Spring Elections Coming Up

Is anyone paying attention? Friday was the deadline for current alders to announce they are not running and here's how it is shaping up as of about 4:30 on Friday!

The following alders have filed at least some papers to run in the spring:
District 2 - Konkel (only needs nomination papers)
District 3 - Cnare (only filed the income statment)
District 4 - Verveer (only filed the Registration statment)
District 6 - Marsha (only needs to file nomination papers)
District 12 - Rhodes-Conway (All paper work filed)
District 13 - Kerr (only needs nomination papers)
District 14 - Bruer (All paper work filed)
District 16 - Compton (only needs nomimnation papers)
District 17 - Clausius (All paper work filed)
District 18 - Schumacher (All paper work filed)
District 19 - Clear (All paper work filed)
District 20 - Thuy (Only needs nomination papers)

The following alders haven't filed anything yet. If they fail to file papers, the deadline will be extended for people to file in their districts.
District 1 - Sanborn
District 9 - Skidmore
District 10 - Solomon
District 15 - Palm

The only races so far this spring are as follows:
District 2 - Konkel, Dennis DeNure, Adam Walsh
District 7 - OPEN SEAT Steve King, Aric Vande Werff
District 8 - OPEN SEAT Brian Eagon, Jacob Schmidt, Marf Woulf

The following people may walk into their new seats unchallenged:
District 5 - OPEN SEAT Shiva Bidar-Sielaff
District 11 - OPEN SEAT Chris Schmidt

So far, I'm the only current alder who has a challenge, the only other races will be in open seats. Two people may walk into open seats. Seems very, very, very quiet this spring - a bad sign for local democracy. Some might try to spin it as people are happy with local government, somehow, I just don't think that is the case. Read more!

Another Snooze Week Ahead.

Second verse, same as the first . . . not a single meeting scheduled for this week. Read more!

The Week Ahead.

Go ahead, just stay home where it's warm, there's zero, zip, nada on the agenda for the City of Madison this week. Enjoy the holidays! Read more!

Don't Get Towed!

In the words of Phish . . .

Bummed is what you are
When you go out to your car and it's been towed

Don't be bummed . . . Please park on the EVEN side tonight!! Don't get towed! More info below:

December 19, 2008


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For additional information contact
George Dreckmann at 267-2626 or
334-1181

Vehicles Will Be Towed Downtown Tonight

The heavy snowstorm and lack of compliance with alternate side parking restrictions will necessitate the towing of illegally parked vehicles on several streets in the downtown/isthmus area tonight. Towing is necessary to avoid several streets becoming too narrow for emergency vehicles and others to safely traverse.

Parking Enforcement staff will be ticketing and towing cars parked in violation of the alternate side parking rules on the following streets,

Wisconsin Av. from Dayton to Langdon
300 Block of S. Henry St.
300 Block of S. Hamilton St.
N. & S. Bedford St.
N. Henry St.
N. Carroll St.
E. Mifflin St.
E. Dayton St.
W. Wilson St.
W. Doty St.
W. Main St.
W. Washington Av.
W. Gilman St. from Wisconsin to State
W. Mifflin St.
N. & S. Franklin St.
N. & S. Hancock St.
N. Blair St.
E. Johnson St. from Blair to Baldwin

Details on alternate side parking and parking alternatives during a snow emergency are available at www.cityofmadison.com/winter.

Read more!

Snow - Park on the EVEN side!

Here's the snowplow update and the snow emergency update! As if it isn't obvious!

SNOW EMERGENCY HAS BEEN DECLARED!

The City of Madison has declared a Snow Emergency for tonight and Saturday night. This means that all cars in the City must abide by the alternate side parking regulations. Remember to park on the even side of the street tonight and the odd side of the street on Saturday night. Violators of the alternate side parking rules will be fined $60 and be subject to being towed as well for an additional $50. Please remember to abide by the rules.

Snow began falling just after midnight. It has fallen at a rate of about 1 1/4" to 1 1/2 " per hour since that time. Our plows have concentrated on the main arterials during the overnight hours.

We will begin the plowing of all streets including the residential streets by 6:00 am. This is a break from policy as our policy states that we wait until the snow accumulation is over before starting to plow our residential streets. We are doing this due to the following factors; the amount of snow that has fallen already, the blowing and drifting of the snow and the fact that this is a busy travel time for people coming into Madison and travelling away from Madison.

The plowing will take longer than the normal 8-10 hours to complete due to the blowing and drifting and the total accumulation. In addition, crews will have to re-plow areas that were plowed before the snow stopped falling.

All residents can assist by finding off street parking not only for today but during the overnight hours as well.

and . . .

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. That means that alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect throughout the entire City of Madison including the downtown/isthmus snow emergency zone.

Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Residents who must park on the street this evening should park on the EVEN house numbered side of the street. Vehicles parked on the street Saturday evening December 20th should be parked on the ODD house numbered side of the street. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators could also be towed.

The Snow Emergency will remain in effect until at least 7 a.m. on Sunday December 21st.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of city-owned ramps in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City ramps from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. If you enter before 9 p.m. or leave after 7 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9 p.m. and from 7 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the ramps overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in city ramps longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and ramps are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

Parking is also available at three central city parks. Residents can park in the lots at Burr Jones Park 1820 E. Washington Av, the boat landing lot of Tenney Park, 1615 Sherman AV (located along the east side of the Yahara River), and beach parking lot at Olbrich Park 3527 Atwood Av.

Madison residents can get complete snow emergency information at www.cityofmadison.com/winter or by calling 261-9111.

Enjoy the snow! Read more!

Here's the TPC Memo.

Thanks to Amy, here's the memo for anyone on da internets to read! Enjoy. Read more!

Those TPC/Common Council Answers

We finally got the formal answers yesterday. It's a 10 page memo that was pdf'd and I can't cut and paste the text and I don't really have time to retype it. Will try to find a way to share the document with you . . . meanwhile, I'm gonna go buy a house!


(Yes, its in my district! 30 N Hancock. Campaign Kick-off (Empty House) Party Friday 5 - 7!) Read more!

The City's Economic Development Commission Abandons Job Creation

This may get a little wonky, but it's not that complicated, hang in there! Check out the memo below where the Economic Development Commission explains why they don't think businesses and builders should be accountable for creating the jobs they claim they will create and shouldn't pay the city back if they make more money than they said they could, thereby negating the need for the use of TIF in the first place. And then limit what TIF can be used for, remove public processes and oversight and actively work against themselves by eliminating Pay-As-You-Go financing.

TO: Tax Incremental Financing Policy Ad Hoc Committee

FROM: Economic Development Commission (EDC)
Drafted by: Matthew B. Mikolajewski, Office of Business Resources Manager

SUBJECT: EDC TIF Policy Recommendations

DATE: December 8, 2008

The following memo outlines the recommendation of the EDC to the Tax Incremental Financing Policy Ad Hoc Committee regarding the amendment of the TIF Policy (Legistar # 11531).

1. In lieu of adopting the August 19, 2008 version forwarded to the EDC, the Sub-Committee recommends adopting the more streamlined “Perfect World” version (dated July 8, 2008) prepared by Mr. Joe Gromacki, TIF Coordinator, with the additional edits as follows in this memo.

Rationale:
A. The EDC focused its discussion on insuring a TIF policy that is simple, flexible, robust, and competitive.
B. The EDC therefore supports Mr. Gromacki’s efforts to streamline the policy.

2. Remove the job creation guaranty language as outlined in Section 3.1 (5).

Rationale:
A. Creating and retaining jobs should be an important goal of all city economic development policies. It should not be considered unique to the TIF Policy.
B. Removing this requirement does not negate the City’s ability to select and fund TIF projects that create jobs.
C. The distinction between new jobs and jobs that are transferred from other locations in Madison or other communities can be somewhat arbitrary.
D. TIF should be seen as an investment in a business or development that will deliver direct and indirect community benefits, which may include jobs. While the city can insist on guarantees on certain aspects of the TIF project (number of square feet to be built, location, etc.) other elements (jobs creation, pace of leasing, etc.) are subject to the realities of the market and economy. The TIF loan agreements, tailored to each project, already protect taxpayers by providing appropriate project guarantees.
E. TIF should be seen as an inducement for a business or development to locate in Madison rather than somewhere else. This is important given the added complexity of urban in-fill development compared with development in neighboring suburban and rural areas.
F. This requirement would add another layer of risk for businesses and developers. Other communities, local and Statewide, do not require this.
G. This language has the effect of making Madison less competitive due to the “guarantee” nature of the requirement.
H. All projects must be underwritten on the merit and need of the project at the time of application. If the project does not appear to warrant a City investment of TIF funds, the City is not compelled to make an investment.

3. Remove the equity participation payment language as outlined in Section 5.1 (9).

Rationale:
A. TIF is an economic development tool to encourage business and development that would not have occurred “if but for” the TIF investment.
B. Although an opportunity may exist for a developer to make additional profit, so does the reality that the developer may ultimately lose money on the project. If the city does not share in the loss, it should not try to share in the extra profit.
C. TIF is an investment not a contract. City staff make their best judgment as to the nature of the investment. The market conditions that affect the investment over time can’t be perfectly predicted.

4. Remove all references to a requirement for jobs with an identifiable “career ladder,” such as is found in Goal 1.1 (2).

