Fiscal Note
Funding of $10,000,000 for the construction is included in the Parks Division's 2017 and 2018 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), project #32. The CIP includes funding of $5,000,000 from City resources and an additional $5,000,000 from private contributions. This resolution is intended to provide an additional level of support to potential donors to ensure the fundraising campaign gets a solid start.
Title
A resolution supporting the Phase 1 development plans for Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
Body
WHEREAS, through funding authorized in RES-12-00754 (File ID 27647), the City of Madison and the Olbrich Botancial Society (OBS) partnered to undertake an architectural planning effort for Olbrich Botancial Gardens' facilities with a twenty-five year horizon; and,
WHEREAS, the firm HGA of Milwaukee was selected and conducted an extensive public process with five community participation sessions; and,
WHEREAS, informational presentations on the facilities plan have been made to the Board of Parks Commissioners, the Urban Design Commission, and the Mayor's Office based upon the HGA report; and,
WHEREAS, based upon the HGA report, the City has budgeted $10 million in its long range capital budget for the renovation of Olbrich Botanical Gardens, with project funding to be split evenly between the City and OBS, OBS having committed to a total financial/fundraising plan of $5 million to match the City's share in the same amount to support the proposed project; and,
WHEREAS, OBS has researched its own fund-raising capacity, and has developed a proposed plan for the phasing of the potential project that would comport with the City's schedule and OBS's fund raising abilities. Phase 1 of the proposed plan would consist of a new education wing and connecting glass corridor to the present facilities, replacement of the existing 30 year old production greenhouse with a more energy and space efficient production greenhouse, including an alternate to be bid for the repurposing of the present atrium into a relocated library and visitor service facility. Phase 1 would also include a sustainable green roof feature for the education wing and additional site restoration, repairs to the atrium building, relocation of activities normally programmed in the atrium, and additional HVAC and site issues that will be further identified in design development; and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Madison supports Phase 1 as outlined above and looks forward to working with OBS to improve the education and growing facilities at Olbrich Botanical Gardens.