10.d 2025 LCCMR Grant Application Staff Report
Date of Meeting: March 19, 2024
For: Honorable Mayor and Council
From: Kyle Morell, City Administrator
Subject: LCCMR Draft Grant Application
Background:
At the regular meeting on December 19, 2023, the City Council authorized staff to work with
the Scandia Heritage Alliance on a 2025 LCCMR grant application for the trails system to link the
Water Tower Barn with the Community Center. Since then, Sue Rodsjo, John Herman, and I
have been drafting the language included below. City lobbyists Bill Strusinski and Les Henn have
also assisted. The SHA is working on revised cost estimates for the project. We will have those
numbers late on Monday and update this agenda item as soon as we have them.
The draft application language, supplemental questionnaire, and authorizing resolution are
below. I will continue working on the application and questionnaire before the meeting and
notify you when updated versions have been added to the packet. The application deadline is
March 27, 2024. Sue Rodsjo and John Herman of the Scandia Heritage Alliance will be at the
meeting to answer any questions.
Options:
1) Approve Resolution 03-19-24-10 authorizing the City’s 2025 LCCMR application
2) Do not approve Resolution 03-19-24-10
Recommendation:
Option 1
Attachments:
Draft Grant Application Language
Capital Construction Project Questionnaire
Resolution 03-19-24-10 – Authorizing the City’s 2025 LCCMR application
To Kyle and Sue, these are drop in draft sections, since I cannot use the Proposal form for
editing yet. I did their match and status form as a draft in pdf/word as well. Sent
separately.
Project Summary (30 words)—below is 30 words
Bike/pedestrian connection of the Gateway Trail to recreation/cultural/environmental
educational resources in Scandia-- Gammelgården Museum, playgrounds, athletic
facilities, amphitheater, splash pad, and the new Scandia Water Tower Barn.
SUGGESTED VERSIONS FROM SUE to add “wetland trail” to the description(24 words):
A wetland trail connecting Scandia’s cultural and recreational amenities to the Gateway
Trail and William O’Brien State Park -- with environmental interpretation.
OR – 30 words
Bike/pedestrian connection via a wetland trail connecting the state Gateway Trail to
recreational/cultural/environmental resources in Scandia -- Gammelgården Museum,
playgrounds, athletic facilities, amphitheater, splash pad, and Water Tower Barn center.
Proposed Project Completion
Spring 2026
Funding Category
Categories G-2, 3, 6, 7 – resource connectivity with State Park and State Trail users, new
bike and walking trail around a wetland connecting city park amenities to future arts and
heritage center amenities, wetland and water infiltration enhancement and restoration,
and environmental education
Category C-1,2 – environmental education re: water resources, wetland/rain garden
restoration, and historically unique water supply engineering
Category F-1,4 – resource and habitat restoration converting a currently degraded and
unused impervious area to environmental education, recreational, and cultural uses with
extensive water infiltration
Project Location
Best scale
City with connectivity to State Trail and State Park
Best scale of area impacted
Local, regional, and more, with connection, via State Park and Trail, of multiple resources
for education and recreation, including two unique facilities, the WATER TOWER BARN
SCANDIA arts and heritage center and Gammelgården Museum.
When will impact occur
Construction in summer, 2025, completion in fall 2025.
Construction in fall 2025 and completion in spring 2026.
Opportunity or Problem (200 word limit) I made shorter, ~50, because seems
repetitive.
Scandia is located at the north terminus of the Gateway Trail, which will pass through
William O’Brien State Park before landing at a trail head in the Scandia Village Center.
Scandia oƯers, in close proximity to the trail head, multiple current and under development
resources that will greatly enhance Trail user environmental education and recreation
experiences. The project opportunity is to make these resources far more accessible and
integrated for users, while simultaneously providing access tp natural resources and
education about the value of wetlands and rain gardens.
Proposed Solution (200 word limit)—this is slightly under 200
MY EDIT IS AT 200 WORDS
This proposal will create a destination and trail network between the terminus of the
Gateway Trail and multiple facilities in Scandia. A new bike/pedestrian trail around and
across the Community Center wetland will connect recreational amenities at the Scandia
Community Center, the future WATER TOWER BARN arts and heritage center, and
Gammelgården Museum.. This new trail and Gateway connection will greatly enhance
outdoor recreational options for trail users and those visiting William O’Brien State Park, by
providing access to the following amenities.
