Title
Resolution to Approve a Grant Application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management to Fund Park Improvements to the 721 N. Main Site
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve a grant application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management (MDNRGM).
The North Main Huron River Corridor Vision Taskforce (NMHRCVT), in conjunction with staff, is recommending that the City apply to the MDNRGM for funding for the construction of park improvements at the 721. N. Main site. Matching funding may be available if a grant application made to the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission Connecting Communities Program is successful.
The NMHRCVT was assigned a date of December 31, 2012 to provide a recommendation to Council on the best use of the 721 N. Main site. The NMHRCVT is providing its recommendation to Council for the best use of the 721 North Main site independently.
The recommendation focuses primarily on converting the floodway portion of the 721 N. Main site to park use. Non-motorized trails will provide access to the site at Felch, Summit, and Main Streets. The pathways would also create a first step in a greenway with a vision toward connecting to the Huron River and the Border - to - Border trail network. Surrounding the trails will be wet meadow, prairie grass, or other storm water management features.
The Park Advisory Commission recommended applying for this grant at their December 4, 2012 meeting.
Staff
Prepared by: Amy Kuras, Landscape Architect III
Reviewed by: Colin Smith, Parks & Recreation Services Manager and Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The North Main-Huron River Corridor Vision Taskforce has provided a recommendation for park improvements to the 721 N. Main site;
Whereas, Grants are available through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management to make improvements to the 721 N. Main; and
Whereas, A successful grant application would lead to site improvements and the first steps toward a greenway and greater connectivity to the Huron River;
RESOLVED, That City Council direct the City Administrator to apply to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grants Management for improvements to the 721 N. Main site and authorizes the City Administrator to execute all documents required for or incidental to the application process.