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STAFF REPORT <br />To: Mayor Fischer and Members of the City Council <br />From: Bill Dircks, Public Works Director <br />Date: October 8, 2025 <br />Re: League of MN Cities – Grant Navigator Program Funding Request <br />Action To Be Considered: <br />Motion to approve, table, or deny the following: <br />•Resolution authorizing staff to apply for grant funds to help cover the cost of applying for the <br />Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) grant funds for the Labore Road Trail project. <br />Background: <br />The League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) has a Grant Navigator program that aims to assist municipalities <br />in applying for grant funding for projects. Staff must complete a relatively short application for the funds, <br />and then the LMC review panel can award up to $5000 to the city to help cover the costs of applying for <br />the LRIP grant funds. Bolton & Menk is handling the LRIP application and anticipates the cost to be <br />approximately $ 3,000. If the city is successful in getting the Grant Navigator funds, the entire LRIP <br />application costs will likely be covered. <br />Strategic Priority: <br />The 2030 Strategic Plan identified the strategic direction of Delivering Dynamic Community Spaces. <br />This strategic direction states that: <br />Little Canada desires to connect the community by linking trails and sidewalks and creating a <br />community building for public gatherings. The City places a high value on keeping a small <br />town feel and sense of community. <br />One of the goals identified was to: Refine and execute plans for trails & pathways. <br />Part of the Labore Road improvements is adding pedestrian and biking facilities. <br />It was also identified to research potential grant opportunities to assist the city in funding opportunities. <br />Application Costs: <br />Staff anticipates no expenses aside from their own time. <br />Source Of Funds: <br />The Grant Navigator program is free, so no budget funds are needed. Staff will handle the application <br />process without the use of any consultants. <br />Staff Recommendation: <br />Staff recommends approval of the resolution authorizing staff to apply for grant funds to help cover the <br />cost of applying for the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) grant for a Labore Road trail. <br />Attachments: <br />•Resolution