5.9.
| CC Regular Session |
| Meeting Date: | 04/14/2026 |
| Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: | {ud_pd4} |
Title:
Adopt Resolution #26-090 Accepting MN DNR Conservation Partners Legacy Grant for The Waterfront
Purpose/Background:
Background:
The planning for The Waterfront was undertaken with a strategic and holistic approach, with the intent of developing the park in a manner that offers opportunities for a cross-section of the community. This included passive landscaped areas, trees, trail circumnavigating the pond with outdoor furniture; and of course, the extensive water play aspects and full-service restroom that are under construction today. Another significant outdoor pursuit was to develop the 7 1/2 acre deep-water pond as a sustainable fishery for a recreational opportunity that serves all ages.
The fishery aspect of the park's development was accomplished in part by Council on October 28th 2025 with the approval of the Cooperative Agreement with the DNR for the acceptance of the fishing pier. That October case referenced the 'Slope and shore vegetation grant' that this case and Resolution #26-090 formally accepts. The October 2025 action also allocated $15k from the Park Trust Fund for an 'ADA path to pier, and rock shore fishing nodes'. This amount was staff's early estimate for the path, and was subsequently determined to not be enough funding after receiving contractor quotes for the work. Therefore, as part of adopting Resolution #26-090 Accepting MN DNR Conservation Partners Legacy Grant for The Waterfront, staff recommends adding another $14,785 from the Park Trust Fund to complement the earlier $15k, to adequately construct and stabilize the slopes of the sizable ADA path to the pier and include shrubs and trees to enhance that specific site.
As referenced above, and in both the Cooperative Agreement for the pier and the DNR Conservation Partners Legacy Grant itself, establishing naturalized vegetation on the ponds slopes and shoreline is a requirement, and essential for maintaining a successful fishing resource at The Waterfront.
The planning for The Waterfront was undertaken with a strategic and holistic approach, with the intent of developing the park in a manner that offers opportunities for a cross-section of the community. This included passive landscaped areas, trees, trail circumnavigating the pond with outdoor furniture; and of course, the extensive water play aspects and full-service restroom that are under construction today. Another significant outdoor pursuit was to develop the 7 1/2 acre deep-water pond as a sustainable fishery for a recreational opportunity that serves all ages.
The fishery aspect of the park's development was accomplished in part by Council on October 28th 2025 with the approval of the Cooperative Agreement with the DNR for the acceptance of the fishing pier. That October case referenced the 'Slope and shore vegetation grant' that this case and Resolution #26-090 formally accepts. The October 2025 action also allocated $15k from the Park Trust Fund for an 'ADA path to pier, and rock shore fishing nodes'. This amount was staff's early estimate for the path, and was subsequently determined to not be enough funding after receiving contractor quotes for the work. Therefore, as part of adopting Resolution #26-090 Accepting MN DNR Conservation Partners Legacy Grant for The Waterfront, staff recommends adding another $14,785 from the Park Trust Fund to complement the earlier $15k, to adequately construct and stabilize the slopes of the sizable ADA path to the pier and include shrubs and trees to enhance that specific site.
This table below represents a budget and allocation previously approved (Oct. 2025), and is not new activity addressed by Resolution #26-090, but shown here to memorialize the above summary information.
| Ammenity/Activity | Source | Value/Investment |
| Slope and shore vegetation and management | MN DNR | $46k |
| Fishing Pier | MN DNR | $50k |
| ADA path to pier, and rock shore fishing nodes | City | $15k |
| Fish Stocking | MN DNR | >$10k |
| First phase value (approx.) | $121,000 |
As referenced above, and in both the Cooperative Agreement for the pier and the DNR Conservation Partners Legacy Grant itself, establishing naturalized vegetation on the ponds slopes and shoreline is a requirement, and essential for maintaining a successful fishing resource at The Waterfront.
Funding Source:
Adopting Resolution #26-090 will allow the city to receive $46,366 in funding from the MN DNR, and an allocation of an additional $14,785 from the Park Trust Fund will provide for the balance of funding with the intent of developing, and accessing a sustainable fishery at The Waterfront.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends adopting Resolution #26-090 furthering the positive development of The Waterfront as a community park that serves a diversity of recreational interests for residents.
Outcome/Action:
Motion to adopt Resolution #26-090 Accepting MN DNR Conservation Partners Legacy Grant for The Waterfront.
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bruce Westby | Bruce Westby | 04/09/2026 01:09 PM |
| Brian Hagen | Brian Hagen | 04/09/2026 01:13 PM |
- Form Started By:
- Mark Riverblood
- Started On:
- 03/26/2026 03:50 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 04/09/2026