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!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
First Snow Update of the Year!!!
Here it is, along with information on how to get your own!!!
Here's the info on how to get updates about the snow and parking rules! And everything else you need to know about winter in Madison. Read more!
NO SNOW EMERGENCY!
We received our first measurable snow of the season during the overnight hours. It is a wet and heavy snow that is very slippery. We received about 1.5" of snow during the overnight hours. This amount of snow does not warrant a Snow Emergency declaration and does not warrant us plowing all City streets.
We have had 30 salt trucks on the road since early morning and we will continue to salt our main streets, arterials and connector streets until they are clear. After that is completed, we will then begin our sanding operations on hills, intersections and curves of our non-salted residential streets.
Here's the info on how to get updates about the snow and parking rules! And everything else you need to know about winter in Madison. Read more!
The Thanksgiving Mini-Week Ahead
A few items of interest this week. Makes you wonder tho, who scheduled public hearings for this week? Makes you think they didn't want people to show up.
Monday, November 24, 2008
4:30 PM BOARD OF ESTIMATES ROOM 260 MMB
- 32 items, mostly miscellaneous clean up items.
- Why would they go into closed session for this item?
- 229 Westlawn - New building crammed into an already dense area crowding a landmark building.
- More discussion on what to do with people who do work on, and sometime destroy, landmarks without authorization.
6:00 PM TRANSIT AND PARKING COMMISSION MONONA TERRACE, 1 JOHN NOLEN DR, ROOMS K THRU Q
- Hearing on Fare increases
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
4:00 PM DISCUSSION OF SUSTAINABILITY IN ZONING CODE ROOM 300 MMB
- The title says it all.
Enjoy the short week! Have a good Thanksgiving. Read more!
Monday, November 24, 2008
4:30 PM BOARD OF ESTIMATES ROOM 260 MMB
- 32 items, mostly miscellaneous clean up items.
- Why would they go into closed session for this item?
Amending the 2008 Capital Budget of Engineering-Other to Increase the Budget Authority of Bikeways (Project 7) by $631,000.4:45 PM LANDMARKS COMMISSION ROOM LL-130 MMB
- 229 Westlawn - New building crammed into an already dense area crowding a landmark building.
- More discussion on what to do with people who do work on, and sometime destroy, landmarks without authorization.
6:00 PM TRANSIT AND PARKING COMMISSION MONONA TERRACE, 1 JOHN NOLEN DR, ROOMS K THRU Q
- Hearing on Fare increases
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
4:00 PM DISCUSSION OF SUSTAINABILITY IN ZONING CODE ROOM 300 MMB
- The title says it all.
Enjoy the short week! Have a good Thanksgiving. Read more!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Bus Fare Increase and Public Hearing
Monday is the big day for Madison Metro. Will they raise the fares and make those with the least among us pay the price? Will they find a way to cut costs so they don't need to raise the fares? Will they find a way to not raise the cash fares that the lowest income people tend to pay, but instead raise other fares?
More details of the challenges facing this citizen committee are detailed here. Will they be kicked off the Transit and Parking Commission if the Mayor is displeased with their ultimate decision? Would the Council stand up to the Mayor and prevent that from happening? How will this affect spring elections?
The questions are many, the big decision starts Monday. If you ride the bus, they need to hear from you!! Info about the protest and the hearing are below.
PROTEST
Hearing info is here.
Their decision will actually be made at their December meeting. Read more!
More details of the challenges facing this citizen committee are detailed here. Will they be kicked off the Transit and Parking Commission if the Mayor is displeased with their ultimate decision? Would the Council stand up to the Mayor and prevent that from happening? How will this affect spring elections?
The questions are many, the big decision starts Monday. If you ride the bus, they need to hear from you!! Info about the protest and the hearing are below.
PROTEST
Protest the Bus Fare Increase
RALLY
Monona Terrace Walkway
Monday, November 24th
5:30pm
“Buses for the People!”
“Affordable Transit for All!”
Public Hearing begins at 6:00pm
City Transit & Parking Commission
Sponsored by the Madison Area Bus Advocates
Questions: 242-9232
Hearing info is here.
Monday, November 24; 6:00 PM
Monona Terrace; Rooms KLMOPQ
On Monday, November 24, Metro Transit and the City of Madison Transit and Parking Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed fare increases to tentatively go into effect in March 2009.
Their decision will actually be made at their December meeting. Read more!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Common Council Recap (less than 1.5 hours)
Short meeting.
PETER TALEN FIRE ALARM ORDINANCE
We started off with something I don't think I've ever seen - one of the items on the agenda was the new fire alarm ordinance. It was the one year anniversary of when Peter Talen was killed in a fire downtown and Alder Verveer is going to name the ordinance after Peter and we had his family and the roommates who were injured in the fire honored and we heard some comments from them. Myself and Skidmore are also sponsors. Judy Compton asked to be added as a sponsor. Then, Alder Bruer tried to get the entire council to sign on as sponsors, but was shot down, with reason. Most people haven't even read it yet due to the fact that it was just being introduced. Hopefully, the Apartment Association will even end up in support - or at least not opposing.
THANK YOU CLERK'S OFFICE
We had an honoring resolution for the Clerk's Office and all the work they did during the election. Really, its not enough. They deserve so much credit for the valiant efforts during those few weeks of long, long lines.
MASS CONFUSION
You'd think we'd never done this before. We had a series of mess ups in trying to make our consent agenda. Alder Bruer was reading the wrong thing, got some numbers wrong, I goofed on a number and the chaos ensued, but we got ourselves straightened out, passing everything on the agenda except a few items. In the middle of all the confusion, the downtown multi-modal transportation plan was place on file (on purpose!) and we're regrouping and starting over.
APPOINTMENTS
Were tabled, until we passed the committee that we were creating for which many of the appointments were.
ALLIED DRIVE DEMOLITION
We approved contracting with the State for demolishing a building that will be in the way when the Verona Rd. redo is done. The building was in foreclosure, the State bought it and now it is being demolished. Seemed to make sense, so it passed unanimously.
AD HOC HOUSING MERGER COMMITTEE
There were multiple issues here.
Alder Rummel worked on the two big ones. First of all, the merger is highly unlikely due to the legal gynmnastics that we'd have to go through.
