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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A GREATER MINNESOTA LEGACY GRANT APPLICATION TO THE GREATER MINNESOTA REGIONAL PARKS AND TRAILS COMMISSION AND MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES FOR DULUTH TRAVERSE BIKE SKILLS AREA DEVELOPMENT AND TRAILHEAD IMPROVEMENTS.
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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 (GMRPTC) to request regional trail designation for the Duluth Traverse; and
WHEREAS, the Duluth Traverse is a multi-use, mountain bike-optimized natural surface trail system linking neighborhoods and people to public green space across Duluth which was designated as a regionally significant trail by the GMRPTC in 2018; and
WHEREAS, the City of Duluth has the right and authority to sponsor a grant funding request to the GMRPTC; 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 GMRPTC.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proper City officials are authorized to submit a Greater Minnesota Legacy Grant application to the GMRPTC and the DNR for up to $1,700,000 for Duluth Traverse bike skills area development and trailhead improvements.
FURTHER RESOLVED, the City of Duluth commits matching funds in an amount of $75,000 from the parks and stormwater funds, which will be payable from 205-130-1220-5530-CM205-TRAVRS (parks fund, community resources, parks capital, improvements other than buildings, capital maintenance fund 205, Traverse Trail).
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Duluth 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 GMRPTC and DNR.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Duluth 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 described in its Application if grant funds are to be used for the purchase.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Duluth has or will acquire a fee interest ownership or permanent easement over the land described in the Application for regional parks and regional special feature parks as applicable. The City of Duluth has or will acquire a fee interest, permanent or perpetual easement or minimum twenty (20) year lease over the land described in the Application for regional trails or regional special feature parks, as applicable and approved, before the project proceeds.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Duluth agrees that it will comply with all applicable laws, regulations and requirements as stated in the Grant Agreement with the DNR, including dedicating the park property for uses consistent with the grant agreement into perpetuity or for trails, committing to maintain the trails for a period of not less than twenty (20) years, and dedicating all land acquired under the project for uses consistent with the grant agreement into perpetuity.
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 City of Duluth.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes a Greater Minnesota Legacy Grant application to the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for Duluth Traverse bike skills area development and multi-use trailhead improvements.
The City intends to request up to $1.7 million and expects to provide a local match of approximately $275,000. It is anticipated that approximately $200,000 of the match will be contributed by nonprofit project partners, primarily by the Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS). Approximately $75,000 will be contributed by the City sourced primarily from the Parks Division capital budget and the Stormwater Utility budget.
If awarded, this grant will support capital improvements to multi-use trailheads at Lester Park (61 Lester River Road) and the Piedmont Trail Center (2226 Hutchinson Road), whose infrastructure is inadequate for the volume of residents and visitors they serve. Improvements at Lester Park will include vault toilets, stormwater treatment, potable water access, wayfinding, and parking enhancements. Improvements at Piedmont will include portable restroom enclosure, a changing stall, and bike racks. The sites and improvements were determined in consultation with residents and nonprofits who support hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling. The grant will also support creation of a bike skills area at Lester Park, which will include intentionally designed skill development features to better prepare newer riders for Duluth’s trails. The bike skills area will include beginner and intermediate features that provide people with opportunities to practice skills in a controlled environment to learn body maneuvers and bike handling safely. The proposed project will advance goals outlined in the 2017 Council-approved Duluth Traverse Mini Master Plan.