Number
051312
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. WITKOWSKI
Title
Substitute resolution relating to City position on proposed state legislation for local airport authorities.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Intergovernmental Relations Division-Department of Administration to oppose state legislation creating an independent regional airport district that removes jurisdiction over General Mitchell International Airport from the County and places it under the authority of an appointed board unless such legislation provides a mechanism for meaningful and timely citizen input.
Body
Whereas, The General Mitchell International Airport, located within the City of Milwaukee, is a major resource contributing significantly to the economic and social well-being of the City and region; and
Whereas, Operation of the General Mitchell International Airport significantly impacts upon the citizens who reside and work in the vicinity of the airport; and
Whereas, The effective and efficient management, oversight and governance of the General Mitchell International Airport is essential to the future economic and social well-being of the City of Milwaukee and the region; and
Whereas, Jurisdiction over the General Mitchell International Airport has historically been placed with Milwaukee County which has provided effective and efficient governance and management; and
Whereas, Citizens throughout the region have historically provided input and addressed concerns about the operation of the General Mitchell International Airport through elected City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County officials; and
Whereas, Collaboration and cooperation among citizens, businesses, organizations, agencies and units of government are essential to the growth and prosperity of the region; and
Whereas, State legislation, currently in draft status, has been proposed that would create a local airport district thereby removing jurisdiction of the General Mitchell International Airport from Milwaukee County and placing governance in an appointed board; and
Whereas, The proposed legislation may provide that all members of the airport district governing board be appointed by the Governor and the Milwaukee County Executive; and
Whereas, The proposed legislation may provide that none of the members of the airport district board may be elected officials or employes of a political subdivision; and
Whereas, The proposed legislation may provide that the airport district exercise independent powers including police power, power of eminent domain, powers to legislate and to enforce civil penalties for violation of rules, and the exercise of such powers should be coordinated closely with other units of local government and consistent with the health, safety, security and welfare of citizens affected by the operation of General Mitchell International Airport; and
Whereas, The proposed legislation may provide no mechanism for meaningful input of citizens and local governments affected by the operation of General Mitchell International Airport; and
Whereas, The proposed legislation has not been formally introduced at the time of adoption of this resolution, but may be introduced at any time; and
Whereas, The Common Council seeks to continue to promote the health, safety, security and the social and economic welfare of the citizens of Milwaukee; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Intergovernmental Relations Division-Department of Administration is directed to oppose any state legislation that may be introduced to create airport districts if such legislation authorizes the creation of a district to assume control and operation of General Mitchell International Airport and such legislation limits membership of the district governing board to appointees of the Governor and County Executive or disqualifies elected officials or employes of governmental units from membership on the district board, or provides no representation on behalf of the residents of the City of Milwaukee within which the General Mitchell International Airport is located, or provides no mechanism for meaningful and timely citizen and local government involvement or input.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB06028-2
RLW
1/26/06