Gammelgården Museum, internationally known for preserving Swedish pioneer
buildings;
Scandia’s playgrounds, recently upgraded, along with tennis courts, baseball and t-
ball fields, and ice skating rinks;
WATER TOWER BARN SCANDIA arts and heritage center,including a new Museum/
/Cultural center, a splash pad, and the only large-scale amphitheater in the St. Croix
Valley. Water Tower Barn programming will include a focus on water quality, wetland
protection, and historical interpretation of early windmill engineering for public
water distribution.
Commented [SR1]: I suggest we say construction in fall
2025 and completion in spring 2026.
The LCCMR request includes interpretive signage about the wetlands and rain gardens.
This signage will complement the water engineering/water quality/ education
component of the Water Tower Barn project and enhance the water-oriented
environmental programing proposed with Scandia Elementary School.
Specific Project Outcomes—100 words, below is ~80
My edit is 100 words
The project will fund:
A wetland boardwalk across the publicly owned wetland that is the centerpiece
of the Community Center Commons;
A circular pedestrian and bicycle trail around the wetland and across the
boardwalk connecting to the Water Tower Barn arts and heritage center;
A trail connection to adjacent t-ball fields;
Creation of two safe road crossings for access from the Gateway Trail to the
Community Center Commons and from the Commons to Gammelgården
Museum and the adjacent Barton Johnson Park with playground and baseball
field. See Figure __.
Interpretive signage about the wetlands and rain gardens for environmental
education.
Activity Milestones—15 word limit for each
I think there are only two:
1. Completion of detailed design (Spring 2024), possible since SHA and City are
funding can this work before the LCCMR grant is available.
2. Bidding and construction (which can happen in fall of 25 for fall or spring 26
construction).
Project collaborators
Some thoughts here: primary party, see below, would be the City, since it is largely on City
property. But how about SHA as collaborator and Gammelgården as also a collaborator.
Also the County perhaps for making Oakhill a bit more bike friendly with painted crossing,
signage, and route striping. I think we can get a GG letter, and maybe with role of County on
State Trail, they can give us a cooperation letter from Public Works on our schedule. Note
this is diƯerent from letters of support, which I would seek from legislators, the Parks and
Trails Board, Cycling Scandia, Friends of Scandia Parks, County Commissioner Fran Miron,
Scandia Elementary, Lions, Farmers Market, and Taco Daze. Maybe Sarah could help with
this.
DRAFT:
The primary party is the City of Scandia because the project is primarily on City property.
Scandia Heritage Alliance (SHA) and Gammelgarden Museum are collaborators, as the
project will connect to their amenities at the future WATER TOWER BARN SCANDIA arts
and heritage center (managed by SHA) and Gammelgarden Museum (owned by Elim
Church). Scandia Heritage Alliance is building the portion of the circular trail that will cross
over the property it is leasing from the City for WATER TOWER BARN SCANDIA.
Gammelgarden Museum is working on plans to develop a sidewalk system through
museum property that will include a sidewalk to accept a possible crosswalk over Olinda
Trail at 209th Street.
Project manager and organization qualifications—300 words
I think this is a City project, with SHA support and partial funding + construction of the
small area within the SHA leasehold. I think Kyle should be the PM and write this.Kyle will
write this section , borrowing from this section in our 2022 application for guidance on what
is expected.
Commented [SR2]: I sent an email to Ann Rinkenberger,
GG director, to see if GG can be a collaborator and
whether she is pursuing a sidewalk connection.
ENRTF Capital Construction Project Questionnaire
Instruc�ons:
This form and the budget addendum are intended for all ENRTF applicants proposing capital construc�on or
land acquisi�on for the purpose of capital construc�on1. This form and budget addendum should be completed
before you begin wri�ng your proposal Narra�ve (Tab 4), Ac�vi�es and Milestones (Tab 5), and Budget (Tab 6) in
the LCCMR Proposal and Grant Management System. Once complete, it must be uploaded to the online system
on the ‘Atachments’ page (Tab 7), under “Supplemental Atachments,” prior to the submission of your proposal.
The purpose of this document is to assist project managers in complying with the LCCMR’s Capital Construc�on
Project Requirements as they complete their proposals. More informa�on on capital construc�on projects can
be found on our website. Please answer the ques�ons in the sec�ons below to the best of your ability.
Should you have ques�ons as you fill out this ques�onnaire and budget addendum, please contact LCCMR staff
at lccmr@lccmr.mn.gov or 651.296.2406.
