66.39(7)(d)
(d) To lease or rent any dwellings, houses, accommodations, lands, buildings, structures or facilities embraced in any veterans' housing project and, subject to the limitations contained in
ss. 66.39 to
66.404, to establish and revise the rents or charges therefor.
66.39(7)(da)
(da) To contract for sale and to sell any part or all of the interest in real estate acquired and to execute such contracts of sale and conveyances as the authority may deem desirable.
66.39(7)(e)
(e) To acquire by eminent domain any real property, including improvements and fixtures thereon.
66.39(7)(f)
(f) To own, hold, clear and improve property, cause property to be surveyed and platted in its name; to insure or provide for the insurance of the property or operations of the authority against such risks as the authority may deem advisable.
66.39(7)(g)
(g) In connection with any loan, to agree to limitations upon its right to dispose of any housing project or part thereof.
66.39(7)(h)
(h) To invest any funds held in reserve or sinking funds, or any funds not required for immediate disbursement, in property or securities in which savings banks may legally invest funds subject to their control.
66.39(7)(i)
(i) To sue and be sued, to have a seal and to alter the same at its pleasure, to have perpetual succession, to make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of the powers of the authority.
66.39(7)(j)
(j) To make and from time to time amend and repeal bylaws, rules and regulations not inconsistent with
ss. 66.39 to
66.404, to carry into effect the powers and purposes of the authority.
66.39(7)(L)
(L) To exercise all or any part or combination of powers herein granted. No provisions of law with respect to the acquisition or disposition of property by other public bodies shall be applicable to an authority unless the legislature shall specifically so state.
66.39(7)(m)
(m) The bonds, notes, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness executed by an authority shall not be a debt or charge against any county, state or other governmental authority, other than against said housing authority itself and its available property, income or other assets in accordance with the terms thereof and of this section, and no individual liability shall attach for any official act done by any member of such authority. No such authority shall have the power to levy any tax or assessment. Provided, however, that for income or franchise tax purposes such bonds, notes, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness shall be deemed obligations of a political subdivision of this state.
66.39(8)
(8) Law applicable. Except as otherwise provided in this section,
s. 66.40 (10) to
(21) and
(24) (a) to
(am) applies to county veterans' housing authorities and to housing projects, bonds, other obligations and rights and remedies of obligees of the authorities, except that bonds of the authorities may not bear interest in excess of 3% per year.
66.39(9)
(9) Tax exemption on improvements. Veterans' housing improvements on property of an authority are declared to be public property and as long as the same remain under the jurisdiction of the authority or of bondholders who have proceeded under
s. 66.40 (13) to
(20) or
66.39 (8), all such improvements shall be exempt from all taxes of the state or any state public body; all real estate owned by an authority shall be assessed at no higher value than it was assessed for the tax year next preceding the date on which any such real estate was acquired by the authority and this provision shall continue in force as long as said real estate is under the jurisdiction of the authority or of bondholders who have proceeded under
s. 66.40 (13) to
(20) or
66.39 (8), provided, however, that the municipality in which a veterans' housing project is located may fix a sum to be paid annually for the services, improvements or facilities furnished to such project by such municipality which sum shall not exceed the amount of the tax which would be assessable against such improvements if they were not exempt from tax.
66.39(11)
(11) Operation not for profit. It is declared to be the policy of this state that each housing authority shall operate in an efficient manner so as to provide veterans with permanent housing at the lowest possible cost and that no housing authority shall realize any profit on its operations. Any veteran who occupies a single dwelling unit shall have an option to purchase such unit within 5 years from the date of occupancy at an amount not to exceed the total costs to the housing authority of the land on which said dwelling unit is located, the improvements and the dwelling unit, less a proportionate amount for such allotment as may be received by the authority under s.
20.036 (12), 1953 stats. and s.
45.354, 1953 stats. The purchase contract shall be in such form and on such terms as may be prescribed by the department of veterans affairs. If a veteran occupant desires to exercise an option to purchase granted by this subsection, the veteran occupant shall notify the housing authority in writing of the veteran occupant's intention to exercise that option and the veteran occupant shall be allowed a credit on said purchase price of an amount equal to that portion of the monthly rentals for said unit paid by the veteran occupant that has been credited to or expended for capital retirement or repayment of the principal amount of any mortgage indebtedness, bond indebtedness, or any other indebtedness incurred for the purpose of acquiring the land, improving the land, or constructing the dwelling unit.
