09-16-25 City Council Meeting Packet

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Staff believes the new trail aligns with Goal 3. This project aims to enhance the City's trail network by constructing a new 10' wide bituminous trail segment with the goal that it will eventually connect three parks in the city. The connection will be constructed on newly acquired city-owned property that is being converted into a city park. Said park is abutting Sunfish Lake Park to the North and the Lake Elmo Park Reserve to the South. The goals of the trail project are to enhance accessibility and connectivity to nature. The desired outcomes are to create opportunities for more convenient outdoor experiences, encouraging longer excursions and more frequent and increased trail and park use. The new trail segment will also offer more recreational opportunities for walking, hiking, biking and wildlife observation, which should contribute to more outdoor enjoyment and activity. FISCAL: •Pursuing this funding will require staff time and costs associated with preparing plans and estimates. •Anticipated total project cost to be covered by the grant is estimated to be around $500,000. •Applicants can apply for no less than $20,000 per project. No match is required. •This type of funding typically require reimbursements upon administration, so the city should factor this into its budget planning. ISSUE BEFORE COMMITTEE: Would City Council like staff to continue to pursue this funding by submitting a full application? RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that City Council support the submission of full application for the 3M Priority 2 Grant funding for park recreational programming and facilities at the newly acquired land at PIDs: 1502921420004 and 1502921410001. Suggested motion if the item comes off of Consent Agenda: “Motion to submit a full application for the 3M Priority 2 Grant funds for funding a trail project at the at the newly planned city park (PID: 1502921420004 and 1502921410001)” ATTACHMENTS: •Trail Map