Fiscal Note
The MGE Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Madison Gas and Electric, has recently committed $40,000 per year for a period of two years to help defray expenses at the Dairy Drive urban campground. The proposed Resolution authorizes the Community Development Division (CDD) to accept the first installment of this two-year commitment, and amends CDD's 2022 Operating Budget - specifically, Project #13975 (Unsheltered Homeless Support) - to recognize the additional revenue and commensurate expenditures. This Resolution deals solely with the 2022 donation; the 2023 donation will be incorporated into CDD's 2023 Operating Budget during budget development.
Title
Authorizing the City of Madison to accept a $40,000 donation from the Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) Foundation, which represents the first of a two-year commitment to help pay expenses associated with the Dairy Drive campground at 3202 Dairy Drive; and amending the Unsheltered Homeless Support project in the Community Development Division's 2022 Operating Budget as appropriate to recognize the additional revenue and commensurate expenditures.
Body
BACKGROUND
In August 2021, in recognition of the state of emergency arising from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of adequate accommodations for unsheltered homeless persons, and unsafe conditions at an unsanctioned encampment at Reindahl Park, the Common Council approved the designation of 3202 Dairy Drive for use as an urban campground (RES-21-00621, Legistar File ID #67137).
About $2 million of the American Rescue Plan Act awarded to the City of Madison was allocated toward the establishment of an urban campground on City-owned land on Madison’s southeast side. Funds supported both the capital costs associated with public improvements, purchase of heated cabins and related amenities, and operational costs related to property management and on-site support service functions. The campground will support no more than 30 persons at one time with turnover occurring as people are connected to housing.
In April 2022, Madison Gas and Electric's philanthropic arm, the MGE Foundation, committed to donating $40,000 per year, for two years, to help cover costs associated with the Dairy Drive campground. This Resolution authorizes the City to accept the first installment of this two-year MGE Foundation commitment; the second installment will be accounted for during development of CDD's 2023 Operating Budget.
ACTION
WHEREAS, in August 2021, the Common Council designated 3202 Dairy Drive for use as an urban campground in an effort to help provide temporary shelter for unsheltered homeless persons; and,
WHEREAS, there are ongoing financial needs to sustain the facility at Dairy Drive as described herein; and,
WHEREAS, in April 2022, Madison Gas and Electric's philanthropic arm, the MGE Foundation, made a two-year commitment to donate $40,000 per year to the City to help cover costs associated with the Dairy Drive facility.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Madison Common Council and Mayor express their gratitude to the MGE Foundation for its generous donation in support of the Dairy Drive campground; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Common Council authorizes the City, through its Community Development Division, to accept the first-year $40,000 donation from the MGE Foundation for its stated use during 2022; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the 2022 Operating Budget of the Community Development Division is hereby amended, as appropriate, to recognize the additional revenue and commensurate expenditures.