Sponsor: Parks & Recreation
Title
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Resolution to Support Mighty Ducks Grant Program Application
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Recommendation
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Adopt a resolution to support Parks & Recreation’s application to the Mighty Ducks Grant Program for grant funding.
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Background and Rationale
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Ramsey County owns the Biff Adams Arena located at 743 Western Ave North, Saint Paul, MN 55103. The Frogtown Curling Club (FTCC) has leased this arena since 2011 and has a current lease with Ramsey County through June 30, 2032, with an option to renew for an additional five-year term. As a condition of the lease agreement, the FTCC is responsible for all operational expenses associated with the facility. The Biff Adams Arena utilizes the refrigerant R-22 which is no longer being manufactured in the United States due to its ozone depleting qualities. The facility’s refrigeration system is roughly 40 years old which is well beyond its useful life. The FTCC is pursuing funding opportunities to be able to replace the refrigeration system which is estimated to cost $2.6 million. As part of the overall funding strategy, the FTCC is working with Parks on applying for state funding through the Mighty Ducks Grant Program which allocates funds to arena refrigeration system replacements. A current application process is open with maximum awards of $250,000 per project. A condition of the grant award is that the local government unit applying for funding is required to match the awarded amount. Matching funds are available within Parks capital accounts. As part of the Mighty Ducks grant application process, a resolution from a local government unit is required. Parks & Recreation is seeking the approval of a resolution to accompany its grant application.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
FTCC is a community-oriented, volunteer-driven, 501c (7) organization, that provides recreational curling leagues, tournaments, and training for curling enthusiasts throughout the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and beyond. Located in the heart of Saint Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood, FTCC’s commitment to the community extends beyond the maintenance and operation of the Biff Adams facility.
FTCC offers affordable learn-to-curl classes through an ongoing partnership with Saint Paul Schools Community Education as well as a cost-free curling opportunity organized through city of Saint Paul’s department of Parks and Recreation. These low-cost, community-oriented programs specifically help diversify the traditional curling demographics.
Obtaining funding to replace the refrigeration system will go a long way toward ensuring a continuity of curling operations at the Biff Adams facility.
Community Participation Level and Impact
FTCC has been a constant presence in the community by initiating supply drives to assist local residents in need, partnering with Feeding the Dream, supporting the WFNU community radio station, collaborating with the Frogtown Cleanup Squad for neighborhood cleanup days, and, most recently, hosting a no-cost flu and COVID vaccine clinic at the club in partnership with USA Curling.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Obtaining grant funds from the Mighty Ducks Grant program will help provide part of the funding necessary to replace the refrigeration system. If awarded, Parks would provide matching funds equal to the grant amount awarded through Parks Arena capital accounts. The FTCC is working on obtaining the remaining project funding through a variety of sources including a bonding request through the Minnesota State Legislature. The status of obtaining funds from the legislature will not be known until the conclusion of the 2024 legislative session. Completing the refrigeration replacement project is contingent on securing all funding necessary to finish the project.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Resolution of Local Government Unit for James Metzen Mighty Ducks Grant Application