File #: 24-0458    Version: 1
Type: Resolution Status: Consent
File created: 10/22/2024 In control: Public Works Committee
On agenda: 10/29/2024 Final action:
Title: Neg grant agmts for Natural Resource Opportunity grant projects, 3-year periods, total combined NTE $80,000

Item Description:

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Neg grant agmts for Natural Resource Opportunity grant projects, 3-year periods, total combined NTE $80,000

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Resolution:

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BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be authorized to negotiate the following grant agreements to provide funding for Natural Resource Opportunity grant projects during a three-year period beginning on the date of execution:

 

                     PR00006614 with the City of Eden Prairie in an amount not to exceed $50,000;

                     PR00006615 with the City of Plymouth in an amount not to exceed $30,000; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that following review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, the County Administrator be authorized to sign the agreements on behalf of the county; that costs incurred by the grantees after the board approval date be eligible for reimbursement upon execution of the agreements; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.

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Background:

Natural Resources grants support Hennepin County partners and residents with the implementation of conservation practices that preserve and restore critical habitats, reduce erosion, protect groundwater, and improve water quality. Eligible applicants include landowners, businesses, government agencies, and other organizations. Since 2016, the program has invested more than two million dollars across the county, leveraging over $13 million in other contributions from applicants and their partners. 

Two types of grants are available through the Natural Resource grant program: Good Steward and Opportunity grants. Opportunity grants are intended for larger projects seeking to leverage multiple funding sources to improve water quality or habitat. Applicants are encouraged to use Opportunity grant funds as required match for other funding sources. 

County staff promoted the opportunity through email lists, social media posts, and updates in Environment and Energy’s e-newsletter, Green Notes. Twelve applications were submitted requesting nearly $600,000 in funding for projects.

A panel was convened to review and rate each application based on strengths and weaknesses of the proposed project. The panel included staff from the Environment and Energy department and three external partners. The panel recommended eight projects for grant funding.  

Board approval for the following two agreements is required because the county has agreements with these organizations that exceed $100,000.

 

                     PR00006614 with the City of Eden Prairie to improve habitat and address erosion along the overlook trail at Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area. The project will restore an existing stairwell, stabilize an adjacent drainageway and construct a pretreatment settling basin to protect a nearby stream, remove invasive species, and relocate some remnant native prairie species within the park. 

                     PR00006615 with the City of Plymouth to construct a large rain garden at Parkers Lake Park to capture, infiltrate, and treat stormwater runoff before it reaches Parkers Lake. It is anticipated that the project will result in a reduction of phosphorus flowing to the lake by an estimated 1.1 pounds per year and reduce sediment by 196 pounds per year. Additionally, the rain garden will recharge local groundwater, re-establish wildlife habitat, and provide an important demonstration rain garden in a highly visible area of the park.

 

In addition to the agreements approved by county board, the following six Opportunity grants will be approved through administrative process:

 

                     PR00006695 with Balance Properties, LLC (Minneapolis) in the amount of $50,000 - The project will implement stormwater management practices, including installing a rooftop conveyance and cistern, and removing a portion of an impervious parking lot to convert into a rain garden. 

                     PR00006696 with Woodland Villas Home Owners Association (HOA) (Brooklyn Park) in the amount of $50,000 - The HOA will improve water quality, restore a natural pond, and protect and restore wildlife habitat within a 7.32-acre common space.

                     PR00006616 with Mayflower Community Congregational Church (Minneapolis) in the amount of $29,100 - Mayflower Community Congregational Church will remove four parking stalls within its current lot and replace them with a rain garden planted with native pollinator plants to capture and infiltrate remaining parking lot runoff.

                     PR00006697 with St. Alban’s Mill Condominium Association (Minnetonka) in the amount of $50,000 - The condo association will improve two rain gardens to reduce phosphorus and sediment pollution to Minnehaha Creek and reduce overall stormwater runoff draining from the site by 92%.

                     PR00006617 with the City of Shorewood in the amount of $50,000 - This project will restore an eroding channel from Shorewood Lane to a downstream wetland while enhancing water quality in the wetland and nearby Lake Minnetonka.

                     PR00006698 with Timberland Outdoor Services, Inc. at Prairieview Center (Eden Prairie) in the amount of $43,931 - Timberland Outdoor Services will construct five rain gardens to manage stormwater runoff from adjacent rooftops and parking lots and plant with native plants to reduce phosphorus and sediment pollution to Smetana Lake, Bryant Lake, and Riley Creek. 

 

Funds for all eight Opportunity Grant agreements come from revenues within the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund, which are generated by the sale of energy and recovered materials.

Current Request:

This request is to authorize the County Administrator to negotiate two agreements to provide funding for natural resource opportunity grant projects, during periods of three years, with the following organizations:

 

                     PR00006614 with City of Eden Prairie in an amount not to exceed $50,000

                     PR00006615 with City of Plymouth in an amount not to exceed $30,000

 

This request is also for the approval to reimburse costs incurred by the grantees after the board approval date and upon execution of the grant agreements.

Impact/Outcomes:

The Opportunity grants will provide funds to protect water quality, enhance natural resources, and mitigate and adapt to climate change countywide. These grants will help implement stormwater best management practices and protect remnant native prairie, natural streams, and other features that use native plants and slow water movement to naturally filter and retain water.

This action supports the county’s disparity reduction efforts by advancing equity in environmental quality. Two of the community-driven projects are in environmental justice areas. In addition, many of the projects include educational components and increase access to parks, conservation areas and other public spaces, which make natural areas more inclusive.

 

recommendation

Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval