NUMBER
061404
VERSION
SUBSTITUTE 1
REFERENCE
SPONSOR
THE CHAIR
TITLE
Substitute resolution authorizing application for a Wisconsin Coastal Management Program grant and authorizing acceptance of such grant upon final approval of the required matching funds.
ANALYSIS
This resolution authorizes the Department of Public Works to apply for a Wisconsin Coastal Management Program grant for the purpose of preventing the accumulation of debris in the Menomonee River at the Emmber Lane bridge. A design concept for improvements to eliminate the problem has been prepared. The estimated cost of the improvements is $250,000. The grant application is for $100,000 and requires a local match of $150,000, $100,000 of which is anticipated to come from the City’s Sewer Maintenance Fund with the remaining $50,000 coming from other, non City, sources. In addition to authorizing application for the grant, this resolution authorizes acceptance of the grant subject to final approval of the required matching funds.
BODY
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee along with a variety of local organizations and businesses continues its efforts to revitalize the Menomonee Valley; and
Whereas, The City has recently completed construction of a new bridge across the Menomonee River at Emmber Lane; and
Whereas, The new bridge is located at a turning basin in the river; and
Whereas, The turning basin abuts City of Milwaukee property used as a materials recovery facility for recycling operations; and
Whereas, The turning basin is no longer needed for maneuvering boats; and
Whereas, The configuration of the turning basin has resulted in its becoming a collection point for debris floating down the river; and
Whereas, The collected debris is both unsightly and an environmental concern that detracts from Menomonee Valley revitalization efforts; and
Whereas, An ad hoc group consisting of representatives from the Menomonee Valley Partners, The Friends of Milwaukee’s Rivers, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Sigma Environmental, the Port of Milwaukee, and the Department of Public Works has developed a strategy to eliminate this problem; and
Whereas, At the request of the ad hoc group, the Marquette University Engineering Department conducted a student design study of the problem which produced several innovative ideas, one of which has been selected by the ad hoc group as worth pursuing; and
Whereas, The cost of implementing the selected plan is estimated to be approximately $250,000; and
Whereas, The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program offers competitive grants that may be available to partially fund the proposed improvements; and
Whereas, A conditional grant application in the amount of $100,000 has been submitted to the Coastal Management Program; and
Whereas, If approved, the grant would require a $150,000 local match; and
Whereas, Because City property abuts the turning basin and because, in part, the floating debris emanates from City storm sewers that empty into the Menomonee River, it would be appropriate for the City to contribute two thirds of the required matching funds with the remainder of the required match to be raised from other interested parties; and
Whereas, Funds for the City share of the required match could be made available from the Department of Public Works’ Sewer Maintenance Capital Fund if authorized in the City’s 2008 budget; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Public Works is authorized to notify the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program that the City supports the grant request conditionally submitted on November 2, 2006 and that matching funds will be considered as part of the City’s 2008 budget; and, be it
Further Resolved, That further Common Council action is required before any City funds are committed to match the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program grant; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Commissioner of Public Works may accept funds from non City sources in order to compile the total amount of matching funds required under the terms of the grant; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Commissioner is authorized to accept the grant, if approved, without further Common Council action if and when the required matching funds are secured unless the terms of the grant change as indicated in Common Council File #030712; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Comptroller is authorized, upon approval of the City’s share of the required matching funds, to:
1. Create within the Capital-Grant and Aids Projects Fund an account number and to appropriate to this account the City’s share of the required matching funds (i.e. $100,000); and any additional funds provided to the City by non City sources; and
2. Establish the necessary City share project values sub-measures; and, be it
Further Resolved, That these funds shall be appropriated to the Department of Public Works which is authorized to expend from the amount appropriated sums for specified purposes as indicated in the approved grant budget and to incur costs consistent with the standards and requirements of the grant; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Commissioner of Public Works is hereby authorized to procure professional design services and to award construction contracts for the improvements funded by the grant and associated matching funds.
DFTR
DPW-Administration
THM:mra
March 7, 2007
Menomonee River Project Res