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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.