Chapter 66

66.1333(5r)(L) (L) Types of schools. The proceeds of bonds issued under this subsection may not be used for modular schools.

66.1333(5s) (5s) Unfunded service liability.

66.1333(5s)(a) (a) Bond issuance. Subject to s. 119.499 (1), the authority of a 1st class city may issue up to $200,000,000 in bonds to finance or refinance the payment of unfunded prior service liability contributions under the Wisconsin Retirement System for the board of school directors of the school district operating under ch. 119 if the board of school directors of the school district operating under ch. 119 requests the issuance of the bonds.

66.1333(5s)(b) (b) Terms and conditions. The terms and conditions of bonds issued under this subsection shall be those specified in sub. (5) (a) 4. The bonds may not have a maturity in excess of 40 years.

66.1333(5s)(c) (c) Bonds not secured by special debt service reserve funds. If the authority issues bonds under this subsection that are not secured by a special debt service reserve fund, as provided under par. (d), pars. (e) to (i) do not apply.

66.1333(5s)(d) (d) Designation of special debt service reserve funds. The authority may designate one or more accounts in funds created under the resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds under this subsection as special debt service reserve funds if, prior to each issuance of bonds to be secured by the special debt service reserve fund, the secretary of administration determines that all of the following conditions are met with respect to the bonds:

66.1333(5s)(d)1. 1. ‘Purpose.’ The proceeds of the bonds, other than refunding bonds, will be used for the purpose specified in par. (a).

66.1333(5s)(d)2. 2. ‘Feasibility.’ There is a reasonable likelihood that the bonds will be repaid without the necessity of drawing on funds in the special debt service reserve fund that secures the bonds. The secretary of administration may make this determination of reasonable likelihood only after considering all of the following:

66.1333(5s)(d)2.a. a. The extent to which and manner by which revenues of the school district operating under ch. 119 are pledged to the payment of the bonds.

66.1333(5s)(d)2.c. c. The proposed interest rates of the bonds and the resulting cash-flow requirements.

66.1333(5s)(d)2.d. d. The projected ratio of annual pledged revenues from the school district operating under ch.119 to annual debt service on the bonds, taking into account capitalized interest.

66.1333(5s)(d)2.f. f. Whether the authority has agreed that the department of administration will have direct and immediate access, at any time and without notice, to all records of the authority relating to the bonds.

66.1333(5s)(d)3. 3. ‘Limit on bonds issued.’ The principal amount of all bonds, other than refunding bonds, that would be secured by all special debt service reserve funds of the authority as designated under par. (d) will not exceed $200,000,000.

66.1333(5s)(d)4. 4. ‘Refunding bonds.’ All refunding bonds to be secured by the special debt service reserve fund are to be issued to fund, refund, or advance refund bonds secured by a special debt service reserve fund.

66.1333(5s)(d)5. 5. ‘Approval of outstanding debt.’ All outstanding bonds of the authority issued under this subsection have been reviewed and approved by the secretary of administration.

66.1333(5s)(d)6. 6. ‘Financial reports.’ The authority has agreed to provide to the department of administration all financial reports of the authority and all regular monthly statements of any trustee of the bonds on a direct and ongoing basis.

66.1333(5s)(e) (e) Payment of funds into a special debt service reserve fund. The authority shall pay into any special debt service reserve fund of the authority any moneys appropriated and made available by the state for the purposes of the special debt service reserve fund, any proceeds of a sale of bonds to the extent provided in the bond resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds and any other moneys that are made available to the authority for the purpose of the special debt service reserve fund from any other source.

66.1333(5s)(f) (f) Use of moneys in the special debt service reserve fund. All moneys held in any special debt service reserve fund of the authority for bonds issued under this subsection, except as otherwise specifically provided, shall be used solely for the payment of the principal of the bonds, the making of sinking fund payments with respect to the bonds, the purchase or redemption of the bonds, the payment of interest on the bonds or the payment of any redemption premium required to be paid when the bonds are redeemed prior to maturity. If moneys in a special debt service reserve fund at any time are less than the special debt service reserve fund requirement under par. (h) for the special debt service reserve fund, the authority may not use these moneys for any optional purchase or optional redemption of the bonds. Any income or interest earned by, or increment to, any special debt service reserve fund due to the investment of moneys in the special debt service reserve fund in excess of the special debt service reserve fund requirement under par. (h) may be transferred by the authority to other funds or accounts of the authority relating to the bonds.