Rationale:
A. Career ladders are a workforce development concept that is being promoted nationally and regionally.
B. They are not universally accepted as yet and should not be mandated or seen as a barrier to what would otherwise be a desirable development for the community.
C. There is no generally accepted way to define or measure a career ladder.
D. Career ladders are not necessarily in place when a company first opens.

5. Replace references of “Neighborhood Plans” with the City’s “Comprehensive Plan.”
Rationale:

A. The Comprehensive Plan is the controlling plan for the City of Madison and includes adopted Neighborhood Plans.

6. Consider recommendations submitted by individuals and organizations such as Downtown Madison Inc.

Rationale:
A. The EDC received a variety of comments and suggestions during its deliberations. The EDC found them generally well thought out and useful. Some were textual errors and editing issues in the “Perfect World” version of the policy. Some were more substantial. As these are valuable ideas worth the Committee’s consideration, the EDC has posted them on Legistar # 11531

So, we should just hand out TIF and not care if the people we give it to do what they say they were going to do or if they really even needed it?

In addition to that insanity, the committee wanted to "simplify" the policy by taking all kinds of things out of the policy that need to be there (the "Perfect World" document). They wanted to remove:

• Encouraging use of TIF for historic renovations and higher building standards. Without this language, developers could not get TIF to do that work due to financing and they could forego these activities.
• Encouraging developments that enhance the streetscape and pedestrian experience, mixed use buildings and the use of Transportation Demand Management programs. Again, TIF might not be used to accomplish these things.
  
• Eliminate the public process for determining TIF priorities annually. This is important because otherwise developers drive the TIF priorities for the city when they propose projects.
• Eliminating the interested parties registry that informs people when new TIF districts are being created.
• Eliminating the requirement that developers pay for mailings for neighborhood meetings required to create a TIF district.
• Eliminating language that allows non-profit developers to access TIF funds, treating them similar to for profit developers.
• Eliminate the annual TIF report to the Common Council.
• Eliminate the ability for the City to use Pay-As-You-Go. (This one blows my mind as they were the ones to get this in there.)

I have to wonder, did members of the EDC, beyond Vicky Selkowe, actually read the "Perfect World" document they wholeheartedly supported? Did they, and their supporters - the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Madison, Inc. and Smart Growth Madison, think through the consequences of what they were recommending? Did they really mean to work against themselves? Read more!

Your Tuesday Snow Plow Update

Keep up to date with the City and everything winter here! And, sign up for your snow emergency texts and emails!

The forecast for today is calling for about 4" of dry, powdery snow to start falling between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm this afternoon and accumulate throughout the evening before ending at about midnight. Another, larger storm is forecast for Thursday of this week as well.

The temperatures for todays storm are not expected to get above 13. As a result, salt will be ineffective. Salt becomes ineffective when temperatures get below 15 degrees.

We will make the decision later in the day whether we should plow the dry, powdery snow off all residential streets or since there is no snow build up on the residential streets and the snow will be dry, wait until the bigger storm on Thursday to plow all streets.

There is also a possibility of a Snow Emergency declaration later today as well. Please check back.

Read more!

The Cold Week Ahead

Here it is . . . meetings I find of interest this week!

Monday, December 15, 2008
4:00 PM TAX INCREMENTAL FINANCING POLICY AD HOC COMMITTEE ROOM LL-110 MMB
- We finally get to discuss this allegedly "perfect world" version of the TIF policy that has been floating around city hall, but the committee has yet to review.

5:30 PM PLAN COMMISSION ROOM 201 CCB
- Definition of demolition.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008
12:00 PM ALDER BROWN BAG LUNCHEON WITH MAYOR DAVE CIESLEWICZ ROOM 403 CCB
- Who knows what might be discussed?

1:00 PM CCOC SUBCOMMITTEE TO REVIEW CITY HIRING PRACTICES AND POLICIES ROOM 417 CCB
- Final report??

5:30 PM CENTRAL LIBRARY DISPOSAL SURPLUS PROPERTY CRITERIA AND SELECTION COMMITTEE ROOM 103A CCB
- Sadly, the proposals are not in legistar, so while they will be discussing the proposals, they don't seem to be easily available to the public.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008
4:30 PM URBAN DESIGN COMMISSION ROOM LL-110 MMB
- New design of the building behind the Acacia House at 229 W. Lakelawn.

5:30 PM BOARD OF EDUCATION-COMMON COUNCIL LIAISON COMMITTEE DOYLE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 545 W DAYTON ST, ROOM 103
- Meadowood Community Center and Southwest Neighborhoods will be discussed.

Thursday, December 18, 2008
2:00 PM HOUSING MERGER PLANNING COMMITTEE ROOM 103A CCB
- The first (and last?) meeting of the Housing Merger Committee?

4:30 PM LANDLORD AND TENANT ISSUES SUBCOMMITTEE ROOM LL-130 MMB
- Smoke Alarms

There it is! Hope your car starts!
Read more!

What'd I miss? Mayor to Appeal TPC Decision?

So, when the council authorizes spending that doesn't happen . . . what happens? If we can't raise the bus fares and the TPC doesn't change how they spend the money we budgeted, only refuse to spend it - what does the Mayor appeal?

Remember when I raised the issue about a year ago. Seemed as tho there was nothing that could be done. Excuses were issued and nothing happened.

Now that the Mayor is upset about the Transit and Parking Commission potentially not spending the money the way the council told them to, now its an issue. It seems as tho he is trying to force them to accept the fare increases that they rejected and is trying to give the council power it doesn't have.

Look closely at what the Mayor vs. the City Attorney says about the budget:

The mayor said the TPC has discretion over fares, routes and schedules but not new spending in the budget for security at transfer points, a marketing position, a transit for jobs program or the contingency reserve.

At Tuesday's meeting, Metro general manager Chuck Kamp said Metro could cut service on seven holidays, reducing Sunday service and not filling the marketing position.

Although the Metro staff has some discretion on filling a budget gap without raising fares, reallocating major spending for explicitly earmarked items such as additional security at transfer points would need council approval, the city attorney's office says.

I don't think they need to reallocate anything. They can just NOT SPEND the money. No future approvals needed. Despite what the Mayor tries to say.

Second, I'm curious, how the Mayor intends to do this:

If the TPC refuses to act, the decision can be appealed to the council, the mayor said, adding that he'll do it himself if no one else does.

I thought that the TPC had the final say on fares. If we don't have the ability to raise the fares and they don't try to reallocate funding, what is there to appeal?

So, I don't get it, how does this get back in front of the council? I don't think that it does, but I guess I'll be having a discussion with the Comptroller and City attorney today. I've already inquired via email and will share the answers when I get them. Read more!

Please help clear the fire hydrants!

For those who just love to shovel! And those who want to be safe!

For Neighborhood Fire Safety, Clear Ice and Snow from Hydrants

The City of Madison Fire Department and the Madison Water Utility are asking residents and businesses to help in keeping fire hydrants clear of ice and snow.

It's important to clear a minimum of three feet around the hydrant to give the fire department room to work and to get quick access in case of a fire. If a hydrant is lost or buried in snow, firefighters can lose valuable time trying to locate it when they first arrive at a fire.

Neighborhood associations may also want to consider adopting the area fire hydrants to shovel them out after heavy snowfalls. A map of hydrant locations is at this link: http://www.cityofmadison.com/engineering/documents/CityOfMadison_FireHydrants.pdf.

The Water Utility also asks that if residents see a damaged hydrant or water flowing down the street, they should call the utility's emergency dispatcher at 266-4661 to report the problem so that repairs can be made.

Read more!

Mayor Responds to Transit and Parking Commission

So, when the Transit and Parking Commission voted 7 - 2 to reject the fare increases for Madison Metro, many wondered what the Mayor's response would be and if indeed he would make good on his promise to not reappoint people who disagree with him. Well, here's his initial response:

Dear Common Council Colleagues,

Last night the Transit and Parking Commission voted to reject the fare increase that I and a majority of the Council supported. The TPC took this action based in part on last minute information printed off the Web regarding a national elasticity model. In doing so the TPC chose to ignore the detailed analysis for Madison prepared by dedicated Metro staff. Moreover, the TPC dealt with only half the equation, failing to recommend how Metro's budget should be cut to make up for the $682,000 hole they created.

In response to the TPC action, I have asked Metro staff to:

* Prepare a list of service cuts for the TPC for its consideration at its next meeting.

* Analyze and respond to the late information on elasticity that formed the justification for TPC's vote last night.

My hope is that confronted with the direct results of their action, the TPC will reconsider its vote at its next meeting in January.

Twelve of you took a courageous vote when you voted to support the fare increase. There was no political advantage in doing so. I remain convinced, as I hope you do as well, that a fare increase, while never popular, is the only way to guarantee the short and long-term strength and financial viability of our Metro system.

Sincerely,
Dave Cieslewicz

I have many responses to his response, but none better than this one posted to several listserves:

Dear friends,
The mayor has chosen his words carefully, and created a clear message. Unfortunately such messages, while serving political intent, can be overly simplified and as a result incomplete if not inaccurate. As a member of TPC who, after much careful consideration, voted against the fare increase, I feel that it is important to make sure that the alders and all citizens concerned about Metro's future have a full understanding of why the TPC voted by a wide margin against the fare increase. My own reasoning follows. I would certainly encourage other members of TPC to communicate their reasoning as well. We will all need to work hard now to ensure that the council understands our concern, and the important reasons for opposition to a fare increase.

