Sponsor: Parks & Recreation
Title
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Joint Powers Agreement with Metropolitan Soil and Water Conservation Districts Technical Service Area Joint Powers Board for Metro Area Children’s Water Festival Program Host Services
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Recommendation
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1. Approve the Joint Powers Agreement with Metropolitan Soil and Water Conservation Districts Technical Service Area Joint Powers Board for Metro Area Children’s Water Festival Program host services, for the period of January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the Joint Powers Agreement.
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Background and Rationale
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Metropolitan Soil and Water Conservation Districts Technical Service Area Joint Powers Board, also referred to as Metro Conservation Districts (MCD) is composed of 11 members, including; Anoka Conservation District, Carver County Soil and Water Conservation District, Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, Hennepin County, Isanti Soil and Water Conservation District, Ramsey County, Scott Soil and Water Conservation District, Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District, Washington Conservation District, and Wright Soil and Water Conservation District. The purpose of the MCD is to serve as an entity under which its’ members can jointly plan, develop, and implement programs and activities for natural resource conservation that are mutually beneficial.
The Metro Area Children’s Water Festival (MACWF) is one of these programs, of which, the Ramsey County Parks & Recreation Soil and Water Division is tasked with to provide host services for the program. The MACWF is an annual festival that takes place at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds and is offered to 4th grade students throughout the metropolitan area. The festival teaches children about water resources and how they can help ensure a future where both the quantity and quality of water resources are protected and managed wisely. More information on the Metro Area Children’s Water Festival is available here: <https://www.metrocwf.org>
This will be the first time the Parks & Recreation, Soil & Water Conservation Division has provided host services for the Metro Area Children’s Water Festival.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The festival is fully funded by sponsors and offers some reimbursement for transportation costs to the event. As an incentive to support underserved communities and ensure equitable representation of 4th grade participants, registration preference is given to schools that have higher percentages of students that qualify for free and reduced lunches. The virtual option is open to all classes and individuals.
Community Participation Level and Impact
In 2022, approximately 1,300 students from seven metropolitan counties attend MACWF. Eleven different public agencies as well as over 100 volunteers work to make this festival a success. Learning station presenters are from agencies such as the Metropolitan Council, Pollution Control Agency, Department of Natural Resources, Mosquito Control District, Forest Service, National Parks Service, Department of Agriculture, metro area counties, watershed districts and engineering firms.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☒ Collaborate ☒ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Funding for the Children’s Water Festival Program Host Services is included in the Parks &Recreation 2023 budget. The agreement will provide up to $9,000 to cover costs.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. 2023 Joint Powers Agreement with Metropolitan Soil and Water Conservation Districts Technical Service Area Joint Powers Board