ADMINISTRATION - Erik Thorvig, Community Development Director
Title
FOGERTY MIGHTY DUCKS GRANT APPLICATION
Background
The James Metzen Mighty Ducks Grant Program was funded by the Minnesota Legislature through a bonding bill in October of 2020. This program is administered by the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission (MASC).
The State of Minnesota, acting through its agency, the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission (MASC), is seeking proposals from interested communities to improve ice arenas. Minnesota communities will be eligible to be awarded grants for improving indoor air quality in ice arenas or eliminating R-22 refrigerant.
Grant applications must come from a local government unit (LGU), a political subdivision of the State. The LGU will be the fiscal agent for the grant funds and will execute the application form and resolution. Other entities can be the owner and/or operator of the ice arena, thus the beneficiary of the grant award. The grants are for reimbursement of costs for completed projects.
Grant Types
There are three types of grants to assist Minnesota communities in:
1. Eliminating R-22 refrigerant for direct systems;
2. Eliminating R-22 refrigerant for indirect systems; and
3. Improving indoor air quality.
The result of a successful grant shall be to establish and improve ice arenas capable of hosting all ice sports competitions and training as well as maximize the community’s ability to generate economic benefits by promoting ice sports programming for females and males.
Goals
The MASC intends for this grant program to accomplish the following goals:
1. Encourage communities and organizations to work in partnership to develop and operate ice arenas.
2. Where possible, to encourage communities and organizations to develop arenas with multiple sheets of ice in order to reduce both construction and operating costs.
3. Provide increased opportunities for female ice sports participation.
4. Encourage the development of ice arenas that serve community sport and non-sport needs and ensure non-hockey groups will also have adequate access to the arenas.
The Fogerty Ice Arena board and staff have requested the City of Blaine to participate in a grant application of $25,000 to install an air ionization system into existing HVAC systems that will improve the air quality in locker rooms and rink to combat any airborne virus or pathogens.
The application deadline is Monday, January 11, 2021. Fogerty staff is managing the application submittal. There is minimal city staff time needed for the application submittal and future administration of the grant. There is also no financial risk for the City.
Recommendation
Adopt the attached resolution.
Body
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission (MASC), via State Bonding funding, provides for general funds to assist political subdivisions of the State of Minnesota for the fulfillment of the purpose and goals of the James Metzen Mighty Ducks Grant Program, and
WHEREAS, the City of Blaine desires to complete its project named Fogerty HVAC Improvements at Fogerty Ice Arena located at 9250 Lincoln St., Blaine, MN 55434.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Blaine City Council directs staff to proceed with submitting the application and following steps:
1. That the total cost of completing the project shall be $__________ and the Fogerty Ice Arena is requesting up to $25,000 from the James Metzen Mighty Ducks Grant Program and will assume responsibility for a matching contribution up to $25,000.
2. Fogerty Arena agrees to own, assume 100 percent operational costs for the facility or equipment, and will operate the facility or equipment for its intended purpose for the functional life of the facility or equipment which is estimated to be 25 years.
3. City of Blaine agrees to enter into necessary and required agreements with the MASC for the specific purpose of completing the project.
4. That a request for reimbursement be made to the MASC for the amount awarded after the completion of the project.
5. That Erik Thorvig and Michelle Wolfe of the City of Blaine are authorized and directed to execute said application and serve as the official liaison with the MASC.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 21st day of December, 2020.