Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the Parks Division to apply for and accept if awarded, grant funding of up to $1,505,000 from the Dane County Conservation Fund Grant Program. The grant will reimburse up to 25 percent of the costs of the acquisition of the Madison Crushing Property, authorized via RES-26-00370 (Legistar #93444) on June 23, 2026 for a total price of $6,058,275. Match funding for the grant is available within the Parks Division’s Adopted Capital Budget within Park Land Acquisition Program (Munis #17128). If the grant is awarded, the Parks Division 2026 Adopted Capital Budget will be amended to appropriate the grant funding. No additional appropriation is required.
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Authorizing the Parks Division to submit, and if awarded, accept a grant of up to $1,505,000 from Dane County Conservation Fund Grant Program for acquisition of park land acquired from Madison Crushing & Excavating, Inc. and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a contract with Dane County to accept the grant award.
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WHEREAS, the Madison Crushing and Excavating, Inc, first approached Dane County about purchasing property located within four unaddressed tax parcels, one tax parcel addressed as 3328 Nelson Rd and a portion of two tax parcels both listed as 5185 Reiner Rd, which contain 199 acres of land and all improvements thereon (“Property”); and,
WHEREAS, the County approached the City of Madison Parks Division about its interest in pursuing acquisition of the Property for future park purposes, together both parties determined that the acquisition to conserve significant acreages of quality natural areas is in the best interest of the public; and,
WHEREAS, the Dane County 2025-2030 and previous Park and Open Space Plan identify the Property as being within the Glacial Drumlin Natural Resource Area and identify the potential for collaboration with the City Parks Division to plan for a future recreation park in the Northeast quadrant of the county; and,
WHEREAS, the 2018 adopted Comprehensive Plan for the City of Madison recommends that the City “Acquire parkland and upgrade park facilities to accommodate more diverse activities and gatherings and improve and preserve urban biodiversity through an interconnected greenway and habitat system;” and,
WHEREAS, the 2023 adopted City of Madison’s Reiner Neighborhood Development Plan recognizes a portion of the Property as a future recommended park that will help connect to the larger natural resource area and recognizes that an “approximately 200-acre area located north of Nelson Road is recommended as a Regional Natural and Recreation Area;” and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison Northeast Area Plan adopted in 2024 includes a recommendation that the Parks Division “[i]mprove access to publicly-owned natural areas to provide passive recreation opportunities;” and,
WHEREAS, the 2024 City of Madison Sustainability Plan includes recommendations that the City prioritize preservation and restoration of urban natural areas and jointly plan preservation of open spaces and woodlands with neighboring communities and Dane County; and,
WHEREAS, the 2025-2030 Park and Open Space Plan recommends that the Parks Division, “[i]mprove public access to lakes and waterways; [p]rotect and enhance natural resources; and [p]ursue regional solutions to regional issues;” and,
WHEREAS, on June 23, 2026, the City of Madison’s Common Council authorized the City’s execution of a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the purchase of the Property with a purchase price of $6,000,000 for the land and additional costs due at closing of $58,275 for land survey and fence installation work subject to certain prorations and closing costs; and,
WHEREAS, the Parks Division’s Adopted Capital Budget allocates sufficient matching funds to acquire the Property; and,
WHEREAS, upon closing, the City of Madison, through the Board of Park Commissioners and Parks Division will be responsible for management, development and oversight of the Property; and,
WHEREAS, the Common Council hereby recognizes and acknowledges the long-term operations and maintenance responsibilities associated with the acquisition, and will adhere to all obligations under the grant award contract for the Property if awarded the grant; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Parks Division is hereby authorized to act on behalf of the City of Madison as follows:
• Submit an application to Dane County Conservation Fund Grant Program for grant funds that may be available.
• Submit reimbursement claims along with necessary supporting documentation for the acquisition of the Property and related eligible costs.
• Submit Signed Documents; and,
• Take necessary action to undertake, direct and complete the approved project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if awarded, the Parks Division’s Adopted Capital Budget will be amended to accept grant funding of up to $1,505,000 from the Dane County Conservation Fund Grant Program; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parks Division will comply with Dane County rules for the program; and will obtain approval in writing before any change is made in the use of the project site; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that, if awarded the grant, the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to sign a grant agreement with Dane County, in a format approved by the City Attorney, and any other documents necessary to comply with the grant requirements and to secure the grant funding.