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Request for approval to commit $2.0 million in capital project funds as a match for the Flexible Facilities Grant Program for a library expansion project
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Submitted by:
Peter Loeffel, John Ruggini, Dave Simpson, Melissa Weiss
Department:
Library, Finance, Public Works and Administration
A. Issue
The State of Wisconsin released a grant notice on April 26, 2024 for up to $4.25 million in funding towards Library and Community Center construction and expansion. The City plans to apply to fund a 9,000 square foot expansion of the Library at a total estimated cost of $6.25 million. This would require a City contribution of $2.0 million and an official commitment of funds by the Common Council is required.
B. Background/Options
The City and Library jointly developed a conceptual plan to expand the Library and remodel City Hall. This was presented to a Committee of the Whole on January 17, 2023 <https://wauwatosacitywi.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=PA&ID=1136806&GUID=CA579367-399D-45AA-A310-8284B671F530>. Last month, City staff became aware of a grant opportunity that was made public on April 26, 2024 by the State of Wisconsin utilizing American Rescue Plan Funds for Library expansions. The State has allocated $107 million for the “Flexible Facilities Program.” to provide grants to units of general local government and tribal governments for purposes of enabling work, education, and health monitoring, including remote options, in public libraries, community centers, and multi-purpose community facilities to address the needs of residents living in communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible projects include the construction of new or the renovation or expansion of existing libraries, community centers, or multi-purpose community facilities, and the purchase and/or installation of digital connectivity technology, devices and/or equipment to provide high-speed internet services, including remote options, that will directly enable work, education, and health monitoring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Libraries, senior citizen centers, youth centers, and general community centers are examples of eligible facilities. The maximum grant award is $4.25 million. Proposals are due July 11, 2024. Construction must start by July 2025 and be completed by October 2026.
In working with the architect, we believe the project with the greatest chance of winning funding is a 9,000 square foot expansion of the adult library to the east, towards Wauwatosa Avenue, likely including the new young adult area, consistent with the conceptual plan. This project is estimated to cost $6.25 million. Since the maximum award is $4.25 million, this would require a City contribution of $2.0 million. The 2024-2028 Capital Budget included $500,000 so an additional $1.5 million would need to be committed from the 2025 Capital Budget. Depending on the timing of the award notice and City ARPA project progress, it is possible some of this $1.5 million could utilize ARPA funding.
10% of the points for the application are related to documenting the commitment of matching funds. In our case, this would take the form of a Common Council resolution.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority Area Five: Quality of Life
D. Fiscal Impact
$1.5 million of additional funds would need to be allocated from the 2025-2029 Capital Budget. If approved, staff would determine how to fund this as part of the 2025-2029 Capital Budget process.
E. Recommendation
Approve spending $2.0 million in City funds from the City’s capital budget contingent upon receiving $4.25 million from the Flexible Facilities Grant Program.