66.1333(5s)(g) (g) Limitation on bonds secured by a special debt service reserve fund. The authority shall accumulate in each special debt service reserve fund an amount equal to the special debt service reserve fund requirement under par. (h) for the special debt service reserve fund. The authority may not at any time issue bonds under this subsection secured in whole or in part by a special debt service reserve fund if upon the issuance of these bonds the amount in the special debt service reserve fund will be less than the special debt service reserve fund requirement under par. (h) for the special debt service reserve fund.

66.1333(5s)(h) (h) Special debt service reserve fund requirement. The special debt service reserve fund requirement for a special debt service reserve fund, as of any particular date of computation, is equal to an amount as provided in the bond resolution authorizing bonds under this subsection with respect to which the special debt service reserve fund is established, and that amount may not exceed the maximum annual debt service on the bonds of the authority for that fiscal year or any future fiscal year of the authority secured in whole or in part by that special debt service reserve fund. In computing the annual debt service for any fiscal year, bonds deemed to have been paid in accordance with the defeasance provisions of the bond resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds shall not be included in bonds outstanding on such date of computation. The annual debt service for any fiscal year is the amount of money equal to the aggregate of all of the following calculated on the assumption that the bonds will, after the date of computation, cease to be outstanding by reason, but only by reason, of the payment of bonds when due, and the payment when due, and application in accordance with the bond resolution authorizing those bonds, of all of the sinking fund payments payable at or after the date of computation:

66.1333(5s)(h)1. 1. All interest payable during the fiscal year on all bonds that are secured in whole or in part by the special debt service reserve fund and that are outstanding on the date of computation.

66.1333(5s)(h)2. 2. The principal amount of all of the bonds that are secured in whole or in part by the special debt service reserve fund, are outstanding on the date of computation, and mature during the fiscal year.

66.1333(5s)(h)3. 3. All amounts specified in bond resolutions of the authority authorizing any of the bonds that are secured in whole or in part by the special debt service reserve fund to be payable during the fiscal year as a sinking fund payment with respect to any of the bonds that mature after the fiscal year.

66.1333(5s)(i) (i) Valuation of securities. In computing the amount of a special debt service reserve fund for the purposes of this subsection, securities in which all or a portion of the special debt service reserve fund is invested shall be valued at par, or, if purchased at less than par, at their cost to the authority.

66.1333(6) (6) Comprehensive plan of redevelopment; designation of boundaries; approval by local legislative body.

66.1333(6)(a) (a) The authority may make and prepare a comprehensive plan of redevelopment and urban renewal which shall be consistent with the general plan of the city, including the appropriate maps, tables, charts and descriptive and analytical matter. The plan is intended to serve as a general framework or guide of development within which the various area and redevelopment and urban renewal projects may be more precisely planned and calculated. The comprehensive plan shall include at least a land use plan which designates the proposed general distribution and general locations and extents of the uses of the land for housing, business, industry, recreation, education, public buildings, public reservations and other general categories of public and private uses of the land. The authority may make all other surveys and plans necessary under this section, and adopt or approve, modify and amend the plans.

66.1333(6)(b) (b) For the exercise of the powers granted and for the acquisition and disposition of real property in a project area, the following steps and plans are required:

66.1333(6)(b)1. 1. Designation by the authority of the boundaries of the proposed project area, submission of the boundaries to the local legislative body, and adoption of a resolution by two-thirds of the local legislative body declaring the area to be a blighted area in need of a blight elimination, slum clearance and urban renewal project. After these acts, the local legislative body may, by resolution by two-thirds vote, prohibit for an initial period of not to exceed 6 months from enactment of the resolution any new construction in the area except upon resolution by the local legislative body that the proposed new construction, on reasonable conditions stated in the resolution, will not substantially prejudice the preparation or processing of a plan for the area and is necessary to avoid substantial damage to the applicant. The order of prohibition is subject to successive renewals for like periods by like resolutions, but no new construction contrary to any resolution of prohibition may be authorized by any agency, board or commission of the city in the area except as provided in this subdivision. No prohibition of new construction may be construed to forbid ordinary repair or maintenance, or improvement necessary to continue occupancy under any regulatory order.