66.39(12)
(12) Monthly cost of occupancy by a veteran. Each authority with respect to single dwelling unit veterans' housing projects shall, as soon as the total costs of each dwelling unit including land and improvements have been determined by it, set up a monthly cost of occupancy for said unit. Such cost shall include an amount not exceeding $6 per thousand for interest charges, mortgage insurance and capital retirement or repayment of the principal amount of mortgage indebtedness, bond indebtedness, or any other indebtedness incurred for the purpose of acquiring land, improving the land, or constructing the dwelling unit, and to such basic costs of occupancy may be added the monthly cost of municipal services as determined by the municipality and a reasonable amount for the costs of insurance, operation, maintenance and repair.
66.39(13)
(13) Tenant selection, discrimination. All tenants selected for veterans' housing projects shall be honorably discharged veterans of wars of the United States of America. Selection between veterans shall be made in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated and adopted by the department of veterans affairs which regulation said department is authorized to make and from time to time change as it deems proper. Such rules and regulations, however, shall give veterans of World War II preference over veterans of all other wars. Notwithstanding such rules and regulations or any law to the contrary a veteran shall not be entitled to or be granted any benefits under
ss. 66.39 to
66.404 from a housing authority unless such veteran was at the time of induction into military service a resident of the state. Veterans otherwise entitled to any right, benefit, facility or privilege under this section shall not, with reference thereto, be denied them in any manner for any purpose nor be discriminated against because of sex, race, color, creed, sexual orientation or national origin.
66.39(14)
(14) Veterans' housing. Veterans' housing projects shall be submitted to the planning commission in the manner provided in
s. 66.404 (3).
66.395
66.395
Housing authorities for elderly persons. 66.395(1)(1)
Short title. This section may be referred to as the "housing authority for elderly persons law".
66.395(2)
(2) Declaration of necessity. It is declared that the lack of housing facilities for elderly persons provided by private enterprise in certain areas creates a public necessity to establish such safe and sanitary facilities for which public moneys may be spent and private property acquired. The legislature declares that to provide public housing for elderly persons is the performance of a governmental function of state concern.
66.395(2m)
(2m) Discrimination. Persons otherwise entitled to any right, benefit, facility or privilege under this section shall not, with reference thereto, be denied them in any manner for any purpose nor be discriminated against because of sex, race, color, creed, sexual orientation or national origin.
66.395(3)
(3) Definitions. As used in this section unless the text clearly indicates otherwise:
66.395(3)(a)
(a) "Authority" or "housing authority" means any of the public corporations established pursuant to
sub. (4).
66.395(3)(b)
(b) "Bonds" mean any bonds, interim certificates, notes, debentures or other obligations of the authority issued pursuant to this section.
66.395(3)(e)
(e) "Commissioner" means one of the members of an authority appointed in accordance with this section.
66.395(3)(f)
(f) "Community facilities" include real and personal property, and buildings and equipment for recreational or social assemblies, for educational, health or welfare purposes and necessary utilities, when designed primarily for the benefit and use of the housing authority or the occupants of the dwelling accommodations, or for both.
66.395(3)(h)
(h) "Council" means the common council of the city.
66.395(3)(i)
(i) "Elderly person" means a person who is 62 years of age or older on the date such person intends to occupy the premises, or a family, the head of which, or that person's spouse, is an elderly person as defined herein.
66.395(3)(j)
(j) "Federal government" includes the United States of America, the federal emergency administration of public works or any agency, instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.
66.395(3)(k)
(k) "Government" includes the state and federal governments and any subdivision, agency or instrumentality corporate or otherwise of either of them.
66.395(3)(L)1.1. "Housing projects" include all real and personal property, building and improvements, stores, offices, lands for farming and gardening, and community facilities acquired or constructed or to be acquired or constructed pursuant to a single plan or undertaking to do any of the following:
66.395(3)(L)1.a.
a. Demolish, clear, remove, alter or repair insanitary or unsafe housing for elderly persons.
66.395(3)(L)1.b.
b. Provide safe and sanitary dwelling accommodations for elderly persons.
66.395(3)(L)2.
2. "Housing project" may also be applied to the planning of buildings and improvements, the acquisition of property, the demolition of existing structures and the construction, reconstruction, alteration and repair of the improvements for the purpose of providing safe and sanitary housing for elderly persons and all other work in connection therewith. A project shall not be considered housing for the elderly unless it contains at least 8 new or rehabilitated living units which are specifically designed for the use and occupancy of persons 62 years of age or over.
66.395(3)(m)
(m) "Mortgage" includes deeds of trust, mortgages, building and loan contracts, land contracts or other instruments conveying real or personal property as security for bonds and conferring a right to foreclose and cause a sale thereof.
