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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />City Council :Minutes <br />August 1, 2005 <br /> <br />Page 6 <br /> <br />6.5. <br /> <br />Resolution 05-85 Authorizing Staff to Execute DNR Conservation Partners Grant <br />Agreement <br /> <br />Parks and Recreation Director Bill Maertz stated that the city has been awarded a $6,000 <br />Conservation Partners Grant by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Mr. Maertz <br />indicated that the grant is for restoration of 6.3 acres of prairie and woodland in Highlands <br />East Park (Hillside Estates Subdivision). He stated that the DNR requires a City Council <br />resolution authorizing staff to execute the grant agreement. <br /> <br />MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ AND SECONDED BY <br />COUNCILMEMBER FARBER TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 05-85 <br />AUTHORIZING STAFF TO EXECUTE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL <br />RESOURCES CONSERVATION PARTNERS AND ENVIRONMENTAL <br />PARTNERSHIPS. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. <br /> <br />6.6. <br /> <br />Parks and Recreation Update <br /> <br />Mr. Maertz stated that in 2004, staff applied for three grants to help with the purchase of 80 <br />acres oEland adjacent to Woodland Trails Park. Mr. Maertz indicated that the land is owned <br />by Tiller Corporation but the city has an agreement in place that allows use of portions of <br />the land for recreation. The Parks and Recreation Commission identified acquisition and <br />preservation of this property as a high priority and the Natural Resources Inventory <br />identifies this parcel as one of the highest quality woodlands remaining in Elk River. Mr. <br />Maertz stated that the land is valued at $1.7 million and staff applied for a $400,000 Natural <br />and Scenic Areas Grant, a $300,000 Greenways Grant, and a $500,000 Remediation Grant. <br />He stated that staff has been notified that the city has been awarded the $400,000 Natural <br />and Scenic Areas Grant and that Elk River's two other grant applications are highly ranked. <br />Mr. Maertz indicated that the total potential grant award is $1.2. million and in order to <br />purchase the land, a city match of $500,000 from park dedication funds would be required. <br /> <br />Mr. Maertz explained that in 2004, Ditch 31 repairs resulted in the drainage of a DNR <br />protected wedand in Woodland Trails Park. He stated that regulations require the city to <br />restore the wedand or replace it elsewhere and after examining many options, staff has <br />concluded that the best way to restore the wedand is to install a sanitary grade drainpipe in <br />the ditch adjacent to the wedand. Mr. Maertz indicated that staff will be seeking <br />authorization from the County Board in August to modify the ditch and if authorization is <br />obtained, cost estimates will be prepared and plans will be brought to the City Council for <br />consideration. <br /> <br />Mr. Maertz also reviewed the 2005 Parks Capital Improvement projects and some of the <br />current recreation programs. <br /> <br />6.7. HRA Update <br /> <br />Councilmember Morin provided an update of the HRA meering held August 1, 2005. <br />Councilmember Morin stated that the HRA authorized the payment for the entire amount <br />of the relocation of the flag pole to the School District office and the HRA has requested <br />that they be reimbursed by the city through TIF. <br /> <br />Councilmember Morin also indicated that the HRA approved their 2006 budget and tax <br />levy. <br />