Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the Parks Division to apply for and accept if awarded, grant funding of up to $1,000,000 from the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration. The grant will fund a portion of the costs of improvements for the Olbrich Botanical Gardens Bolz Conservatory Improvements project. Match funding will be available through authorized funding from the City of Madison. Following adoption of the 2026 Capital Budget, total authorized funding of $1,020,000 will be available within the Parks Division’s Adopted Capital Budget within Olbrich Botanical Gardens Improvements program (Munis #14708). If the grant is awarded, the Parks Division 2025 Adopted Capital Budget will be amended to appropriate the grant funding.
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Authorizing the Parks Division to submit, and if awarded, accept grant of up to $1,000,000 from the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration for park improvements and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a contract with State of Wisconsin Department of Administration to accept grant award. (District 15)
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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 City of Madison, through the Parks Division, owns and operates Olbrich Botanical Gardens on property acquired by the City from Michael Olbrich in 1921 and from Olbrich Botanical Society in 1998; and,
WHEREAS, the Olbrich Botanical Garden’s Bolz Conservatory opened to the public on November 2, 1991, at a cost of $4,600,000 funded with support from the City and Olbrich Botanical Society; and,
WHEREAS, the Bolz Conservatory promotes environmental conservation practices world-wide by showcasing more than 650 plants representing more than 80 families and more than 475 different species and cultivars; and,
WHEREAS, the Bolz Conservatory hosts numerous popular exhibitions and events throughout the year, including Olbrich Escape, Cocktails in the Conservatory and Blooming Butterflies in addition to being open to the public when events are not scheduled; and,
WHEREAS, the Bolz Conservatory serves as a wedding venue for micro weddings year-round providing rental revenue; and,
WHEREAS, the Bolz Conservatory, as part of Olbrich Gardens, is a regional arts and culture amenity that has a statewide public purpose, making improvements to the facility eligible for Grants for Local Projects program; and,
WHEREAS, under the Grants for Local Projects program, grant recipients are required to grant the State of Wisconsin a temporary ownership interest in the constructed space equal to the amount of the grant; and,
WHEREAS, improvements to the Bolz Conservatory are necessary to address deferred maintenance of the facility, aging mechanical equipment, and accessibility upgrades; and,
WHEREAS, IMEG Corporation has produced mechanical, structural, and electrical assessments and construction documents of the facility to identify necessary repairs and improvements; and,
WHEREAS, needed improvements at the Bolz Conservatory include climate control systems, glass improvements, and louvers; and,
WHEREAS, the City’s request of $1,000,000 in Grants for Local Projects program funding requires a match of $1,000,000, which will be provided through authorized funding from the City of Madison; and,
WHEREAS, Following adoption of the 2026 Capital Budget, total authorized funding of $1,020,000 will be available in the Parks Division’s Adopted Capital Budget in the Olbrich Botanical Gardens Improvements Program; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Parks Division is authorized to apply for a Grants for Local Projects program grant to fund a portion of the costs of Olbrich Botanical Gardens Bolz Conservatory Improvements.
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.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, that if awarded the grant, the 2025 Adopted Capital Budget for Parks Division will be amended to appropriate the grant revenue of up to $1,000,000 and expenditures in the amount of the grant funds awarded, with total project budget amended to up to $2,020,000.
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.