66.395(3)(n)
(n) "Obligee of the authority" or "obligee" includes any bondholder trustee or trustees for any bondholders, any lessor demising property to the authority used in connection with a housing project or any assignee or assignees or such lessor's interest or any part thereof, and the United States of America, when it is a party to any contract with the authority.
66.395(3)(o)
(o) "Real property" includes lands, lands under water, structures, and any and all easements, franchises and incorporeal hereditaments and every estate and right therein, legal and equitable, including terms for years and liens by way of judgment, mortgage or otherwise.
66.395(3)(p)
(p) "Slum" means any area where dwellings predominate which, by reason of dilapidation, overcrowding, faulty arrangement or design, lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities, or any combination of these factors, are detrimental to safety, health and morals.
66.395(3)(r)
(r) "State public body" means any city, town, incorporated village, county, municipal corporation, commission, district, authority, other subdivision or public body of the state.
66.395(3)(s)
(s) "Trust indenture" includes instruments pledging the revenues of real or personal properties.
66.395(4)
(4) Creation of housing authorities. 66.395(4)(a)(a) When the council of a city by proper resolution declares at any time hereafter that there is need for an authority to function in the city, a public body corporate and politic shall then exist in the city and be known as the "housing authority" of the city. Such authority shall then be authorized to transact business and exercise any powers herein granted to it.
66.395(4)(b)
(b) The council shall adopt a resolution declaring that there is need for a housing authority in the city if it finds that there is a shortage of dwelling accommodations in the city available to elderly persons.
66.395(4)(c)
(c) In any suit, action or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of or relating to any contract of the authority, the authority shall be conclusively deemed to have become established and authorized to transact business and exercise its powers hereunder upon proof of the adoption of a resolution by the council declaring the need for the authority. Such resolution or resolutions shall be deemed sufficient if it declares that there is such need for an authority and finds in substantially the foregoing terms (no further detail being necessary) that either or both of the above enumerated conditions exist in the city. A copy of such resolution duly certified by the city clerk shall be admissible evidence in any suit, action or proceeding.
66.395(5)
(5) Section 66.40 applies. The provisions of
s. 66.40 (5) to
(24) (ag),
(25) and
(26) shall apply to housing authorities and providing housing for elderly persons under this section without reference to the income of such persons.
66.395(6)
(6) Sections 66.401 to 66.404 apply. The provisions of
ss. 66.401 to
66.404 shall apply to housing authorities and providing housing for elderly persons under this section without reference to the income of such persons, except as follows:
66.395(6)(a)
(a) As set down by the federal housing authority in the case of housing projects to the financing or subsidizing of which it is a party; or
66.395(6)(b)
(b) As set down by the Wisconsin housing and economic development authority in accordance with
ch. 234 in the case of housing projects to the financing of which it is a party.
66.395(7)
(7) Not applicable to low-rental housing projects. This section shall not apply to projects required to provide low-rental housing only.
66.40
66.40
Housing authorities. 66.40(1)(1)
Short title. Sections 66.40 to
66.404 may be referred to as the "Housing Authorities Law".
66.40(2)
(2) Finding and declaration of necessity. It is declared that there exist in the state insanitary or unsafe dwelling accommodations and that persons of low income are forced to reside in such insanitary or unsafe accommodations; that within the state there is a shortage of safe or sanitary dwelling accommodations available at rents which persons of low income can afford and that such persons are forced to occupy overcrowded and congested dwelling accommodations; that the aforesaid conditions cause an increase in and spread of disease and crime and constitute a menace to the health, safety, morals and welfare of the residents of the state and impair economic values; that these conditions necessitate excessive and disproportionate expenditures of public funds for crime prevention and punishment, public health and safety, fire and accident protection, and other public services and facilities; that these slum areas cannot be cleared, nor can the shortage of safe and sanitary dwellings for persons of low income be relieved, through the operation of private enterprise, and that the construction of housing projects for persons of low income would, therefore, not be competitive with private enterprise; that the clearance, replanning and reconstruction of the areas in which insanitary or unsafe housing conditions exist and the providing of safe and sanitary dwelling accommodations for persons of low income are public uses and purposes for which public money may be spent and private property acquired and are governmental functions of state concern; that it is in the public interest that work on such projects be commenced as soon as possible in order to relieve unemployment which now constitutes an emergency; and the necessity in the public interest for the provisions hereinafter enacted, is declared as a matter of legislative determination.
66.40(2m)
(2m) Discrimination. Persons otherwise entitled to any right, benefit, facility or privilege under
ss. 66.40 to
66.404 shall not, with reference thereto, be denied them in any manner for any purpose nor be discriminated against because of sex, race, color, creed, sexual orientation or national origin.