I will begin by saying that the mayor is correct in stating that an important consideration was the alternative elasticity estimates of a national transit organization as opposed to those used in Metro's budgeting estimates. But here I am very troubled and disappointed by the mayor's characterization; he makes it sound like we randomly pulled these off some web site and disregarded the work of Metro's staff. The truth of the matter is that the alternative numbers come from careful compilations made by the most respected transit organization in the country, and made by carefully isolating fare increases from other confounding factors in determining the impact of fare increases on lost ridership. By Metro's own admission the models used by Metro have been impossible to validate due to a combination of confounding factors (changes in fuel prices and/or parking fees at the same time as fares were changed, and the implementation of ride passes), and the inability to track the needed ride data. The national numbers, statistically analyzed over something like fifty cities, and specifically separating out confounding factors, seem to many of us a more conservative and careful approach. Keep in mind that the analysis done by Metro estimates a significantly lower loss of ridership with fare increases than the national model, and has never been validated. To myself and others this seemed a very risky way to promise closure on a revenue shortfall. If the ridership loss is greater than they predicted we still have a budget shortfall.

A related concern not mentioned at all in the mayor's note but of critical importance to our decision is that two huge factors that affect elasticity are parking fees and fuel prices. Since fuel prices are making an unprecedented plummet at this time, and since parking fees are not being raised (which should always happen in phase with fare increases) there is concern that not only the optimistic and non-validated Metro numbers but even the more conservative national numbers could underestimate elasticity. This was described as creating the perfect storm for lost ridership, and it was observed that it would be disastrous if we raised fares now and had to turn around and cut service a few months down the road.

Another important concern that was considered by TPC but not mentioned in the mayor's note is that lost ridership to a great extent means ridership shifted to individual cars. By Metro's own assumptions the fare increase option we would most likely have had to consider (Option 1A) was estimated to reduce ridership by 211,249 rides in 2009. This is against a projected ridership increase with no fare increase. Madison has expressed the intent of being a "greener" city. Madison is also now falling into air quality non-attainment. The acceptance of such a significant lost ridership, and the concern that it could be much higher, certainly did not seem to be in the best interest's of Madison's environment or Metro's future.

Finally, and of great importance is the burden placed on Madison's poor, who are much more affected by fare increases than any of us on TPC or the city council. While there was the promise of increased funding for a transit to work program, and while there were some great proposals for how to better provide Metro ride options for the poor, too little is currently in place. A fare increase without addressing this need first is simply wrong; the cart would be before the horse. Keep in mind the numbers - a 17 or 33 percent increase in the cash fare (depending on which option was to be adopted), to address a one percent shortfall in Metro's budget. Who can in good conscience sign up for this? Did anyone catch Neil Heinen's editorial tonight? Well said.

That summarizes the reasons why I voted against the fare increase. But before closing I feel the need to express one more concern regarding statements in the mayor's note. He suggests that we dealt with only one half of the equation by leaving Metro with a deficit. In fact the specific topic of the remaining deficit was brought up and addressed. We did in fact fully recognize that this leaves Metro with a projected $682,000 budget shortfall. But there are a couple of important further considerations here as well. First, this is a budget projection. And second the shortfall is slightly more than one percent of Metro's annual budget. No one can accurately project expenditures within one or two percent. No one can know whether this budget shortfall will result in a cash flow deficit. While I can certainly understand why it will now be good practice for Metro to begin considering where service might have to be cut, as the mayor requests, it is certainly premature to begin speaking of cuts as though they are now facts brought upon us by the TPC decision. Good management practice will also include a very detailed review of all Metro operating expenses; I personally have no doubt that a one percent budget deficit can readily be addressed through such a review. As a TPC member I would certainly want to see the details of exactly such an effort before I would vote for any service cuts, and I hope the mayor adds this review to the requests he has made to Metro staff. It will be needed for the January TPC meeting.

I hope these perspectives are helpful. I understand the mayor's anger with us and his frustration at our vote against fare increases. But I also hope he understands that we were not simply swayed by some random information found on the web, or that we somehow only did half of our job. These are not easy decisions, and it is imperative that the council, the mayor's office, and all citizens of Madison understand the many factors that had to be considered in making our vote.

With best regards,
Kevin Hoag

Here's the Neil Heinen editorial from Channel 3 that the writer talks about:

Rejecting Mayor Cieslewicz's proposed bus fare hike was not the best answer to the challenges facing Madison Metro. But under the circumstances, if was the only answer. Folks of limited means cannot afford two dollar bus fares right now. It's just too much.

It might have been the easiest solution. We understand that. But without some additional provisions to help low income folks afford the transportation upon which many depend the only option was to defeat the increase.

The best thing to do now is probably work on those additional provisions. We can't wait for the comprehensive transportation system that will ease the pressure on Metro that this region absolutely must have. But this fare debate should be evidence of how urgent it is that coordinated system by developed and built. Affordable transportation is a public service. It's up to all of us to provide it.

Here's another explanation of what happened at the meeting from someone who was there, slightly edited to just include observations of the vote:

After public testimony and some initial discussion, Ald. Brian Solomon moved to NOT increase fares. He gave a lengthy rationale, most of which involved suggesting that the econometric models that Metro traditionally relies upon to predict the effect of a price increase understate the loss of ridership. . . . Ald. Sanborn tried to get Sharon Perpich [sic] of Metro to say that she had compared their projections from the 2005 fare increase to the actual results, but she really couldn't do that . . .

The consensus seemed to be that raising fares with the suspect models would do a lot more damage than leaving the fares as is, and actually monitoring what happens, with the possibility of raising fares down the road . . . While it looked increasingly as though Solomon's motion would pass, it wasn't clear by how much. Then Gary Poulson said he planned to vote with Brian. Then Carl Durocher shocked most of us by saying that, although he didn't usually have to do anything but break a tie, this time he planned to vote to keep the fare the same. Sharon McCabe had some concerns about what might happen if fares weren't raised . . . But in the end Sharon went along. The only "no" votes were Jed Sanborn and Duane Hinz. . . .

For now, I think I will leave it at that. I really can't do better than the thoughtful and well reasoned TPC Commissioner's response.
Read more!

7 - 2! No Bus Fare Increase!

Bravo for the Transit and Parking Commission for doing the right thing!

At first, I was dismayed that they were the only one's to hold a major meeting last night that was of great public interest.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008
4:00 PM	DOWNTOWN COORDINATING SUB-COMMITTEE ON DCC GOALS (Cancelled)	BROWNHOUSE, 202 W GORHAM ST
4:30 PM	201 STATE FOUNDATION INC BOARD OF DIRECTORS	OVERTURE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, BOARDROOM
5:00 PM	AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMMISSION (Cancelled)	ROOM LL-120 MMB
5:00 PM	MADISON ARTS COMMISSION (Cancelled)	ROOM LL-110 MMB
5:00 PM	PUBLIC SAFETY REVIEW BOARD (Cancelled)	ROOM 103A CCB
5:00 PM	TRANSIT AND PARKING COMMISSION	ROOM 260 MMB
5:30 PM	ZONING CODE REWRITE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (Cancelled)	MADISON SENIOR CENTER, 330 W MIFFLIN ST, ROOMS 1 & 2

I thought that was irresponsible and definitely not good open government to hold a meeting under a blanket of snow instead of in the sunshine. I don't believe they should have had the meeting when many did not risk attending the meeting. The good outcome, doesn't really change my mind on that matter.

However, I'm THRILLED that the commission came to the right decision! For all the right reasons! To raise the fares in the middle of the longest recession we've had since the Great Depression would have been irresponsible. Especially given that there was no guarantee that the money would have been raised and the due to the concerns about the projections on the impact on potential loss of riders.

Thanks to the Capital Times for laying out the work ahead to fill the gap that will be left by the projected revenue that may or may not have actualized.

According to the Madison Metro Manager:

Kamp said his staff considered the budget cuts that could be implemented to bridge the projected funding gap. These cuts could include eliminating the marketing position added to this year's budget, eliminating Metro service on the seven major holidays and reducing Sunday hours for buses.

But, according to the Commission members, there may be other options:

Commission member Amanda White, however, suggested delaying or not implementing many of the improvements to Metro championed by the mayor, such as adding money to Metro's reserve funds, improving service and adding security measures.

"In a perfect world, I would wholeheartedly support these additional items but not with this fare increase that's going to affect so many people and is going to reverse this historic 6 percent-increase trend that we've seen over the last year," she said, referring to Metro statistics on increased ridership in 2008.

We know there was the $235,000 that went into the reserves that can be used, and the $150,000 in extra service plus, if they want to another $100,000 for additional security or at least part of that since they didn't really get a quote on what that might cost and it is likely to cost less. Not hiring the marketing person will add another $65,000, there's the $40,000 saved by not doing the Clean Air Action Days free rides and then they are only short $95,000 toward the $685,000. ( I hope I got those numbers right, a few of them were from memory.)

