Agenda - Council - 01/24/2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 01/24/2012 By: Chris Anderson, Community Development Information 4. 4. Title: Adopt Resolution Authorizing Staff to Apply for Community Forest Bonding Grant Funds through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Background: At the January 17, 2012 City Council Work Session, there was general consensus to explore /implement certain improvements in North Commons, including a volunteer tree planting endeavor estimated to be in the range of $15,000. There is a grant opportunity that Staff believes would be prudent to pursue to accomplish certain landscaping components in North Commons, as there would be little or no cash match necessary. The deadline to apply for a Community Forest Bonding Grant through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is February 17, 2012. The DNR is anticipated to notify successful applicants in March of this year. Observations: The DNR's Community Forest Bonding Grants cycle runs from 2012 through 2014. There are three (3) categories for potential funding: (1) Remove and Replace Trees Lost to Forest Pests (2) Replace Trees Lost to Storms and (3) Plant a More Diverse and Resilient Community Forest. There is no required match for these grant monies; however, greater consideration will be given to proposals that include partial or full matches with non -state cash and /or local in -kind considerations. Under the planting for diversity category, communities can seek up to $25,000.00 for the purchase and installation of native trees on publicly owned lands and parks. The grant monies will be used to purchase native trees (only trees identified on the DNR's Native Trees List are considered an eligible cost). While not required, the City's match would likely consist of in -kind contributions such as equipment, site preparation, material handling and a volunteer work force. This project will not only help accomplish the desired outcome of improvements in North Commons, but will also include community involvement and education. This project provides a great opportunity to promote the use of indigenous species and showcase species that perform well in our sandy soils. This coalesces nicely with an action item of the Environmental Policy Board's City Council approved work plan, which is to implement a 'mini arboretum' to educate the public on trees well adapted to the local growing environment (it is Staffs intent to include placards next to the various trees species to identify what they are). Several key aspects to this grant opportunity include: (1) Grant funds are not provided up front, grantees must initially expend monies, which are then reimbursed under the terms of the grant agreement and listed contract requirements (2) Plantings must be installed on public land (including parks) (3) Several documents must be furnished by the City by the end of the project including an Updated Community Forest or Shade Tree Ordinance, an Annual Maintenance Plan for Public Trees, and a Community EAB Preparedness Plan (note the the Environmental Policy Board crafted a draft plan in 2010) and (4) Proposals must be submitted no later than February 17, 2012. Recommendation: Staff recommends the City Council authorize Staff to apply for grant funding through the DNR's Community Forest Bonding Grant program by approving the attached resolution. Funding Source: