Number
170797
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. WITKOWSKI
Title
Substitute resolution authorizing the transfer of funds from the Capital Improvements-Advance Planning Fund account to a subaccount for the preparation of an update to the Landscaping section of the City of Milwaukee Zoning Code and an accompanying landscape brochure.
Analysis
This substitute resolution transfers $27,594 in funds from the 2017 Capital Improvements-Advance Planning Fund account into a subaccount for the development of a landscape code update and brochure in accordance with the recommendations of the City of Milwaukee’s Local Business Action Team.
Body
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee’s (“City”) Local Business Action Team (“LBAT”) recommended in its August 2015 Activities, Findings and Recommendations report that the City develop a landscape pattern book that shows landscaping techniques/amounts that are acceptable to the City with the intent of providing options for property owners that would not require extensive review by the Board of Zoning Appeals (“BOZA”); and
Whereas, The Landscaping section of the City’s Zoning Code, Section 295-405 Milwaukee Code of Ordinances, is in need of an update to make the code more user friendly and to provide more options for the landscaping of new parking lots and older non-conforming parking lots; and
Whereas, The City seeks to support a high-quality, well-maintained urban environment, advance the City’s goals for sustainable design, reduce storm water run-off, make efficient use of land and support its many highly valued pedestrian-friendly business districts and neighborhoods; and
Whereas, Surface parking makes up approximately 40 percent of the City’s total land area and has a significant impact on the quality and quantity of storm water run-off that enters the City’s sewer system and increases the cost of maintaining that system; and
Whereas, The presence of surface parking lots along public streets has a significant impact on the physical quality of the public realm, as well as the attractiveness of neighborhoods and business districts, and the value of properties that contribute to the City’s tax base; and
Whereas, By updating the Landscaping section of the City’s Zoning Code and preparing a user-friendly brochure, the City seeks to streamline the plan review process, allow flexibility for property owners and promote best practices in urban design and sustainability; and
Whereas, The Department of City Development (“DCD”) intends to contract with a consultant selected through a competitive request for proposals process that has the necessary expertise in landscape architecture, site planning, and municipal landscape codes to assist DCD in the development of recommended updates to the City’s Landscape Code and the creation of the landscape brochure recommended by LBAT; and
Whereas, The current unencumbered balance in the Capital Improvements-Advance Planning Fund cannot be expended unless the funds are transferred to a specific subaccount; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the City Comptroller is directed to transfer the amount of $27,594 from the Capital Improvements-Advance Planning Fund Account No. UR01217000A to be allocated to the Landscape Zoning Code/Brochure Subaccount No. UR01280145 to be used by DCD for the preparation of an update to the Landscaping section of the City’s Zoning Code and an accompanying landscape brochure in the amount of $27,594; and, be it
Further Resolved, That DCD is directed to enter into such contracts and agreements, as necessary, for the development of a landscape code update and brochure; and, be it
Further Resolved, That DCD shall collaborate with the appropriate staff from the Department of Public Works, Department of Neighborhood Services, BOZA and the Environmental Collaboration Office as DCD develops the recommended landscape code update and brochure.
Drafter
DCD:Kyle.Gast:kcg
09/13/17