So, we're close! There are options to not increase the fares, increase the ridership and not balance the budget on the backs of those in the city that are least able to afford it! Kudos to the TPC members for doing the right thing! Read more!

600 E Gorham/Johnson Project Meeting Tomorrow

Here's the notice sent out to neighborhood associations and put on the postcards that went out to direct neighbors.

Notice of Neighborhood Meeting

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
7:00 p.m.

Gates of Heaven
302 E. Gorham Street
Madison

The Renaissance Property Group is proposing a redevelopment on the southwest end of the 600 block of East Johnson Street. The site fronts along East Johnson Avenue, Blair Street and East Gorham Street. The redevelopment proposes the deconstruction of existing structures on Blair and East Johnson, the construction of three new buildings and the renovation of the historically significant structures on East Gorham.

We have scheduled this meeting with surrounding neighbors to explain the proposal and obtain neighborhood comments. Representatives from the development team including Michael Matty with Renaissance Property Group and Randy Bruce with Knothe & Bruce Architects will be on hand to answer your questions. Alderperson Brenda Konkel is also planning to attend.

We look forward to seeing you.

Michael Matty

The project numbers keep changing, but there are about 140 units, underground parking, about 10 homes will be "deconstructed" aka demolished. Among the homes being demolished are some historic homes that appear here. See houses on 300 block of N Blair and 600 - 630 E Johnson. Read more!

Snow Day!! Updated!!

I just got my text message alert - City Snow Emergency Declared!

The text message informs me: Madison Declared snow emergency. Even side parking will be in effect tonight. 261-9111

Here's the snow plow update:

SNOW EMERGENCY TO BE DECLARED!

The snow is continuing with a total accumulation expected in the Madison area to be between 7" and 8" by the time it stops later this afternoon.

The Street Division currently has 60 plows double teaming on our 30 salt routes in an effort to keep our main arterials and connector streets plowed so traffic can move.

We will begin the plowing of all City streets at 3:00 pm this afternoon with a Snow Emergency going into effect tonight and tomorrow night.

I also just got this email:

The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. That means that alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect throughout the entire City of Madison including the downtown/isthmus snow emergency zone.

Madison residents are asked to remove all vehicles from the street if possible. Residents who must park on the street this evening should park on the EVEN house numbered side of the street. Vehicles parked on the street Wednesday evening December 10th should be parked on the ODD house numbered side of the street. Violations of the alternate side parking rules are punishable by a fine of $60 throughout the entire City of Madison. Violators could also be towed.

The Snow Emergency will remain in effect until at least 7 a.m. on Thursday December 11th.

Parking is available in the cashiered sections of city-owned ramps in the downtown area. During a declared Snow Emergency you can park for no charge at the City ramps from 9 p.m. until 7 a.m. If you enter before 9 p.m. or leave after 7 a.m. you are liable for any parking charges before 9 p.m. and from 7 a.m. until the time you leave.

When parking in the ramps overnight, do not park on the top level so this area can be plowed. Be aware that vehicles stored in city ramps longer than 48 hours are subject to being ticketed and towed. Meters in lots and ramps are enforced 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

Parking is also available at three central city parks. Residents can park in the lots at Burr Jones Park 1820 E. Washington Av, the boat landing lot of Tenney Park, 1615 Sherman AV (located along the east side of the Yahara River), and beach parking lot at Olbrich Park 3527 Atwood Av.

Madison residents can get complete snow emergency information at www.cityofmadison.com/winter or by calling 261-9111.

If you want your own updates, check out the city's website at: http://www.cityofmadison.com/residents/winter/ Ignore the little graphic that currently says "Declared Snow Emergency? No." I'm sure they'll update that soon.

So, Madison Schools are closed, snow emergency declared and many have the day off. Thanks to Tenant Resource Center's new snow policy I'll be enjoying the day off - by getting some work done! Read more!

The snowy week ahead . . . .

Snow, bus fares and sustainability and the new zoning code seem to be the hot topics this week . . . along with a few other things.

Monday, December 8, 2008
4:45 PM LANDMARKS COMMISSION ROOM LL-130 MMB
- Continued discussion of what to do when people modify historic buildings without a building permit or certificate of appropriateness.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008
5:00 PM AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMMISSION ROOM LL-120 MMB
- Affirmative Action plans and the public bidding process.

5:00 PM PUBLIC SAFETY REVIEW BOARD ROOM 103A CCB
- Revisions of Chronic Nuisance Ordinance
- Removing property from public lands
- Smoke Detector Ordinance
- Changing curfew for juveniles

5:00 PM TRANSIT AND PARKING COMMISSION ROOM 260 MMB
- Final decision on bus fares

5:30 PM ZONING CODE REWRITE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MADISON SENIOR CENTER, 330 W MIFFLIN ST, ROOMS 1 & 2
- Continued discussions of major changes in how your property is zoned!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008
5:30 PM SUSTAINABILITY IN ZONING CODE ROOM 201 CCB
- Let them know what you think!

6:30 PM BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS WPCRC, 1625 NORTHPORT DR
- Removing property from public lands

Thursday, December 11, 2008
4:30 PM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ROOM 260 MMB
- All the usual - Lakepointe, Villager, Tuman Olsen . . . .

5:00 PM EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION ROOM LL-120 MMB
- Revisions of Chronic Nuisance Ordinance

Drive/Bike safe! Read more!

Snow and all you need to know.

If you haven't seen it yet, you really need to visit the city's winter website to learn what you need to know about snow.

The fines for alternate side parking violations have doubled to $60 (over my objections) and the city might tow you if they decide your car is a problem (when this will happen isn't entirely predictable and that will cost you an additional $50) but we can now get text messages informing us when there is a snow emergency and you can also park for free in the ramps between 9 pm and 7 am or park at Tenney or Burr Jones field. This information and so much more awaits you! Seriously, take a look! Read more!

TIF for . . . whatever you want, no strings attached.

Sometimes, I miss Zach Brandon.

Last night, the Economic Development Commission recommended that we gut the TIF policy. In particular, they voted to eliminate any guarantee that the people who get TIF money actually create the jobs they say they are going to create.

Former Alder Zach Brandon fought hard to make "job creation" a more prominent use of TIF. We all agreed, it was a worthy reason to use TIF money, much better the downtown high end condos.

Then, working with staff, he came up with a mechanism to put companies at the front of the line if they guaranteed jobs. Last night, his own commission which he worked so hard to elevate, eliminated the language. So now, a company comes in, says they're going to create jobs, they get TIF money and then we never check to see if they created the jobs and there's no consequences if they don't create the jobs they promise.

Does this make sense to you? Unfortunately, we all know what happens when Alder Brandon and I agree . . . we lose. EDC voted 7 to 1 last night - The lone voice of reason to not eliminate the language was Vicky Selkowe. Will the Council follow suit? Or, do they care if your tax dollars are spent wisely and will they trump? This sounds like a post more appropriate for thedailypage . . . hmmmm . . . Read more!

Common Council Recap

It might take me as long to think about this post as the meeting lasted - an whopping 45 minutes.

Ok - it wasn't even 45 minutes since we started late. Partially because the alders stole the gavel and the mayor couldn't bang it and start the meeting . . . I know who took it and gave it to me, but not why they did . . . I just passed it along and it ended up in Schumacher's hands, which let the Mayor to quip that he had to "wait his turn" to be Mayor.

The meeting only had one citizen there to testify. Alex Saloutos, who sits on the Inclusionary Zoning Oversight Committee as the Mayor's representative came to question the "Housing Diversity" Committee that the council unanimously passed at the last meeting and we reconsidered (see below).

We passed the consent agenda, with only two items separated for discussion. The budget adjustment and the Housing Diversity Committee.

BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS
Alder Rhodes-Conway kicked it off by asking some questions. Then made a statement. I asked some additional questions - like why do we budget if the departments just spend what they want anyways? Particularly, the police department. At the request of the Board of Estimates, all the departments that had adjustments had to send us a memo, we didn't get the information from the Assessors, Clerks Office, Human Resources or Golf. Madison Metro gave us the handout at the meeting. I was concerned that the police have a pattern of spending about $400,000 for the past three years on conversion of vacation to pay but don't budget for it and when we didn't approve their supplemental requests for additional money, they spent it anyways. No other alders spoke. The motion passed. Here's how it all shook out:

Departments that spent more than budgeted are:
Police $731,400
Fire $70,000
Streets $766,000

Departments that are under what they budgeted are:
Municipal Court $72,000
Attorney $170,000
Comptroller $25,400
IT $89,000
Human Resources $80,000
Engineering $231,000
Parks $135,000
Traffic Engineering $137,000
Building Inspection $178,000
Misc. Appropriations $108,000

Some other departments made adjustments in their line items that had a neutral affect on the budget including: Assessor, Clerk, Fleet Services, Golf, & Transit.

The numbers make Alder Rhodes-Conways point. We fuss over $5,000 at budget time and then the departments are over or under by much bigger numbers and we don't think twice about it.

In the end, we allocated $342,000 of our approximately $1M we budgeted for reserves in the 2008 budget.

