Number
150034
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
111127, 130129, 130236
Sponsor
The Chair
Title
Resolution approving the Three Bridges Park-Programming Agreement, regarding the Three Bridges Park in the Menomonee Valley, in the 8th Aldermanic District.
Analysis
This resolution approves the Three Bridges Park-Programming Agreement, contemplated by the Airline Yards Master Agreement, establishing a Park Advisory Representatives Committee to deal with such things as programming activities at the park, land stewardship activities and application of endowment funds raised in a capital campaign by UEC/MVP Project, Inc.
Body
Whereas, In a public/private collaboration involving the City of Milwaukee ("City"), the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee ("RACM"), the State of Wisconsin DOT and DNR, Milwaukee County, Menomonee Valley Partners ("MVP"), the Urban Ecology Center ("UEC"), the Soo Line Railroad Company (d/b/a Canadian Pacific) and Rexnord, and under a February 8, 2012 Airline Yards Master Agreement entered into among the City (Common Council File No. 111127), RACM (RACM Resolution No. 10330) and the DOT and DNR, the RACM-owned land at 400 South Layton Boulevard was transformed into what is now known as Three Bridges Park ("Park"); and
Whereas, The Park, which opened on Saturday, July 20, 2013, created a "car-free" island bounded by the Menomonee River and the Soo Line railroad tracks, accessible to pedestrians, joggers and bicyclists over three bike/pedestrian bridges; one over the Menomonee River at South 33rd Court, one at West Canal Street and South 37th Street near UEC's Pierce Street location and one over the Soo Line tracks connecting to Mitchel Park, with the bridges connecting neighborhoods; and
Whereas, The Park allowed extension of the Hank Aaron Trail and created a new habitat for birds, fish and other wildlife; and
Whereas, Paragraph 15 of the Airline Yards Master Agreement contemplates a separate agreement to address programming and land stewardship activities at the Park; and
Whereas, In accordance with that Paragraph 15, the Three Bridges Park-Programming Agreement ("Programming Agreement"), a copy of which is attached to this Common Council File, was negotiated and provides for establishment of a Park Advisory Representatives Committee ("Committee") with an UEC representative, a MVP representative, a City representative, a RACM representative and a DNR representative to address, among other things, activities, programming and stewardship of the Park, which committee will prepare for and present to each party to the Programming Agreement, including the City and RACM, an Annual Report regarding the Park, with the Committee being subject to open meetings and open records requirements; and
Whereas, Also as contemplated by the Airline Yards Master Agreement, the Programming Agreement also addresses (i) use and application of a $1.5 million endowment fund created by a capital campaign by UEC/MVP Project, Inc. for land stewardship purposes; (ii) community gardens to be established at the Park by UEC; and (iii) donor walls and plaques and identity signs to be installed at the Park; and
Whereas, RACM, by its Board, approved RACM entry into the Programming Agreement by RACM resolution adopted on April 16, 2015; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Three Bridges Park-Programming Agreement is approved and the appropriate City officials are authorized to execute the Programming Agreement, on behalf of the City, in the form provided herein or in materially and substantially the same form and substance and to take actions required and contemplated thereunder to effectuate the intent of the Programming Agreement and this resolution.
Drafter
DCD:David.Misky:dpm
04/21/15/A