Index:
Sec�on 1: Basic Informa�on
Sec�on 2: Project Informa�on
Sec�on 3: Ac�vi�es & Milestones
Sec�on 4: Due Diligence
Sec�on 5: Budget Review
Sec�on 6: Signature
Sec�on 1: Basic Informa�on
Project Manager Name:
Organiza�on:
Proposal Title:
LCCMR Proposal ID #:
Name(s) and Organiza�on(s) of
Addi�onal Individuals
Assis�ng in the Comple�on of this
Form:
1 For the ENRTF, capital construc�on is defined as the pre-design, design, construc�on, or renova�on of a building, trail or
campground, or other capital asset cos�ng $10,000 or more, including large-scale stream or wetland restora�on, or
acquisi�on of land for purposes of capital construc�on.
ENRTF Capital Construction Project Questionnaire
2 | Page
Sec�on 2: Project Informa�on
1.Briefly describe your project. Your descrip�on should include all elements of the project that will
eventually be constructed to achieve your final vision or purpose for the site.
2.Are you reques�ng ENRTF funding only to help pay for a specific phase or part of the project?2
☐
Yes
I am reques�ng ENRTF funds for a phase or
part of the larger project.
☐
No
I am reques�ng ENRTF funds, but it is for the
complete project.
3. If you answered ‘Yes’ to Ques�on 2, please describe which parts or phases of your project you are reques�ng
ENRTF funds to help complete.
Please note:
•A 25% non-ENRTF match (cash or in-kind) is required, regardless of the funding amount requested.
•Funding of the project or individual project phase, in full, must be legally commited before any work
that will u�lize ENRTF dollars can begin.
•Your final reimbursement payment from the ENRTF is not made un�l the en�rety of the project, or
phase, is complete.
•If you answered “yes” to ques�on 2, please incorporate your answer to ques�on 3 above into your
proposal in the online grant system under ‘Narra�ve’ (Tab 4 ), Ques�on 3, “What is your proposed
solu�on to the problem or opportunity…? “
•If you answered “no” to ques�on 2, please incorporate your answer to ques�on 1 above into your
proposal in the online grant system under ‘Narra�ve’, (Tab 4), Ques�on 3, “What is your proposed
solu�on to the problem or opportunity…? “
2 Complete projects and individual project phases are dis�nguished to help track project deliverables. Project phases must
either produce a design for a future project or provide a stand-alone capital asset that results in tangible and usable
environmental or recrea�onal benefits. A project phase may not result in a par�ally constructed asset that provides no
benefit (i.e., defining a ‘project phase’ as pouring only a founda�on, installing only boardwalk helicals, etc.).
ENRTF Capital Construction Project Questionnaire
3 | Page
Sec�on 3: Ac�vi�es & Milestones
As succinctly as possible, please provide details about your project or proposal, as prompted below:
1.For the deliverables of your ENRTF request, please describe any intended uses for structures or land that
are not obvious. For example, facili�es or ameni�es that may be used for mul�ple purposes.
2.Tell us about the ac�vi�es3 within your project. Please select the milestones that apply to your project in
the worksheet below, and provide addi�onal detail where prompted.
3.A�er comple�ng the worksheet, please add any ac�vi�es or milestones checked under column A to the
‘Ac�vi�es and Milestones’ page (Tab 5) of the online grant system. Milestones marked with an asterisk
(*) are considered minimum requirements if ENRTF or match funds are being used to complete the given
ac�vity.
3 For capital construc�on projects, the ENRTF uses the term ‘ac�vi�es’ to very generally describe dis�nct sec�ons of a
project �meline. They are intended to provide a general outline for project managers to describe their proposal or project
plan. Please feel free to note any differences from the layout below in the text box provided for each ac�vity.
ENRTF Capital Construction Project Questionnaire
4 | Page
General Project Ac�vity
Common Milestone(s)
A)This ac�vity or
milestone is included
in my LCCMR proposal
for either ENRTF or
other funds.
B)This ac�vity or
milestone has been
completed for my
project.
C)This ac�vity or
milestone will be
completed in a
subsequent project
phase
D)This ac�vity or
milestone is N/A to
my project.
