Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the Parks Division to apply for and accept if awarded, grant funding from Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation “WEDC” Vibrant Spaces. The grant will fund a portion of the costs of improvements for public space enhancements at Crowley Station/Well #17. The project is included in the Parks Division 2023 Capital Budget Parkland Improvement Program (MUNIS 17421). If the grant is awarded, the Parks Division’s 2023 Adopted Capital Budget will be amended to appropriate the grant funding.
Title
Authorizing the Parks Division to submit, and if awarded, accept a grant $25,000 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (“WEDC”) Vibrant Spaces grant program and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into a contract with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to accept the Vibrant Spaces grant award. (4th AD)
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WHEREAS, the Water Utility operates a subterranean well and reservoir on E. Wilson St. at 201 S. Hancock St. (well #17, also known as Crowley Station) which has a large exposed concrete surface; and,
WHEREAS, the First Settlement Neighborhood Master Plan (July 1995) called for the Crowley Station surface to be improved as public open space, and as a site for public art and seating; and,
WHEREAS, in 2013, the Madison Water Utility, the Parks Division, and neighborhood groups entered into Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Improvements to Crowley Station/Well 17 Open Space to allow the privately funded and constructed improvement of the Crowley Station surface into a usable public open space; and,
WHEREAS, since 2013, the Parks Division has continued to provide routine maintenance responsibilities for the public open space of Crowley Station; and,
WHEREAS, the Water Utility continues to support the efforts to maintain and provide improvements to of Crowley Station as a public open space, provided certain assurances are made so that the Water Utility can ensure the safety of the water supply at Crowley Station; and,
WHEREAS, in 2020, an informal group of residents, property owners, and business interests within the First Settlement District, the “Friends of Lakefront Porch”, have expressed an interest in further improving the Crowley Station surface as a usable public open space and have been actively raising donations of resources and labor for the improvement thereof; and,
WHEREAS, the Friends of Lakefront Porch were awarded a Madison Neighborhood grant, which was used in 2021 to develop a master plan for the Crowley Station site, identifying improvements that would encourage public utilization and enhance accessibility and resident and visitor enjoyment of the space as well as provide an economic benefit to the area; and,
WHEREAS, the Friends of Lakefront Porch has committed to raising $525,000 for Crowley Station improvements through a capital campaign; and,
WHEREAS, City of Madison Water Utility, Parks and Planning Division staff are working with the Friends of Lakefront Porch on plans for the improvements to be completed in 2023; and,
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation “WEDC” Vibrant Spaces Grant program provides funding to Wisconsin municipalities to fund costs needed to invest in public projects that will enhance the community as an attractive place to live; and,
WHEREAS, WEDC may award a Vibrant Spaces Grant in the amount of $25,000 to fund a portion of the costs of improvements for public space enhancements; and,
WHEREAS, the deadline to submit an application for the WEDC Vibrant Spaces Grant was January 31, 2023 and grant award announcements are expected to be made in May 2023.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Madison is retroactively authorized to submit and, if awarded, accept a grant for $25,000 from WEDC’s Vibrant Spaces Grant Program (“Grant”) to fund a portion of the costs of public space enhancements to Crowley Station and take the following actions related to the Grant:
1. Enter into a contract with WEDC to accept the Grant (the “Grant Contract”).
2. Amend the 2023 Adopted Capital Budget for Parks Division to appropriate the grant revenue and expenditures in the amount of the grant funds awarded;
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.