Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the Water Utility to begin preliminary planning and Citizen Advisory Process for a potential future capital project consisting of a water efficiency demonstration home. Costs associated with this planning are sufficiently budgeted within the Water Utility's adopted 2017 operating budget. Any future funding for construction and subsequent phases will be included in the Madison Water Utility's proposed 2018 Capital Budget. The demonstration home and two neighboring residential lots would ultimately be sold to recover construction costs for the project.
Title
SUBSTITUTE: Authorizing Madison Water Utility to begin the planning and Citizen Advisory Process for a water-efficient demonstration home project.
Body
PREAMBLE:
Madison Water Utility (MWU) currently owns a large lot at 4724 Spaanem Ave that it plans to subdivide into four lots. One of the lots would continue to be home to a municilpal water well and stand-pipe reservoir, and three of the lots would be residential lots that would ultimately be sold.
This presents a unique opportunity for MWU to embark on an educational campaign aimed at showcasing the latest in home water efficiency and innovation. The "Water House" project would be a demonstration home that features water and energy efficient building systems on display to the public. After a period of public education, the Water House and the neighboring residential lots would be sold to recover construction costs for the project.
WHEREAS, Madison Water Utility (MWU) is committed to promoting water conservation to prevent overpumping, manage well drawdown, reduce the city’s carbon footprint, and minimize negative impacts on surface water including our local streams; and
WHEREAS, Madison Water Utility (MWU) currently owns a large lot at 4724 Spaanem Ave., which is the location of a municipal well and stand-pipe reservoir; and
WHEREAS, MWU plans to divide the property into four lots, three of which would be residential and sized according to area zoning requirements; and
WHEREAS, the fourth lot will continue to be home to all of the MWU facilities at that location, as well as private utilities (mainly cell phone service providers) that currently use the site; and
WHEREAS, MWU would be responsible for all improvements necessary for the development of the three residential lots; and
WHEREAS, this presents a unique opportunity for MWU to build a demonstration home to showcase water and energy efficient building systems within a modest and affordable footprint; and
WHEREAS, MWU has a robust Citizen Advisory Process that engages with neighbors, community partners, and other interested citizens at all stages of a project, including planning, location, design, and construction; and
WHEREAS; this project would also provide many opportunities to build on MWU’s community partnerships and outreach to schools, businesses, and nonprofit groups;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Madison Water Utility is authorized to begin the planning and Citizen Advisory Process for the “Water House” demonstration home project.