Feasibility ☐☐ ☐☐
RFP / RFQ for services ☐☐ ☐☐
Preliminary Site Assessment ☐☐ ☐☐
Desktop Review ☐☐ ☐☐
Other Studies or Analyses ☐☐ ☐☐
EAW ☐☐ ☐☐
ESA (Checklist and Records Check or Phase 1) * ☐☐ ☐☐
Project Ordering (Resolu�on or Leter) ☐☐ ☐☐
Other: ☐☐ ☐☐
Acquisi�on ☐☐ ☐☐
Nego�a�ons ☐☐ ☐☐
Title Review / Appraisal* ☐☐ ☐☐
Survey/ESA* ☐☐ ☐☐
Purchase Agreement ☐☐ ☐☐
Sale or Transfer of Ownership ☐☐ ☐☐
No�ce of Funding Restric�on Recorded* ☐☐ ☐☐
Other: ☐☐ ☐☐
Community Engagement ☐☐ ☐☐
Surveys or Other Assessments ☐☐ ☐☐
Open Houses ☐☐ ☐☐
Design Charetes or Showcases ☐☐ ☐☐
Public Mee�ngs ☐☐ ☐☐
Listening Sessions ☐☐ ☐☐
Other: ☐☐ ☐☐
Pre-Design / Design ☐☐ ☐☐
Survey or Delinea�on Work ☐☐ ☐☐
Selec�on of a Consultant ☐☐ ☐☐
Enrollment in Minnesota B3 Guidelines Tracking
Tool *
☐☐☐☐
Dept. of Administra�on Pre-design Review* ☐☐ ☐☐
Consulta�on with SHPO* ☐☐ ☐☐
Other Permi�ng / Agency Review ☐☐ ☐☐
Approval of Dra� Plans ☐☐ ☐☐
Approval of Final Plans ☐☐ ☐☐
Adver�sement for Bid ☐☐ ☐☐
Other: ☐☐ ☐☐
Pre-Construc�on ☐☐ ☐☐
Construction Contractor Selected ☐☐ ☐☐
Permits Secured ☐☐ ☐☐
Pre-construc�on Mee�ngs ☐☐ ☐☐
Staking ☐☐ ☐☐
Mobiliza�on ☐☐ ☐☐
Site Prepara�on ☐☐ ☐☐
All Construc�on Funds Legally Secured* ☐☐ ☐☐
Other: ☐☐ ☐☐
Construc�on ☐☐ ☐☐
Construc�on, Oversight, & Administra�on Begins ☐☐ ☐☐
Change Orders ☐☐ ☐☐
Final Grading ☐☐ ☐☐
Substan�al Comple�on ☐☐ ☐☐
Construc�on, Oversight, & Administra�on Ends ☐☐ ☐☐
Other: ☐☐ ☐☐
Close-Out ☐☐ ☐☐
Stabiliza�on ☐☐ ☐☐
Punch List Items ☐☐ ☐☐
As-builts Approved ☐☐ ☐☐
No�ce of Funding Restric�on Recorded* ☐☐ ☐☐
Cer�ficate of Occupancy or Equivalent Obtained* ☐☐ ☐☐
Signage Installed with ENRTF Language or Logo* ☐☐ ☐☐
Open for Intended Use* ☐☐ ☐☐
Ongoing Repor�ng ☐☐ ☐☐
Other: ☐☐ ☐☐
ENRTF Capital Construction Project Questionnaire
5 | Page
Sec�on 4: Due Diligence
Capital construc�on projects funded with ENRTF must comply with the requirements that apply to all state-
funded capital projects. Please review the ENRTF Capital Project Construc�on Requirements and answer
the following ques�ons.
1.Have you met the applicable predesign requirements 4 as outlined by the Department of Administra�on’s
Predesign Manual and the ENRTF Predesign Addendum?☐Yes If ‘Yes ’: atach a copy of your Dept. of Administra�on recommenda�on leter to Tab 7, “Atachments” in the
online grant system, under “Supplemental Atachments”.
☐No If ‘No’: include “Complete Predesign Review through the Dept. of Administra�on” as a milestone in your
proposal under Tab 5, “Ac�vi�es and Milestones” in the online grant system. 5
☐Not
Applicable
If ‘Not Applicable’: provide an explana�on why your project is not subject to predesign requirements in the
text box below.
Explana�on
2.Have you consulted with the B3 Program 6?☐Yes If ‘Yes’: you must include ‘Enrollment in the Minnesota B3 Guidelines Tracking Tool’ as a milestone under Tab
5, “Ac�vi�es and Milestones” in the online grant system.
☐No If ‘No’: you are required to consult B3 prior to submi�ng your proposal.
☐Not
Applicable
If ‘Not Applicable’: provide an explana�on in the space below why your project is not subject to the B3
Program.
