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Home My WebLink AboutA012 - Resolution approving entering into an agreement with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for a REAP Grant for the installation of a pedestrian bridge in Ontario Park in the amount of $200,000ITEM #:15 DATE:11-25-25 DEPT:P&R SUBJECT:IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES REAP GRANT FOR ONTARIO PARK COUNCIL ACTION FORM BACKGROUND: In the fall of 2023, the City completed the purchase of 50 acres of property from the Sands- McDorman Family, located at 5658 Ontario Street, to be developed into a community park. The city had been pursuing this property since 2011. Staff is in the process of developing a Request for Proposals for a firm to develop a master plan for the park. In August, staff submitted a grant application to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program for $200,000 for the construction of a pedestrian bridge over Clear Creek, which bisects the park. The bridge will provide safe access for patrons to the 40+ acres of property located on the south side of Clear Creek. Council approved submittal of the application at its August 12 meeting. In late October, staff received notification that the City is being awarded the $200,000 grant to go towards the construction of the bridge. There are currently no funds budgeted for the construction of a bridge in the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). In anticipation of a master plan being completed in spring 2026 for Ontario Park, staff will be presenting a phase 1 CIP project to Council in January 2026. The Geitel Winakor Fund will be suggested as a funding source. The requested action by Council is to approve entering into a REAP Grant Agreement with the Iowa DNR. If approved, staff will start soliciting for an engineering firm to design a bridge for the park. The approximate cost of the pedestrian bridge and design is $250,000 - $300,000. ALTERNATIVES: 1. Approve a resolution to enter into the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant agreement with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in the amount of $200,000 to help fund the installation of a pedestrian bridge in Ontario Park. 2. Do not enter into a grant agreement at this time. 3. Refer back to staff. CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION: The City has received multiple REAP grants in the past that have gone towards park land acquisition as well as park improvements. Installing a bridge in Ontario Park will need to be completed in order for patrons to utilize and enjoy the land to the south of Clear Creek. The $200,000 will help fund the project and reduce the City's local cost. 1 Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative #1, as described above. ATTACHMENT(S): REAP Development Grant # 26-R4-NV.pdf 2 6200 PARK AVE STE 200, DES MOINES IA 50321 Phone: 515-725-8200 www.IowaDNR.gov Fax: 515-725-8201 November 12, 2025 CITY OF AMES KEITH ABRAHAM 515 CLARK AVENUE AMES, IA 50010 Re: REAP Grant #: 26-R4-NV, ONTARIO PARK PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE Dear KEITH ABRAHAM: Congratulations! Attached please find your organizations Grant Agreement for your Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant awarded by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Please carefully review the grant agreement, including the Fiscal Year Financial Grant Reporting Section of your Grant Agreement. Sign and email the Agreement to my attention. A fully executed copy will be returned to you. Please start a folder to place all grant and expense documention in. As a reminder, REAP Funds are not authorized to be used on the construction, maintenance, or associated purchase of equipment for organized recreational facilities, including, but not limited to, athletic fields (single or multipurpose), baseball or softball diamonds, tennis courts, golf courses, frisbee golf courses, playgrounds, dog parks, swimming pools, or splash pads. This exclusion also prohibits the purchase of specialized equipment for such projects, including, but not limited to, playground equipment, nature playscape equipment, and bleachers intended for use in these areas. If you have questions, please contact me at 515-720-2006, kathleen.moench@dnr.iowa.gov. Sincerely, Kathleen Moench Budget and Finance Bureau Enclosures 3 REAP Grant # 26-R4-NV IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 6200 PARK AVE STE 200, DES MOINES, IA 50319 RESOURCE ENHANCEMENT AND PROTECTION FUND GRANT AGREEMENT-DEVELOPMENT GRANTEE: CITY OF AMES PROJECT TITLE: ONTARIO PARK PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE CONTACT PERSON/PHONE #: KEITH ABRAHAM 515-239-5349 GRANT AWARD: $200,000.00 DNR CONTACT/PHONE #: Kathleen Moench kathleen.moench@dnr.iowa.gov 515-720-2006 1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this REAP Development Grant Agreement is to enable the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), acting for the State of Iowa, to assist the CITY OF AMES (Grantee) in the development of land for the enhancement and protection of open space areas. 2. PARTIES/AUTHORITY. The parties to this Grant Agreement are the DNR, an agency of the State of Iowa, and the CITY OF AMES. The parties make this Grant Agreement pursuant to 1989 Iowa Code Supplement Section 455A.19(1)(a), which authorizes the Natural Resource Commission to spend certain state funds appropriated for projects to enhance and protect open spaces. 