Title
Resolution of Support for DDA Curb Ramp Replacement Project and to Amend the Approved FY 2007/08 DDA Budget and Appropriate for Expenditure Necessary Funds for the Project ($1,860,000.00) (8 Votes Required)
Memorandum
Attached for your review and approval is a resolution to approve a DDA project to repair sidewalk ramps in the downtown area and amend the approved DDA budget to allow for the expenditure of funds in connection with the Project.
The DDA recognizes that The City of Ann Arbor is responsible for the condition of all sidewalk ramps that the City has affected through its Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing program, or other City construction projects. The DDA also recognizes that many of these ramps must be reconstructed to assure accessibility. The cost for this project has been estimated to be $1,860,000.
As part of its approval of the FY 2007/08 City budget, City Council amended the DDA FY 2007/08 expenditure budget with the following resolved language:
RESOLVED, That the Downtown Development Authority Fund (0003) expenditure budget be decreased by $1,600,000 to reduce the appropriated reserves for future Capital Construction Projects.
The Downtown Development Authority Act (Public Act 197 of 1975, as amended) requires the DDA Director to prepare and submit for the approval of the DDA Board a budget for the operation of the Authority for the ensuing fiscal year. Before the budget is finalized the statute requires approval by City Council. The DDA budget was approved by City Council with the amendment noted above. Amendments to the approved DDA budget during the fiscal year must also be approved by City Council.
The DDA takes seriously the need to create a more pedestrian-friendly downtown that is safe and comfortable for all downtown users, and is eager to take on this important project.
The attached resolution authorizes the DDA to move forward with ramp reconstruction in the downtown district. It would also authorize an amendment to the DDA 2007/08 budget so it could utilize its TIF to pay for this project.
Staff
Prepared by: Susan Pollay, Downtown Development Authority Executive Director
Body
Whereas, As part of its approval of the FY 2007/08 City budget, City Council approved the FY 2007/08 DDA budget with the following amendment:
RESOLVED, That the Downtown Development Authority Fund (0003) expenditure budget be decreased by $1,600,000 to reduce the appropriated reserves for future Capital Construction Projects.
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor is responsible for the condition of all sidewalk ramps that it has affected through its Street Reconstruction and Resurfacing program, or other City construction projects;
Whereas, There are approximately 485 sidewalk ramps located in the downtown district, some of which were constructed by the City and some of which were constructed by the DDA;
Whereas, Many of these ramps are being reconstructed to assure accessibility;
Whereas, The cost to replace these sidewalk ramps has been estimated to be $1.86 million;
Whereas, Ann Arbor DDA wants to create a more pedestrian-friendly and accessible downtown that is safe and comfortable for all downtown users; and
Whereas, The DDA Board voted to approve DDA funds to replace sidewalk ramps within the downtown district, but seeks support from City Council to move forward with this project, including the release of TIF (003) funds in its approved FY 2007/08 budget;
RESOLVED, City Council support the DDA's efforts to replace sidewalk ramps in the downtown district including sidewalk ramps constructed by the City; and
RESOLVED, City Council appropriate $1.86 million from Fund 03 Fund Balance to Fund 03 Capital Expenditure Budget and approve the related amendment of the approved FY 2007/08 DDA expenditure budget without regard to fiscal year for the purpose of making funds available for expenditure in connection with the DDA Curb Ramp Replacement Project.