66.1333(6)(b)2. 2. Approval by the authority and by two-thirds of the local legislative body of the redevelopment plan of the project area which has been prepared by the authority. The redevelopment plan shall conform to the general plan of the city and shall be sufficiently complete to indicate its relationship to definite local objectives as to appropriate land uses, improved traffic, public transportation, public utilities, recreational and community facilities, and other public improvements in the project area. The redevelopment plan shall include a statement of the boundaries of the project area; a map showing existing uses and conditions of real property; a land use plan showing proposed uses of the area; information showing the standards of population density, land coverage and building intensity in the area after redevelopment; present and potential equalized value for property tax purposes; a statement of proposed changes in zoning ordinances or maps and building codes and ordinances; a statement as to the kind and number of site improvements and additional public utilities which will be required to support the new land uses in the area after redevelopment; and a statement of a feasible method proposed for the relocation of families to be displaced from the project area.

66.1333(6)(b)3. 3. Approval of a redevelopment plan of a project area by the authority, which may be given only after a public hearing conducted by the authority and a finding by the authority that the plan is feasible and in conformity with the general plan of the city. Notice of the hearing, describing the time, date, place and purpose of the hearing and generally identifying the project area, shall be published as a class 2 notice, under ch. 985, the last insertion to be at least 10 days before the date set for the hearing. At least 20 days before the date set for the hearing on the proposed redevelopment plan of the project area a notice shall be transmitted by certified mail, with return receipt requested, to each owner of real property of record within the boundaries of the redevelopment plan. If transmission of the notice by certified mail with return receipt requested cannot be accomplished, or if the letter is returned undelivered, then notice may be given by posting the notice at least 10 days before the date of hearing on any structure located on the property or, if the property consists of vacant land, a notice may be posted in some suitable and conspicuous place on the land. The notice shall state the time and place at which the hearing will be held with respect to the redevelopment plan and that the owner’s property might be taken for urban renewal. For the purpose of ascertaining the name of the owner of record of the real property within the project boundaries, the records, at the time of the approval by the redevelopment authority of the project boundaries, of the register of deeds of the county in which the property is located are conclusive. Failure to receive the notice does not invalidate the plan. An affidavit of mailing or posting of the notice filed as a part of the records of the authority is prima facie evidence of the giving of notice. All interested parties shall be afforded a full opportunity to express their views on the proposed plan at the public hearing, but the hearing shall only be for the purpose of assisting the authority in making its determination and in submitting its report to the local legislative body. Any technical omission in the procedure outlined in this subdivision does not invalidate the plan. Any owner of property included within the boundaries of the redevelopment plan who objects to the plan shall state the owner’s objections and the reasons for objecting, in writing, and file the s document with the authority before the public hearing, at the time of the public hearing, or within 15 days after the hearing. The owner shall state his or her mailing address and sign his or her name. The filing of objections in writing is a condition precedent to the commencement of an action to contest the right of the redevelopment authority to condemn the property under s. 32.06 (5).

66.1333(6)(c) (c) In relation to the location and extent of public works and utilities, public buildings and public uses in a comprehensive plan or a project area plan, the authority shall confer with the planning commission and with such other public officials, boards, authorities and agencies of the city under whose administrative jurisdictions these uses fall.

66.1333(6)(d) (d) After the redevelopment plan has been approved both by the authority and the local legislative body, it may be amended by resolution adopted by the authority, and the amendment shall be submitted to the local legislative body for its approval by a two-thirds vote before it becomes effective. It is not required in connection with any amendment to the redevelopment plan, unless the boundaries described in the plan are altered to include other property, that the provisions in this subsection with respect to public hearing and notice be followed.

66.1333(6)(e) (e) After a project area redevelopment plan of a project area has been adopted by the authority, and the local legislative body has by a two-thirds vote approved the redevelopment plan the authority may certify the plan to the local legislative body. After certification, the authority shall exercise the powers granted to it for the acquisition and assembly of the real property of the area. The local legislative body shall upon the certification of the plan by the authority direct that no new construction be permitted. After this direction, no new construction may be authorized by any agencies, boards or commissions of the city in the area unless authorized by the local legislative body, including substantial remodeling or conversion or rebuilding, enlargement, or extension or major structural improvements on existing buildings, but not including ordinary maintenance or remodeling or changes necessary to continue the occupancy.

66.1333(6)(f) (f) Any city in which a redevelopment authority is carrying on redevelopment under this section may make grants, loans, advances or contributions for the purpose of carrying on redevelopment, urban renewal and any other related purposes.

66.1333(9) (9) Transfer, lease or sale of real property in project areas for public and private uses.

66.1333(9)(a) (a)

66.1333(9)(a)1. 1.

66.1333(9)(a)1.a. a. Upon the acquisition of any real property in the project area, the authority may lease, sell or otherwise transfer to a redevelopment company, association, corporation or public body, or to an individual, limited liability company or partnership, all or any part of the real property, including streets or parts of streets to be closed or vacated in accordance with the plan, for use in accordance with the redevelopment plan. No assembled lands of the project area may be either sold or leased by the authority to a housing authority created under s. 66.1201 for the purpose of constructing public housing projects upon the land unless the sale or lease of the lands has been first approved by the local legislative body by a vote of not less than four-fifths of the members elected.

66.1333(9)(a)1.b. b. Any real property sold or leased under subd. 1. a. shall be leased or sold at its fair market value for uses in accordance with the redevelopment plan, notwithstanding that the fair market value may be less than the cost of acquiring and preparing the property for redevelopment. In determining fair market value, an authority shall give consideration to the uses and purposes required by the redevelopment plan; the restrictions upon and covenants, conditions and obligations assumed by the purchaser or lessee, the objectives of the redevelopment plan for the prevention or recurrence of slum and blighted areas; and other matters that the authority considers appropriate.

66.1333(9)(a)1.c. c. A copy of the redevelopment plan shall be recorded in the office of the register of deeds in the county where the redevelopment project is located. Any amendment to the redevelopment plan, approved under sub. (6), shall be recorded in the office of the register of deeds of the county.

66.1333(9)(a)1.d. d. Before the transfer, lease or sale of any real property in the project area occurs, a report as to the terms, conditions and other material provisions of the transaction shall be submitted to the local legislative body, and the local legislative body shall approve the report prior to the authority proceeding with the disposition of the real property.

66.1333(9)(a)2. 2. Any lease, including renewal options, which can total more than 5 years shall be approved by the local legislative body.

66.1333(9)(b) (b) A lease or sale may be made without public bidding, but only after public hearing is held by the authority after a notice is published as a class 2 notice, under ch. 985. The hearing shall be predicated upon the proposed sale or lease and the provisions of the sale or lease.

66.1333(9)(c) (c) The terms of a lease or sale shall be fixed by the authority, and the instrument of lease may provide for renewals upon reappraisals and with rentals and other provisions adjusted to the reappraisals. Every lease or sale shall provide that the lessee or purchaser will carry out the approved project area redevelopment plan or approved modifications of the redevelopment plan, and that the use of land or real property included in the lease or sale, and any building or structure, shall conform to the approved plan or approved modifications of the plan. In the instrument of lease or sale, the authority may include other terms, provisions and conditions that will provide reasonable assurance of the priority of the obligations of the lease or sale, of conformance to the plan over any other obligations of the lessee or purchaser, and of the financial and legal ability of the lessee or purchaser to carry out and conform to the plan and the terms and conditions of the lease or sale. In the instrument of lease or sale, the authority may include terms, conditions and specifications concerning buildings, improvements, subleases or tenancy, maintenance and management, and any other matters that the authority imposes or approves, including provisions under which the obligations to carry out and conform to the project area plan run with the land. If maximum rentals to be charged to tenants are specified, provision may be made for periodic reconsideration of rental bases.

66.1333(9)(d) (d) Until the authority certifies that all building constructions and other physical improvements specified by the purchaser have been completed, the purchaser may not convey all or part of an area without the consent of the authority. No consent may be given unless the grantee of the purchaser is obligated, by written instrument, to the authority to carry out that portion of the redevelopment plan which falls within the boundaries of the conveyed property and unless the written instrument specifies that the grantee and the heirs, representatives, successors and assigns of the grantee may not convey, lease or let all or part of the conveyed property, or erect or use any building or structure on the conveyed property free from obligation and requirement to conform to the approved project area redevelopment plan or approved modifications of the redevelopment plan.

66.1333(9)(e) (e) The authority may demolish any existing structure or clear all or part of an area or specify the demolition and clearance to be performed by a lessee or purchaser and a time schedule for the demolition and clearance. The authority shall specify the time schedule and conditions for the construction of buildings and other improvements.

66.1333(9)(f) (f) In order to facilitate the lease or sale of a project area, or if the lease or sale is part of an area, the authority may include in the cost payable by it the cost of the construction of local streets and sidewalks in the area, or of grading and any other local public surface or subsurface facilities or any site improvements necessary for shaping the area as the site of the redevelopment of the area. The authority may arrange with the appropriate federal, state, county or city agencies for the reimbursement of outlays from funds or assessments raised or levied for these purposes.

66.1333(10) (10) Housing for displaced families; relocation payments. An authority shall formulate a feasible method for the temporary relocation of persons living in areas that are designated for clearance and redevelopment. The authority shall prepare a plan for submittal to the local legislative body for approval which shall assure that decent, safe and sanitary dwellings substantially equal in number to the number of substandard dwellings to be removed in carrying out the redevelopment are available or will be provided at rents or prices within the financial reach of the income groups displaced. The authority may make relocation payments to or with respect to persons, including families, business concerns and others, displaced by a project for moving expenses and losses of property for which reimbursement or compensation is not otherwise made, including making payments financed by the federal government.

66.1333(11) (11) Modification of redevelopment plan.

66.1333(11)(a) (a) An approved project area redevelopment plan may be modified at any time after the lease or sale of all or part of the area if the modification is consented to by the lessee or purchaser, and the proposed modification is adopted by the authority and submitted to, and approved by, the local legislative body. Before approval, the authority shall hold a public hearing on the proposed modification, and notice of the time and place of hearing shall be sent by mail at least 10 days before the hearing to the owners of the real properties in the project area and of the real properties immediately adjoining or across the street from the project area. The local legislative body may refer back to the authority any project area redevelopment plan, project area boundaries or modifications submitted to it, together with recommendations for changes in the plan, boundaries or modification, and if the recommended changes are adopted by the authority and approved by the local legislative body, the plan, boundaries or modifications as changed become the approved plan, boundaries or modification.

66.1333(11)(b) (b) Whenever the authority determines that a redevelopment plan with respect to a project area that has been approved and recorded in the register of deed’s office is to be modified to permit land uses in the project area, other than those specified in the redevelopment plan, the authority shall notify all purchasers of property within the project area of the authority’s intention to modify the redevelopment plan, and it shall hold a public hearing on the modification. Notice shall be given to the purchasers of the property by personal service at least 20 days before the holding of the public hearing, or if the purchasers cannot be found notice shall be given by registered mail to the purchasers at their last-known address. Notice of the public hearing shall also be given by publication as a class 2 notice, under ch. 985. The notice shall specify the project area and recite the proposed modification and its purposes. The public hearing is advisory to the authority. If the authority, following the public hearing, determines that the modification of the redevelopment plan will not affect the original objectives of the plan and that it will not produce conditions leading to a reoccurrence of blight within the project area, the authority may by resolution act to modify the plan to permit additional land uses in the project area, subject to approval by the legislative body by a two-thirds vote of the members-elect. If the local legislative body approves the modification to the redevelopment plan, an amendment to the plan containing the modification shall be recorded with the register of deeds of the county in which the project area is located and shall supplement the redevelopment plan previously recorded. Following the action with respect to modification of the redevelopment plan, the plan is amended and no legal rights accrue to any person or to any owner of property in the project area by reason of the modification of the redevelopment plan.

66.1333(11)(c) (c) The provisions of this subsection shall be construed liberally to effectuate its purposes and substantial compliance is adequate. Technical omissions do not invalidate the procedure in this subsection with respect to acquisition of real property necessary or incidental to a redevelopment project.

66.1333(12) (12) Limitation upon tax exemption. The real and personal property of the authority is declared to be public property used for essential public and governmental purposes, and the property and an authority are exempt from all taxes of the state or any state public body. The city in which a redevelopment or urban renewal project is located may fix a sum to be paid annually in lieu of taxes by the authority for the services, improvements or facilities furnished to the project by the city if the authority is financially able to do so, but the sum may not exceed the amount which would be levied as the annual tax of the city upon the project. No real property acquired under this section by a private company, corporation, individual, limited liability company or partnership, either by lease or purchase, is exempt from taxation because of the acquisition.

66.1333(13) (13) Cooperation by public bodies and use of city funds. To assist any redevelopment or urban renewal project located in the area in which the authority is authorized to act, a public body may, upon terms that it determines: furnish services or facilities, provide property, lend or contribute funds, perform any other action of a character which it may perform for other general purposes, and enter into cooperation agreements and related contracts in furtherance of the purposes enumerated. A city and a public body may levy taxes and assessments and appropriate funds and make expenditures that may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subsection, but taxes and assessments may not be levied under this subsection by a public body which may not levy taxes and assessments for any other purpose.

66.1333(14) (14) Obligations. For the purpose of financially aiding an authority to carry out blight elimination, slum clearance and urban renewal programs and projects, the city in which the authority functions may issue and sell general obligation bonds under ch. 67, except that no referendum is required, and may levy taxes without limitation for the payment of the bonds, as provided in s. 67.035. The bonds authorized under this subsection are fully negotiable and except as provided in this subsection are not subject to any other law or charter pertaining to the issuance or sale of bonds.

66.1333(15) (15) Budget. The local legislative body shall approve the budget for each fiscal year of the authority, and may alter or modify any item of the budget relating to salaries, office operation or facilities.

66.1333(16) (16) Legal services to authority. The legal department of a city in which the authority functions can provide legal services to the authority and a member of the legal department having the necessary qualifications may, subject to approval of the authority, be its counsel. The authority may retain specialists to render legal services as required by it.

66.1333(17) (17) Construction. This section shall be construed liberally to effectuate its purposes and the enumeration in this section of specific powers does not restrict the meaning of any general grant of power contained in this section or exclude other powers comprehended in the general grant.

66.1333 History History: 1973 c. 172; 1975 c. 4, 94, 350; 1979 c. 89, 110, 221; 1981 c. 20, 112, 232; 1983 a. 24, 189; 1985 a. 219; 1987 a. 27, 403; 1989 a. 31, 89; 1991 a. 316; 1993 a. 16, 112, 172, 184, 268, 301; 1995 a. 27, 225; 1999 a. 9; 1999 a. 150 ss. 441 to 446; Stats. 1999 s. 66.1333; 1999 a. 185 s. 58; 2001 a. 30; 2003 a. 43, 320; 2005 a. 453; 2007 a. 96; 2009 a. 28, 95; 2011 a. 32; 2015 a. 196.

66.1333 Annotation The general rule of strict construction of eminent domain statutes does not apply due to the requirement of liberal construction of this section under sub. (17). Whether an area is “blighted” under this section may be determined by focusing on the general overall character of the area in the context of its surrounding neighbors. Grunwald v. Community Development Authority, 202 Wis. 2d 471, 551 N.W.2d 36 (Ct. App. 1996), 95-2920.

66.1333 Annotation When a property owner refuses access to property and an authority seeks to obtain a court order under sub. (5) (a) 3. authorizing entry for inspecting and testing, the opportunity must be provided to consider the necessity of the entry, the scope of the entry, and the time, place, and manner of the entry. Redevelopment Authority v. Uptown Arts & Education, Inc., 229 Wis. 2d 458, 599 N.W.2d 655 (Ct. App. 1999), 98-2389.

