.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that, if funding is awarded, the City of Duluth agrees to accept the award and may enter into an agreement with the state of Minnesota for the above referenced project. The City of Duluth will comply with all applicable laws, environmental requirements, and regulations and any additional conditions stated in the grant agreement and the approved LCCMR work plan.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that City of Duluth understands that grants from the ENRTF are generally paid out on a reimbursement basis. The City of Duluth has the financial capability to pay for project expenses prior to seeking reimbursement. If awarded, funds will be deposited to 205-130-1220-4220-01-CM205-CHSTER (Parks fund, community resources, Parks capital, State of Minnesota Capital, capital maintenance fund 205, Chester Park).
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Duluth will meet the required twenty five percent match for the project from donations and grants secured by Chester Bowl Improvement Club and their Growing Up Chester capital fundraising campaign.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that City of Duluth certifies none of the current principals of City of Duluth have been convicted of a felony financial crime in the last ten years. For this purpose, a principal is defined as a public official, a board member, or staff that would have the authority to access or determine the use of ENRTF funds, if awarded.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that City of Duluth is hereby authorized to execute such agreements and work plans as necessary and Katie Bennett, Senior Parks Planner, is authorized to implement the project in coordination with Mike LeBeau, Construction Project Supervisor, on behalf of the City of Duluth.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Duluth City Council names the fiscal agent for this project as Jen Carlson, City of Duluth Finance Director, 411 West First Street, Duluth, MN 55802.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes City of Duluth officials to submit a grant application to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) for up to $2,850,000 from the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund to complete a renovation of the Thom Storm Chalet and Outdoor Recreation Center (Center) to improve accessibility and increase capacity for additional participation in outdoor recreation and education activities at Chester Park. The required twenty-five percent match of $950,000 will be met with donations and grants secured by the Chester Bowl Improvement Club (Club) and their Growing Up Chester capital fundraising campaign.
The Club operates in Chester Park and at the Center through a management agreement with the City of Duluth. The Club provides outdoor recreation and education activities for children, families, and underserved community members. Activities include ski and snowboard programs, summer day camps, community events, and youth leadership development. The Center located within Chester Park no longer meets community needs, and the existing building is past its useful lifespan, with the demand for Chester Bowl Improvement Club programming exceeding the building’s capacity. Summer camps serve as primary child care for many low-income families in Duluth. Unfortunately, due to inadequate space, the Club must turn away dozens of families who need the service each year.
The Club has managed an active fundraising campaign to secure donations towards the renovation of the Center. If the LCCMR grant funding is awarded, the City of Duluth will manage the grant contract; competitively bid, award, and oversee the construction contract for the renovation; and own the renovated facility. The City of Duluth will continue to coordinate with the Club for use of the Center, and, once the renovation is completed, the Club will be able to expand outdoor recreation and educational programming to better serve Duluth residents and visitors.