09-10-2024 Resolution 12234RESOLUTION NO. 12234
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF RICHFIELD
TO ENTER INTO A GRANT AGREEMENT AND ACCEPT
GRANT FUNDS FROM AMERICAN FORESTS
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Richfield is the official governing body
of the City of Richfield, Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest
Service's Urban and Community Forestry grant program solicited applications from
eligible entities nationwide to fund projects that increase equitable access to trees and
nature, and the benefits they provide for cooling city streets, improving air quality, and
promoting food security, public health and safety; and
WHEREAS, the grant program made over $1 billion available to applicants to
fund eligible projects; and
WHEREAS, Public Works staff submitted a project proposal requesting
$498,075.00 in grant funds to remove and replace Ash trees in the public right-of-way;
and
WHEREAS, on October 12, 2023, staff were made aware that their project
proposal was successful and would be funded in the requested amount of $498,075.00;
and
WHEREAS, the Forest Service informed Richfield that their grant
manager/passthrough partner would be American Forests; and
WHEREAS, with the grant funds, 185 Ash trees on City boulevards will be
removed and 545 trees will be planted, which will lead to a more resilient urban forest in
Richfield; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota statute 465.03 requires every acceptance of a grant or
devise of real personal property on terms prescribed by the donor be made by
resolution by a two-thirds majority of the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Richfield, Minnesota that the Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized to enter
into the grant agreement with American Forests and to accept the grant funds for and
on behalf of the City or Richfield.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Richfield, Minnesota this 10th day of
September, 2024.
Mary Supple, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk