HomeMy WebLinkAboutX-B-01 Resolution Acceptance and Appreciation of a Donation to the Parks and Recreation Department by Tecla Karpen Estate
City Council Memorandum
X-B-01
To: Mayor Fasbender & City Councilmembers
From: Chris Jenkins, Parks & Recreation Director
Date: December 20, 2021
Item: Tecla Karpen Estate Donation
Council Action Requested:
Approve resolution and accept donation from Tecla Karpen’s Estate in the
amount of $260,000.00, designated the donated funds to be used to support
appropriate projects.
Background Information:
In late 2019, the City was contacted by Tecla Karpen’s Estate Manager to
inquire if a cash donation could help the City to complete projects in Hastings
that would honor Tecla Karpen’s visions and passions for natural area
habitat protection, enhancement and restoration, specifically within the
Mississippi River Corridor and Vermillion River Watershed. Staff met with
the estate manager to learn more and discuss possibilities.
At that time, there was specific interest in using the funds to acquire a parcel
of land currently owned by Flint Hills Resources that borders Lake Rebecca
Park. That interest spurred City staff to contact FHR to inquire if there was
interest in selling or donating that parcel of land. FHR ultimately decided
they would be interested in donating that parcel of land to the City, and we
have been working through the logistics of that for some time. Currently,
Stantec is completing a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment on that parcel
of land to determine if there are any environmental concerns prior to
formalizing a donation.
With that parcel of land in process of donation to the City, there is no need
to use the donated funds to purchase that property. In keeping with Tecla
Karpen's wishes, the donated funds are designated to be used on
projects within the Mississippi River Corridor and Vermillion River
Watersheds to protect, enhance or restore habitats.
These types of projects could include habitat restoration/enhancement at
Lake Rebecca Park, Jaycee Park, Hastings River Flats Park in the
Mississippi River Corridor and C.P. Adams Park, Old Mill Park, Vermillion
Falls Park, and Vermillion Linear Park within the Vermillion River Watershed.
It is the City’s goal to honor Tecla Karpen’s wishes, and to work with existing
partners (Friends of the Mississippi River(FMR) and Hastings Environmental
Protectors(HEP)), and perhaps new partners to develop and complete
impactful projects for the residents and visitors of Hastings.
It is also worthy to note here that the City has recently applied to the
Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) for a
$2m grant for potential projects in and around Lake Rebecca Park. At this
time the LCCMR has not made a final funding decision, but Hastings’ Lake
Rebecca Park project scored well in the preliminary decisions. This
donation could also supplement this grant funding if needed.
Financial Impact:
The donated funds will be used to complete or supplement habitat
protection, enhancement or restoration projects.
Advisory Commission Discussion:
None
Council Committee Discussion:
None
Attachments:
▪ Donation Resolution
X-B-01
Attest:
____________________________
Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk
X-B-01
CITY OF HASTINGS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION -
A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING ACCEPTANCE OF AND APPRECIATION OF
A DONATION TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, The Estate of Tecla Karpen has presented to the City Of
Hastings Parks & Recreation Department a donation of $260,000.00; and
WHEREAS, Tecla Karpen was a keen observer of wildlife, a staunch
supporter of habitat and ecological restoration, and passionate in protecting
critical habitats; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to honor Tecla’s wishes to protect, enhance
and restore habitats within the Mississippi River Corridor and Vermillion River
Watershed; and
WHEREAS, this donation is significant, and will provide financial
resources needed to protect, enhance and restore habitats; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hastings is committed to honoring Tecla’s wishes,
and is committed to protecting, enhancing and restoring habitat in it’s many
natural and open space parklands; and
WHEREAS, the City Council is appreciative of the donation and
commends The Estate of Tecla Karpen for it’s civic efforts,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of
Hastings, Minnesota;
1.That the donation is accepted and acknowledged with gratitude; and
2.That the donation will be appropriated for work and projects on City
lands that will protect, enhance, and restore habitat within the
Mississippi River Corridor and Vermillion River Watershed.
Adopted this 20th day of December, 2021
________________________________
Mary Fasbender, Mayor