Explana�on
3.Have you consulted with the Minnesota State Historic Preserva�on Office (SHPO) 7?☐Yes If ‘Yes’: please upload any final documenta�on (email, memo, etc.) to Tab 7, “Atachments” in the online
grant system, under “Supplemental Atachments”. Do not include private, confiden�al, or nonpublic
informa�on.
☐No If ‘No’: you are required to include ‘Consulta�on with SHPO’ as a milestone under Tab 5, “Ac�vi�es and
Milestones” in the online grant system.
☐Not
Applicable
If ‘Not Applicable’: provide an explana�on why your project is not subject to review through SHPO in the text
box below.
Explana�on
4 Unless you are specifically exempted, if the cost of your total project or project phase exceed $750,000 for state agencies,
or $1,500,000 for all other en��es, you must prepare your pre-design package in accordance with the Department of
Administra�on’s Predesign Manual AND the ENRTF Predesign Addendum. Both must be submited to the Dept. of
Administra�on for review and recommenda�on prior to proceeding with design ac�vi�es. Please direct any ques�ons on
predesign to Eric Radel in RECS at (651) 201-2380 or eric.radel@state.mn.us. See M.S. 16B.335 for more informa�on.
5 Pre-design review by the Dept. of Administra�on must be complete before construc�on funds can be accessed.
6 B3 tools and programs are designed to make buildings more energy efficient and sustainable. Compliance with B3 is
required for building construc�on, both new and for major renova�ons (>10,000 gross condi�oned sq. �. OR full /
significant replacement of HVAC systems). Review MN B3 Guideline & SB 2030 Energy Standards for more informa�on.
Ques�ons should be directed to Patrick Smith at (612) 626-9709 or guidelines@b3mn.org
7 Early consulta�on with SHPO is strongly recommended to avoid impacts to historic / archeological proper�es, and the
project schedule.
6 | Page
ENRTF Capital Construction Project Questionnaire
Sec�on 5: Budget Review
Please review your answers to Sec�ons 2 - 4 and include any applicable items in your budget addendum, which
will ensure all relevant costs for your project ac�vi�es are accounted for and show how cost- sharing is occurring.
These costs must also subsequently be added into the Budget (Tab 6) in the online proposal and grant
management system according to their cost type (personnel, contract, supplies, etc.). The total project cost in
the addendum and in the online system budget must match.
Sec�on 6: Signature
Please sign below cer�fying you are authorized to submit this ques�onnaire and budget addendum on behalf of
the applicant organiza�on and that the informa�on included in this ques�onnaire and budget addendum is
accurate.
Following signature, please upload the completed Ques�onnaire and Budget Addendum to the Atachments
page (Tab 7) of the online proposal and grant management system prior to submission of your full proposal.
Signature
Printed Name
Affilia�on / Posi�on Title
Date
RESOLUTION NO. 03-19-24-2024
CITY OF SCANDIA
WASHINGTON COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION TO SUBMIT FOR FY 2025 ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL
RESOURCES TRUST FUND GRANT PROGRAM
WHEREAS, The City of Scandia seeks <<$ AMOUNT>> to connect the Gateway State Trail to the
recreational, cultural, environmental, and educational resources of the city of Scandia,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the City of Scandia supports the above-referenced
project and authorizes the submittal of a proposal for funding of this project on behalf of the City of
Scandia to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) in response to the 2025
Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) Request for Proposal; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That, if funding is awarded, the City of Scandia agrees to accept the
award and may enter into an agreement with the state of Minnesota for the above-referenced project.
The City of Scandia will comply with all applicable laws, environmental requirements, and regulations
and any additional conditions stated in the grant agreement and the approved LCCMR work plan; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City of Scandia understands that grants from the ENRTF are
generally paid out on a reimbursement basis. The City of Scandia has the financial capability to pay for
project expenses prior to seeking reimbursement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City of Scandia certifies none of the current principals of
City of Scandia have been convicted of a felony financial crime in the last ten years. For this purpose, a
principal is defined as a public official, a board member, or staff that would have the authority to access
or determine the use of ENRTF funds, if awarded; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That City Administrator Kyle Morell and Mayor Christine Maefsky are
hereby authorized to execute such agreements and work plans as necessary, and Kyle Morell is
authorized to implement the project on behalf of the City of Scandia.
Adopted by the Scandia City Council this 19th day of March, 2024.
________________________________
Christine Maefsky, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Kyle Morell, City Administrator