3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT LANDS. This Grant Agreement is for your project described as: CONSTRUCTION OF A 70' LONG, 10' WIDE BRIDGE OVER CLEAR CREEK WITHIN ONTARIO PARK TO ACCESS THE PARK'S SOUTH SIDE, LOCATED OFF OF ONTARIO STREET, CITY OF AMES, STORY COUNTY, IOWA. 4. GRANT AWARD AND REIMBURSEMENTS. The DNR will provide 100 percent of development costs up to a maximum amount of $200,000.00. A. An advance reimbursement totaling 90 percent of the grant award may be requested by emailing a letter of request to the DNR Contact above. B. Final reimbursement will be processed when the project is completed and the grantee submits a letter of request along with the following documents to the DNR Contact above: • proof showing an order for a REAP sign through Iowa Prison Industries to post at the site; https://www.iaprisonind.com/ipig104-funded-by-reap-w-logo-12x12.aspx • a legal description of the property for the required Notice of Use Restriction; • pictures of the completed project; • copies of billings and canceled checks for 100 percent of the grant award; • contracted development work requires; a copy of the signed contract, pay estimates, and contractor’s reimbursement Refund of Sales Tax; • final report, to include a a couple of paragraphs or description of the completed project and efforts made to procure goods and services from Targeted Small Businesses (TSBs). 4 REAP Grant # 26-R4-NV 5. FISCAL YEAR FINANCIAL GRANT REPORTING. Fiscal Year reporting required by the State. Grantees are required to send an annual email to the DNR Contact by July 30, providing the total grant expenses for the fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), and cumulative from the start of the project. The email should include the following language: 1. REAP Program; Grant #: ____________, Project Title: ______________________________ 2. Total Grant Expenditures for the current Fiscal Year (July 1 – June 30): $_______________ 3. Cumulative Years Grant Expenditures through FY June 30: $________________ “I certify that the above grant expenditures are accurate and have been incurred as of June 30, 20__, in accordance with the terms of the Grant Agreement.” 6. RESPONSIBILITIES. The grantee is solely responsible for the project completion as outlined in the project proposal. The grantee will make a concerted effort to procure goods and services from Targeted Small Businesses (TSBs) during the performance of this Grant Agreement. The DNR may provide assistance at the request of the grantee, or at the Director's recommendation. 7. AMENDMENTS. This Grant Agreement may be amended only by written ADDENDA signed and dated by the DNR Director or the DNR REAP coordinator. Requests for amendments shall be directed to the DNR REAP coordinator. 8. EFFECTIVE DATE/TERMINATION. This Grant Agreement shall become effective upon approval of the annual awards by the Director. All work specified in the project proposal will be completed by 12/31/2027. 9. REAP SIGNS. REAP signs are required to be posted at all properties funded by REAP. Signs can be purchased through Iowa Prison Industries. https://www.iaprisonind.com/ipig104-funded-by-reap-w-logo-12x12.aspx. 10. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS: If funds anticipated for the continued fulfillment of this agreement are at any time not forthcoming or insufficient, either through the failure of the State of Iowa to appropriate funds, or discontinuance or material alteration of the program under which funds were provided, then the Department shall have the right to terminate the agreement without penalty. 11. BY signing this Grant Agreement, the grantee agrees to the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement and all documents listed below: • the REAP “General Provisions” (State Administrative Rules from your application) Date Alex Moon, Deputy Director Iowa Department of Natural Resources KEITH.ABRAHAM@CITYOFAMES.ORG Email Address Grantee Signature; Mayor or County Board Director Print Name; Mayor or County Board Director 5 REAP Grant # 26-R4-NV Shaded area for DNR use only Accounting Department Return Paid Copy to: Kathleen Moench _________________________________________________ Doc #: __________________________________ Date: ___________________ CITY OF AMES 515 CLARK AVENUE AMES, IA 50010 State ID #: 1st Pymt: ________________________________________________________ Fund/Ag/Org/SubOrg/$: ____________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES REAP PROJECT BILLING – DEVELOPMENT GRANT Project billings must be accompanied by all required documentation (invoices, canceled checks, deeds, etc.) covering expenditures included in the billing. Grant Recipient: CITY OF AMES Project #: 26-R4-NV Project Title: ONTARIO PARK PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE Final Billing: Y or N Use the table below to list your budget items and the expenditures for each item. You should follow the budget items provided with your grant proposal as closely as possible. Budget Item Budget Amount Expenditures This Billing “To Date” Item Expenditures Totals Less Expenditures In Excess of Total Authorized Project Budget: Total “To Date” Expenditures: CLAIM REQUEST (__% OF “TO DATE” EXPENDITURES): LESS PREVIOUS PAYMENTS OF: TOTAL CLAIM TO BE PAID: I certify that this billing is correct and just based upon actual payment(s) of record by the grant recipient, and that the work and services are in accord with the approved grant. Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: ___________________ Print Name: __________________________________________ Title: ______________________________________________ Email or Phone: __________________ Email signed Billing Form and back up documents to the DNR Contact on the Grant Agreement. 6