Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution approves selection of the Urban League of Greater Madison as the operator of the Park Edge Park Ridge Neighborhood Employment Center. The Community Development Division’s 2016 Adopted Operating Budget includes $136,000 (Munis account no. 62331-54820) to support the operation of this center. This resolution authorizes use of these funds prior to the center’s opening to conduct outreach and engagement activities with neighborhood residents and partner agencies.
Title
Approving the selection of the Urban League of Greater Madison (ULGM) as the operator of the Park Edge Park Ridge Neighborhood Employment Center which is to be established at 1233 McKenna Rd., authorizing the ULGM to begin outreach and planning efforts with neighborhood residents and partner agencies in anticipation of the opening of the center, and authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to enter into a contract with the ULGM to carry out these roles.
Body
WHEREAS, In 2014, the City purchased commercial property (the former Griff’s Restaurant, located at 1233 McKenna Blvd) to be converted for use as the Park Edge Park Ridge Neighborhood Employment Center, a facility to primarily serve as a venue for adult and youth oriented employment services, as well as to provide public meeting or gathering space for neighborhood residents; and
WHEREAS, a series of subsequent community meetings facilitated by the district Alder has begun to gather initial resident input regarding the needs in the neighborhood that this facility can help address; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development and Engineering Divisions are currently working to identify an architectural consultant to help assess the capacity of the current building to accommodate the desired uses of this center and to prepare conceptual designs that will guide the renovation of the existing structure; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development Division also issued an RFP on December 15, 2015 seeking proposals from experienced non-profit organizations to operate the center and provide quality employment-focused programming for adults and youth and access for community gatherings and meetings; and
WHEREAS, the ULGM has a demonstrated record of success in building and running a facility and agency that is responsive to community needs, has extensive experience in the employment arena and has identified and outlined community partnerships that will further the City’s vision for this center and provide quality comprehensive services; and
WHEREAS, the ULGM submitted the sole response to the RFP and presented its proposal and vision for the center at a community gathering, convened by the district alder and CDD, at which attendees were given an opportunity to ask questions and provide input; and
WHEREAS, the input offered at that community gathering was among factors considered by a review panel, comprised of CDD staff and community stakeholders, which agreed to recommend to the Mayor and the Common Council the selection of the ULGM as the operator of the new Park Edge Park Ridge Neighborhood Employment Center; and
WHEREAS, the City’s 2016 Adopted Operating Budget allocates $136,000 to support the operation of the center and provision of services there; and
WHEREAS, it is anticipated that while needed renovations of the existing structure will not be completed in 2016, the ULGM, in consultation with City staff, will wish to begin work to conduct outreach and to engage neighborhood residents and partner agencies in efforts to plan and prepare for the provision of services and programming to area residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Common Council hereby approve the selection of the Urban League of Greater Madison as the designated operator of the new Park Edge Park Ridge Neighborhood Employment Center, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Common Council authorizes the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a contract with the Urban League of Greater Madison for the period beginning June 1, 2016 to fulfill the role of facility operator, and
BE IT STILL FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Community Development Division be authorized to draw upon the portion of funds appropriated in the City’s 2016 operating budget for services at the Park Edge Park Ridge Neighborhood Employment Center, provided the proposed uses are specific to the mission of the center and that expenses are detailed in a plan submitted by the Urban League of Greater Madison and approved by the Community Development Director.