HOUSING DIVERSITY COMMITTEE
After we passed a resolution creating a committee of 5 alders and 2 other yet to be named people to work on a "housing diversity" plan for the City of Madison to be completed by May 1, some of us heard a bit of an outcry from people who sit on committees that already work on housing. The biggest issue is, what is the point of the City's Housing Committee if not this? And, we have a wealth of experience from the IZ Oversight Committee that we shouldn't lose. (Tho, they don't want to take this task on.) As a result, at the request of the IZ Oversight Committee, Lauren Cnare and I requested reconsideration. We ended up adding two people to the committee, one from the Housing Committee and one from the IZ Oversight Committee (even tho the committee hopes to resolve by the end of 2009 after doing some clean up work). The substitute resolution passed unanimously with an explanation from Alder Cnare. The Mayor actually thanked Alder Cnare and myself for helping to resolve this issue.

And with that . . . we were done for the year! (Unless, we end up having to have a special meeting for some issue that just can't wait, which has happened 2 or 3 time sin the last 6 or 7 years).

Folks went out to Magnus afterwards, I bailed . . . I had too much work to do at home, so I don't know who went out. Read more!

What's going on?

People keep asking me, why have you been quiet lately?

Ok - I don't think that I have. We just got done with budget - and you might have noticed I did a little work there (thanks to the Mayor complaining about it constantly). And I'll be speaking to essentially the only two items of interest at tonight's meeting (Housing Diversity Committee and end of year budget adjustments).

I'll admit, I'm very, very busy with other things. Work sucks up and extra 10 - 15 hours a week these days. And I'm buying a new house. Which means I was busy getting my old house ready to sell. And I'm getting ready for a campaign if I have one (Yes! I'm running!! I'm only moving a block away!! From 511 E Mifflin to 30 N Hancock - corner of Mifflin and Hancock.)

I think the real issue is . . . that I haven't blogged alot because, well, there isn't much going on - this is a quiet City Council. Ask yourself, who is working on anything these days? And, you haven't read much about me in the papers, because, well, the papers have cut back so much.

So, don't fear, December will be a slow month for blogging topics. The only City Council meeting this month is tonight and many committees cancel their meetings in December, so I'm taking advantage to move and collect my signatures for re-election and use the down time to get some personal things done. And I'll blog every day . . . but I might need some suggestions for topics . . . then, get ready for a new year!! And a new council. Read more!

The Left Over Turkey Week Ahead . . .

It's December already!!

Monday, December 1, 2008
5:30 PM PLAN COMMISSION ROOM 201 CCB
Finally, a definition of demolition . . . but is it the right one?

Tuesday, December 2, 2008
6:30 PM COMMON COUNCIL ROOM 201 CCB

Wednesday, December 3, 2008
4:00 PM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION TIF POLICY SUBCOMMITTEE ROOM LL-110 MMB
- Here's where the lobbyists sit at the table and the EDC agrees with them that we should just get rid of most of our rules about TIF to make it easier to give it away!

4:30 PM URBAN DESIGN COMMISSION ROOM LL-110 MMB
- This obnoxious building is on the agenda.

5:00 PM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION ROOM LL-130 MMB
- Completion of gutting of TIF rules and policies and presentation on Small Cap TIF.
- The Room Tax Report - you know, the report about the policies we already created in the budget.
- Prioritization and implementation of 3 - 5 year Econonmic Development Plan.

5:00 PM HOUSING COMMITTEE ROOM 260 MMB
- Presentation and discussion of neighborhood indicators.
- Smoke Detector Ordinance.

Thursday, December 4, 2008
5:00 PM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT COMMISSION ROOM 260 MMB
- Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Friday, December 5, 2008
8:00 AM INCLUSIONARY ZONING ADVISORY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ROOM LL-110 MMB
- Final clean up and ending date for the committee.

Welcome to winter and snow! Read more!

Madison Metro Bus Fare Increase Hearing (Final)

In search of the 3rd way . . .

There's a long version and a short version. Short version goes like this . . . don't balance the budget on the backs of the poor who can least afford it, this is the wrong plan at the wrong time, with a recession coming this doesn't make sense, with gas prices going down we shouldn't be raising fares in case we lose new riders, people don't want to pay more for crappy service, long waits at the transfer points due to bad scheduling, the busses shouldn't abandon people so that they have to walk or take a very expensive cab, the "shelters" on the square are nearly useless as shelters and please get heat at the transfer points.

Here's the LONG version, written at the meeting last night:

It is about 6:00, the room is half full and there is a line out the door as people try to register. It doesn't look like we're getting started on time. On the screen are the list of bus fare increase and revenue options. Looks like there are about 55 people in the room, not counting staff and commission members. Metro staff are handing out registration slips to those who don't have them. Mayor's staff is sitting prominently in the front row, as opposed to in the back of the room playing on their crackberry or answering emails on their computer. Alder Clear has placed himself right by their side. Talking points are being handed out by some advocates. And things are starting to get a little bit settled down by about 5 after - though people continue to trickle in.

I have to say, this is the first time in recent history that I've seen enough chairs in the room and wide aisles so that those in wheel chairs can participate without causing a big distraction. There's no one sitting on the floor or having to stand in the hallway. They are working on amplification for the microphones, which is also the first time that they have that so that everyone can hear.

Carl Durocher, the chair, finally calls the meeting at 6:05. People are upset that the mics are not working. Alder Webber is playing tech and getting Carl a better microphone. More mic problems. Alders Clear, Rhodes-Conway and Konkel are here in addition to Solomon, Sanborn and Webber who sit on the committee. Eli Judge is the only other alder I saw during the evening.

He introduced the TPC members, there are now about 80 people in the room.

Presentation - by Chuck Kamp. He basically went over the handout and notice for the public hearing. He explains that the $914K number is really $940K since they omitted the day pass revenues. Para-transit will go from $3 to $4 with still a $1 discount for not riding during peak hours. He points out they are still expecting a 1% increase in ridership.

Testimony begins -
Gene (from Teamsters Union, Local 695) - In support on behalf of employees. They find it beneficial to Madison and the community at large. If there were a status quo budget they fear a reduction in service to community and possible layoffs. All 387 employees are in support of Option 2.

Norm Littlejohn - opposed, not wish to speak. Increased fares will likely result in decrease in ridership and put the burden on those who can least afford it.

Alder Rhodes-Conway - opposition - Apologize for putting you in this position, thinks council did the wrong thing, now you have a tough decision. Believes we need to build Metro system by increasing ridership. We need to reach out to more constituencies to get more unlimited ride passes. Raising fares takes us in the wrong direction. She has two concerns - 1) Impact on working families. We're all feeling impact of economy and it likely impacts those who are transit dependent the most. She talks about people who choose what grocery store to go to based on price and they go there by bus and you've already cut their service to the grocery story. 2) Also concerned about "choice riders". We can't just serve transit dependent riders. And there is a price point at which people will choose to drive. She thinks the $2 price may be that breaking point. She says we need to encourage these people to ride the bus because we need them. Encourages people to be creative and find an alternative way. Thank you and good luck.

Question to Alder Rhodes-Conway about how the recent route changes affect her district. She says there is a feeling that this is not sufficient. Significant dissatisfaction with the North Transfer Point and the amount of time it takes to get through there. Hard to get to Copps or Woodmans. Right now it is doable and any less would make it much harder, they really do need more service.

Carl asks: Thank you for pointing out the dilemma handed to us. Wanted to ameliorate the thought that there is a foregone conclusion that we will raise the fares. This is more than a routine formality. He asks her to elaborate on options available between fare increases and service cuts. She suggests - removing increases in metro's budget in the base budget and in exchange not raising the fares. At the council we had other options, to look at the rest of the city budget and the levy. But they can look at not putting money into reserves this year, cut amount set aside for safety at transfer point (look at the number), take money from service improvements and marketing position. Also, cut funding for clean air action days so a little less in the hole ($40,000). The new things added to the budget this year deserve consideration.

Lisa Subeck - opposed - She emailed a copy of her proposal for reduced fares for low-income people. Represents herself and YWCA. Works with women and families most of which who are transit dependent. 50.3% of Madison Metro riders reported annual income below 25,000. Which compares to rest of city at 26%. These are the people who can least afford it. Need bus to get kids to childcare and run errands. Many can't afford fares now. Former Alder Golden once asked her how people get the money for tickets. She answered: Panhandling. If not on the street, from friends and people they know. She suggests a low-income fare that would be the same as senior and disabled fares. The fare proposal she sent worked out the revenues. The fare would be $1.25 would people on food stamps or 150% poverty level. She also had a monthly rate pass for low-income people. If 51% of riders qualify as low income we need to make this work for them. The reasons she chose food stamps because it applies to people with or without children and doesn't have other restriction, plus they have a food stamp card that they can show. It might be a hassle to show the card, but if students can do it, it should work for others.

Gary asks Lisa - Do most of the people use the cash fares. She says anecdotally yes. According to report they got in 2005, 31% who use cash fares are under $15,000, 28% with monthly fare reported the same. Most do not use the 10-ride card. Some of the people getting passes are getting them through W-2 or Transit for Jobs.

Amanda asks Lisa - what other systems use this? She knows there are some. She's not an expert, and looking at this from a social justice angle. She'd prefer what former Alder Brandon talked about where they allow people to ride for free if they are low-income. She realized this might not be possible.

Margaret asks how often incomes are reviewed on food stamps - Lisa explains that there is a 6 month review of people on food stamps, however, they mostly self report changes in income.

