2018-1518 RESOLUTION NO. 2018-1518
A resolution authorizing the City of Janesville to submit a grant request to
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) for up to $500,000 in
grant funding through their Idle Site Redevelopment Program and enter into a
development agreement with Jaines, LLC to establish the City of Janesville as a
pass through entity with site access during the project period.
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (hereinafter "WEDC")
has created and funded the Idle Industrial Sites Redevelopment Program (hereinafter
"Grant Program") that offers Wisconsin communities up to $500,000 for the
implementation of redevelopment plans for large industrial sites that have been idle,
abandoned, or underutilized for a period of time; and
WHEREAS, for approved projects, these funds can be used for demolition,
environmental remediation, or site-specific improvements to market the proposed site's
attractiveness; and
WHEREAS, the goal of the Grant Program is to stimulate investment and job creation
for idle and underutilized sites that due to their scale and complexity cannot be
redeveloped solely by the private sector; and
WHEREAS, the WEDC is seeking projects that will enable its financial participation to
make underutilized sites more attractive to end users so that the distressed property
can be placed in a higher use that boosts community investment and creates jobs; and
WHEREAS, the Grant Program intends to assist projects that demonstrate significant,
measurable benefits in job opportunities, property values and leverage private
investment; and
WHEREAS, the goals of the Grant Program include: create and retain jobs, increase
tax base, reduce sprawl by reusing vacant sites and promote vibrant downtown districts
that protect the property values in surrounding residential neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the former GM Assembly Plant is a significant landmark property that
occupies a large portion of Janesville's existing industrial area and has contributed
significantly to Janesville's industrial heritage for nearly 100 years; and
WHEREAS, the former GM Assembly Plant has been significantly underutilized since it
shut down operations in 2008, meeting the standard for eligibility under the WEDC's
criteria for an idle site; and
WHEREAS, Jaines, LLC (JLLC), who owns the former GM Assembly Plant, is making
significant private investment into the facility with the likelihood of attracting companies
and the creation of new jobs; and
WHEREAS, JLLC is committed to continue this revitalization effort; and
WHEREAS, the City supports the continued revitalization of the former GM Assembly
Plant, as it is intended to result in new business development, private investment and
job creation; and
WHEREAS, the private investment by JLLC into the revitalization of the former GM
Assembly Plan is anticipated to exceed $10.2 million private dollars; and
WHEREAS, JLLC's private investment commitment far exceeds the Grant Program's
match requirement; and
WHEREAS, WEDC requires a development agreement between the municipality and
the site owner which establishes the municipality as a pass through entity with site
access during the project period; and
WHEREAS, JLLC has agreed that should grant funds be awarded to the City and
passed through to Jaines, LLC, the use of the grant funds would be restricted to those
as allowed by the Grant Agreement with WEDC; and
WHEREAS, JLLC has also agreed to provide WEDC and the City annual and semi-
annual reports as well as a schedule of expenditures related to the administration of
the grant; and
WHEREAS, JLLC agrees to submit any required Redevelopment Plan for the
redevelopment of the site to the City for review and approval in accordance with the
City's prevailing regulations.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City
of Janesville that:
1. All above introductions and recitals are incorporated herein by reference as if
fully set forth verbatim ; and
2. The City Administration is authorized on behalf of the City of Janesville to
prepare and submit applications for, and request funds and assistance available from
the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC); and
3. The City Administration is authorized on behalf of the City of Janesville to
negotiate and enter into a development agreement in the best interests of the public
and establishing the City of Janesville as a pass through entity with site access during
the project period; and
4. The City of Janesville shall take any and all necessary actions to undertake,
direct, and complete approved grant activities, and comply with State and Federal rules
for the program(s); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Manager and his designee(s), on
behalf of the City of Janesville, is/are hereby jointly and severally authorized and
empowered to negotiate, draft, review, revise, modify, amend, execute, enter into,
file and/or record additional applications, agreements, amendments, documents,
reports, and letters of understanding concerning this matter, and to take whatever
additional other actions that the City Manager may determine in his sole discretion,
from time to time and at any time, necessary and/or desirable in the public interest to
effectuate the intent of this Resolution and/or the public good.
ADOPTED: April 9, 2018 Motion by: Williams
Second by: Jorgensen
APPROVED: Councilmember Aye Nay Pass Absent
Conley X
Farrell X
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-, - - Gruber X
RyPn P. /11c c/ DeF"t7 c ; !M -aJ2i Jorgensen X
ATTEST AV Marklein X
•
Williams X
Wolfe X
David T. Godek, City Clerk-Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Wald Klimczyk, City Attorney
Proposed by: Economic Development Office
Prepared by: Economic Development Office
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