Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes Madison Public Library to apply for and accept if awarded, grant funding of up to $2,000,000 from the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration. The grant will fund a portion of the costs of construction for the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park project. Matching funding is available within the Madison Public Library’s 2023 Adopted Capital Budget within the Reindahl Imagination Center / Library Project (MUNIS 17085). If the grant is awarded, the Madison Public Library’s 2025 Adopted Capital Budget will be amended to appropriate the grant funding.
Title
Authorizing Madison Public Library to submit, and if awarded, accept grant of up to $2,000,000 from the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration for Imagination Center at Reindahl Park construction and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a contract with State of Wisconsin Department of Administration to accept grant award. (District 12)
Body
WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration has established the Grants for Local Projects program, an initiative dedicated to supporting non-state organizations in their pursuit of construction projects with a statewide public purpose; and,
WHEREAS, the Imagination Center concept was derived from a two year long planning process conducted by Madison Public Library that resulted in Communities Inspiring Libraries: A Strategic Plan for Eastside Growth; and,
WHEREAS, the Madison Public Library identified northeast Madison as an area in need of a library and expanded library service, but learned that other civic and social services are needed as well; and,
WHEREAS, the existing public shelter and restrooms at Reindahl Park were in need of replacement and a new vision; and,
WHEREAS, the Reindahl Park Master Plan includes the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park and was approved by the Board of Park Commissioners on January 11, 2023; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison entered into a Public Works Contract for the construction of the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park with Corporate Contractors Inc., in May of 2025 in the amount of $12,259,000; and,
WHEREAS, the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park is a 17,000 square foot building including library space with small meeting rooms, stacks, a tech hub, community room, classroom, and outdoor patio space; and,
WHEREAS, the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park also includes reservable park pavilion and publicly available restrooms; and,
WHEREAS, the City’s request of $2,000,000 in Grants for Local Projects program funding requires a match of $2,000,000; and,
WHEREAS, the Library capital budget includes $13.6 million in general obligation borrowing for the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park project that has been approved in prior years for the project, which can be used as a local match without an additional appropriation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Library is authorized to apply for a Grants for Local Projects program grant to fund a portion of the costs of the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park and take the following actions related to the Grant:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, if awarded the grant, the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to sign a grant agreement with the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration for the Grants for Local Projects grant, 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, including granting the State of Wisconsin a temporary ownership interest in the constructed space equal to the amount of the grant, as required by State statute, and in a format approved by the City Attorney; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, that if awarded the grant, the 2025 Adopted Capital Budget for the Madison Public Library will be amended to appropriate the grant revenue of up to $2,000,000 and expenditures in the amount of the grant funds awarded; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Mayor and Clerk are hereby authorized to execute the above documents and any other documents related to this transaction in a form to be approved by the City Attorney.