Second, this is where the Mayor is trying to look at spending the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for the City of Madison, outside the City. Marsha tried to ask the City Attorney some questions about how that would work, for some reason, he wasn't prepared, even though she gave him a heads up. So, the Mayor, "who isn't an attorney, but sits next to one" helped answer the questions.
Next problem, We deleted the language that said this committee would work on a regional housing plan. They are only working on the housing merger aspect. The Realtors were concerned that they weren't on this committee - which wasn't my concern, but it made a nice little alliance.
Next problem, the mayor tried to appoint the co-chairs, but we have a rule that alders can't be co-chairs, so Alder Bruer can't co-chair with Judy Wilcox. Rookie mistake with a seasoned mayor.
Next problem, several committee members put down their work addresses not home addresses. This means that some people who should have to have a 2/3 vote because they live outside of the city, were allowed to get appointed with a simple majority vote. Clearly, we need someone working on that issue.
Eventually it passed, but I feel sorry for the excellent group of people who are being assembled to do nothing productive.
VERIDIAN IZ PLAN FOR 1000 OAKS
After alot of memos flying back and forth, the council unanimously came to the conclusion that the decision of the plan commission, after receiving additional informaiton from staff and the developer should be overturned. It was quite simple - except . . . Judy Compton tried to . . . well, I'm not sure what she tried to do.
First, she tried to make a motion to ignore our ordinance and not make Veridian pay a tiny amount of money ($21,000 in a $100,000,000 project) and do one IZ home (out of over 300). The city attorney told her, more than once, that his advice was to follow the laws that are in place. So, she withdrew her motion.
Next, she tried to make a motion to have them do 2 IZ units and pay no money. I asked the "lobbyist" from Veridian (his words, not mine) to tell us why that might not be such a good idea (i.e. it would cost them more in the long run). So, she withdrew that motion too.
Next, (third time is the charm), she tried to make another motion - which the City Attorney had to make for her - to allow the developer to have the choice of the first two motions and to work it out with staff. Thankfully, that put us out of our misery and we finally moved on.
BUSSES
So, the Park and Ride at Swiss Colony just didn't work out, so we're spending that money to help us buy 20 busses. None of them hybrids.
AD HOC HOUSING DIVERSITY PLANNING COMMITTEE
A dumb idea, if you ask me. But, I'm going to play along. So, 5 alders and two yet to be named people, are supposed to come up with housing solutions. I asked why we'd put a bunch of unqualified people on a committee to do this when we have a committee of experts on the housing committee, or inclusionary zoning committee or even the new merger committee we just created. I think the answer was, this is what the realtors want. I then asked, who was volunteering to be on the committee. The only takers, Judy Compton and Michael Schumacher. It's presumed I will be on the committee, but we need to twist the arms of two more people. Personally, it sounds like hell and a waste of time - but, like I said, I'll play along. It's nice to see the Realtors trying to be productive - but we all know their answer is going to be a third city downpayment program. The REALTORS committee passed unanimously, I can't wait to see who gets appointed.
We then took the appointments of the Merger Committee off the table and passed those unanimously.
Afterwards, some of us went out - but the crowd was a little thin compared to usual. And I staged a sit in - and tortured Bruer for as long as I could over this, but eventually, my bladder won and he was released. But I talked him into another drink to get him to explain himself. He was . . . uncharacteristically . . . quiet.s Read more!
PETER TALEN FIRE ALARM ORDINANCE
We started off with something I don't think I've ever seen - one of the items on the agenda was the new fire alarm ordinance. It was the one year anniversary of when Peter Talen was killed in a fire downtown and Alder Verveer is going to name the ordinance after Peter and we had his family and the roommates who were injured in the fire honored and we heard some comments from them. Myself and Skidmore are also sponsors. Judy Compton asked to be added as a sponsor. Then, Alder Bruer tried to get the entire council to sign on as sponsors, but was shot down, with reason. Most people haven't even read it yet due to the fact that it was just being introduced. Hopefully, the Apartment Association will even end up in support - or at least not opposing.
THANK YOU CLERK'S OFFICE
We had an honoring resolution for the Clerk's Office and all the work they did during the election. Really, its not enough. They deserve so much credit for the valiant efforts during those few weeks of long, long lines.
MASS CONFUSION
You'd think we'd never done this before. We had a series of mess ups in trying to make our consent agenda. Alder Bruer was reading the wrong thing, got some numbers wrong, I goofed on a number and the chaos ensued, but we got ourselves straightened out, passing everything on the agenda except a few items. In the middle of all the confusion, the downtown multi-modal transportation plan was place on file (on purpose!) and we're regrouping and starting over.
APPOINTMENTS
Were tabled, until we passed the committee that we were creating for which many of the appointments were.
ALLIED DRIVE DEMOLITION
We approved contracting with the State for demolishing a building that will be in the way when the Verona Rd. redo is done. The building was in foreclosure, the State bought it and now it is being demolished. Seemed to make sense, so it passed unanimously.
AD HOC HOUSING MERGER COMMITTEE
There were multiple issues here.
Alder Rummel worked on the two big ones. First of all, the merger is highly unlikely due to the legal gynmnastics that we'd have to go through.
Second, this is where the Mayor is trying to look at spending the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for the City of Madison, outside the City. Marsha tried to ask the City Attorney some questions about how that would work, for some reason, he wasn't prepared, even though she gave him a heads up. So, the Mayor, "who isn't an attorney, but sits next to one" helped answer the questions.
Next problem, We deleted the language that said this committee would work on a regional housing plan. They are only working on the housing merger aspect. The Realtors were concerned that they weren't on this committee - which wasn't my concern, but it made a nice little alliance.
Next problem, the mayor tried to appoint the co-chairs, but we have a rule that alders can't be co-chairs, so Alder Bruer can't co-chair with Judy Wilcox. Rookie mistake with a seasoned mayor.
Next problem, several committee members put down their work addresses not home addresses. This means that some people who should have to have a 2/3 vote because they live outside of the city, were allowed to get appointed with a simple majority vote. Clearly, we need someone working on that issue.
Eventually it passed, but I feel sorry for the excellent group of people who are being assembled to do nothing productive.
VERIDIAN IZ PLAN FOR 1000 OAKS
After alot of memos flying back and forth, the council unanimously came to the conclusion that the decision of the plan commission, after receiving additional informaiton from staff and the developer should be overturned. It was quite simple - except . . . Judy Compton tried to . . . well, I'm not sure what she tried to do.
First, she tried to make a motion to ignore our ordinance and not make Veridian pay a tiny amount of money ($21,000 in a $100,000,000 project) and do one IZ home (out of over 300). The city attorney told her, more than once, that his advice was to follow the laws that are in place. So, she withdrew her motion.
Next, she tried to make a motion to have them do 2 IZ units and pay no money. I asked the "lobbyist" from Veridian (his words, not mine) to tell us why that might not be such a good idea (i.e. it would cost them more in the long run). So, she withdrew that motion too.
Next, (third time is the charm), she tried to make another motion - which the City Attorney had to make for her - to allow the developer to have the choice of the first two motions and to work it out with staff. Thankfully, that put us out of our misery and we finally moved on.
BUSSES
So, the Park and Ride at Swiss Colony just didn't work out, so we're spending that money to help us buy 20 busses. None of them hybrids.
AD HOC HOUSING DIVERSITY PLANNING COMMITTEE
A dumb idea, if you ask me. But, I'm going to play along. So, 5 alders and two yet to be named people, are supposed to come up with housing solutions. I asked why we'd put a bunch of unqualified people on a committee to do this when we have a committee of experts on the housing committee, or inclusionary zoning committee or even the new merger committee we just created. I think the answer was, this is what the realtors want. I then asked, who was volunteering to be on the committee. The only takers, Judy Compton and Michael Schumacher. It's presumed I will be on the committee, but we need to twist the arms of two more people. Personally, it sounds like hell and a waste of time - but, like I said, I'll play along. It's nice to see the Realtors trying to be productive - but we all know their answer is going to be a third city downpayment program. The REALTORS committee passed unanimously, I can't wait to see who gets appointed.
We then took the appointments of the Merger Committee off the table and passed those unanimously.
Afterwards, some of us went out - but the crowd was a little thin compared to usual. And I staged a sit in - and tortured Bruer for as long as I could over this, but eventually, my bladder won and he was released. But I talked him into another drink to get him to explain himself. He was . . . uncharacteristically . . . quiet.s Read more!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
James Madison Park Selling Houses, Not the Land!
Well, that didn't quite work out as expected, but I feel good about our decision.
As expected, the committee decided to sell the two smaller houses, with a preference for owner-occupied residents, you get them "as is" and get a 66 year lease on the land and can't move them. The Collins House has a preference for commercial or public use. More details here.
The surprise came in where we decided NOT to sell the land underneath the Lincoln School. I even surprised myself, sort of.
I was beginning to regret selling the land to get improvements to the park, but when the committee heard that we had an agreement that we got Lincoln School back in another 25 years or so if we didn't make this deal, things began to change with the rest of the committee members as well.
And, we did have alot of persuasive testimony about why we shouldn't sell parkland now to fill a whole in a budget. It is short-sighted.
And, I was also kicking myself for not thinking of the rental housing as an asset to the neighborhood as it is one of the few places you can rent that is not trashed over-rented housing.
And, we had heard that many of the people in the rentals would not be able to live in the new condos because they could not afford them.
And, finally, I can't see the sale of the land passing referendum. The houses, probably, the land, not so much.
So, in the end, we decided against recommending that the land be sold. You can read more about it here or here. Read more!
As expected, the committee decided to sell the two smaller houses, with a preference for owner-occupied residents, you get them "as is" and get a 66 year lease on the land and can't move them. The Collins House has a preference for commercial or public use. More details here.
The surprise came in where we decided NOT to sell the land underneath the Lincoln School. I even surprised myself, sort of.
I was beginning to regret selling the land to get improvements to the park, but when the committee heard that we had an agreement that we got Lincoln School back in another 25 years or so if we didn't make this deal, things began to change with the rest of the committee members as well.
And, we did have alot of persuasive testimony about why we shouldn't sell parkland now to fill a whole in a budget. It is short-sighted.
And, I was also kicking myself for not thinking of the rental housing as an asset to the neighborhood as it is one of the few places you can rent that is not trashed over-rented housing.
And, we had heard that many of the people in the rentals would not be able to live in the new condos because they could not afford them.
And, finally, I can't see the sale of the land passing referendum. The houses, probably, the land, not so much.
So, in the end, we decided against recommending that the land be sold. You can read more about it here or here. Read more!
Monday, November 17, 2008
The Week Ahead - Revenge for the Budget (Final)
Wow, lots of meetings this week . . . since committees couldn't meet last week during the budget . . . and next week is Thanksgiving week . . . now updated!
Monday, November 17, 2008
3:00 PM CCOC SUBCOMMITTEE TO REVIEW CITY HIRING PRACTICES AND POLICIES ROOM 417 CCB
- Could this be our last meeting? And, now annoying that the draft of the final report is not available on line.
4:45 PM COMMISSION ON THE ENVIRONMENT ROOM 108 CCB
- Recycling of commerical demolition and construction debris - stronger requirements.
- Prohibiting outdoor wood boilers
5:30 PM JAMES MADISON PARK PROPERTY PLANNING COMMITTEE ROOM LL-120 MMB
- Could this be our last meeting? Looking at the conditions of sale and looking at the possible uses with existing zoning.
5:30 PM PLAN COMMISSION ROOM 260 MMB
- East side entertainment/movie complex.
- Flood plain insurance map update. (Wow, think, Lake Delton.)
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
4:00 PM COMMON COUNCIL ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITTEE- SUBCOMMITTEE ON COMMITTEE CREATION AND COMMITTEE RULES ROOM 103A CCB
- Could this be our last meeting? (Sense a theme?)
- We're changing the names of some of the committees, boards and commissions, so here's your chance to tell us why we shouldn't.
5:30 PM COMMON COUNCIL BRIEFING: UPDATE ON THE ZONING CODE REWRITE ROOM 201 CCB
- I don't know about others, but I'm having a hard time following this process.
6:15 PM BOARD OF ESTIMATES ROOM 103A CCB
- A quick meeting to approve some bonds.
6:30 PM COMMON COUNCIL ROOM 201 CCB
- I'm falling behind again . . . will try to get this and the rest of Wednesday and Thursday up by noon.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Check this out, 10 meetings in two hours.
2:00 PM EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION BOARD UNIVERSITY APARTMENT COMMUNITY CENTER, 611 EAGLE HEIGHTS, ROOM 133
- I don't think we need to make adjustments to the budget we did . . . but I've gotten so confused at this point, I'm not sure.
4:30 PM CDA HOUSING OPERATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ROOM 120 MMB
- Stealing 35 vouchers and taking them for the CDAs redevelopment project. Doubling up resources to create 35 affordable units instead of 70. What a waste of resources!
4:30 PM URBAN DESIGN COMMISSION WATER UTILITY OFFICES, 119 E OLIN AVE
- Villager Mall/Urban League
- Movie Complex
- The atrocity they're trying to build at 200 block W. Lakelawn.
4:45 PM BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ROOM 108 CCB
- Loosening Affirmative Action requirements for bidders
- James Madison Park Basketball Court/Parking Lot Renovation
5:00 PM AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMMISSION ROOM LL-120 MMB
- Same issue as is on the Board of Public Works agenda.
5:30 PM ALCOHOL LICENSE REVIEW COMMITTEE ROOM 201 CCB
- Good Times is in trouble
- As is A Place for Friends
- Requiring notification signs where alcohol licenses might be issued.
5:30 PM BOARD OF EDUCATION - COMMON COUNCIL LIAISON COMMITTEE DOYLE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 545 W DAYTON ST, ROOM 103
- Impact of fare increases on the Madison School District
5:30 PM ZONING CODE REWRITE ADVISORY COMMITTEE 330 W. MIFFLIN ST, ROOMS 1 AND 2
- More updates on how the consultants are proceeding.
5:35 PM COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION 1917 LAKE POINT DR.
- Updates on Owl Creek Neighborhood
- Sorting out what happened in the budget process.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
4:45 PM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 2234C SOUTH PARK ST, THE VILLAGER STUDIO
- CDA financial Statements
- Lakepointe
- Villager
- Allied
- Truman Olson
- Committing 35 vouchers to housing that already should be affordable.
5:00 PM COMMUNNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT COMMISSION ROOM 303 MMB
- 1 year action plan
Friday, November 21, 2008
8:00 AM INCLUSIONARY ZONING ADVISORY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ROOM LL-110 MMB
- Hmmmm, think we'll have quorum?
A week with something for everyone. And, believe it or not, I think there are some meetings missing from the weekly list this morning. Read more!
Monday, November 17, 2008
3:00 PM CCOC SUBCOMMITTEE TO REVIEW CITY HIRING PRACTICES AND POLICIES ROOM 417 CCB
- Could this be our last meeting? And, now annoying that the draft of the final report is not available on line.
4:45 PM COMMISSION ON THE ENVIRONMENT ROOM 108 CCB
- Recycling of commerical demolition and construction debris - stronger requirements.
- Prohibiting outdoor wood boilers
5:30 PM JAMES MADISON PARK PROPERTY PLANNING COMMITTEE ROOM LL-120 MMB
- Could this be our last meeting? Looking at the conditions of sale and looking at the possible uses with existing zoning.
5:30 PM PLAN COMMISSION ROOM 260 MMB
- East side entertainment/movie complex.
- Flood plain insurance map update. (Wow, think, Lake Delton.)
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
4:00 PM COMMON COUNCIL ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITTEE- SUBCOMMITTEE ON COMMITTEE CREATION AND COMMITTEE RULES ROOM 103A CCB
- Could this be our last meeting? (Sense a theme?)
- We're changing the names of some of the committees, boards and commissions, so here's your chance to tell us why we shouldn't.
5:30 PM COMMON COUNCIL BRIEFING: UPDATE ON THE ZONING CODE REWRITE ROOM 201 CCB
- I don't know about others, but I'm having a hard time following this process.
6:15 PM BOARD OF ESTIMATES ROOM 103A CCB
- A quick meeting to approve some bonds.
6:30 PM COMMON COUNCIL ROOM 201 CCB
- I'm falling behind again . . . will try to get this and the rest of Wednesday and Thursday up by noon.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Check this out, 10 meetings in two hours.
2:00 PM EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION BOARD UNIVERSITY APARTMENT COMMUNITY CENTER, 611 EAGLE HEIGHTS, ROOM 133
- I don't think we need to make adjustments to the budget we did . . . but I've gotten so confused at this point, I'm not sure.
4:30 PM CDA HOUSING OPERATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ROOM 120 MMB
- Stealing 35 vouchers and taking them for the CDAs redevelopment project. Doubling up resources to create 35 affordable units instead of 70. What a waste of resources!
4:30 PM URBAN DESIGN COMMISSION WATER UTILITY OFFICES, 119 E OLIN AVE
- Villager Mall/Urban League
- Movie Complex
- The atrocity they're trying to build at 200 block W. Lakelawn.
4:45 PM BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ROOM 108 CCB
- Loosening Affirmative Action requirements for bidders
- James Madison Park Basketball Court/Parking Lot Renovation
5:00 PM AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMMISSION ROOM LL-120 MMB
- Same issue as is on the Board of Public Works agenda.
5:30 PM ALCOHOL LICENSE REVIEW COMMITTEE ROOM 201 CCB
- Good Times is in trouble
- As is A Place for Friends
- Requiring notification signs where alcohol licenses might be issued.
5:30 PM BOARD OF EDUCATION - COMMON COUNCIL LIAISON COMMITTEE DOYLE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, 545 W DAYTON ST, ROOM 103
- Impact of fare increases on the Madison School District
5:30 PM ZONING CODE REWRITE ADVISORY COMMITTEE 330 W. MIFFLIN ST, ROOMS 1 AND 2
- More updates on how the consultants are proceeding.
5:35 PM COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION 1917 LAKE POINT DR.
- Updates on Owl Creek Neighborhood
- Sorting out what happened in the budget process.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
4:45 PM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 2234C SOUTH PARK ST, THE VILLAGER STUDIO
- CDA financial Statements
- Lakepointe
- Villager
- Allied
- Truman Olson
- Committing 35 vouchers to housing that already should be affordable.
5:00 PM COMMUNNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT COMMISSION ROOM 303 MMB
- 1 year action plan
Friday, November 21, 2008
8:00 AM INCLUSIONARY ZONING ADVISORY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ROOM LL-110 MMB
- Hmmmm, think we'll have quorum?
A week with something for everyone. And, believe it or not, I think there are some meetings missing from the weekly list this morning. Read more!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Operating Budget - The Gory Details (A Start)
Well, I'm typing this up 4 days later, so its gotten a little fuzzy, but here's what I remember/have notes on.
The evening started off . . . rocky. Since the first amendment was mine, I took the liberty to take a few items out of order. I think this was the order I did them in.
AMENDMENT 33 - PARKING UTILITY MULTI-SPACE METERS
I first placed amendment 33 on file. It was the companion to a capital budget item that was also placed on file. I didn't want to keep staff there all night, for nothing.
True to my word, I placed this on file, and we voted unanimously. I simply wanted the fire chief to explain why we needed this fire station. I understand that other alders were convinced I was up to something and wasn't to be trusted. But that simply wasn't the case, I wanted the public to hear why the WSJ was wrong - and it had nothing to do with thinking that the periphery development was bad - as Alder Skidmore seemed to want to believe. Apparently, I really ruined his speech - as well as, the chief's. The next time I tell the papers I am doing something and why, you can trust that I will follow through as I said.
AMENDMENT 39 - PUTTING THE CDA REDEVELOPMENT MANAGER IN THE CDA BUDGET
I thought the conspiracy theories on the Fire Station were bizarre - it gets worse, no thanks to the mayor. Even though I had talked to the City Attorney 4 times in 3 days, about issues he wanted to bring up about conflicts of interests in other he "was uncertain" what was intended. Apparently he couldn't ask in email or on the phone when I talked to him. Instead, the Mayor's office felt it necessary to torture staff by telling them that they would:
a) have to reapply for their job
b) no longer be city employees; and
c) no longer be eligible for city benefits.
I have no clue where this was all coming from for sure, but it was just plain cruel. We have all kinds of city employees working for the CDA Housing Operations unit. This was intended to do the same thing. But, knowing that they were being so mean to the staff, I moved this up on the agenda to put the poor staff out of their misery.
Having dispensed with those items, we went back to number 1. I moved adoption of amendment 1 & 6 as they were related to each other.
AMENDMENT 1 & 6 - GRANTS FOR PROPERTY TAXES FOR LOW-INCOME HOUSING PROVIDERS
AMENDMENT 2 - DISSOLVING THE CAPITAL REVOLVING FUND
I'll try to get this done soon . . . I should have some time Monday and Wednesday evening to work on it.
x Read more!
The evening started off . . . rocky. Since the first amendment was mine, I took the liberty to take a few items out of order. I think this was the order I did them in.
AMENDMENT 33 - PARKING UTILITY MULTI-SPACE METERS
I first placed amendment 33 on file. It was the companion to a capital budget item that was also placed on file. I didn't want to keep staff there all night, for nothing.
Agency/Service: Parking UtilityAMENDMENT 15 - FIRE STATION 12
Page(s): 128, Supplement pages 116, 147
Sponsor(s): Alds. Konkel, Rummel
Remove funding for multi-space metering until cheaper rates for credit card charges have been achieved.
Capital Assets - Revenue Equipment $ ( 70,000)
Credit Card Fees ( 50,000)
Telephone Cellular Expense ( 14,000)
Maintenance Contracts ( 26,000)
Electricity ( 3,000)
Reserves Generated 163,000
Total $ - Levy Impact: $ -
True to my word, I placed this on file, and we voted unanimously. I simply wanted the fire chief to explain why we needed this fire station. I understand that other alders were convinced I was up to something and wasn't to be trusted. But that simply wasn't the case, I wanted the public to hear why the WSJ was wrong - and it had nothing to do with thinking that the periphery development was bad - as Alder Skidmore seemed to want to believe. Apparently, I really ruined his speech - as well as, the chief's. The next time I tell the papers I am doing something and why, you can trust that I will follow through as I said.
Agency/Service: Fire / Fire PreventionOh, the reasons to do this were poor response times in that area, the people were already hired and would have to be laid off, they just had the ground breaking and the station was being built, the fire engines were already ordered and on the way, the equipment was here, etc. etc. etc. i.e. too late! Did I mention it was unanimous? The WSJ editorial was w-a-y off base here.
Page(s): 34
Sponsor(s): Alds. Konkel, Rummel
Delete funding for Station No. 12. This includes 9 firefighters, 5 Lieutenants and 4 Apparatus Engineers to staff the station, as well as purchased services and supplies.
Permanent Salaries $ ( 872,921)
Fringe Benefits ( 375,356)
Purchased Services ( 50,084)
Supplies ( 16,525)
Total $ (1,314,886) Levy Impact: $ (1,314,886)
AMENDMENT 39 - PUTTING THE CDA REDEVELOPMENT MANAGER IN THE CDA BUDGET
I thought the conspiracy theories on the Fire Station were bizarre - it gets worse, no thanks to the mayor. Even though I had talked to the City Attorney 4 times in 3 days, about issues he wanted to bring up about conflicts of interests in other he "was uncertain" what was intended. Apparently he couldn't ask in email or on the phone when I talked to him. Instead, the Mayor's office felt it necessary to torture staff by telling them that they would:
a) have to reapply for their job
b) no longer be city employees; and
c) no longer be eligible for city benefits.
I have no clue where this was all coming from for sure, but it was just plain cruel. We have all kinds of city employees working for the CDA Housing Operations unit. This was intended to do the same thing. But, knowing that they were being so mean to the staff, I moved this up on the agenda to put the poor staff out of their misery.
Agency/Service: Economic Development DivisionSeriously, this was intended to have the CDA Redevelopment Manager and the CDA Secretary actually work for the CDA, just like the Housing Operations Unit employees. It just made sense. But, Alder Bruer moved to place on file, and defended my good intentions. However, it was placed on file on a voice vote.
CDA Redevelopment
Page(s): 143, 151
Sponsor(s): Alds. Konkel, Bruer
Transfer the CDA Redevelopment Manager and Community Development Program Manager positions and corresponding funding from the Economic Development Division budget to the CDA Redevelopment budget.
Permanent Salaries (EDD) $ ( 130,985)
Fringe Benefits (EDD) ( 49,512)
Permanent Salaries (CDAR) 130,985
Fringe Benefits (CDAR) 49,512
Total $ - Levy Impact: $ -
Having dispensed with those items, we went back to number 1. I moved adoption of amendment 1 & 6 as they were related to each other.
AMENDMENT 1 & 6 - GRANTS FOR PROPERTY TAXES FOR LOW-INCOME HOUSING PROVIDERS
Amendment 1 - Agency/Service: Assessed ValueThese amendments take the taxes that will be collected as a result of a state decision and a court case and puts those funds into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and then we will be amending the affordable housing trust fund to allow those funds to be spent for grants for property taxes for low-income housing. Until, hopefully, the state corrects this problem. To my amazement, this passed unanimously on a voice vote. Apparently the Mayor got the word out that this was a good solution to the problems he couldn't figure out how to solve.
General Fund Revenues / Other Local Taxes / Prior Year Taxes
Page(s): 4, 13
Sponsor(s): Alds. Konkel, Rummel
Increase assessed value by $514,000 to reflect a recent circuit court decision that rescinded the partial property tax exemption of one property located at 1910 Post Road, owned by WHPC-MMM, LLC, and recognize the related payment of $20,225 from this property owner for the 2006 and 2007 tax rolls when this property was omitted.
The addition of this assessed value to the 2008 tax roll will reduce the mill rate applied to all other property within the City, resulting in the redistribution of approximately $3,600 of City taxes from other properties to this newly added parcel and a $.03 reduction in taxes on the average home.
Prior Year Taxes (Increase) $ ( 20,225)
Total $ (20,225) Levy Impact: $ (20,225)
Amendment 6 - Agency/Service: Miscellaneous Appropriations / Other Direct Appropriations / Affordable Housing Trust Fund
Affordable Housing Trust Fund
Page(s): 10, 19
Sponsor(s): Alds. Konkel, Rummel
Provide funding to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund equal to $20,225 of prior year taxes plus the estimated $3,600 of current year City taxes that are anticipated to be collected from WHPC-MMM, LLC as a result of the recent court decision removing the partial tax exemption which had been in place for their property located at 1910 Post Road.
Affordable Housing Trust Fund - Sources:
Transfer from General Fund $ 23,825
Increased AHTF Balance $ 23,825
Miscellaneous Appropriations:
Affordable Housing Trust Fund $ 23,825
Total $ 23,825 Levy Impact: $ 23,825
AMENDMENT 2 - DISSOLVING THE CAPITAL REVOLVING FUND
I'll try to get this done soon . . . I should have some time Monday and Wednesday evening to work on it.
x Read more!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Operating Budget - The Short Version
I haven't even finished the Capital Budget from yesterday . . . got caught up in a meeting and phone calls and hundreds of emails (many of which I still haven't read) . . . but, here's the short version, before I go to bed, so I can sleep in tomorrow morning and not have to answer a thousand questions from inquiring minds . . . .
WHAT PASSED
- Solution to property tax exemption problems for low-income housing (Amendment 1 & 6)
- Sick leave for hourly employees. (Amendment 7)
- Capping the increase in the amount of money we give Greater Madison Convention and Visitor's Bureau at an additional $283,706. (Amendment 10)
- Lighting project for downtown (Amendment 14)
- Crossing Guard at Redan and Red Tail (Amendment 17)
- Reducing funding for Contract Compliance in Dept of Civil Rights (Amendment 21)
- Recycling in city parks (Amendment 25)
- Keeping 4 streets workers (Amendment 29)
- Bike related programs (Amendment 31)
- Pavement markings (Amendment 32)
- One homeless outreach worker $40,000 (Amendment 40)
- Eviction prevention funds $50,000 (Amendment 41)
- Healthy Neighborhood Liaison (Amendment 45)
WHAT FAILED
- Destroying the Capital Revolving Fund. (Amendment 2)
- $433,000 of cuts (Amendments 4, 16, 18, 22, 23, 24, 34, 36 See the WSJ for more info. Yes, the WSJ, I'm tired! :)
- Removing language about WYOU funding in 2010 and 2011. (Amendment 8)
- Removing the language as a result of the illegal meeting BOE members help (Amendment 9)
- Eliminating Sister Cities Funding (Amendment 11)
- Amendment to follow our rules about IZ funding for staff (Amendment 12)
- Funding to Keep an IZ home affordable (Amendment 13)
- Bathrooms in City Parks (Amendment 26)
- Advertising and education for large item collection, recycling and waste reduction and the increase in fees for large item collection. (Amendment 27)
- Planner 3/Office of Neighborhood support (Amendment 35)
- Keeping the current process for Office of Community Services Agencies (Amendment 42)
- Cost of inflation increases for Office of Community Services Agencies (Amendment 43)
- Full funding for community needs for community services $391,270. This was amended to just fund Child Care ($75,426) and Youth Services (126,040) (Amendment 44)
WHAT SORT OF IS IN/OUT/NOT SURE WHERE TO PUT IT
- Sister Cities still funded by Room Tax at $5,000 (Amendment 3)
- We cut two amendments on Public Health/Humane Society because the County Board didn't pass matching funding. (Amendments 19 & 20)
- There will be an increase in bus fares (Amendment 30)
- Loss of funding for Clean Air Action Days (Amendment 30)
- CDA Redevelopment Employees in their own department, not in Economic Development Unit failed/placed on file (Amendment 39)
WHAT WAS PULLED WITHOUT A VOTE/"Place on File"
- Increase in funding to Emerging Neighborhoods Funding (Amendment 5)
- Funding for Firestation 12 (Amendment 15)
- Street workers for provide garbage pick up in Town of Blooming Grove (Amendment 28)
- Delaying multi-space metering (Amendment 33)
- 2008 level funding for Neighborhood Grants (Amendment 37)
- Landlord and commercial property registration (Amendment 38)
Operating budget amendment here.
Final vote - Rhodes-Conway, Rummel, Webber and Konkel vote no, because of bus fares. Everyone else voted for the budget.
That's it. Time for a nap. Much more to follow . . . later. Read more!
WHAT PASSED
- Solution to property tax exemption problems for low-income housing (Amendment 1 & 6)
- Sick leave for hourly employees. (Amendment 7)
- Capping the increase in the amount of money we give Greater Madison Convention and Visitor's Bureau at an additional $283,706. (Amendment 10)
- Lighting project for downtown (Amendment 14)
- Crossing Guard at Redan and Red Tail (Amendment 17)
- Reducing funding for Contract Compliance in Dept of Civil Rights (Amendment 21)
- Recycling in city parks (Amendment 25)
- Keeping 4 streets workers (Amendment 29)
- Bike related programs (Amendment 31)
- Pavement markings (Amendment 32)
- One homeless outreach worker $40,000 (Amendment 40)
- Eviction prevention funds $50,000 (Amendment 41)
- Healthy Neighborhood Liaison (Amendment 45)
WHAT FAILED
- Destroying the Capital Revolving Fund. (Amendment 2)
- $433,000 of cuts (Amendments 4, 16, 18, 22, 23, 24, 34, 36 See the WSJ for more info. Yes, the WSJ, I'm tired! :)
- Removing language about WYOU funding in 2010 and 2011. (Amendment 8)
- Removing the language as a result of the illegal meeting BOE members help (Amendment 9)
- Eliminating Sister Cities Funding (Amendment 11)
- Amendment to follow our rules about IZ funding for staff (Amendment 12)
- Funding to Keep an IZ home affordable (Amendment 13)
- Bathrooms in City Parks (Amendment 26)
- Advertising and education for large item collection, recycling and waste reduction and the increase in fees for large item collection. (Amendment 27)
- Planner 3/Office of Neighborhood support (Amendment 35)
- Keeping the current process for Office of Community Services Agencies (Amendment 42)
- Cost of inflation increases for Office of Community Services Agencies (Amendment 43)
- Full funding for community needs for community services $391,270. This was amended to just fund Child Care ($75,426) and Youth Services (126,040) (Amendment 44)
WHAT SORT OF IS IN/OUT/NOT SURE WHERE TO PUT IT
- Sister Cities still funded by Room Tax at $5,000 (Amendment 3)
- We cut two amendments on Public Health/Humane Society because the County Board didn't pass matching funding. (Amendments 19 & 20)
- There will be an increase in bus fares (Amendment 30)
- Loss of funding for Clean Air Action Days (Amendment 30)
- CDA Redevelopment Employees in their own department, not in Economic Development Unit failed/placed on file (Amendment 39)
WHAT WAS PULLED WITHOUT A VOTE/"Place on File"
- Increase in funding to Emerging Neighborhoods Funding (Amendment 5)
- Funding for Firestation 12 (Amendment 15)
- Street workers for provide garbage pick up in Town of Blooming Grove (Amendment 28)
- Delaying multi-space metering (Amendment 33)
- 2008 level funding for Neighborhood Grants (Amendment 37)
- Landlord and commercial property registration (Amendment 38)
Operating budget amendment here.
Final vote - Rhodes-Conway, Rummel, Webber and Konkel vote no, because of bus fares. Everyone else voted for the budget.
That's it. Time for a nap. Much more to follow . . . later. Read more!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Capital Budget 2009 - Final
Ok - here's my update. When I'm done, if I have time, I will post my notes on the great (as usual) public testimony. I'll keep updating this until I am done later this morning and will note it is final when I'm done.
We couldn't start the meeting at 5:30 because we didn't have quorum. We had to wait for a combination of Skidmore, Compton, Sanborn, Webber, Verveer, Kerr, Cnare, Gruber or Pham-Remmele to show up. Within 10 minutes, we achieved quorum and were able to start with the public testimony. The testimony took three hours, and I will do a summary of that testimony, er, soon. Meanwhile, here's how the actual amendments and voting went down, blow by blow to the best of my ability. Check back for updates, while I update this throughout the morning. (i.e. woke up late and I'm working on it!)
AMENDMENT ONE - AUTO-CHALKING UNITS
Concerns were raised by Alders Palm, Clear, Compton and others. Staff answered the questions about all of the benefits to the city of having this equipment. Concerns about implementing something they hadn't planned for, the fact that it might not be used in certain alders' districts . . . etc. One by one, staff shot down each of their concerns. Yes, they work at night and in inclement weather. They could mail the parking tickets or put them on the cars. They are used in many others cities and we are essentially behind the times. They will work to find scofflaws and stolen vehicles and even with amber alerts. The machines last for about 10 years. They might allow us to remove meters in business districts and encourage customer parking. There was lots of rhetoric of "I support this, but not at this time" and "I can't vote for this if it doesn't benefit my district."
By the tone of this first amendment, it seemed as tho this was about to be a very, very long budget. Especially if they were only going to look at how things impacted their own districts. So I said as much to the council. We voted, there were several "no's" and I called roll call. Of course, there was resistance. Alder Cnare suggested that people just raise their hands instead of a roll call, so that's what we did. The back row on the left side of the council all voted "no" (Palm, Compton, Clausius, Schumacher, Clear and Pham-Remmele) which prompted Alder Solomon to name them "murderer's row".
AMENDMENT TWO - HENRY VILAS ZOO
NOTE: Alders are often accused of only adding money to the Mayor's budget, but the Mayor often adds money during this process as well - and most people don't usually note that. This year, the Mayor sponsored amendments adding half a million dollars to his own budget - but the Council will be blamed for this.
AMENDMENT THREE - UPGRADES TO COUNCIL CHAMBERS
They then asked us to place amendments 4 & 5 on file.
AMENDMENT FOUR - ADDITIONAL CUTS TO COUNCIL CHAMBERS
AMENDMENT SIX - RENEWABLE ENERGY
AMENDMENT SEVEN - MORE TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS PER CONTRACT
AMENDMENT EIGHT - NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (Traffic Calming)
AMENDMENT NINE - TRAFFIC CALMING FOR MINERAL POINT AND OWEN DRIVE
AMENDMENT TEN - PEDESTRIAN IMPROVMENTS
AMENDMENTS 11, 12 & 13 - COUNTY HIGHWAY M
Several alders took offense and felt the need to defend their neighborhoods. Larry Nelson did his Larry Nelson thing. He asked us to just stop the projects instead of delaying them if that is what we really wanted. He told council members if we didn't spend the federal money, other communities might swoop in and take it away. And then . . . he actually made the argument that we needed to build roads to support the workers and the economy and pointed out, a little bit subtly, that we got cheaper rates when more people bid because of the slow down in work. And my favorite line, after about 10 minutes of talking was that "neighborhood plans are promises" of what will get done. HA! OK - I'll go with that. I got lots of "promises" in several neighborhood plans that I'd like to see the City work on!!!
I asked a bunch of questions about the TIP (Transportation Improvement Plan) - I think this might be the first that some alders even ever heard about it - that led to the amendment in number 14.
There was, of course, a roll call vote. The motion to cut these roads failed 5 (Judge, Konkel Rhodes-Conway, Rummel, Webber) to 15 (Gruber, Kerr, Monson, Palm, Pham-Remmele, Sanborn, Schumacher, Skidmore, Solomon, Verveer, Bruer, Clausius, Clear, Cnare, Compton).