66.40(3)
(3) Definitions. The following terms, wherever used or referred to in
ss. 66.40 to
66.404 shall have the following respective meanings, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
66.40(3)(a)
(a) "Area of operation" includes the city for which a housing authority is created and the area within 5 miles of the territorial boundaries thereof but not beyond the county limits of the county in which such city is located and provided further that in the case of all cities the area of operation shall be limited to the area within the limits of such city unless the city shall annex the area of operation, but the area of operation of a housing authority shall not include any area which lies within the territorial boundaries of any city for which another housing authority is created by this section.
66.40(3)(b)
(b) "Authority" or "housing authority" means any of the public corporations established pursuant to
sub. (4).
66.40(3)(c)
(c) "Bonds" shall mean any bonds, interim certificates, notes, debentures or other obligations of the authority issued pursuant to
ss. 66.40 to
66.404.
66.40(3)(d)
(d) "City" means any city. "The city" means the particular city for which a particular housing authority is created.
66.40(3)(e)
(e) "City clerk" and "mayor" shall mean the clerk and mayor, respectively, of the city or the officers thereof charged with the duties customarily imposed on the clerk and mayor respectively.
66.40(3)(f)
(f) "Commissioner" shall mean one of the members of an authority appointed in accordance with
ss. 66.40 to
66.404.
66.40(3)(g)
(g) "Community facilities" shall include real and personal property, and buildings and equipment for recreational or social assemblies, for educational, health or welfare purposes and necessary utilities, when designed primarily for the benefit and use of the housing authority or the occupants of the dwelling accommodations, or for both.
66.40(3)(h)
(h) "Contract" shall mean any agreement of an authority with or for the benefit of an obligee whether contained in a resolution, trust indenture, mortgage, lease, bond or other instrument.
66.40(3)(i)
(i) "Council" means the council or other body charged with governing the city.
66.40(3)(j)
(j) "Federal government" shall include the United States of America, the federal emergency administration of public works or any agency, instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.
66.40(3)(k)
(k) "Government" includes the state and federal governments and any subdivision, agency or instrumentality corporate or otherwise of either of them.
66.40(3)(L)
(L) "Housing projects" shall include all real and personal property, building and improvements, stores, offices, lands for farming and gardening, and community facilities acquired or constructed or to be acquired or constructed pursuant to a single plan or undertaking (a) to demolish, clear, remove, alter or repair insanitary or unsafe housing, or (b) to provide safe and sanitary dwelling accommodations for persons of low income, or for a combination of said (a) and (b). The term "housing project" may also be applied to the planning of buildings and improvements, the acquisition of property, the demolition of existing structures, the construction, reconstruction, alteration and repair of the improvements and all other work in connection therewith.
66.40(3)(m)
(m) "Mortgage" shall include deeds of trust, mortgages, building and loan contracts, land contracts or other instruments conveying real or personal property as security for bonds and conferring a right to foreclose and cause a sale thereof.
66.40(3)(n)
(n) "Obligee of the authority" or "obligee" shall include any bondholder, trustee or trustees for any bondholders, any lessor demising property to the authority used in connection with a housing project or any assignee or assignees or such lessor's interest or any part thereof, and the United States of America, when it is a party to any contract with the authority.
66.40(3)(o)
(o) "Persons of low income" means persons or families who lack the amount of income which is necessary (as determined by the authority undertaking the housing project) to enable them, without financial assistance, to live in decent, safe and sanitary dwellings, without overcrowding.
66.40(3)(p)
(p) "Real property" shall include lands, lands under water, structures, and any and all easements, franchises and incorporeal hereditaments and every estate and right therein, legal and equitable, including terms for years and liens by way of judgment, mortgage or otherwise.
66.40(3)(q)
(q) "Slum" means any area where dwellings predominate which, by reason of dilapidation, overcrowding, faulty arrangement or design, lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities, or any combination of these factors, are detrimental to safety, health and morals.
66.40(3)(r)
(r) "State" shall mean the state of Wisconsin.
66.40(3)(s)
(s) "State public body" means any city, town, incorporated village, county, municipal corporation, commission, district, authority, other subdivision or public body of the state.
66.40(3)(t)
(t) "Trust indenture" shall include instruments pledging the revenues of real or personal properties.
66.40(4)
(4) Creation of housing authorities. 66.40(4)(a)(a) When the council of a city by proper resolution shall declare at any time hereafter that there is need for an authority to function in the city, a public body corporate and politic shall then exist in the city and be known as the "housing authority" of the city. Such authority shall then be authorized to transact business and exercise any powers herein granted to it.
