02-11-2026 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Staff Report To: Mayor Fischer and Members of the City Council From: Steve Anderson, Parks & Recreation Director Date: February 11, 2026 Re: Pioneer Park Vegetation Restoration – Stewardship Grant Award Action To Be Considered: Motion to approve, table, or deny the following: • $45,000 Stewardship Grant award and approve a resolution authorizing the city to enter into a Grant Agreement with Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District for the Stewardship Grant. Background: Initially identified in the Pioneer Park Phase I Master Plan, Shoreline Habitat Restoration is important to maintaining the beauty of our water bodies at Pioneer Park. The three stormwater ponds in Pioneer Park provide opportunities to create beautiful park amenities spotlighting native vegetation. These ‘natural’ areas seem to be highly valued by the community (from comments received through Pioneer Park Phase I Master Plan engagement process). There is opportunity to refine and expand these areas around the existing stormwater ponds. The Northeast stormwater pond: primarily populated by scrubby vegetation; some high-quality plant material, but much is non-descript, and some invasive species are present. For all shoreline restoration projects, it is recommended that the City partner with the Ramsey Washington Metro Watershed District to clear scrub vegetation, remove invasive species, and establish native plantings along the shoreline. A healthy water’s edge attracts birds, pollinators, and other wildlife, and provides essential habitat for these species. These restored shoreline improvements would also provide aesthetic benefits. The vegetated edge should be maintained to allow glimpses of the water and facilitate observation of natural processes. This project was identified in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), and due to the cost, staff began to explore alternative funding sources. With the many improvements identified above, staff met with Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD) to discuss the project and see if there were any opportunities for a partnership. Following that meeting, staff submitted a competitive application for the RWMWD Stewardship Grant program in January 2026. Staff were notified on February 5, 2026, that the grant application has been approved. The RWMWD award covers 50% of the project, up to $45,000 in total award dollars. Project work is anticipated to begin in May 2026 and be completed this year, which is well ahead of the 2026 grant agreement deadline.