Consider motion to adopt RESOLUTION authorizing the City of Ankeny to submit an application for funding through the Polk County Community Development Grant Program for amenities associated with the High Trestle Trail Experience Park and commitment of matching funds for proposed improvements.

The Polk County Community Development Grant Program supports large-scale projects in Polk County by providing grants up to $100,000.  Applications are due on August 31, 2024.  The High Trestle Trail Experience Park touches on four of the seven funding priorities for this grant, including Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Recreation and Conservation, making this project an ideal candidate for grant funding. 

Eligible applicants for these grants must be non-profit, tax exempt organizations.  The City would complete the grant application and the Uptown Association would be the applicant, as the Uptown Association is an eligible entity and direct beneficiary of the proposed project.  If awarded, the grant funding would flow to the Uptown Association, which would then use the grant funding to reimburse the City for project expenses incurred to complete this phase of the project.

This grant program requires a dollar-for-dollar match.  Proposed matching funds to secure the $100,000 grant would come from hotel/motel fund balance as an unbudgeted expense. If this item is approved and the grant application is successful, the budget for the matching funds would be addressed during a future budget amendment.  The 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) does not include any funding for the Experience Park in 2025; however, the 2026 CIP does show a $1 million placeholder for the Experience Park ($500,000 funded by hotel/motel and $500,000 funded by possible grants).  Given the timeliness of this particular grant funding opportunity, staff recommends pursuing the $100,000 grant this calendar year, and then modifying the Experience Park CIP project in 2026, and reduce the anticipated hotel/motel funds by $100,000 in 2026. The grant opportunity, if approved, would essentially accelerate by a year a portion of funding contemplated from hotel-motel funds and complete a substantial sub-phase of the project. If approved, and if the grant is awarded by Polk County, the CIP project sheet included in the upcoming 2025-2029 CIP process will be adjusted accordingly.

Polk County grant funds, assuming a $100,000 award, combined with the City’s match would be used for the following projects:

• Approx. 900’ stroller coaster/side path/trail with rise and fall – est. $110,00
• (3) Pocket kid's exploration areas along the existing HTT – est. $75,000
• (4) Benches & trash cans for additional seating along the trail - $5,000
• Professional services (engineering, construction admin, staking, etc.) - $10,000

This item is not specifically included in the City Council approved 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program, however sufficient fund balance exists in the hotel/motel account to cover the $100,000 contemplated with this particular grant opportunity and action associated with this agenda item. The executive summary outlines the estimated costs associated with the project, the funding source and how grant fund will be used. This is a unique opportunity for 1:1 match that will allow for the development of new park features in the center of our community. The City has not applied for Polk County Development Grant in several years and with this being an eligible project, the timing is ideal. If grant funding is not awarded, these improvements will not be made at this time.

To approve submitting a $100,000 Polk County Community Development Grant application and support resolution committing to $100,000 of matching funds if the grant is awarded by Polk County.

The Council has received and filed plans associated with this project, had two works sessions and recently approved Phase I construction of the High Trestle Trail Experience Park.