Number
090082
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. WITKOWSKI
Title
Resolution relating to application for, acceptance and funding of a 2009 USDA Forest Service Cooperative Forestry Assistance Grant.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes the Department of Public Works - Operations Division (Forestry Section) to apply for, accept and fund a 2009 Cooperative Forestry Assistance Grant titled “Strengthening Diversity in Urban Forestry Service Delivery.” The purpose of this grant is to increase the diversity and relevancy of urban forestry within the minority community and to engage people of color in the green economy. The project will provide comprehensive career training targeted at low-income Milwaukee residents and link successful participants with industry employment and green jobs in arboriculture, horticulture or landscape construction and maintenance. The total project cost is $450,510, of which $201,600 (45%) will be provided by the grantor and $148,910 (33%) will be provided in-kind by the City and $100,000 (22%) will be provided by a third party contribution from the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board. The program will include the following components:
1. Recruit, train and place unemployed low-income Milwaukee residents in the urban forestry profession. Environmental Services will train up to 20 participants over a 2 year period. Participants will gain necessary tree and plant knowledge and learn specialized skills critical to working with trees, boulevards and green spaces. Participants will be trained and supervised by Environmental Services staff and work on city property during the 6-month training program. Participants will be required to pass comprehensive written and performance exams to successfully complete the training. Participants will earn a wage funded through the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Grant during the training program.
2. Partner with Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (MAWIB) and Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/BIG STEP to assist with recruitment and selection of participants. A third party contribution from MAWIB will offset the cost of training.
3. Partner with the Tree Care Industry Association, the national trade organization for tree care companies to secure private industry employers through its local membership. Successful participants will be linked with private tree care and/or landscape companies for employment.
Body
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee appears to be eligible for a 2009 Cooperative Forestry Assistance Grant from the USDA Forest Service; and
Whereas, The Department of Public Works - Operations Division (Forestry Section) will use this grant to conduct an urban forestry training initiative; and
Whereas, This project will include the following components:
1. Recruit, train and place unemployed low-income Milwaukee residents in the urban forestry profession. Environmental Services will train up to 20 participants over a 2 year period. Participants will gain necessary tree and plant knowledge and learn specialized skills critical to working with trees, boulevards and green spaces. Participants will be trained and supervised by Environmental Services staff and work on city property during the 6-month training program. Participants will be required to pass comprehensive written and performance exams to successfully complete the training. Participants will earn a wage funded through the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Grant during the training program.
2. Partner with Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (MAWIB) and Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/BIG STEP to assist with recruitment and selection of participants. A third party contribution from MAWIB will offset the cost of training.
3. Partner with the Tree Care Industry Association, the national trade organization for tree care companies to secure private industry employers through its local membership. Successful participants will be linked with private tree care and/or landscape companies for employment.
; and
Whereas, The implementation of this project will cost $450,510, of which $201,600 (45%) will be provided by the grantor and $148,910 (33%) will be provided in-kind by the City and $100,000 (22%) will be provided by a third party contribution from the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Public Works-Operations Division (Forestry Section) is authorized to apply, accept and fund a 2009 Cooperative Forestry Assistance Grant titled “Strengthening Diversity in Urban Forestry Service Delivery” in the amount of $201,600 from the USDA Forest Service without further Common Council approval, unless the terms of the grant change in a manner described in s. 304-81 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Comptroller is authorized to:
1. Encumber in the parent accounts of the 2009 Special Revenue Accounts-Grant and Aid Projects the following amounts for the project titled Cooperative Forestry Assistance Grant:
Project/Grant GR0000900000
Fund 0150
Org 9990
Program 0001
Budget Year 0000
Sub Class R999
Account 000600
Project Grantor Share
Amount $201,600
2. Create a Special Revenue Fund-Grant and Aid Projects and the necessary expenditure and revenue accounts, appropriate to these accounts the amounts required under the Grant Agreement, and transfer the corresponding offsetting estimated revenue.
3. Establish the necessary Grant and Aid performance sub-measures.
; and, be it
Further Resolved, That these funds are appropriated to the Department of Public Works - Operations Division (Forestry Section), which is authorized to:
1. Make expenditures from these funds for specified purposes as indicated in the program budget, a copy of which is attached to this file.
2. Transfer funds within the project budget as long as the amount expended for each specific purpose does not exceed the amount authorized by the budget by 10% or more.
3. Enter into subcontracts and leases to the extent detailed in the project budget.
Requestor
Department of Public Works-Operations Division
5/5/09