Margaret concerned if the cards have an expiration date: Lisa is not sure.

Carl asks about day passes. Lisa says this would make sense, but the reality is that they don't use them. She thinks a low-income fare makes more sense since we do it for seniors and disabled.

Linda Ketcham - Madison Area Urban Ministry - opposed - Thank you. Doesn't seem like it was that long ago that they were doing route cuts to route 13. What a horrendous thought that they would cut service to the Ferris Center. Please look at alternatives, including Lisa's proposal. When over half the ridership is low income, its outrageous that we are balancing the budget on the backs about those who could least afford it. Too bad we don't look at Metro like other basic services - police, fire, streets, etc. She quoted someone about tax cuts to the wealthy and increases to the needy - the way the council acted you'd think that greedy are needy and the needy are greedy. She's sure that people in this room aren't getting increases at the same rate that the fares are increasing. If you're on federal minimum wage and ride bus to and from work each day, only that would cost $260/yr which is a full week of salary before deductions. God help you if you need to do errands on the bus or get kids to daycare. Look at proposal presented and Alder Rhodes-Conway suggestions. Option 2 would be devastating. And even at their agency, they would see a 25% decrease in the amount of people they can serve by helping with bus tickets.

Fred Bartol - DART - Dane Alliance for Rational Transportation - opposition - A group trying to support rational multi-modal system. Raising fares is not the way to promote this. A affordable fare to everyone is intrinsic to the system. Deep tension in the notion of raising fares to increase service. This won't have the desired affect. Revenues needed won't materialize and we'll be here a year or two from now looking at another 50 cents to ride the service we have now. Understands the pressure they are under. We should be willing to entertain option 1 increase, but do what you can to hold the line. Willing to forego major improvements, if you can find a way to minimize the fare increase. This would be preferable to taking us in the wrong direction with a fare increase.

Kat Byer - oppose - Small business owner and speaking on behalf of her family and other families who have chosen to be car free. Wants to speak up for those who have no voices, but also as a small business owner. Why increase a price as we go into recession. She has decreased prices to increase sales. Have they done a pricing analysis. We should study what works in Europe. Would love to see ridership increase because foot traffic equals sales - so this is good for the economic health of the city.

Michelle Beasley - In favor of fare increases, because she is a budget analyst for the State. Just moved here a year ago, partially because of the transportation which is unlike Mesa where they have cut services because they didn't raise the fares. Husband has a part time job and is transit dependent due to sight loss and they can't afford to have Sat and Sunday decrease. Has looked at the revenues and she thinks that they can find a mix of option 1 & 2. Why 33% increase for cash and 17% for others. Husband rides passes because have to, she rides because she wants to. In today's economy, the ridership will likely increase regardless of the rate. She hopes there is a mix instead of proposals 1 & 2.

Tim Wong - opposed - Supports option Zero short term and option -1 long term which is to have no fares at all. He had a list of talking points:
- Gas prices are going on, so the original rationale for a bus fare is gone.
- Transit should be a public service like police, fire, garbage and recycling and libraries. Why is transit singled out for user fees.
- Alders submitted amendments that would have saved more money than the fare increase is projected to bring in, but they were lumped together and voted down with no discussion.
- Fare increase will raise little new money because history shows that it will lead to less riders.
- With deep recession looming, is this hte time for 33% raise in bus fares.
- We could be chasing away the "choice rider" and putting the price increase on the "captive" riders i.e. those with no options.
- Bringing back the 10 should not be a trade-off to raise fares.
- We should have cut roads in the capital budget to help pay for bus fares.
- We should get funding from Dane County and surrounding areas.
- Might want to look at consolidating service to where ridership is high so it is more cost effective.
- If we hired 30 new police officers, why do we need to hire security? Maybe we need to rethink the transfer points.
- He suggested cutting leaf pick up to save $1.2M.
Finally, he urged people to have the courage to stand up to the Mayor, since he can't because he did get kicked off the TPC by the Mayor.

Melanie Foxcroft - opposed - Gas prices are down - that was the reason for this. So, we don't need to do this. Shouldn't balance budget on backs of poor people. Raising fees won't increase ridership - if I have to pay $4 to go to and from work - its more convenient to jump in the car. Understands problems at transfer points, they are time consuming, extend the ride quite a bit, they are drafty, windy, uncomfortable and now becoming unsafe. Police should be used for security. Liked the old system better. Why privatize only Madison Metro. Look at transfer points and other ways to get riders - we should have a fire sale on fares.

Jane Ann Morris - opposed - Lives downtown and bikes or walks almost everywhere and sometimes busses or rents a car. Suggests lowering fee to .25. Won't talk about environment, etc - but instead will "go positive on you". Think about when you travel and where they do it well. Her goal is to remind people "how sweet it is" to have an integrated fully functional transportation system. Talks about composite of functioning system - arrive on airport, have choices (trains, busses and other), choices of high speed or slow trains, luxury buses or with chickens or other options like vans. You shouldn't have to calendar your bus - in most places you don't even have to look at the schedule becasue there is regular service. With good inergrated service you don't have to worry about parking, security of your car, talks about eating out and shopping and going to a game without seas of parking. A good transportation system doesn't all have to be government run - but the govt can't actively work against it. Stop subsidizing cars and the infrastructure that they require. This is a rich community in a rich land. We've lost perspective we aren't poor except when it comes to bus service and yet poor countries have better systems than we do. Our system has to be able to get you to get to work and back, you have to be able to go to a movie and back. She pointed out that the only place to rent a car one day was at airport, but no bus service there on Sunday. She says this is not an impossible task, they do it all over the world. We are not poor, we can do this.

Ron Blascoe - left - opposition

Amy Mondloch - left - opposition

Still 70 people in the room - people drifting in and out. Alder Judge has joined the listening.

Rick - Rides the bus - takes 1.5 hours to go from one spot to another spot. Some managers are getting $24,000 raises between three people - don't ask us to support this - what is Metro going to do for us? If this is going to be a viable system - don't just tax us, we need to look a little harder at where the money goes inside metro with driver overtime and salaries. We need to work together because people need the system.

Cynthia Schuch - opposition, not wishing to speak

Lon - opposition - not wishing to speak

Kevin - opposition - not wishing to speak

Steve - opposition - not wishing to speak - wants hybrid busses

Tom Kozlovsky - opposition - Asks some questions that he couldn't get answers to? Are all funds retained by Metro? Are subsidies from state and fed govt earmarked for Metro or put in a transportation.

Carl explains that this isn't a chance for dialog

Tom urges them to reject fare increase. You're in a tough position - especially with Mayor's threat to remove you if you do. This is an important public service like police, fire, etc. Bring back route 10. If you run out of funds, do like the streets department, go back to the council for a subsidy, if we can do it for snow. Mayor and council don't care about busses cuz they don't use it, but they can subsidize Monona Terrace and Overture. With the recession we can't impact the least among us. How will this impact the schools? In a few years their budge might be out of control.

Carl remarked that tonight, for a change, we are getting public use out of the Monona Terrace. (?? - I wonder what that costs)

Richard - opposed - Why have separate adult and youth 10 ride pass, why not just do a 15 ride pass. Or let people have a quarterly pass like the students. Maybe some of the higher ups should retire to save costs. Use the kiosks at the transfer points - increase soda to $1.25 since you're waiting way too long for the bus to come anyways. Option 1 is not too bad, option 2 is too extreme. Don't rubber stamp option 2 - like the Mayor wants them to do - who he will be voting against - which is long over due.

Tom - opposition - not wishing to speak

Jennifer - opposition - Talked about how bus affects her on a day to day basis.
- Works 3 - 10 on Fridays - and lives out by east town - but can only get to MATC so has to walk 20 minutes to get home. She has talked to bus driver but they can't help.
- On Saturday she works 3 - 11 - bus stops at 10:45 and has to call a cab and it costs her $25 to get home.
- Shops at Woodman's - has to wait 45 minutes to get from East Towne to Melody Lane and Independence.
- Goes to MATC class - 8 class and doesn't have bus service so has to walk or ride bike.
- Lived in a co-op with 6 people and 4 of them owned a car because the transit system doesn't meet their needs.
She feels like she is forced to buy a car. Thinks we should lower the fares for an aggravation cost. She doesn't understand why she pays $50 for a pass and she's walking everywhere.

Dave Carrig - wouldn't be opposed to bus fare increase if we could do Lisa's plan. His senior rate is going up and its ok with him. However, people who are poor will be hit the hardest. You have to make $12 an hour to afford a one-bedroom. They have to eat, buy medication, etc and transportation costs are not at the top of the list, it would be nice if everyone could afford a pass at the beginning of the month and it will hit people hard. Don't make improvements until all can afford to ride. Only then improvements should be made. Security - why is security being charged to metro when we have 30 new cops. $2 decision was made in a vacuum. We have the highest unemployment rate in 16 years. Talked about how it has been at yellow alert the last few days and that he probably shouldn't be riding his bike. He talked about other transportation systems in other places.

Still at least 50 people in the room.

Joel - opposed - UW graduate student and regular bus rider. Hast APTA bus study - we should be expecting a 13% decrease in ridership with a 33% increase in fares. Many people in Madison are from other places and the transit systems around the country that charge $2 are much more comprehensive systems. Here, $2 will deter people for the kind of service we have here. We shouldn't be increasing fares because it will drive away those who we need to make the system work.

Lori Hobbs- opposition - Concerns about trying to get to American Parkway clinic - has to take a cab - costs $25 to get to the GI doctors. Poor bus service at American Parkway - one bus in the morning and one in the afternoon. Alot of disability people can't afford the bus. The office people at Metro got a new building and where is that money coming from? Why couldn't they stay at the same building. How many more times are we going to cut bus service and raise fares? Most of your riders can't afford the bus. Transfer points are not safe. The kids swear and cuss and throw things. South and North she doesn't feel safe at, but East and West are ok. Transfers expire when the bus drivers are late and then we have to pay more. That's not fair. Transfers should last longer. And some of the shelters are gone and then we have to freeze. It's not fair for people with disabilities, or any one.

Aaron Crandall - opposition - had to leave

Lori - opposition - Thank you for letting us speak - lives out by east towne and rides bus because of eye sight and choice and wants to live a car free lifestyle for the environment and health of everyone - in order to do this, we need to have a good bus system. High fares will decrease bus riders. It impacts low-income people the most. Global warming is real. Need to invest in hybrid busses. We are in a recession - people can't afford to drive a car and we need to think long term about the needs of everyone. We need to have other people subsidize metro - maybe have a gas tax or tax people who can afford it. They should help subsidize the bus for the common good. No fare increase for now for the economy - eventually it will have to increase so option one is the best.

David Katz - neither opposition or support

Shala Werner - opposition - As gas prices soared, bus ridership increased. If we raise fares now, since gas prices are going down, we may lose those riders. This sends the wrong message to commuters at a time when we need to reduce impact on environment. She had numbers on how stopping driving your car every day had a bigger impact than changing to CFLs, buying energy effieicnt appliances or other items. She talked about problems with air quality - increase ozone levels and increased advisories in the winter due to soot pollution. In 2001 we spend $15 per person on metro vs state spending $100 on roads. This will impact those who can afford it the least. Look at other places (another nod to SF) and look at other options to increasing the fares.

Barbara smith - opposition - It would be helpful if the hearings could be held in other parts of town and it is hard for people to get here after work and have their say. Worried about low-income folks. Goal is to the reach 1800 at most for Transit for Jobs - and it serves mostly adults. Madison has over 55,000 low income poeple who are 150% of poverty out of population of 214,000 people. 1800 is just a small fraction of the population that needs help. Plus with Transit for Jobs there is a 75 ticket limit because they don't have enough resources in the Transit for jobs program - tickets cannot be used for groceries or medical or other needs. (Sorry, got distracted - she said more here). She said we should pressure state to get better transportation planning for employees, has concerns about drunk driving impacts of raising the fares and concerns about the environment.

Mayor's staff goes home at 7:57 . . . .

Somebody registered in opposition but not speak - senior and disabled prices should stay the same.

Derwin Leigh - Oppostion - ridden bus since 1978 and exclusively since 1994. He says he pays more, and keeps getting promised a better service. With route 13 you pulled a bait and switch on us. Instead of cutting off the service at Ferris Center you kept that service, but now you can't get downtown. And on the way back is that it is worse. You are asking for more money for less service. Thinks about getting up a half hour early to take the 5. University and Park is the transfer to get home and it is dark and he feels sorry for people who might feel unsafe. Transfer points need to have heat. They were asking for those kinds of things in the 80s and still don't have them. All kinds of great ideas have been mentioned here, but nothing happens. We got stuck in this hub system and we built these transfer points - they aren't even park and rides. With the transfer point system you get places slower than you did in the 70s - more transfer points and buses. Used to be able to go from East Towne to West Towne (A bus) and now you can't.

Carl asked what would be most valuable - he said strings that you pull where you get 2 minutes of heat - have them at CTA in chicago - feels bad for elderly and kids.

Steven Bottila - opposition - disabled and has a service dog. Rides bus alot. And has a number of problems with drivers but that is irrelevant at the moment. Surprised that there are not alot of ideas about alternate possibilities. In Duluth - had cameras far before we did and they have bus shelters. If Metro transit could advertise at shelters and transfer points - they could get revenue that way. Have small concession stands at the transfer points. Have people pay to get some heat like you do to get air in your tires. Why bother with the rules that are posted isnce they aren't followed, have advertising instead.

Elliot Thomas Smith - opposition - has disability. Don't charge me more cuz I can't afford it now. Can't afford to go places on the weekend cuz can't afford taxi fare home. Lives on the 13 and its hard to get downtown. Hard to get to some of the food pantries. Walking with the food is too hard. No 24 anymore so has to walk farther and his health won't stand it. Bus shelters downtown are atrocious - they don't have any protection against the weather. They might be pretty, but doesn't do anyting it should do - it's supposed to be a shelter. Rarely can go to restaurant - cuz don't have way to get back. Can't go to movies or the IMAX cuz no bus runs out there. Occassionally I like to save up to do something. But can't afford it. There are others like him who are afraid to speak up, I am not alone. Doesn't buy the disability pass all the time - sometimes needs to buy his meds, sometimes he doesn't even buy his meds. He doesn't want pity - he is saying it so that people understand that people need to make thise kind of choices.

Ted Voth - opposition - Compliment the Mayor for thinking seriously about Metro - except this is the wrong time to make it harder to ride metro. We need to be building a strong, frequent, convenient, safe, 24-7 bus system. Every year we're fighting a rear guard action. Death of a thousand cuts is not the TPCs fault, but we need better ways for funding the system. Rebuke Common Council for being the Common Cowardice. Hurting those that can least afford it. Money is still being spent on roads to no where when we need metro. We don't need to spend money to incompetent bankers and WMC. Please find the third way to avoid the fare increases. It's the one thing that is guaranteed to cut ridership.

Don - opposition - left

David Williams - opposition - left - fare increases are a bad idea

David Toufonno - opposition - Went to CTA to find out what they are doing - now they let seniors and disabled for free because of the fare increases that they had. Tired of raising the rates. When your food stamp card expires, it won't issue any more food stamps. They could have a gift shop - and make money that way. Drivers are not enforcing the rules. Can't call customer service. Have to wait.

8:20

James Aldridge - opposed to increase because the economy today is hard on everybody. Car makers going out of business, people won't be buying cars because prices increasingand looking for other ways for transportation - which means Madison metro is going to be chosen by more people. People need the buses to get around town. In the future, people won't be able to just jump in cars as cars get more expensive. And people will be looking for ways to do this cheaper. It's getting harder to transfer - sometimes you have to wait the amount of time that the cars can drive across town. The transfers should be 10 or 15 minuts instead of 25 or 30 minutes.

Vicky - opposed - Can't understand why this is before you. The city and Mayor failed to show leadership. You need to stand up to the mayor. She doesn't ride the bus because it's too expensive for her and her three children. Its cheaper to take the car especially given the wait. The bus system is not family friendly. Would hate to think the bus fare would be a reason that kids don't go to activities. Talked to another mother who said that if the rates go up - she'll drive instead of have kids ride bus. These fares don't make sense - APTA study - if you have 14% of your riders back into cars, that will make more cars and less safe for kids. The city should fund Metro fully and give free coffee to the riders because everyone benefits when others ride the bus. Her kid suffers from allergies - the more cars on the road the worse it is - he has to stay in on yellow air days. This boggles her mind that this progressive city would raise rates at this time. She walks instead of going to the west transfer point and is surprised to find out that it was one of the safer ones.

Margaret suggest she contact her alder, Thuy Pham-Remmele.

Don Ferber - opposition - This isn't just a budget issue - it is a budget issue, but it is about the environment and sustainability. Wrong proposal at the wrong time. Putting the pig on the lipstick. This is the wrong time also because of the economy and recession. This most affects those who are already disenfranchised. When gas prices go up, ridership increases. Gas prices are going down - and people may choose to use their car. It will hurt the bus system. When fuel is dropping - maybe they should reevaluate the numbers. Why not increase parking rates to provide disincentives to drive and incentives to take the bus.

Peter Taglia - opposition - lives downtown, no car, walks, bikes, buses. How does this fit in our carbon footprint? Reducing the carbon footprint is a 3 legged stool - reduce vehicle miles, clean up cars and clean up fuels. Why are last two getting attention but not the first. The first is most effective. Vehicle miles traveled are one of the biggest things we can do to help the environment.

Margaret asks - aditional funds or places we could be looking at fed and state levels or promises of change from the new administration - he said he doesn't work in that department, but is concerned about the projections of ridership.

Still about 30 people in the room at 8:40 beyond staff and TPC. It's starting to get cold in here.

Brian Carlisle - opposition - went home

Al Matano - opposition - thanks Carl for comments about this not being a pre-ordained result. Procedure is as important as the substance and he is against on substance. The process is backwards - council doesn't have the authority to set the fares. The TPCs throughout the state are supposed to be independent and safe from political whims. Mayor showed contempt for the law and underlined it by threatening to abolish the TPC. This is not us against TPC, its us in support. On the substance, we are starting the spiral of raising rates, decreasing ridership, rates have to be raised again etc etc and its a downward spiral. Gas prices going up helped us reach people who have not ridden buses before and this is a bad time to chase them away. Transport 2020 is trying to get more funding and part of getting the strength of application for funding is that we are committed to transit - but this sends the opposite message - that we'll give money to transit when we have it but cut it in tight times. How to pay for it? Hard to tell if Council members were ignorant or feigning ignorance. They had opportunities to make cuts - but didn't. He suggests that if the TPC rejects the mayor's missive - council will have to amend their budget.

Carl says, we don't know if that is what that means if they reject the fare increase.

Paul Divine - not in opposition or support - left

Laurie Randall - opposition - seems odd that the city doesn't suppport the bus system. Has a good bike, in good health and doesn't mind winter weather. Not everyone can do that. 30 day bus pass was a little expensive. $55 would have been alot when she worked downtown, but parking is too and hard to bike in some weather. She's a student who can't afford increases, she's a student and parents do not support her. If her seg fees go up - she can't choose not to pay them. Also, MATC also has alot of non-traditional students.

Julie - neutral - Moved to madison 2 years ago - works at Epic - rides bus every day - 4 buses during the week - 2 to work and 2 home. Can see both sides 99.9% of the people on her bus could pay double. They ride the bus because they feel like it. Suggests some zoned ridership - short distance is free or deeply discounted, longer rides pay more. Should keep fares low for low income neighborhoods and hike fares for people like her. She isn't concerned about most people who ride her bus, but concerned about low-income people. On my buses we understand why increased fares could be good. They want security and better service. She is also a member of community car - is possible to get around by bus - doens't want to see decrease in service, wants safe transfer points and heat and she's willing to pay for it. Raise fares for people like me and keep them low for everyone else.

Anne Edwardson - left in opposition

Andrea - opposition - takes the bus because wants to. Moved where she was when the bus service was good - every 20 minutes - prices have gone up in 10 years and its never been the price that concerns her - its been the service that dissuades her from riding. She has become "surprisingly hardy" on her bike because of the service. This morning she rode the bus and had a HUGE surprise on the 13. She had to transfer on a 15 minute bus ride - doesn't want to wait twice in cold and rain for a 15 minute bus ride. Price isn't important to her - but $2 a ride - inconvenience, cold, wet just isn't worth it. And they'll pay for parking. You will lose riders like me. You lost my ridership over the years because of the increasing difficulty. This fee increase will pop us over to driving. This is a downward spiral - decreasing services, ride less - increased fares, ride less. We need a good service that serves more than the poor people - you also have to appeal to the middle class because they will provide you with tax support. She asks about increasing the parking prices. Robbie says yes, the are looking at that - the speaker says that is probably smart.

9:00 took a break -reorganized to allow for people who have to catch buses to go home.

Joe Lindstrom - Homeless Services Consortium Legislative Committee - opposition - In 2007 - agencies bought about 90,780 tickets including 9,000 day passes. They spend more time telling people there are no bus passes than handing them out. They spent $240, 737 spent after transit for jobs - a 30% increase will reduce tickets to 80,246. It will cost $40,286 more dollars for fewer bus tickets or they will have to cut other services. The problem is that services for low-income are scattered throughout the community - job center and doctor - Odana for soc security that all requires various transit modes and a couple tickets a day doesn't cut it to get to food banks or personal storage. Sorry council put you in this position - prefers option 1 if you have to raise fares.

Kristin Kilmark - opposition - riding bus since learned how to use it. Will never be able to drive. Please think about not increasing the fares for senior and disabled pass. Supports bus because it helps the environment. She speaks for those who can't and consumers with her agency. Please consider not raising the fare.

Debbie Aldridge - neutral - Disappointed in the presentation. It did not show the scenarios of the three options. No increase there would be cuts but with 50 cents increase there would be increased service. She feels like she doesn't have information to be in support or opposition. Rides the 6 and the bus services isn't that good and the weekend is bad - every other hour during the day and don't run as late. Goes to the West side for medical services instead of east because you can't get to American Parkway - husband even changed his heart doctor. Find other ways to produce revenue. Add more busses with advertising - but please leave windows alone. She says she can't go do Hilldale anymore becasue the 6 leaves before 2 & 8 and busses don't wait. She uses the Copps on west side of town - its easier than getting to Hilldale or Aberg. Bus shelters on the square are drafty and very cold. Hybrid buses were a good idea - but you could have picked cheaper ones - $500,000 busses looked better, but they should buy the $300,000 since the windows don't open and we have advertising. Do the 25 cent increase if you really have to, but there are alot of people who can't afford it. If you're going to do cutting, be merciful because it is already pretty bad.

Jessie Driver - opposed - Truax Neighborhood Association where many live in low-income apartments. Half to most of resident have to rely on the bus and right now, in the past year there has been a cut back in bus tickets available from Joining Forces for Families. JFF cut down the tickets they are giving out to people who have to go to work or school - there are no tickets available for people for other things. It's hard for people to get ot work. MMSD does help out for the students, but adults don't have options. Some of us have to live on $600 to $700 a month. Very few neighbors have a vehicle. Some of his neighbors have to shop at Walgreens or Aldi's because the buses are hard to get to. Bus stops should be lit. Bus driver told person to open their cell phone so people can be seen in the dark. Also supports heat at transfer points - says I can freeze for a few minutes, but the lighting is the big issue.

Alex Gillis - Immigrants workers union - opposition - left

Lori Wermter - written testimony - opposition - She rides the bus almost every day and opposes the fare increases and had three other suggestions to make if they increase the fare and therefore the services.
- Restore the weeknight half-hour service of the 4 bus route after 6:30.
- Restore the weeknight half-housr service of the 5 after 6:15.
- Restore the 10 is not what Mr. Kamp proposed or what the bus advocates are asking for.

Steve Vincent - opposition - Lives near East High. Rides bus so doesn't drink and drive. Gave up packer game to be here - its in the third quarter. Opposed, not for himself, but for homeless people. Fare increases will negatively impact the homeless and agencies that provide bus passes to the homeless. Unemployment is at a record high. Raising fares will discourage people from riding the bus.

Nicholas - opposition - Too bad so many people have left. Wondering - is Metro going into bankruptcy? Instead of doing this meeting here, need to do the hearing at the university or the union. Hopes they are not paying for Monona Terrace. He pointed out that Monday, Mr. Mahoney hired 5 more people to help the sheriff. He doesn't live here any more but this used to be a beautiful city, but city has become "reluctant to the minorities". If you increase the bus fare there will be more car accidents because immigrants can't get drivers licenses. He points out that we are contributing culturally. He says this is a "white made world". He asked people to "think like a human being" and he said this is very discouraging. He says he used to be proud to come from Madisoin where we are culturally open meeting but the corporations have taken that away and that we are just feeding teh rich. He doesn't where the poor is going. He says this shouldn't just be about the budget, but about working together. He says that immigrants are sad and that we have to stand up - think for yourself and your family - without regard to color of skin and language.

Carl pointed out last time they had a hearing - the room was too small - they tried to find a larger and more comfortable room.

Larry orr - opposition - not here

Cory - opposition - Also lived in San Fransisco and that there is alot to learn from how they deal with their system. He is a MATC student and has a pass plus his employer gives them a pass. He wants heat at the shelters and also said that the shelters on square are useless. He says we have an opportunity with economy the way that it is, inevitiable a fare increase will happen, but this is the worst time for it to happen.

Sherry Williams - ?? - She started out by saying that all those cuts that have been made need to be restored. The bus system was great in the 1970s. She ended up walking from Stoughton Road to Fair Oaks cuz couldn't get a bus and is glad she is physically able. She says the system is too complicated. In the 70s you didn't need to have a book to ride the bus, you just needed to know where the stop was. She says we should put service back the way it was. Hardly any service from the square - all the busses from the square get to Cottage Grove Road after her bus leaves - so she waits for 45 minutes. She reminds people that riding the bus is not always a choice because her mom can't take the bus to work - she can't get there unless she walks a long way. She says they might have to raise the fare some, 50 cents is not that cool - but if you put the service back like the 80's you'll get the people. Currently, there are lots of odd things in the system like buses that only run on one side of the street in one direction. She got stuck by her doctors office and had to take a $20 cab to get back to work.

Margaret asked about affects of route changes - she said weekend service is worse.

Registrants - not wish to speak
Larry orr - oppose
Michael Nesbauer - oppose
Mary Lou Herman - oppose
Dace Zeps - oppose (Worthington Park NA)
David Hobbs - oppose
Mike Wyatt - oppose - written comments
Kari Erhardt - oppose - relied on public trans
Bridgit Brown - oppose - raise parking fees
Daniella - neither
Robert Fisher - avail to answer ?
Victor Williams - oppose
Martha Sagam - oppose
Thomas Babcock - oppose - project home/prairie crossing
Carol - oppose
Susan Thoele - oppose
Craig - oppose
Yvonne - oppose
Jennifer - oppose
Carlos - avail to answer ??
Colin Cameron - oppose, works with Street Pulse
?? -oppose - high school student
Amy - oppose
Morgan Sharpe - oppose
Mr. Cosby - E Mifflin st - oppose

Commission will meet December 9th and will take this and all other info and figure out their options.

All I've got to say is . . . the people who ride the bus, know what they want. And are very articulate in telling TPC how to improve services, we need to listen to these people and act on their suggestions. Read more!