ADMINISTRATION - Rebecca Haug, Water Resources Manager
Title
AUTHORIZE MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH GREAT RIVER GREENING FOR RESTORATION OF THE SOUTHERN PORTION OF THE BLAINE WETLAND SANCTUARY
Background
At the November 8, 2018 City Council Workshop meeting and the August 12, 2019 City Council Workshop meeting, staff presented on the unique opportunity the city has with Great River Greening to finish restoring the remaining 221 acres of the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary utilizing grant money from the Outdoor Heritage Fund.
Based on the October 24, 2019 Open House with the residents surrounding the Southern Portion of the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary, the plan for the site is to move forward with the restoration plan. Great River Greening will be sending out requests for proposals to complete the restoration work. This work is scheduled to begin winter 2019/2020 weather dependent.
The work will involve the removal of non-native invasive, i.e. buckthorn and overabundant native woody species “trees” other than oak species to restore the wetland to its original condition. The work will be done through tree clearing, raking and mowing, and if needed, herbicide treatments or conservation grazing. Prescribed burns will also be performed annually after the first year and then be adjusted to how the site is performing.
Council direction at the August 12, 2019 meeting was to enter into an agreement with Great River Greening for $364,000 and the city contribution of $19,900 to cover labor costs. The City contribution will come from the NRCB Open Space fund. Great River Greening has been given an opportunity to receive additional funding increasing their contribution to $386,000.
Great River Greening will be responsible for conducting the RFPs for the project, team reviews, awards to subcontractors, overseeing implementation by the subcontractors and managing the Outdoor Heritage Fund grants including reporting, auditing; and distribution of grant funds for Great River Greening subcontracts, supplies, materials, travel expenses and labor. Great River Greening will also continue to assist the city with notification materials as the project progresses. The City will be responsible for the project startup costs for meetings and site orientation, contract management and project closeout not to exceed $19,900.
Attached are the agreement with Great River Greening and the outline of the proposed project limits and removals.
Recommendation
By motion, authorize the mayor and city manager to sign an agreement with Great River Greening for restoration of the southern portion of the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary.