Fiscal Note
Expenditures of up to $50,000 for the Downtown Residential Exterior Lighting Enhancement Grant Program are authorized in the 2009 Adopted Operating Budget as part of the Capital Revolving Fund.
Title
Authorizing the creation of a pilot Downtown Residential Exterior Lighting Enhancement Grant Program to provide one-time matching grants to residential property owners in targeted areas to enhance the exterior lighting around their properties.
Body
WHEREAS the 2009 Adopted Operating Budget authorizes the funding for the Downtown Residential Exterior Lighting Enhancement Grant Program (“Program”); and
WHEREAS the proposed Program will provide one-time matching grants to residential property owners in targeted areas to enhance the exterior lighting around their properties; and
WHEREAS Economic Development Division staff, after consulting with the Public Safety Review Board and meeting with the alders and other City staff, has developed the operating guidelines and procedures for the Program herein,
NOW THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Common Council hereby authorizes the creation of a pilot Downtown Residential Exterior Lighting Enhancement Program to provide one-time matching grants to residential property owners in targeted areas based on the following objectives, policies and procedures:
1. Program Objectives: To provide financial incentive to residential property owners to purchase and install exterior lighting to improve the safety and security of their properties. The added lighting will be designed to reduce the dark areas between and behind the properties.
2. Program Description: The Program will provide one-time matching grants to residential property owners in targeted areas to enhance the exterior lighting around their properties.
3. Target Area: The Target Area is bordered by Paterson Street on the east, Lake Mendota on the north, Randall Avenue/Regent Street/Proudfit Street on the west and Lake Monona on the south.
4. Maximum Grant Amount: The maximum grant amount is $500.00 per property. One-time matching grants will be provided up to 50% of the total project cost in an amount not to exceed $500.00 per property. The minimum grant amount is $75.00.
5. Eligible Applicant: An eligible applicant is a residential property owner.
6. Eligible Properties: An eligible property is any property that includes at least one residential unit.
7. Eligible Costs: Eligible costs include the cost to purchase and install the lighting and wiring. The cost to upgrade or replace the existing lighting or decorative lighting is not an eligible cost.
8. Special Conditions:
a. Lighting must meet the lighting standards of the Program
b. Lighting must comply with 10.085 of the Madison General Ordinances (MGO).
c. Lighting must be energy efficient
d. Contractor must obtain an electrical permit prior to commencing work.
e. Applicant must comply with the City’s nondiscrimination provisions contained in the application.
9. Steps to Take:
a. STEP 1: Applicant receives application packet with application /checklist and lighting standards.
b. STEP 2: Contractor obtains an electrical permit.
c. STEP 3: Lighting is purchased and installed.
d. STEP 4: Applicant submits to Economic Development Division (EDD) staff, completed/signed application along with documentation of paid receipts; and before and after photographs of installed lighting.
e. STEP 5: Economic Development Division staff verifies building permit and approves the application.
f. STEP 6: City reimburses applicant.