66.1333 Annotation A city may reimburse a commissioner of the city redevelopment authority for the commissioner’s legal expenses incurred when charges are filed against the commissioner in his official capacity seeking his removal from office for cause and the charges are found by the common council to be unsupported. Such reimbursement is discretionary. The city redevelopment authority lacks statutory authority to authorize reimbursement for such legal expenses. 63 Atty. Gen. 421.

66.1333 Annotation A redevelopment authority may condemn any property within the project area even though some portions of the urban renewal area are not in fact blighted. 65 Atty. Gen. 116.

66.1333 Annotation Certain local governments and public agencies may issue obligations to provide mortgage loans on owner-occupied residences. However, compliance with the federal Mortgage Subsidy Bond Tax Act of 1980 is necessary to allow exemption of interest from federal taxation. 71 Atty. Gen. 74.

66.1335 66.1335 Housing and community development authorities.

66.1335(1) (1) Authorization. A city may, by a two-thirds vote of the members of the city council present at the meeting, adopt an ordinance or resolution creating a housing and community development authority which shall be known as the “Community Development Authority” of the city. It is a separate body politic for the purpose of carrying out blight elimination, slum clearance, urban renewal programs and projects and housing projects. The ordinance or resolution creating a housing and community development authority may also authorize the authority to act as the agent of the city in planning and carrying out community development programs and activities approved by the mayor and common council under the federal housing and community development act of 1974 and as agent to perform all acts, except the development of the general plan of the city, which may be otherwise performed by the planning commission under s. 66.1105, 66.1301 to 66.1329, 66.1331 or 66.1337. A certified copy of the ordinance or resolution shall be transmitted to the mayor. The ordinance or resolution shall also do all of the following:

66.1335(1)(a) (a) Provide that any redevelopment authority created under s. 66.1333 operating in the city and any housing authority created under s. 66.1201 operating in the city, shall terminate its operation as provided in sub. (5).

66.1335(1)(b) (b) Declare in substance that a need for blight elimination, slum clearance, urban renewal and community development programs and projects and housing projects exists in the city.

66.1335(2) (2) Appointment of members. Upon receipt of a certified copy of the ordinance or resolution, the mayor shall, with the confirmation of the council, appoint 7 resident persons having sufficient ability and experience in the fields of urban renewal, community development and housing, as commissioners of the community development authority.

66.1335(2)(a) (a) Two of the commissioners shall be members of the council and shall serve during their term of office as council members.

66.1335(2)(b) (b) The first appointments of the 5 noncouncil members shall be for the following terms: 2 for one year and one each for terms of 2, 3 and 4 years. Thereafter the terms of noncouncil members shall be 4 years and until their successors are appointed and qualified.

66.1335(2)(c) (c) Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term as provided in this subsection.

66.1335(2)(d) (d) Commissioners shall be reimbursed their actual and necessary expenses including local travel expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties, and may, in the discretion of the city council, receive other compensation.

66.1335(3) (3) Evidence of authority. The filing of a certified copy of the ordinance or resolution referred to in sub. (1) with the city clerk is prima facie evidence of the community development authority’s right to transact business and the ordinance or resolution is not subject to challenge because of any technicality. In a suit, action or proceeding commenced against the community development authority, a certified copy of the ordinance or resolution is conclusive evidence that the community development authority is established and authorized to transact business and exercise its powers under this section.

66.1335(4) (4) Powers and duties. The community development authority has all powers, duties and functions set out in ss. 66.1201 and 66.1333 for housing and redevelopment authorities. As to all housing projects initiated by the community development authority it shall proceed under s. 66.1201, and as to all projects relating to blight elimination, slum clearance, urban renewal and redevelopment programs it shall proceed under ss. 66.1105, 66.1301 to 66.1329, 66.1331, 66.1333 or 66.1337 as determined appropriate by the common council on a project by project basis. As to all community development programs and activities undertaken by the city under the federal housing and community development act of 1974, the community development authority shall proceed under all applicable laws and ordinances not inconsistent with the laws of this state. In addition, if provided in the resolution or ordinance, the community development authority may act as agent of the city to perform all acts, except the development of the general plan of the city, which may be otherwise performed by the planning commission under ss. 66.1105, 66.1301 to 66.1329, 66.1331 or 66.1337.

