Agenda - Council - 06/09/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Ecological improvements The BSWR funding is intended to improve water quality by restoring appropriate plant communities along the river, and reducing erosion and runoff from the adjoining upland areas. All of this activity commencing on June 13th, 2009 and continuing into 2010 would be performed by Greening and its volunteers or county park's staff. No significant time or money is required by Ramsey staff for this restoration and maintenance on county property. The value for the City however is considerable. In addition to the savings in sed basin maintenance, 20 acres of park will receive plantings of shrubs, native grasses and wildflowers after the undesirable trees, brush and vines are removed. The other benefit is developing the various partnerships that continue to build momentum for the development of this important regional park within Ramsey. While Ramsey's involvement is fairly straight-forward and limited, the larger project is quite detailed. The scope of this work (by others) is highlighted in the attached contract and work plan with attachments. Also attached is a letter from Anoka County Parks' acknowledging the partnership, as well as an e-mail communique from Great River Greening to their list-serve calling attention to the volunteer portion of the project. The grant from BSWR emanated from surplus funds from another project and therefore had a very short application period and also was a somewhat new program. The partners identified in this proposed project subsequently have had a great deal to organize and sort out in a short time frame, and thus the brief lead time from Council approval to the proposed volunteer event scheduled for Saturday, June 13th. Staff recommends approval of the contract for the benefits mentioned above, and especially because of the future opportunities anticipated as a result of building a successful relationship between these same organizations. Funding Source: No funding source is necessary - the City of Ramsey will be receiving $4,265 from BSWR in a 'pass-through' from the Anoka Conservation District in 2009. This money would be applied to the 2010 General Fund operating budget. Council Action: Authorize staff to enter into a contract with Great River Greening, and into an agreetnent with Anoka County Parks and the Anoka Conservation District - for improvements. to the City of Ramsey sedimentation basin and county park land along the Mississippi River. Reviewed by: ~ City Administrator . Public Works Director/Principal City Engineer Finance Officer Streets Supervisor cc: 06/09/09