66.40(4)(b)
(b) The council shall adopt a resolution declaring that there is need for a housing authority in the city if it shall find that insanitary or unsafe inhabited dwelling accommodations exist in the city or that there is a shortage of safe or sanitary dwelling accommodations in the city available to persons of low income at rentals they can afford. In determining whether dwelling accommodations are unsafe or insanitary said council may take into consideration the degree of overcrowding, the percentage of land coverage, the light, air, space and access available to the inhabitants of such dwelling accommodations, the size and arrangement of the rooms, the sanitary facilities, and the extent to which conditions exist in such buildings which endanger life or property by fire or other causes.
66.40(4)(c)
(c) In any suit, action or proceeding involving the validity or enforcement of or relating to any contract of the authority, the authority shall be conclusively deemed to have become established and authorized to transact business and exercise its powers hereunder upon proof of the adoption of a resolution by the council declaring the need for the authority. Such resolution or resolutions shall be deemed sufficient if it declares that there is such need for an authority and finds in substantially the foregoing terms (no further detail being necessary) that either or both of the above enumerated conditions exist in the city. A copy of such resolution duly certified by the city clerk shall be admissible evidence in any suit, action or proceeding.
66.40(5)
(5) Appointment, qualifications and tenure of commissioners. 66.40(5)(a)(a) When the council of a city adopts a resolution under
sub. (4), it shall promptly notify the mayor of such adoption. Upon receiving such notice, the mayor shall, with the confirmation of the council, appoint 5 persons as commissioners of the authority, except that the mayor of a 1st class city that has created a housing authority before May 5, 1994, shall appoint 7 commissioners, at least 2 of whom shall be residents of a housing project acquired or constructed by the authority. No commissioner may be connected in any official capacity with any political party nor shall more than 2 be officers of the city in which the authority is created. The powers of each authority shall be vested in the commissioners thereof in office from time to time.
66.40(5)(b)
(b) The first 5 commissioners who are first appointed shall be designated by the mayor to serve for terms of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years respectively from the date of their appointment and the 2 additional commissioners appointed by the mayor of a 1st class city under
par. (a) shall be first appointed to terms of 3 and 5 years respectively. Thereafter, the term of office shall be 5 years. A commissioner shall hold office until his or her successor has been appointed and has qualified. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as other appointments. Three commissioners shall constitute a quorum, except that in an authority with 7 commissioners, 4 commissioners shall constitute a quorum. The mayor shall file with the city clerk a certificate of the appointment or reappointment of any commissioner and such certificate shall be conclusive evidence of the proper appointment of that commissioner if that commissioner has been confirmed under this paragraph and has taken and filed the official oath before entering office. The council of a city may pay commissioners a per diem and mileage and other necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties at rates established by the council.
66.40(5)(c)
(c) When the office of the first chairperson of the authority becomes vacant, the authority shall select a chairperson from among its members. An authority shall select from among its members a vice chairperson, and it may employ a secretary (who shall be executive director), technical experts and such other officers, agents and employes, permanent and temporary, as it may require, and shall determine their qualifications, duties and compensation. An authority may call upon the city attorney or chief law officer of the city for such legal services as it may require. An authority may delegate to one or more of its agents or employes such powers or duties as it may deem proper.
66.40(6)
(6) Duty of the authority and its commissioners. The authority and its commissioners shall be under a statutory duty to comply or to cause compliance strictly with all provisions of
ss. 66.40 to
66.404 and the laws of the state and in addition thereto, with each and every term, provision and covenant in any contract of the authority on its part to be kept or performed.
66.40(7)
(7) Interested commissioners or employes. No commissioner or employe of an authority shall acquire any interest direct or indirect in any housing project or in any property included or planned to be included in any project or have any interest direct or indirect in any contract or proposed contract for insurance, materials or services to be furnished or used in connection with any housing project. If any commissioner or employe of an authority owns or controls an interest direct or indirect in any property included or planned to be included in any housing project, that person shall immediately disclose the same in writing to the authority and such disclosure shall be entered upon the minutes of the authority. Failure to so disclose such interest shall constitute misconduct in office.
66.40(8)
(8) Removal of commissioners. For inefficiency or neglect of duty or misconduct in office, a commissioner of an authority may be removed by the mayor, but a commissioner shall be removed only after having been given a copy of the charges at least 10 days prior to the hearing thereon and had an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel. In the event of the removal of any commissioner, a record of the proceedings, together with the charges and findings thereon, shall be filed in the office of the city clerk. To the extent applicable, the provisions of
s. 17.16 relating to removal for cause shall apply to any such removal.
