WSJ: Does it Again

It would be kind of cool if the WSJ Editorial folks would actually write about facts, instead of making them up. Here's their latest.

I'm not really sure where to begin, but here's a few comments they write that just a tad bit off and my facts to dispute what they write:

1. "The fuss over what to do with James Madison Park is one of those classic Madison squabbles that stalls progress for decades."

Actually, the stalling has been mostly in the Mayor's office. We've been waiting for him to appoint all the members of the committee to make a decision for freaking ever. It's not just me that noticed, even Bill Leuders at the Isthmus wrote about it.

2. "Preservationists don 't want to move two historic homes -- even though doing so would better preserve and improve them."

Really, how does moving them better preserve them? Selling them better preserves them and its nearly unanimous that the houses should be sold because the City has been terrible at fixing the things that need to be fixed. I don't believe historic preservationists are standing in the way of that happening. Moving the houses has nothing to do with preserving them. In fact, moving them would, in many ways, detract from the historic context and familial relationship of the houses.

3. "Staunch park advocates don 't want to sell an inch of parkland near Lake Mendota -- even though the public can 't access the land in question now anyway, and even though proceeds from the city land sale would help expand and improve usable park space."

Hmmm . . . there is no guarantee that the money from the sale of the land would help expand and improve the park. In fact, the first proposal by the Mayor was to use it to fill gaps in the operating budget. He originally wanted to use it to pay for the Zoning Code Rewrite. I'm somewhat hopeful that this editorial is telling us something about a change of mind of the Mayor in this regard and that the money from any sales will be put back into the park, but I believe that would be a shift in positions.

Second, there would be plenty of money from the sale of the three houses that could make the improvements to park without selling any of the land.

4. "Madison needs to stop dithering and show that it 's a can-do city. Madison needs to get past the bickering of narrow interests to make James Madison Park bigger and better for all. The park and the general public deserve a happy ending to this drawn-out and tiring story."

Lets give the credit for dithering where credit is due. As I noted earlier, what is truly amazing is the long time that the Mayor took to appoint the committee and then giving us a ridiculous timeline to complete our work - over the summer - when so many who use the park are gone and people are busy.

5. "Reject Ald. Brenda Konkel 's attempt to raid proceeds from the city 's building and land sales for her pet trust fund that pays for low-income housing. Konkel, whose district includes the park, also should drop the unreasonable demands she wants to make on the potential buyers of the buildings to be sold."

First, "raiding" the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is the mayor's game.

Second, we do have an ordinance in place that says the following:

MGO 4.22(3)(c) The Trust Fund may consist of funds derived from, but not limited to the following, subject to appropriation by the Common Council, upon notification from the Comptroller that funds are available.
1. Residual Contingent Reserve funds;
2. Amounts from the Operating Budget equivalent to City fees collected from
dedicated uses related to housing, such as reinspection fees;
3. Tax Incremental Financing Equity Participation Payments;
4. Proceeds from the sale or use of surplus City land;
5. Any other appropriations as determined from time to time by legislative action of
the Common Council.

Third, I want the money to go to the park first and just a portion, only 1/3, or whatever is left over after the improvements to the parks are made, to go to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. It may be that there is no money left over, and that is ok if then no money goes to the Trust Fund. Of course, let me state again, that we will have more money if the houses stay in place.

Fourth, I'm curious what the "unreasonable demands she wants to make on the potential buyers of the buildings to be sold." I think they are talking about keeping the buildings in a "public use" instead of selling the bed and breakfast as a private home. Is that really unreasonable?

6. "City park officials have long wanted to improve James Madison Park but haven 't had the money."

Ahem. There is $200,000 in this year's budget that is just sitting there and they don't plan to spend it this year. They have money that the council approved. Apparently, what they don't have, is staff to do the work. Or, they have been instructed to stall. (I find it hard to believe that the money was a "surprise" last fall and that is why they can't spend any of it this year.)

Well, there you go. Another classic WSJ-ignore-the-facts editorial. Do their editorials have any credibility left with anyone? Remember, they did support George Bush. Read more!

The 4th of July Week Ahead

A short, but somewhat unusually packed, week ahead . . . final actions on big projects and the summer funding process continues . . .

Monday, June 30, 2008
4:00 PM TAX INCREMENTAL FINANCING POLICY AD HOC COMMITTEE ROOM LL-110 MMB

• Are the revisions finally final?
  

5:00 PM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT COMMISSION ROOM 201 CCB

• Funding decisions on Economic Development and Civic Places
  

Tuesday, July 1, 2008
4:30 PM COMMON COUNCIL ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITTEE ROOM 103A CCB

• Text messages and Instant Messaging not subject to open records laws?
• Requiring policies to be on file in the clerk's office for departments that use security cameras.
• Limiting what can be referred to the Common Council Organizational Committee

6:30 PM COMMON COUNCIL ROOM 201 CCB

• Regent Neighborhood Plan (#85)
  
• Greenbush Neighborhood Plan (#86)
  
• Revised Hilldale preliminary and final plat (#87)
  
• Public Participation Plan for siting wells for the Water Utility (#93)
  
• Bus Wraps (#94)
  

Wednesday, July 2, 2008
8:00 AM EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION BOARD ROOM LL110 MMB

• Continued discussion on funding recommendations for 2009-2010.
  

5:00 PM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION ROOM LL-110 MMB

• Final action on 3-5 year economic development plan
  

5:00 PM HOUSING COMMITTEE ROOM 260 MMB

• Working on a template for an annual housing report
• Inclusionary Zoning (Staff) Report
• Report on recent CDA projects
• Presentation by Realtors Association
  

Thursday, July 3, 2008
8:30 AM COMMON COUNCIL ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEE ON COMMITTEE CREATION AND COMMITTEE RULES ROOM 417 CCB

• Nearing final recommendations to create standard processes for all city committees
  

Read more!

Are these the biggest issues for the Zoning Code Rewrite?

The Chair of the City's Zoning Code Rewrite Committee and Planner with Vandewalle & Associates, Mike Zlavney sums up the issues up as follows:

I had some thoughts about the relationship between our Committee’s emerging challenging topics and neighborhood association and citizen participation. Please feel free to share this with your staff, Cunningham and the Committee. Specifically, I currently see five key issues that Cunningham and the Committee should start focusing on ASAP because they probably have to be solved (rather than deferred to a later, special study) to move the Ordinance process forward.

1. Neighborhood Involvement: The preservation of neighborhood character throughout all existing and yet-to-develop neighborhoods in the City. Here the challenge focuses on Tear-Downs, Large Additions and preserving the Unique Character of each neighborhood. This issue is emerging in the Midvale Heights / Westmoreland Neighborhood Plans. If “white bread” Midvale Heights (which by the way, I have lived in for 33 of my 51 years) is concerned about these issues, I think every neighborhood would be. These are very tough issues everywhere on the planet. I think the City CURRENTLY generally has most of the right zoning “tools” to address these concerns – although I think fine tuning is worth considering.

1. The potential new tool could be a REQUIREMENT for neighborhood and neighbor input in advance of the formal public hearing or public meetings associated with all rezonings, conditional use, PUD and demolition proposals. Given our community’s emphasis on involvement, perhaps the new Zoning Ordinance should require this step. If required, the new Ordinance could establish clear requirements for advertising, staffing, conducting and providing information about the submittal for such a meeting.

2. Tear-Downs: The City’s current requirement for detailed case-by-case review and approval seems very appropriate. I am not aware of a pattern of abuses or bad examples – perhaps there are some. A public hearing process, consideration in regard to both surrounding character and adopted Neighborhood Plans, and the need to see what is proposed in detail, all seem very appropriate requirements. It seems to me that this issue is ideal for the Conditional Use process – with the review being judge against both zoning standards and adopted neighborhood plans.

3. Minor Additions: The existing Area Exception review seems to be working well, according to the general reaction of our Committee members when discussing this issue.

4. Large Additions and Relation to Unique Neighborhood Character: The combination of the Area Exception review, plus, perhaps Conditional Use Permit review once a scale trigger is exceeded, seems most appropriate. To me, the existing Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District is the typical effective approach to apply detailed standards specific to each neighborhood or sub-neighborhood – as informed by adopted Neighborhood or Sub-Neighborhood plans.

I think we will see a lot of interest in our re-write effort incorporating the detailed standards for certain neighborhoods required to address the above. I think this could potentially be accomplished through the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District approach where we have adopted neighborhood and sub-area plans that make clear character-related recommendations. I do not think our re-write process has the time or budget to identify such standards where adopted plans do not yet exist. However, our re-write process should address the process for integrating the character standards for both existing and future neighborhood and sub-area plans into the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts, and the zoning procedures that the NC Districts would inform. Again, our Committee and process needs to focus on finding the right zoning tools and processes, and not on doing neighborhood and sub-area planning.

Finally, it seems to me that our process could hold an Open House Workshop to address these four issues, and related neighborhood character preservation and enhancement issues, at several locations in the community early this Fall – perhaps facilitated by City Staff and attended by interested Zoning Ordinance Committee, Plan Commission and Common Council members – and promoted well in advance to neighborhood associations, home remodelers, developers and other key stakeholders. I think Cunningham’s most effective, and cost-effective, role could be to provide several examples of how other communities that prioritize neighborhood association and public involvement are addressing these issues.

2. Redevelopment Areas: A second important emerging theme is the balance between impacts and economics, and between project review involvement and project review process costs, associated with redevelopment activities – particularly in the potential Redevelopment Areas identified in the new Comprehensive Plan. The new Zoning Ordinance should identify and require the best procedural and submittal requirements for striking these balances. Again, this topic could be addressed in a series of Workshops hosted by staff. Perhaps these workshops need to be distinct from those in Item 1 – due to the much larger scale of project within these redevelopment areas.

3. PUDs: Yes, we rely heavily on PUDs, and yes, they involve (in theory) a wide-open range of possible land uses and intensities, and yes, they result in a unique set of zoning rules that may be difficult to track over time. Yet, they seem to work well in Madison. I am very interested in Cunningham’s advice about potential alternatives. Perhaps integrating review procedures associated with 1. a. above, could constrain the wide-open potential of PUDs to be consistent with adopted Sub-Area Plans for the redevelopment sites, and could require the more direct involvement of neighbors sooner in the process. However, I am stumped as to how to avoid the creation of a site specific zoning district that balances the interests of all stakeholders and the ever-changing market conditions. I am looking forward to learning about other communities’ experience from our consultants.

4. Pallet of Zoning Districts: Obviously a key issue. We should get to this ASAP. In my experience, having a few extra zoning districts oriented to both character and use, can substantially reduce the need for PUDs, Overlay Districts, Area Exceptions and related procedures. This can be an especially effective approach for addressing areas where “Overzoning” is currently present – actual development is far less intensive or diverse in use than current zoning would allow.

5. Sustainability: How proactive is appropriate? Let’s get a handle on this ASAP. Our community will always be pushing on this issue – and I am proud of that reality. A special Workshop and/or subcommittee on this issue may also be the most effective way to get a good head start.

Other important issues will emerge, but I think these will be among the most important. Please work with the Consultants to consider how to effectively integrate their expertise with neighborhood, developer and other stakeholders and the Committee.

Read more!

Channel 12 moving to 994!!

Two pieces of news from Madison City Channel:

First, Madison City Channel is thrilled to announce that we have once again been named as finalists in the annual Programming Awards competition for the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA). For the eighth time out of the lastT nine years, we are finalists in the category of "Video Text/Bulletin Boards" for Tanya Anderson's fine work on our Community Bulletin Board. We will find out our final standing at the annual NATOA conference, held this year in Atlanta, at the awards banquet on September 19. Wish us luck and join us in celebrating our successes!

Secondly, after nearly thirty-five years on cable channel 12, we have been informed that on August 12, Madison City Channel will be moving on the Charter cable system to channel 994. This move is a direct consequence of the passage of the so-called "Video Competition Act" by the Wisconsin Legislature last year. We will be part of Charter's new "Public Affairs Neighborhood" which will include channels such as Wisconsin Eye (channel 995) and the various C-Span channels (996-998).

Even though this "Public Affairs Neighborhood" will still be part of Charter's broadcast basic tier of service, after August 12 you will need a digital converter box or a television with a built-in "QAM tuner" to continue to receive Madison City Channel. If you are currently a subscriber to any of Charter's digital services and have a converter box, you're all set. No additional action nor expense on your monthly bill will be needed. If you don't have any digital services, please contact Charter to arrange to add a digital converter box to your service. It is my understanding that Charter will shortly begin carrying Madison City Channel on both 12 and 994 until August 12th.

While changing our channel location after all these years is certainly a challenge, there's no question that digital television is the future, so we are optimistic this transition will go smoothly. Also, you will still as always be able to access virtually all of Madison City Channel's award-winning programming through our website at www.madisoncitychannel.tv.

Please stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the transition date of August 12. Keep checking our channel and the website as always, and as usual thanks for your continued support of Your City - Your Government - Your Channel - Madison City Channel!

Read more!

4 Ideas for Madison Stay-cations

Or . . . something to do with your guests when they come to town!
Have historic high gas prices, area flooding and closed highways put a damper on your family’s vacation plans? Don’t cancel your vacation, but instead have a Madison STAY-CATION!

Madison has one of the best parks systems in the nation with 270 parks and 6100 acres. Madison parks offer one public swimming pool, 10 beaches, 4 premiere golf courses, award-winning Olbrich Botanical Gardens & Warner Park Community-Recreation Center, 4 off-leash dog exercise areas, and 14 conservation parks with over 20 miles of hiking trails. Madison Parks has something for everyone!!

GOLFING

Madison STAY-CATION
1, 2, 3, FORE Premiere Golf Courses!

Glenway – This lush 9-hole course is suited for any golfer; whether you’re a regular on the green, swinging a club for the first time, or somewhere in between! PGA Professional Bill Scheer serves as director of the course and has helped tremendously in building the course’s upstanding reputation over the years. Don’t forget to stop by the Pro Shop and pick up the latest golfing gear or sign up for lessons with qualified golf instructors!

Glenway Golf Course
3747 Speedway Road
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 266-4737
Hours: 6:30am-7pm Sun-Sat

Monona¬ – Want to play on the same course as golf greats Steve Stricker or Jerry Kelley? Come play on the Monona Golf Course located on Madison’s eastside, across from the scenic Lake Monona! This 9-regulation hole course features all natural grass tees along with a clubhouse that has all of the amenities. Come to the Pro Shop and let PGA Professional Rob Muranyi take care of all your golfing needs from apparel to equipment.
Monona Golf Course
111 East Dean Avenue
Madison, WI 53716
(608) 266-4736
Hours: 6:00am-Dark
Odana Hills – A popular course on the westside and home to several major city tournaments throughout the year, the Odana Hills Golf Course is the place to be among golfers of any level! Conveniently located just off the Beltline Highway, this course continues to attract a large daily crowd with its long greens and driving ranges! Within the course’s clubhouse you’ll find everything you need from dining services, changing facilities, and of course a Pro Shop where PGA Professional Thomas Benson can help you achieve that perfect swing!
Odana Hills Golf Course
18-Hole Regulation Course
4635 Odana Road
Madison, WI 53711
Hours: 6am-7pm Sun-Sat

Yahara Hills – Did you know that the 1977 Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship game was played at the Yahara Hills Golf Course? This course has served as the host to numerous tournaments at both state and national levels, and features a 40,000 square ft practice area. As Madison’s largest facility with two18 hole courses, stay-cationers will have the chance to play on spacious greens with breathtaking views. Tom Rechlicz, is a PGA Professional head at the Pro Shop that features a “Free Demo Program” where people can try out the latest golf clubs!

Yahara Hills Golf Course
36-Hole Regulation Course
6701 E. Broadway
Madison, WI 53716
TEL: (608) 838-3126
Hours: 6:34- until dark Sun-Sat


*Each of the courses offers a variety of annual and season passes, special discounts for seniors at excellent rates, and lessons for all ages!*

ENJOY NATURE

Madison STAY-CATION
Discover Madison’s Wildside

Madison STAY-CATION Package – Discover Madison’s Wildside
If your family’s vacations involve hiking, birding, and quiet back to nature time, look no further than your own backyard. Madison Parks has 14 conservation park encompassing 1500 acres, and 20 miles of hiking trails. Each park offers its own unique features and views of Madison.

All of the parks can be accessed by bicycle and most by metro bus.

Get outside with your family and discover a side of Madison – Discover Madison’s Wildside!

Cherokee Marsh
North Unit
6098 North Sherman Avenue
(3.4 miles of trails)
South Unit
5002 School
(3.1 miles of trails)
Lake Mendota Unit
104 W. Sauthoff Road
(0.6 miles of trails)
Strategically located at the heard of Madison’s lakes, Cherokee Marsh acts as a living sponge. It filters upland runoff, using excess fertilizer to grow marsh plants, and slowly releasing cleaner water to the lakes below. The marsh is used by thousands of students each year for environmental education.
(Total for all units – 1210 acres)

Edna Taylor Conservation Park
802 Femrite Drive
A glacial drumlin rising above a broad ribbon of marsh forms the backbone of this southeast Madison park. Ongoing projects include oak savanna and wetland restoration. Nearby Glendale School and Leopold Nature Center use it extensively for environmental education.
(1.3 miles of trails on 56 acres)

Elvehjem Sanctuary
1314 Painted Post Drive
Located within Elvehjem Park, the Sanctuary is a red oak-basswood forest on a northwest-facing hillside with exposed sandstone bedrock. Trails through Acewood Greenway connect the Sanctuary to Heritage Prairie.
(1.2 miles of trails on 9 acres)

Heritage Sanctuary
600 Meadowlark Drive
At peak trillium bloom in mid-May, Heritage Sanctuary is unequaled. Under an oak forest canopy lays a wildflower carpet more typical of a maple forest. The winding trail takes you through this unusual woodland community.
(0.5 miles of trails on 8.5 acres)

Heritage Prairie
5415 Queensbridge Road
In contrast to the rich woods of Heritage Sanctuary is Heritage Prairie, one-half mile southeast. Although grazed, a remnant of dry prairie persisted on a thin layer of soil over the rocky hillside. This area also features some picturesque open-grown Bur Oaks.
(12 acres)

Hiestand Woods
4302 Milwaukee Street
Large red oaks dominate this wooded park located on a northern slope. Trilliums cover the ground with a blanket of white during May.
(0.3 miles of trails on 11 acres)

Kettle Pond
5805 Old Middleton Road
The retreat of the glacier 10,000 years ago left many ‘kettle holes’ in the Madison area. A pond surrounded by woods provides habitat for a variety of wildlife in this small park.
(0.4 miles of trails on 8 acres)

Knollwood Park
3334 Westview Lane
Black oaks are the dominant tree on this sandy knoll. A diverse 2-acre sand prairie lies below. It forms part of the connecting link between Aldo Leopold School and the Nine Springs E-Way.
(0.75 miles of trails on 14 acres)

Owen Conservation Park
6021 Old Sauk Road
On a hilltop overlooking Madison’s west side, this park was the farm and personal retreat of former University Professor Edward T. Owen. Today, prairies and oak savannas have risen like a phoenix to reclaim the landscape. Coneflowers, goldenrod and bluestem are among the many plants that yield a harvest of ever-changing color and texture throughout the year.
(3.4 miles of trails on 93 acres)

Paunack (A.O.) Park
6399 Bridge Road
One of the last marshes on Lake Monona, this park is located on Squaw Bay at the Yahara River outlet. It is one feature of the bicycle trail circling Lake Monona.

Prairie Ridge
2406 Berkley Drive
The major feature in this park is a diverse prairie remnant located on a steep slope. This park is part of an open space corridor that eventually will be linked to the National Ice Age Trail.
(0.8 miles of trails on 48 acres)

Sandburg Woods
2902 Independence Lane
Adjacent to Sandburg School, this park contains a rich diversity of oak woodland wild flowers. It is part of a parkway strip. From the trails there is evidence of the July 1991 windstorm that blew down many large trees. These canopy openings will provide space for a new generation of oak and hickory trees.
(0.3 miles of trails on 20 acres)

Stricker’s Pond
7214 Longmeadow Road
This glacial “kettle pond” is an excellent place to view migrating waterfowl during spring and fall. The adjacent woods and restored prairie provide a diverse habitat for a variety of wildlife.
(0.8 miles of trails on 14 acres in Middleton and Madison)

Turville Point Park
1156 Olin Turville Court
This 65-acre natural gem borders the shores of Lake Monona, a short walk from downtown. Large red, bur and white oaks provide the canopy under which a variety of spring wildflowers bloom. A 7-acres prairie opening adds to the diversity of the site.
(3.1 miles of trails on 65 acres)

GET WET!
Of course, you'll want to avoid the Monona Lake Beaches.

STAY-CATION Package #1 – Ready, Set - Get Wet!
We’ve waited a long time for summer to arrive. And now we’re ready to dive in! Madison Parks offers a variety of places for Madisonians to cool off and get wet!

Get Wet #1 - Goodman Pool - Madison’s first public swimming pool opened in 2006. Madison families have been riding the ‘waves’ of fun ever since! Families have discovered the tremendous value of the pool. A family season membership is only $145. That comes to $13 a week!

Stay-Cationers at Goodman Pool will enjoy the 1000 person capacity, 2 waterslides, 8 lane 25-meter lap area with diving boards, and a number of shallow water play features for pre-school aged children, The pool area is complete with a sand play area, concessions, and family changing rooms. It's a great place to spend your summer!

To save even more money on gas, take Madison Metro bus #13 to the pool, or ride your bike! The pool is right off of the Wingra Creek bike trail and has ample space to park and lock your bike.

Goodman Pool, 325 Olin Ave., 264-9292 www.cityofmadison.com/parks/pool
Open/Family Swim Times, Monday-Friday Days 12:30p.m.-4:30p.m.
Monday-Friday Evenings, 6:15p.m.-8:00p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, Noon-7:00p.m.

Daily Admission: Youth, 1-18, $2.50, Adult $4.00

Get Wet #2 – Cypress SprayPark – Located on Madison’s south side, on the corner of Cypress Way and Magnolia Lane, the spray park offers families and kids a fun, safe and cost-free place to meet friends and ... get wet! Get really wet! It opened in 2007 to rave reviews. Thousands of children cooled off last summer under the cascading water features, and spray features.

Located only a 1.5 blocks from the south side metro transfer point, this spraypark is the perfect place for families to save money, gas and have a great time!

Cypress SprayPark, 902 Magnolia Lane, Madison
Hours, open daily through Labor Day from 11:00a.m. – 7:00p.m.


Get Wet #3 – Public Beaches
As a city uniquely built on an isthmus, Madison is surrounded by 15,429 acres of sparkling lakes. The Madison Parks Division has 13 public beaches, 10 of which have lifeguard services. Each beach provides a unique view of Lake Monona, Lake Mendota or Lake Wingra. Bring a picnic, a blanket and your sunscreen!

The Public Health Department monitors the daily condition of the beaches. Please be sure to check their website for daily closings and conditions reports.

Major Beaches, Daily Hours 11:00a.m. – 7:00p.m.
• BB Clarke Beach, 835 Spaight Street
• Olbrich Beach, 3527 Atwood Ave.
• Tenney Beach, 1254 Sherman Ave.
• Vilas Beach, 1339 Vilas Park Drive

Smaller Beaches, Daily Hours, 12:30p.m.-4:30p.m.
• Bernies Beach, 901 Gilson Street
• Esther Beach, 2802 Waunona Way
• James Madison Beach, 614 E. Gorham Street
• Spring Harbor Beach, 1918 Norman Way
• Olin Beach, 1155 Olin-Turville Court
• Warner Beach, 1101 Woodward Drive

MUSIC

Madison STAY-CATION Package #2 – The Parks are Alive with the Sound of Music
A perfect summer evening in Madison Parks? How about getting outside, hanging out with friends and family, spreading out a picnic on a blanket and listening to a free concert.

We are very fortunate in Madison. Madison Parks offer a week’s worth of free concerts for families to enjoy during their Madison STAY-CATION. See below for an example Madison STAY-CATION package for the week of July 7-13.

Weekly Free Concerts in Madison Parks
Mondays, June 16, 23, 30 and July 14, 21 28, 6:00p.m.-7:30p.m.
Warner Park Concerts, sponsored by North Eastside Senior Coalition
Warner Park Shelter, corner of Sherman Ave. and Northport Drive

Tuesdays, June 3 – July 29, 7:00p.m. Concerts in the Gardens
Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave.

Wednesdays, June 25 – July 30, 7:00p.m.
Concerts on the Square, Capitol Square

Wednesday, August 6 – September 3, 5:00p.m.
Jazz at Five
100 Block State Street

Thursdays, June 5 – August 28, 7:00p.m.
Capitol City Band Concert
Rennebohm Park, 115 N. Eau Claire Street

Thursday, July 3 – August 14, 7:15p.m.
Back Porch Concerts
Dean House, 4718 Monona Drive

Saturdays, June 7 – August 30, 1:00p.m. – 3:00p.m.
Folk on State
500 Block State Street, Peace Park

Saturdays, April 26 – November 1, various times
Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Capitol Square
Various local musicians set up a chair and donation box.

Special Events in Parks with music
June Events
June 7-8 – Marquette Waterfront Festival, Yahara Place Park
June 14 – Jazz in the Park, Wingra Park
June 21 – Blues Picnic, Warner Park
June 28 – Rhythm & Booms, Warner Park

July Events
July 12-13 - Art Fair on the Square, Capitol Square
July 18-20 – Maxwell Street Days, State Street
July 26 – Opera in the Park, Garner Park
July 26 – Fiesta Hispana, Warner Park

August Events
August 16 – Africa Fest, Warner Park
August 22-24 – Orton Park Festival, Orton Park
August 30-31 – Taste of Madison, Capitol Square

Madison STAY-CATION Example for the week of Tuesday, July 8- Monday July 14

Tuesday, July 8 – pack a picnic, and a blanket and ride your bike out to Olbrich Botanical Garden for Concerts in the Garden. Today’s performance by Claudia Russell, eclectic folk music.

Wednesday, July 9 – Pack another picnic from the yummy finds at the Wednesday Farmers Market, bring a bottle of wine, and a blanket and enjoy the music of the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra while lounging on the Capitol Grounds. This week’s highlights are Sound the Trumpet, Ryan Anthony.

Thursday, July 10 – What to do? Two great concerts to choose from! East siders can enjoy the Back Porch Concerts at the Dean House on Monona Drive next to Monona Golf Course. (Heck, come early and play 9 holes!) Westsiders can enjoy the Capitol City Band Concert at Rennebohm Park. Come early with the kids and let them climb on the new climbing net in the playground.

Friday, July 11 –Make your own music in your neighborhood park. Invite your neighbors and your friends to your neighborhood park for an impromptu jam session. Who knows – maybe you’ll meet a new neighbor or discover a new talent!

Saturday, July 12 – Head downtown for a full day of music fun. Art Fair on the Square has 2 stages for music. After the Art Fair, enjoy a free concert at Peace Park, 500 block of State Street for Folk on State. Today’s artists are Matt Watroba and Tret Fure.

Sunday, July 13 – Enjoy another fun-filled day at Art Fair on the Square.

Monday, July 14 – Pack a picnic, grab a blanket and a friend and go to Warner Park for the Warner Park Concerts. Concerts are at the shelter. They begin at 6p.m. Today’s performance is by Kydd and Byrd.

MORE TO COME
More Madison Stay-Cation Packages to come.....

• Take Me Out to the Ball Game
• Dog Days of Summer
• Parks Garden Tours
• Volunteer Stay-Cations
• Get Fit Stay-Cation
Read more!

Thousands of Gallons of Sewage Close Beaches

Ick. No swimming in Lake Monona!

BEACH CLOSINGS ON LAKE MONONA ANNOUNCED
Sewage Release Cited

Madison WI – June 27, 2008- Public Health Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) has closed all Lake Monona beaches until further notice. An automobile accident in Monona this morning at 12:30 a.m. knocked out both electric power feeds to the Madison Metropolitan Sewage District (MMSD) pumping station on Bridge Road. Power was not restored until 4:45 a.m. Sewage backed up in the system and eventually overflowed into Squaw Bay and into the Yahara River at Bridge Road.

MMSD officials believe that it is possible that quite a few basements in the area may have been affected, although there are no specific reports at this time. Actual volumes of the overflow will be determined within the next few days, but it is estimated that at least several thousand gallons were released.

Sewage contains high levels of pathogenic microorganisms and contact with this water may cause illness. Therefore swimming in contaminated waters carries significant health risks. Swallowing water while swimming is unavoidable and it exposes the swimmer to a high risk of contacting gastro-intestinal illnesses. The same kind of risk exists for wading, playing or diving in these waters.

The PHMDC laboratory carries out regular testing of all Madison beaches. Updated information on the status of all beaches, including those that are now closed is available at www.cityofmadison.com/beaches .

This sewage release could also impact the lakes downstream of Lake Monona, including Lake Waubesa and Lake Kegonsa.

Read more!

Passionate James Madison Park Testimony

Thanks to everyone who showed up to give us your opinions on James Madison Park. We heard testimony on whether the land under Lincoln School in James Madison Park should be moved (er, I mean sold!), should the three houses be sold, should the land under them be sold, should the houses be moved and a few other things.

We also received the official statements from the Tenney Lapham Neighborhood, Capital Neighborhoods and the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation. Here's a summary of what the individuals who showed up to the standing room only hearing had to say:

1. Someone from outside the neighborhood came to ask that we don't sell parkland by the lake. The parks are our heritage and once we give it away, we will never get it back. Move the houses or tear them down. Parks Commission has already said not to sell the land. Developers can develop elsewhere.

2. A neighborhood resident said to save the park space. Ok to move the houses in the park closer to each other. Collins House should remain a community use. Others should be community use too - suggested a Madison history museum or center for research and study for sustainable Maidson. Don't sell the buildings without the land. Land under Lincoln school should be used for green space and lake access. The land behind Lincoln School (parkland) is not working out.

3. Madison Trust board member and downtown resident spoke in support of selling land under Lincoln School with restrictions - no adding on to the building, no building on the parking ramp,if the building is damaged City can buy it back. Houses should be preserved on site. This is a residential neighborhood not a drive by. These buildings are landmarks and in a historic district and the city did a bad job of maintaining the buildings. THis is an opportunity to demonstrate imaginative reuse of buildings.

4. Madison Trust board member and owner of two properties (one owner-occupied, one rental) across the street supports sale of land with restrictions. Would like to see three houses in private ownership because the City is not maintaining the properties. City should keep the land. Moving the houses would be a mistake because these houses have a familial relationship as well as a common architect. This is a National Register District and they are working to make it a local one. There is lots of investment going on in the neighborhood and the idea of a driveby overlook is foolish. There's lots of investment going on in the neighborhood and we should get some investment in these historic houses.

5. TLNA President said the neighborhood has extensive and heartfelt discussions over the last two years. It was unanimous to keep the three houses in place. Split over whether to sell the land under school, however they voted and agreed that it was ok to sell the land under the school with restrictions. City should get a realistic appraisal of the value of that land and should be able to buy the land back if anything happens to the building. The houses need to be sold to someone more dedicated to restoring them, unlike the city. Parks should keep the land under the houses. If you want views and site lines, take down the "brutalist architecture" silos/stacks on the shelter. There is a nice garden and new cafe there. He said 2.3 of the proceeds should be used to improve James Madison Park.

4. Former owner of the Collins House Bed and Breakfast testified that the houses should not be moved. During the time they worked there they talked to family members of all the houses and keeping the houses is important to preserve that history. The houses are landmarks and Claude and Starcks - theres still the whole shoreland behind them to develop for the park. He said the City of Madison is a lousy landlord. Not because of the people, but the fact that there isn't one Madison. The departments in the City of Madison don't agree and alders from outside the district don't understand the issues. If the houses are sold, the land under them should be sold to.

5. Spokesperson for ULI, that owns Lincoln School spoke to clarify that the proposal was to buy the land at the actual appraised value and $600,000 was just a minimum. Reiterated that this was a Madison Landmark and on the National Trust. He said that the City had a provision to buy back the land if anything happened to the school. The price would be the original price plus a CPI adjuster. He also clarified the property sold was limited to the land directly under the building plus the subterranean rights for the parking, the land above the parking is park land. They support the Madison Trust restrictions on selling the land - no new denisity, no docks, no additional land to be sold.

6. The person who bought all the Kozak properties said that we need to improve James Madison Park. If the money is needed he supports selling the land under the school. He thinks its ok to move the houses to Blount Street, but only if they stay in the neighborhood and stay together. If the houses are moved, they would be sold for a minimal price.

7. A neighborhood resident said the Collins house should remain a public purpose. The houses should not be moved. Doesn't want the land sold under the school. This land was preserved for us, and we should preserve it for others.

8. A neighborhood resident said the houses needed to be in private ownership to maintain the buildings and they should stay on site, the city should keep the land. The houses have historic significance that we can never get back. This has value to the entire City of Madison, not just the neighborhood. The context of the buildings needs to be maintained. He was also in favor of keeping the land under Lincoln School and wanted to make sure there was no building on the land above the parking garage.

9. A downtown/Marquette resident urged us to look at the history of what has happened here. He said if we moved the houses we are forfeiting a part of their historic character. He noted that these houses have a relationship to the recently moved Conklin House which is also a Claude and Starck. He also noted that we need to maintain the connections that exist. Ok to alter the Kenton Peters shelter for a better view. Private ownership might be preferrable to maintain the houses but the city should keep the land. Giving up the land under Lincoln School is giving up something. While he had high regard for the work done to the building and the people who did it, didn't seem in favor of selling the land. Also supports condos and development, but didn't think this should be a place for new development.

10. A "far west sider" came to say that she is "in love with the views of the lake" and takes visitors to see the lakes. She said it would be a shame to sell the land. It's not appropriate to sell land for an operating budget. She said it was ok to sell the houses and it would be "wonderful to keep them where they are" but it might be ok to move them as well.

11. A neighborhood resident supports keeping the houses where they are. He likened it to the park in Philadelphia where the houses we a central feature of the park and a part of the history. Opposed to selling any of the land, it is important to keep the land in case the structures go. He said we needed to honor the relationship of the builidngs and didn't want them moved. If any were moved, it should be the smaller one on the end.

12. Former Mayor, Joe Sensenbrenner, who lives two blocks east of the park thinks that we should be very wary of selling the park land. He thought it was to the advantage to neighborhood and city as a whole is to improve the parkscape and to remember young kids use the park too. He is in favor of relocating the houses on teh same side of or across the street. He, himself lives in a Claude and Starck house. He ended by thanking the committee and everyone who showed up.

13. A person who lives in Lincoln school spoke to the fact that the people who live in the school will likely be relocated because they cannot afford the new condos. He reminded us that most people talked about historic value or scenic value - but this is about the people who use the parks. He doesn't think that the things we are talking about will increase the use of the park. He also noted that the new condo owners aren't going to like the people who use the park being in their backyard. He doesn't think the improvements that can be made for the relatively small amount of money we would get from the sale of the land would end up disappointing us. Said ULI is a good landlord, the people in the building respect it and the park.

14. A neighborhood residents opposes selling any of the land. He thought the houses should be moved or knocked down. Thought the bed and breakfast could be moved to the end of Blount Street and then make Blount between Gorham and Johnson a culdesac. He noted that Lincoln School would be a good community center because his kids have to cross, Johnson, E Washington and Williamson St. to get to a Neighborhood Center and the activities they have there. He even suggested moving the boathouse. He said teh silos/stacks could be removed, perhaps the entire shelter. Noted he helps a bit with the gardens and picks up garbage in the parks.

15. A neighborhood resident opposes moving the houses. Ok with selling land under Lincoln school and the houses.

The meeting was just a bit over an hour. The new Parks Superintendent literally had to stand the entire meeting because there were not enough chairs. When Alder Verveer arrived, they had to scramble to find a chair from another room.

Our next meeting is July 9 at 5:00 room tbd. If you have comments you would like to share, please send them to drolfs@cityofmadison.com, swidstrand@cityofmadison.com or me. We'll make sure they get to the committee. At our next meeting there is also another opportunity for public comment, but we'd like to get to discussion. Read more!

Tenney-Lapham Art Walk on Sunday

Here's the details.

7th Annual Tenney-Lapham Art Walk
Sun, 29-Jun-2008, 1:00 pm (4:00 hrs)

The 7th Annual Tenney/Lapham Art Walk will take place on Sunday, June 29 from 1-5 pm. You can park in the parking lot of Christ Church on the 900 block of East Gorham. The walk starts at 408 Washburn Place where maps will be given out. Contact: billredinger@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Read more!

James Madison Park - What Should Happen?

Come tell us your opinion tonight!

I've blogged for the past few years about this topic about improvements needed to the park, what should happen to the houses and should the land under Lincoln School be sold (my position essentially hasn't changed since I wrote that in Feb 2006), budget battles (2007 Day 1, 2007 Day 2, 2006), the stalling in appointing a committee and then being told to hurry up. Finally, the Mayor appointed the committee and we are having our third meeting. Tonight, we want to hear from you!

Here's the agenda.

The meeting info is:
Date: June 26, 2008
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: City County Building (Room 108 - Parks Dept. Conf. Room)

If you can't make it, send an email to me (district2@cityofmadison.com) or the staff, Dan Rolfs (drolfs@cityofmadison.com). Read more!

Zoning Code Rewrite Update

I know it's tempting not to read this . . . but really, its important!!

From staff:

This is an update regarding the Zoning Code Rewrite project. On June 9th, the City's consultants (Cuningham Group Architecture P.A. and White and Smith) met with the Plan Commission to discuss their initial findings after reviewing the City's current Zoning Code. On June 10th, the consultants met with the Zoning Code Rewrite Advisory Committee to discuss the same issues. The meeting minutes and Meeting Summary documents can be found at the following City of Madison Legistar web-site addresses

The meeting minutes and Meeting Summary report for the June 10th Zoning Code Rewrite Advisory Committee can be found here.

The meeting minutes and Meeting Summary report for the June 9th Plan Commission meeting can be found here.

These documents will also be added to the City's Zoning Code Rewrite website.

Agendas for the upcoming July 7th, 2008 Plan Commission meeting (5:00 p.m. City-County Building Room 201) and the July 8th, 2008 (5:30 p.m., Madison Senior Center) Zoning Code Rewrite Advisory Committee meeting are forthcoming. I will send you the agendas as soon as they are available.

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Civil Rights Leaders Wanted!

Do you know a Madisonian that has been working hard on Civil Rights issues that should get some public recognition?

Here's the scoop from staff:

The Department of Civil Rights - Equal Opportunities Division is seeking nominations for the Reverend James C. Wright Human Rights Award to be presented at the Annual Celebration of Diversity Picnic on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at Warner Park. The Award is presented in honor of the late Reverend James C. Wright, who served as Executive Director of the Equal Opportunities Commission from its inception in 1968 until his retirement in 1992.

Nominees should share Rev. Wright's dedication to and compassion for civil and human rights and conduct their daily life consistent with these values. Recipients may be an adult, youth or organization and be a resident of or working in the Madison Metropolitan area whose work has impacted the City of Madison. They must be or been actively involved or providing leadership in grassroots-type effort(s) that is/are related to civil or human rights. Recipients may not have been recognized for their involvement for this particular effort or program within the last two-year. Nominee(s) must have demonstrated a long-term commitment to civil or human rights in the Madison community or elsewhere as well as a commitment and dedication to treating people with respect and dignity. The deadline for nominations is Friday, June 27, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. Past recipients include: Jacqueline Wright, 1996; Dr. Richard H. Harris, 1997; Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson; 1998; Helen Vukelich, 1999; Anthony “Nino” Amato, 2000; John Noreika, Sr., 2001; Dr. John Y. Odom, 2002; Peter Muńoz, 2003; Earnestine Moss, 2004; Jonathan “Jon” Gramling, 2005; Agnes Gutierrez Cammer, 2006 and Jeffery Erlanger, 2007.

Visit our website at www.cityofmadison.com/dcr for additional information.

Read more!

Was your property damaged in the flooding?

The City wants to know!

Private Property Storm Damage

The City of Madison is collecting private property storm-related damage in the event FEMA assistance becomes available to our area.

Report Private Property Storm Damage to City here. Read more!

Homeless Advocacy - Washed Away

When I went to lunch yesterday there was a huge chalk message outside of the City County Building. When I came back, it was gone.

I wish I had been quick enough to snap a picture. The chalking was directed at Mayor Dave and the person who did it (Ed K. signed his name and left his phone number) was upset with the Mayor for not supporting the homeless and I think because the person didn't get a phone call. The message asked why the Mayor was cruel to the homeless. From reading the message, I wasn't sure which issue related to the homeless the person was upset about. (There's so many . . . random dna testing of arrested "transients", the sweep of the homeless after the Brittany Zimmerman murder, the attempt to remove people from various parks, the "banned" lists, the Truman Olson issue, the downtown "crack down" supported by DMI and the Mayor, last year's budget votes, 3 incidents I that I'm hoping lawsuits get filed over or who knows what else, its hard to keep track of. Which reminds me, with all those arrests of the homeless/"transients", why have none of them been charged with murder?)

Anyways, back to the chalking. I had gone to meet my board president at 1 W Wilson and we noticed it around noon. We ran into someone from the Mayor's office on the way to lunch who hadn't yet seen it. By the time I came back at for a meeting at 2:00, the chalking was gone.

It was an interesting way to get your message across. And it made me really curious which issue made the person so mad that they spent that time leaving the message for Mayor Dave.

Meanwhile, across the street, the CDA subcommittee was busy deciding that the Truman Olson (Park Street) site should not be used for the homeless but instead should be used for economic development. The proposal is short on information. Most of it literally missing from the materials to be voted on, but the theory goes that they will buy the land from the Army (instead of the Army giving it to Porchlight for FREE), also buy another piece of land elsewhere in the City of Madison to give to Porchlight, and then buy more property for Goodwill, and then somehow the City will take the Truman Olson property and make money on the deal or at least break even. It doesn't make any sense to me. And without any details, it seems crazy. The Council will be voting on it on July 15th and they'd better have more details (a budget?) by then! Read more!

The Week Ahead

It's Monday again . . . looks like it will be a nice day!

Monday, June 23, 2008
12:00 PM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE ROOM LL-130 MMB

• Truman Olson Including their official excuse for why they want to buy the site instead of having it be given to a non-profit that works with the homeless.
  
• Lakepointe (no link)
  
• Villager (no link)
  

2:00 PM CCOC SUBCOMMITTEE TO REVIEW CITY HIRING PRACTICES AND POLICIES ROOM 417 CCB

• We're getting close to finishing our recommendations.
  

4:30 PM BOARD OF ESTIMATES ROOM 310 - CCB

• Finally signing a contract for Fair Housing Services - for 2007.
• Moving Administrative Office for Madison Metro (and paying more?)
• Approving the Long Range Metro Plan

Tuesday, June 24, 2008
3:00 PM JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PUBLIC HEARING 809 S. THOMPSON, EAST DISTRICT POLICE STATION

• Police department to spend money on drug rehab, prevention and education . . . just kidding. Narcotic and Drug Task Force, new equipment (what? I don't know.), drug court and victim/witness program.
  

5:00 PM DOWNTOWN PLAN PUBLIC MEETING 211 STATE STREET, WISCONSIN STUDIO

• Visitors and Tourists
• Recreation, Culture & Entertainment
  

5:00 PM PEDESTRIAN/BICYCLE/MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION ROOM LL-110 MMB

• Junction Rd/Mineral Point
• Street sweeping program
• Two-way W Gilman
  

Wednesday, June 25, 2008
8:00 AM EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION BOARD ROOM LL-120 MMB

• Making recommendations for funding for the next two years
  

5:00 PM DOWNTOWN PLAN PUBLIC MEETING 211 STATE STREET, WISCONSIN STUDIO

• Moving Around
  
• Downtown Working and Business
  

5:35 PM COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION 119 E OLIN AVE

• Making recommendations for funding for programs for the next two years.
  

Thursday, June 26, 2008
12:00 PM HOUSING AFFORDABILITY SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE HOUSING COMMITTEE ROOM LL-130 MMB

• Working on recommendations for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
  

5:00 PM DOWNTOWN PLAN PUBLIC MEETING 211 STATE STREET, WISCONSIN STUDIO

• Downtown Living
• Sense of Place(s)
  

5:30 PM JAMES MADISON PARK PROPERTY PLANNING COMMITTEE ROOM 108 CCB

• Public Hearing on what should happen to the houses in the park.
  

5:35 PM COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION 119 E OLIN AVE

• More funding decisions.
  

Friday, June 27, 2008
It's not on the schedule yet, but Friday the Inclusionary Zoning Oversight Committee is working towards its final recommendations. It's a four hour meeting! Since we haven't voted to repeal or sunset, we are working on recommendations to improve the ordinance. Hopefully at some point this week I'll be able to post some of the info on where we are at.
Read more!

Inclusionary Zoning Recommendations

The Mayor asked the Inclusionary Zoning Committee to come up with recommendations for the Inclusionary Zoning Program. Today, the committee will begin the discussion about final recommendations. Here's my very rough (and sleepless) draft of some potential changes and they are likely to be modified, added to or some may be eliminated. Hopefully we will come up with a final package in the next few weeks.

STAFF OFFSET NEGOTIATIONS

The Mayor should have staff meet when negotiating staff offsets with developers. One staff person should be lead to negotiate on behalf of the City and be instructed to place a priority on creating affordable housing with offsets provided from various departments including Fire, Parks, Engineering, Planning and other departments as appropriate.

The lead negotiator for the City should encourage a discussion about the use of MGO 28.04(26)(d)2.p. which allows offsets for “Other offsets specific to the development”.

IZ UNIT PRICING

Re-evaluate the formula that links the number of the people in a household to the price of home they can purchase. Consider requiring the family size to match the number of bedrooms in the home that is purchased.

Analyze the AMI levels that are targeted and compare it to current lending practices and available housing stock and consider either lowering or raising the targeted AMI levels as appropriate.

CONSIDER FEWER UNITS AT LOWER INCOME TARGETS

Consider lowering the 15% of the units requirement for Inclusionary Zoning Units in exchange for targeting lower income households.

MARKETING
Have the City income qualify the list of potential home owners who qualify for Inclusionary Dwelling Units.

Remove the bump out period to eliminate generally acknowledged games played during the marketing of the inclusionary zoning units.

Have the City Market the units.

Have the City purchase the Inclusionary Zoning units when the units are available for occupancy.

OFFSETS and WAIVER

Remove the offsets and waiver analysis and in exchange lower the 15% requirement to 10%, but make it mandatory.

Evaluate if the offset model formulas are giving us the results we had anticipated.

SERVICES

Provide housing counseling services to first time homebuyers.

Consider hiring buyer agents to deal with additional costs that developers try to charge for amenities (parking, storage) that are included in the sales of other housing units.

The City of Madison should participate more actively in 1^st time homebuyers roundtable and proactively market the Inclusionary Zoning Program.

The City of Madison should educate professionals in the real estate and banking industry, correcting the many myths and focusing on changes to the ordinance.

MARKET ADJUSTMENTS

Develop a mechanism to adjust for changes in the market measured at the time the units are being built, as opposed to the time when the units are approved.

PAYMENTS IN LIEU

Any payments made in lieu of the creating units should cover the at least 80% of the cost to create an additional unit.

NAME CHANGE

Consider changing the name of the program and re-brand the program since improvements were made but many still think that the previous flaws in the program still exist.

Read more!

PFC: Wasted Time and Paper

Since I have a bit of an environmental theme going with my three previous posts this morning, let me tell you a little story about an exercise in the ridiculous and a wasted ream of paper - and the time of two or three City Staff people.

You know me, I ask questions. I like to find information on-line. Recently, I had heard a certain police officer I am not fond of was getting promoted. I wanted to look into it. So, I went and looked in legistar to find the recent minutes and agendas to see if I could see if this rumor was true. However, the Police and Fire Commission minutes were not in legistar.

My next thought was to try the "Notice of Additional Meetings" (click link at top of page) since the staff person/attorney for the Police and Fire Commission is not a city staff person and they might not have access to the programs to put information into legistar. I found two extremely uninformative (illegal?) agendas about what they may discuss that were incredibly similar, no minutes.

Then, I checked the City of Madison website to see if I could find information about the Police and Fire Commission. Nothing. All I found was a list of people on the committee and a sample of their decisions (not a comprehensive listing).

So, I called the clerk's office. I asked where I could find the agendas and minutes of the meetings. After some looking around and trying to figure out why the information wasn't on-line, they looked for paper. It was hit and miss available on paper but incomplete.

Then, I called the Council Office Staff, and asked Debbie to hunt it down for me. Not knowing what I would find, I asked for the minutes and agendas from the first of the year til now.

After being frustrated, I emailed the city's web guru (yay Sarah!) and the City Attorney and inquired about why this information wasn't available on-line or in the clerk's office and how that agenda could be so vague. I found out that this was an issue about a year ago, memos were exchanged and nothing changed.

So, after two trips to city hall by the attorney for the Police and Fire Commission, a few heated words (not by me!) about why the staff wouldn't say what I was looking for (they didn't know), and some ruffled feathers that I dared to ask for information that is supposed to be available to the public, I received the information I wanted to look at. An entire ream of double sided paper. What a freaking waste! Of time and paper.

More to come, I'm certain.
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Our Shorelands

The deadline to comment on the plan has been extended!. Supervisor Barbara Vedder passed this along:

The deadline for sending comments regarding the draft Dane County Shoreland and Riparian Management Plan has been extended to Monday, July 14, 2008.

The draft plan is located here.

Please send any comments you still have concerning the plan to Brian Standing, Senior Planner with Dane County Planning and Development and project director at:
Brian Standing, (608) 267-4115, standing@co.dane.wi.us.us

Read more!

Save Water, Save Energy

Here's some tips on how to do it . . . stolen from the Mpowering Madison Update:

According to city statistics for 2003, the Madison water utility used over twice as much electricity as the next-most consumptive department (Traffic Engineering - including streetlights) and 3 times more than the average of all other departments. Why is water use so expensive in terms of electricity? Madison's water source is an aquifer with wells between 700 and 1100 feet in depth. Electricity powers pumps at the wells, pulling the water up from the aquifer and pumping it to storage facilities and then to the water main pipes and connects smaller water service line pipes to homes and businesses. Why should we worry about conserving water? Besides reducing carbon emissions from the large pumping and heating needs of water, water is a limited resource – less than 1% of the Earth's water is available for human use. Learn more about Madison Water Utility's effort to develop a comprehensive water conservation program for the city. My Water allows you to check past water usage and sign up for electronic (paperless) bills!
Summer Saving Water Tip: water the lawn only when needed. Step on the grass; if it springs back up when you move your foot, it does not need water.

We know it is hard to imagine watering anything right now - but Madison's aquifers are a limited resource and later in the summer sprinklers will be removed from storage.

Find out more about outdoor water conservation tips.

Read more!

Mosquitos

Another problem with all this flooding . . . Here's the info from Public Health:

PUBLIC HEALTH MOSQUITO REMINDERS
Heavy Rains and Floods Create Ideal Conditions for Breeding

The recent heavy rains and flooding have created ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed in large numbers. This is important because of the risk of West Nile Virus, which is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Although few mosquitoes actually carry the virus, it is always a good idea to minimize your exposure to mosquito bites. Here are a few tips:

• Avoid being outside during times of high mosquito activity, specifically around dawn and dusk
• Use effective mosquito repellant and apply according to the label instructions
• Keep window screens repaired so mosquitoes cannot enter your home
• Dispose of discarded tires, cans or plastic containers left outside that may contain standing water
• Turn over plastic wading pools, hot tub covers, wheel barrows, boats and canoes when not in use
• Keep drains, ditches and culverts clean of trash and weeds so water will drain properly
• Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure they drain properly
• Change the water in bird baths, pet dishes and wading pools every 3-4 days
• Trim tall grass, weeds and vines since mosquitoes use these places to rest during hot daylight hours
• Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas
  

Even though there are many large open pools and puddles of water left from the flooding, the issue of water that may have collected in small containers is still of serious concern. The mosquito most likely to carry West Nile virus prefers to breed in the polluted stagnant water in these small containers, so making an effort to empty these containers is highly recommended, even if there is lots of open water on your property.

For more information on mosquitoes and health see here or here.

For information on flood-related health issues see here.

This release has been posted on line here.
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Council Recap

Here's the recap of the meeting that I didn't really tell you about yesterday! (Sorry.) And the meeting that nearly wasn't. The Mayor, the City Attorney and Alders Cnare, Compton and Clear were all missing, making it difficult to do a few things.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
At 5:00 we had a presentation and discussion of the latest (6/19) draft of the Economic Development Plan, which we were handed at the meeting. Alders Brandon, Rummel, Konkel, Schumacher, Clausius, Rhodes-Conway, Gruber, Webber, Kerr and later Judge all attended. 10 of the 16 or 17 alders in town. Alder Pham-Remmele was spotted going to the Chophouse for dinner with her husband instead of attending the meeting. We were joined by members of the public and Economic Development Commission (Sue Gleason, Ed Clarke and Vicky Selkowe). Unfortunately, because we were just handed it, it was hard to have a discussion about the content. Admittedly, it was pretty much the same as in the past, but the formatting was all new and it was somewhat confusing. I think we all agreed tho, that the new format was much preferable than previous drafts of the report. I think we also all agreed that most of us found alot to like in in it and a few things we probably each don't like so much. Concerns of the alders were that too many things were high priorities to be done in 2009, while we all want to create jobs it is not clear what kind of jobs they are (high tech? career ladder? mid-level? etc.), even tho we will be adopting the plan it will only be implemented piecemeal as various alders or the mayor make the plan a priority and many of the things are in progress and perhaps not progressing the way it is in the plan. We were all urged to give the Economic Development Commission our feedback . . . but when I asked, twice, how they wanted that feedback, the answer was not clear.

PASSING OVER 100 ITEMS IN ONE MOTION
After about an hour, we took a break and the council meeting started at approximately 6:30. In addition to the above mentioned people who were absent, Alder Solomon was also late as he was trying to get back to Madison from Milwaukee. With Alder Bruer, or Mr. President, in the chair we all congratulated him as it was his birthday. We did some of our preliminary motions and went quickly to the consent agenda. In one motion, we passed over 100 items including fines for graffiti on "movable objects", allowing ourselves and the mayor to turn back our salaries, reconfiguring funding for Breese Stevens and making improvements so the WIAA soccer tournaments will come back and project for the Garver Feed Mill - and so much more.

SEPARATED ITEMS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
The items that we didn't pass in the first 10 minutes of the meeting were:

Alcohol Licenses (some in the beginning of the agenda, some on the addendum) - Retail Licenses in Alder Verveer's and Judge's districts had restriction put on them. The restrictions prohibited the following sales: 1) No sale of beer or fermented malt beverages in less than a 6-pack of 12-ounce cans or bottles. This is not applicable to imported or microbrew beers. 2) No sale of fortified wines in any package size. 3) No sale of liquor in bottles of 200 ml or less. The licenses in Alder Rummel's, Kerr's and my district did not have these same restrictions, even tho we are all in the downtown area. We did not add them, with the promise from Alder Schumacher, which I'm sure other alders have promised before, that we would find a way to have a city-wide ordinance. Once again, we took the leap of faith.

BIZARRO MOMENT NUMBER ONE: Did Ron Tractenberg actually call Alder Mike Verveer a "sissy" or "wimpy", accuse him of not listening or failing to comprehend what they were saying, accuse Alder Verveer and the police department using "threats" and of using "strong arm tactics", claim that cheap alcohol was not marketed to alcoholics, that Alder Verveer only did this for "re-election brochures", and the police department refused to get back to him. And did he follow all of that up with this gem that communication is a "two way street". No wonder people don't want to communicate with him. That was the most obnoxious thing I've heard on the council floor in quite some time. Who hires this guy? Obviously, he better go back and read the book on How to Win Friends and Influence People, cuz he has some work to do! He offended people across the political spectrum with his lunatic ranting.

31 S. Henry (#21) - Passed without comment.

Emerging Neighborhood Funds (#46) - This is the so-called "slush fund" that we've tried to rehabilitate and put some process to, but still seems broken in most people's minds. The fund has $200,000 in it and $44,315 we made commitments to last year. There was $24,000 or so that was held back and the rest was allocated to project we voted on last night. We heard from the public (David Glomp) and Alder Thuy on how they needed $10,000 for their neighborhood watch. As Alder Rhodes-Conway pushed Glomp to tell her what they needed for we discovered that these 4 neighborhood watches already existed and that they needed $2,500 for each for "software" because they were not on the same listserves and to communicate with the police department and to print brochures. I'm not kidding.

We also discovered that even though the 40 or so applications were scored, some of the higher scoring projects did not get funded. Some of it was because it was determined that the projects would be better funded through the Office of Community Services process - where the applications were due earlier this month and its not clear if those agencies were instructed to apply for these projects or if there will be additional money to fund them.

BIZZARO MOMENT NUMBER TWO - So, the neighborhood watch issue was strange enough . . . but after alot of whining from Alder Thuy about how her neighborhood groups don't have a meeting space and have to meet in a church (isn't that true for many neighborhood associations?), and how she was the ONE who voted to double this fund from $100,000 to $200,000 and the fact that her district (1 of 20 or 5% of the city) got 36% of the funding and the southwest side of Madison got $70,000 - $80,000 of the approximately $130,000 of funding and that she was on the committee but the process was too rushed. She voted AGAINST the funding. Which momentarily stunned Alder Rummel. I jokingly said "Konkel changes her vote to "no"", but I think some are seriously thinking about reconsidering this decision. Heck, I'm seriously considering it! She gets the most money for her district and still isn't satisfied?

The roll call vote was AYE: Bruer, Gruber, Judge, Kerr, Konkel, Palm, Rhodes-Conway, Rummel, Sanborn, Solomon, Verveer and Webber.
NO: Brandon, Clausius, Pham-Remmele, Schumacher, Skidmore
ABSENT: Clear, Cnare, Compton

Decreasing the fine for fireworks (#77) - Alder Cnare wanted to change the fine for fireworks from $300, to $150 for first time offenses. I really object to this. It seems they rarely catch the folks downtown who love to set off the year round fireworks and if they finally catch them, I say fine 'em. Since Alder Cnare wasn't there, we referred this item to July 15th, when I will be there.

Bus Wraps (#83) - Also referred. Given the large number of absences, we referred it to avoid reconsideration at the next meeting. This item should come back on July 1st.

Renewing contract for 911 Services (#87) - We did some non-controversial clean up of the language and asked them to renew the contract for no more than 2 6-month periods of time.

Report on Gender, Race and Disabilities and our Committee Appointments (#88) - Since these are the mayor's appointments, we referred it until the Mayor was there. This item will be discussed on July 15th.)

After that, we went to the Great Dane . . . to celebrate the birthday of Mr. President, without the "B Team" city attorney that sat on the bench the whole time! :P Those joining us were Judge, Rhodes-Conway, Webber, Konkel, Solomon, Kerr, Bruer, Schumacher, Rummel, Verveer (and his entourage - Roie and Rolf) and Tammy from the Clerk's Office!

(Sorry, no time for links, the agenda is here.)
Read more!

Bad Blogger.

Sorry, personal and work issues got in the way . . . no council agenda update this week. My bad. Meanwhile, Vikki pretty much covered it here. We have the "B team" with attorney May and the Mayor gone. Also missing from the meeting are Compton, Clear and Cnare - so 11 votes might be hard to get on anything controversial. Be back tomorrow, with the update on what happened. Read more!

The Week Ahead

Here it is . . .

Monday, June 16, 2008
4:00 PM TAX INCREMENTAL FINANCING POLICY AD HOC COMMITTEE ROOM LL-110 MMB

• Final or near final recommendations for a new TIF policy document.
  

5:30 PM PLAN COMMISSION ROOM 201 CCB

• Truax Apartment presentation
• Reviewing final language for the motel at 1501 Monroe
• Regent St/South Campus Neighborhood Plan
• Greenbush Neighborhood Plan
• Allied Drive plan and demolition
• Hilldale - revising PUD-SIP and plat
  

6:30 PM CENTRAL LIBRARY DISPOSAL SURPLUS PROPERTY CRITERIA AND SELECTION COMMITTEE and MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD 201 W MIFFLIN ST - ROOM 202

• Public Input
• Terms and conditions for an RFP (Request for Proposals) for a new downtown library
  

Tuesday, June 17, 2008
5:00 PM COMMON COUNCIL - DISCUSSION ROOM 201 CCB

• Update on Economic Development Plan
  

6:30 PM COMMON COUNCIL ROOM 201 CCB

• Check back tomorrow for a run down of what might be of interest
  

Wednesday, June 18, 2008
4:30 PM URBAN DESIGN COMMISSION ROOM LL-110 MMB

• Villager Mall
• Sequoya Commons
• South Campus Union Redevelopment
  

5:30 PM ALCOHOL LICENSE REVIEW COMMITTEE ROOM 201 CCB

• Revocation Hearing for Quintons
  

Thursday, June 19, 2008
?? - I didn't find anything of interest.

The rest of the week ahead is here. And its always best to check back, because things like the Inclusionary Zoning meeting, on Friday morning a 8:00 isn't on there yet. Read more!

CDA giving it away!

No kidding! Apparently, they have money to spare! Yet another meeting I should have gone to, but instead chose to stay at work. I wish I would have heard this conversation!

This is near irresponsible. Tho, on the other hand, since they don't really have a budget for their redevelopment activities, I suppose maybe they don't realize what dire straits they are in . . . or are they just counting on the Council/taxpayer to keep giving them their cash? When does the Bank of the City of Madison close? They do realize that they're not playing with monopoly money, don't they? Read more!

No Loitering in Parks!

Another Park: More Rules, More Cameras.

I meant to go to the Parks meeting on Wednesday, but was working and ran out of time and energy. Looks like they had a discussion about more rules for Penn Park. Here's the Cap Times article on the meeting. After reading it, I wish I had gone to hear the discussion.

The issue that caught my eye - which I hope is just bad reporting/editing - but fear that it is not. Comes in the third paragraph:

Bradley Wilson said the majority of calls to the park stem from loiterers in the late afternoon and evening . . .

I thought at first I must be missing something, so I looked up the definition:

loi·ter (loi'tər)
v. loi·tered, loi·ter·ing, loi·ters

1. To stand idly about; linger aimlessly.
2. To proceed slowly or with many stops: loitered all the way home.
3. To delay or dawdle: loiter over a task.

Um . . . aren't parks meant for loitering. How can you tell the difference between someone who is loitering, and someone who is using the park in a "legitimate" way? Must one be actively engaged in a sporting event or activity in order to not be loitering? If someone is sitting on a bench, how can you tell if they are loitering or enjoying the park? When you're done with your picnic, must you immediately pack up and leave?

Manny asks another good question:

Some board members expressed concern that additional policing would discourage those using the park legitimately. Board member Emanuel Scarborough highlighted the diversity of south Madison, saying that it often brings in people who feel more comfortable there than in their less-diverse neighborhoods.

"How do we isolate those individuals that come there for ill will from who come because they are comfortable around people like them?" asked Scarborough.

Seriously? Loitering? In a park? The police actually show up when someone calls about this? On any given sunny day in the summer, I'm sure we would find many, many people loitering in our parks - should we call the police? Are we in danger? Read more!

Air Quality: Who Cares?

Well, if the warnings are correct - the business community may care! As well as the taxpayers. If the warnings the were sent out with plans for Clean air action days come true, more regulations for businesses and costs to taxpayers are a very real possibility. Here's the description of what could happen:

. . . over the next couple of years, there is still a very real possibility that the City of Madison and Dane County could find themselves in non-attainment for ozone. If that were to happen there would be significant additional environmental regulations for businesses, industry and government which could hamper economic growth and also cost taxpayers. The best course of action is to aggressively administer voluntary measures that keep the County out of non-attainment.

Voluntary. Are we doomed? Or will the community help make sure this doesn't happen? Read more!

Big Brother is Watching You!

Those are the words of the Wisconsin State Journal, not me.

Seriously, the City of Madison is watching you. In 2003 we did a survey of our departments to find out who was using cameras and who wasn't. At the time, the City ATtorney wrote a policy for us, the council passed a report and the Mayor authorized us to write an APM (Administrative Procedures Memorandum), but it never happened.

In cleaning up a few things, I ran across this folder and decided that we should pass a resolution making the policy from 2003 applicable. I thought it was important that the various agencies get their policies in writing and available in the Clerk's Office. In preparation for this resolution, I also had the 2003 survey repeated. Here's some of the results.

Agencies that answered that they don't have cameras:

• Affirmative Action - may want cameras in the future for individuals who "have demonstrated behavior that is of concern".
• City Attorney
• Common Council
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
• Community Services
• Comptroller
• Equal Opportunities Commission
• Human Resources
• Inspection Unit (Neighborhood Preservation & Services)
• Madison City Channel
• Madison Senior Center
• Mayor's Office
• Municipal Court
• Organizational Training and Development
• Parking Utility
• Planning
• Public Health
• Engineering - was considering getting them in 2003, but not now.
  
• Information Services - was considering getting them in 2003, but not now.
• Library - is looking at having cameras in the new Downtown Public Library.
  

Agencies that didn't have cameras in 2003 that now do:

• Motor Equipment
• Police
• Water Utility

Agencies that had cameras in 2003, and still do.

• Fire - Ok, this one is weird. In 2003 the Fire Department said they had security cameras in place, but they did not provide answers about how many, location, use, viewing procedures, etc. Now, they say they don't have any cameras in place. This will require some follow up.
• Housing Operations
  
• Has three fixed cameras, 2 mobile cameras. This is the same as 2003.
  
• Employees and public are made aware of the cameras and they are in plain view.
  
• They do not have a written policy about camera use in place.
• Overture Center
  
• Had 11 cameras in 2003, they will not disclose how many they have now. Their standard answer to most questions was "Per recent training, I have been trained not to disclose security camera locations."
  
• In 2003 employees were notified of the cameras, now they are not. Citizens were not made aware of them in 2003 and are not now made aware.
  
• They do not have a written policy in place.
• Madison Metro
  
• Had 4 cameras in fixed locations in 2003, now they have 33. They had 2 on buses in 2003, now they have 168.
• Employees and citizens are made aware of the cameras. Citizens were not made aware in 2003.
• They do not have a written policy in place.
• Monona Terrace
• Had 25 cameras in fixed locations in 2003 and have not added any.
• Employees are made aware of the cameras, citizens are only made aware if they ask. However, the cameras are visible.
• They did not have a camera police in place in 2003, but they have one now.
• Parks - Ice Arenas
  
• Had three cameras in fixed locations in 2003 and have not added more, in fact, they were sold with the Ice Arenas.
• Parks - Warner Park
• Had 8 cameras in fixed locations in 2003 and still do.
• Employees and citizens are made aware of the cameras
• They do not have a written policy in place.
• Revenue
• Had 3 cameras, still have three cameras
• Some employees were notified in 2003, now all are. Citizens are not made aware of them.
• They do not have a written policy in place.
• Streets
• Had 11 camceras in fixed locations 2003, 26 have been added to the recycling trucks.
• Employees and citizens are made aware of the cameras.
• They do not have a written policy in place.
• Traffic Engineering
• They have 5 fixed cameras and 1 mobile one, same as 2003
• Employees are aware, citizens are not made aware.
  
• They do have a written policy in place.
• Fleet Services
• Has one camera, same as 2003, but they are installing new cameras in 2008.
  
• Employees are notified, citizens are not.
• They do not have a written policy in place.
• Their answers were odd in that they had many "unknown at this time" answers regarding items like, how long are the tapes kept, who has access to them, are the tapes disposed of, etc.
• Police
• 8 fixed cameras, 2 mobile cameras. They did not answer the survey in 2003, but the 8 cameras are new. And at the end they added that all police stations will have cameras for interrogations at all police stations and all of the marked cars and some of the unmarked cars have cameras as well.
  
• Employees and citizens are made aware of the cameras. (Do you think that's true? Are people walking up and down State St. made aware of the cameras?)
• They do have a written policy in place.
• Water Utility
• 65 cameras in 32 different locations. They did not answer the survey in 2003, but I believe these cameras are all new.
• Employees and Citizens are made aware of the cameras.
• They do not have a written policy in place.
• Golf Courses
• They have cameras at two golf courses, but that is the only information we have.
  

Of course, the Brittingham cameras are not in place yet, so they did not show up on the survey.

Why is this all important? I think the summary by the City Attorney below describes it best:

Video Surveillance by City agencies potentially implicates individual privacy rights. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. Article 1, Section 11 of the Wisconsin Constitution provides similar protections. Video surveillance will not implicate privacy rights if it is conducted in a forum in which an individual has no reasonable expectation of privacy. Determination of whether an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy is a two-prong test: (1) A subjective expectation of privacy must be held by the individual; and (2) this privacy interest must be objectively recognized by society.

Of course, without the information in the survey, we won't know if this test is being met, which is why written policies are important.

Interested in this issue? More information from 2003 and now is available here. Read more!