Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the reallocation of $5,000 of CDBG funds from lighting improvements to art installation within the list of prioritized capital improvement projects in the Hawthorne-Truax Neighborhood Plan. The total budget for the projects in the Plan is $250,000, previously approved via legislative file 85812. No additional appropriation required.
Title
Amending the capital improvement projects identified in the Hawthorne-Truax Neighborhood Plan, previously approved by Common Council via RES-24-00690 (Legistar #85812), to redirect Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from lighting improvements to the creation of an art mural at Hawthorne Elementary School (District 12).
Body
Background
The Community Development Division (CDD) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Committee, in cooperation with the City’s Planning Division, undertook a neighborhood planning effort in Hawthorne-Truax neighborhood. The resulting Plan, adopted by the Common Council in March 2023, via RES-23-00270 (Legistar #76399), included implementation priorities designed to address specific neighborhood objectives. While engaging in the planning process, neighborhood residents provided feedback on potential capital improvement projects that could be carried out with the use of federal CDBG funds.
The CDD’s Adopted 2023 Operating Budget authorized the use of up to $250,000 of CDBG funds to implement prioritized projects identified in the Hawthorne-Truax plan that are eligible for CDBG funds. Further, on November 26, 2024 via RES-24-00690 (Legistar #85812) the Common Council approved the use of CDBG funds to support several small-scale capital improvement projects prioritized from the Hawthorne-Truax plan.
In subsequent engagement with the neighborhood association, there has been some change in prioritization of projects, namely, replacing lighting upgrades in favor of a new mural to be placed on the Hawthorne Elementary School to enhance the beautification of the neighborhood. This resolution implements that decision.
Action Items
WHEREAS, on November 26, 2024, the Common Council approved up to $250,000 of federal CDBG funds via RES-24-00690 (Legistar #85812) to be deployed for various capital improvement projects called for in the Hawthrone-Truax neighborhood plan; and,
WHEREAS, the Hawthorne Neighborhood Association has since changed its prioritization of proposed capital projects and, with staff approval, requests a reallocation of up to $5,000 of authorized CDBG funds from lighting improvements to art installation; and,
WHEREAS, the installation of art within a CDBG Targeted Neighborhood is an eligible use of CDBG funds and meets national objectives set forth in CDBG regulations; and,
WHEREAS, through the previously referenced Resolution, the Council did authorize the use of up to $110,000 of CDBG funds to enable the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) to purchase exercise equipment for public use, and public art at Hawthorne Elementary School, to be increased to not more than $115,000 to include additional art installation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council authorizes an amendment to the list of approved CDBG capital improvements identified in the Hawthrone-Truax Neighborhood Plan to support art installation at Hawthorne Elementary School; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council also authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a written agreement with the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) for the purpose of implementing the approved projects at Hawthorne Elementary School; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Council authorizes the Community Development Division to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding agreement with the Planning Division for purposes of overseeing the projects.