66.1335(5) (5) Termination of housing and redevelopment authorities. Upon the adoption of an ordinance or resolution creating a community development authority, all housing and redevelopment authorities previously created in the city under ss. 66.1201 and 66.1333 terminate.

66.1335(5)(a) (a) Any programs and projects which have been begun by housing and redevelopment authorities shall, upon adoption of the ordinance or resolution, be transferred to and completed by the community development authority. Any procedures, hearings, actions or approvals taken or initiated by the redevelopment authority under s. 66.1333 on pending projects are deemed to have been taken or initiated by the community development authority as if the community development authority had originally undertaken the procedures, hearings, actions or approvals.

66.1335(5)(b) (b) Any form of indebtedness issued by a housing or redevelopment authority shall, upon the adoption of the ordinance or resolution, be assumed by the community development authority except as indicated in par. (e).

66.1335(5)(c) (c) Upon the adoption of the ordinance or resolution, all contracts entered into between the federal government and a housing or redevelopment authority, or between these authorities and other parties shall be assumed and discharged by the community development authority except for the termination of operations by housing and redevelopment authorities. Housing and redevelopment authorities may execute any agreements contemplated by this subsection. Contracts for disposition of real property entered into by the redevelopment authority with respect to any project are deemed contracts of the community development authority without the requirement of amendments to the contracts. Contracts entered into between the federal government and the redevelopment authority or the housing authority bind the community development authority in the same manner as if originally entered into by the community development authority.

66.1335(5)(d) (d) A community development authority may execute appropriate documents to reflect its assumption of the obligations set forth in this subsection.

66.1335(5)(e) (e) A housing authority which has outstanding bonds or other securities that require the operation of the housing authority in order to fulfill its commitments with respect to the discharge of principal or interest or both may continue in existence solely for that purpose. The ordinance or resolution creating the community development authority shall delineate the duties and responsibilities which shall devolve upon the housing authority with respect to that purpose.

66.1335(5)(f) (f) The termination of housing and redevelopment authorities pursuant to this section is not subject to s. 66.1201 (26).

66.1335(5m) (5m) Tax exemption. Community development authority bonds issued on or after January 28, 1987, are declared to be issued for an essential public and governmental purpose and to be public instrumentalities and, together with interest on the bonds and income from the bonds, are exempt from taxes.

66.1335(6) (6) Controlling statute. The powers conferred under this section are in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law. To the extent that this section is inconsistent with any other law, this section controls.

66.1335(7) (7) Construction. This section shall be construed liberally to effectuate its purposes and the enumeration of specific powers in this section does not restrict the meaning of any general grant of power contained in this section nor does it exclude other powers comprehended in the general grant.

66.1335 History History: 1975 c. 311; 1979 c. 110; 1987 a. 27; 1999 a. 150 s. 448; Stats. 1999 s. 66.1335.

66.1337 66.1337 Urban renewal.

66.1337(1) (1) Short title. This section shall be known and may be cited as the “Urban Renewal Act”.

66.1337(2) (2) Findings. It is found and declared that there exists in municipalities of the state slum, blighted and deteriorated areas which constitute a serious and growing menace injurious to the public health, safety, morals and welfare of the residents of the state, and the findings and declarations made in s. 66.1331 are affirmed and restated. Certain slum, blighted or deteriorated areas may require acquisition and clearance, as provided in s. 66.1331, since the prevailing condition of decay may make impracticable the reclamation of the area by conservation or rehabilitation in a manner that eliminates, remedies or prevents the conditions and evils of these areas. To the extent feasible salvable slum and blighted areas should be conserved and rehabilitated through voluntary action and the regulatory process. All acts and purposes provided for by this section are for and constitute public uses and are for and constitute public purposes. Moneys expended under this section are for public purposes and to preserve the public interest, safety, health, morals and welfare. Any municipality in carrying out the provisions of this section shall afford maximum opportunity consistent with the sound needs of the municipality as a whole to the rehabilitation or redevelopment of areas by private enterprise.