10.b Scandia Heritage Alliance Lobbying Assistance Request Staff Report
Date of Meeting: January 16, 2024
For: Honorable Mayor and Council
From: Kyle Morell, City Administrator
Subject: Scandia Heritage Alliance Lobbying Assistance Request
Background:
The City has worked with the Scandia Heritage Alliance (Alliance) to reconstruct the historic
Water Tower Barn on the ballfield site just south of the Community Center. In June, the City
received a $2.2 million grant from the State for this project, which is 50% of the total project
cost. The City has five years to sign the grant agreement and four more years to complete the
construction. The Alliance continues to work on fundraising for the remaining project costs.
Issue:
The Water Tower Barn project includes more than the reconstruction of the barn. An
amphitheater, splash pad, and a network of trails connect the Alliance property to the
Community Center and the City-owned t-ball fields along Oakhill Road N. These trails include
paved and woodchip paths, a wetland boardwalk, and a scenic overlook. All while providing a
walking and bicycle connection to the Gateway Trail. Alliance representatives have already
received approval from the Council to work with City Staff on applying for an LCCMR grant to
construct the trail system.
Request:
To help support the progress of the upcoming LCCMR Grant, the Alliance has contracted with
Bill Strusinski to lobby for it for the next 18 months, January 2024 through June 2025, costing
$24,000.00. The City is paying Mr. Strusinski $26,400 for 12 months of lobbying from July 2023
to June 2024 to help the City with its Bliss Wastewater Project. This is being funded out of the
401 General Fund CIP. Currently, there is nothing budgeted for lobbying in 2024 or beyond. If
the Council assisted in paying for the lobbying efforts to support the LCCMR grant, a 2024
budget amendment would be needed, or they could add the funds to the 2025 budget.