AMENDMENT 14 - FEMRITE DRIVE PHASE 3
Ok - I'm out of my league here. I asked Larry Nelson a bunch of questions, but . . . the outcome was that Larry basically said that we approve neighborhood plans and then the only time we discuss which projects get priority is during the Capital Budget. I know that when I was on Long Range Transportation Planning Committee, Larry did an annual presentation to us that described the projects he wanted to work on, we gave him input, he went away and we never heard again until Capital Budget time. I essentially, wanted that presentation done at the Council - prior to making decisions, so that alders could have input and hear from the public, outside of the Capital Budget process and prior to the decisions being made by others. Compton said she couldn't vote yes on it, so I presume she voted against having more information and input. But again, no roll call, so I don't know. You might want to see the Cap Times for further discussion of this item. Alder Webber had many great comments on this issue.
AMENDMENT 15 - GILMAN ST.
AMENDMENT 16 - MILWAUKEE ST.
AMENDMENT 17 - SEVERAL DOWNTOWN ROAD PROJECTS
AMENDMENT 18 - CENTRAL PARK
AMENDMENT 19 - STORM SEWERS
AMENDMENT 20 - MONEY FOR PARKS NOT COVERED BY DEVELOPMENT FEES (The "Bubbler" Amendment!)
Ok - so there were some accounting games played here because we don't have enough collections from developer fees for parks and we want to do some project now, so we're borrowing money and hoping the developer fees come in later and they will be used to pay the interest on our loan, but not for the actual improvements. So, we will need to charge developers for this in the future. If I understood it correctly. I just wish we could have done something this creative for some of the parks in the 2nd district. Maybe next year . . .
One of the funnier comments when was Judy Compton was trying to speak in support of the amendment, but was urging the council to vote against it - Alder Cnare asked the Mayor to "Turn off the mic!" He started to . . . Judy straightened herself out and I think it passed unanimously.
AMENDMENT 21 - NEW DOWNTOWN PARKING RAMP PLANNING MONEY
This was tabled, I'll come back to it - it contains the most bizarre items of the evening.
AMENDMENT 22 - PARKING EQUIPMENT
AMENDMENT 23 - SMALL CAP TIF
AMENDMENT 24 - $3M FOR WHAT?
"A plan for the public process shall include at least two additional well publicized full neighbohood meeting beyond the legally required city meetings and neighborhood association meetings."
Passed unanimously.
AMENDMENT 25 - STOUGHTON ROAD
AMENDMENT 26 - CUTTING MUNICIPAL ART FUND
We had another voice vote. I heard Jed vote no, I'm not certain if all the sponsors voted "no" as well - it certainly didn't sound like it.
AMENDMENT 27 - PUBLIC MARKET
AMENDMENT 28 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN
AMENDMENT 21 - PARKING GARAGE
When we got back to it - Alder Solomon's brilliant solution was "I got nothing."
Alder Verveer attempted to make the motion that I think Alder Solomon was trying to make . . . if I recall correctly, it would have passed this in the budget and then required them to bring a plan back to us. It was getting late and it was a few nights ago, so I hope I got that right. That motion failed 7 (Gruber, Judge, Sanborn, Compton, Bruer, Solomon and Verveer) to 13 (Kerr, Konkel, Monson, Palm, Pham-Remmele, Rummel, Schumacher, Skidmore, Webber, Clausius, Rhodes-Conway, Clear and Cnare)
We then voted on the orignal amendment and it failed with the Mayor breaking the 10-10 tie. Voting for the motion were Gruber, Judge, Kerr, Konkel, Rummel, Rhodes-Conway, Palm, Schumacher. Voting against were Monson, Pham-Remmele, Sanborn, Skimore, Compton, Solomon, Verveer, Bruer, Clausius and Clear.
If this was in the budget to "signal support" - I don't think it did its job very well. Who knows what the council would support?
FINAL VOTE
It was a voice vote and passed unanimously. I asked to be recorded as voting "no". Alder Rummel says she voted no as well.
Sorry it took me so long to complete this, I took a few days off! Read more!
We couldn't start the meeting at 5:30 because we didn't have quorum. We had to wait for a combination of Skidmore, Compton, Sanborn, Webber, Verveer, Kerr, Cnare, Gruber or Pham-Remmele to show up. Within 10 minutes, we achieved quorum and were able to start with the public testimony. The testimony took three hours, and I will do a summary of that testimony, er, soon. Meanwhile, here's how the actual amendments and voting went down, blow by blow to the best of my ability. Check back for updates, while I update this throughout the morning. (i.e. woke up late and I'm working on it!)
AMENDMENT ONE - AUTO-CHALKING UNITS
Agency/Project: Police / Project #11 - Vehicle Borne Photo EnforcementBasically, this equipment would be able to take photos of cars for parking enforcement of laws such as 2 hour parking. Apparently they would make the parking enforcement officers much more efficient, reduce worker's compensation claims and would pay for themselves in less than two years. Seems like, as Alder Webber said, a "no-brainer", right? Ha!
Page(s): 20
Sponsor(s): Alds. Webber, Verveer
Provide funding in 2009 for two "auto-chalking" monitoring units for use by Parking Enforcement Officers to enforce two-hour and other parking ordinances.
(Note: Beginning in 2010, the Police Department Operating Budget will need to include $28,000 per year for maintenance of these units.)
General Obligation Debt $ 1 47,500
Other Funding 0
Total $ 147,500 Levy Impact: $ 19,102
Concerns were raised by Alders Palm, Clear, Compton and others. Staff answered the questions about all of the benefits to the city of having this equipment. Concerns about implementing something they hadn't planned for, the fact that it might not be used in certain alders' districts . . . etc. One by one, staff shot down each of their concerns. Yes, they work at night and in inclement weather. They could mail the parking tickets or put them on the cars. They are used in many others cities and we are essentially behind the times. They will work to find scofflaws and stolen vehicles and even with amber alerts. The machines last for about 10 years. They might allow us to remove meters in business districts and encourage customer parking. There was lots of rhetoric of "I support this, but not at this time" and "I can't vote for this if it doesn't benefit my district."
By the tone of this first amendment, it seemed as tho this was about to be a very, very long budget. Especially if they were only going to look at how things impacted their own districts. So I said as much to the council. We voted, there were several "no's" and I called roll call. Of course, there was resistance. Alder Cnare suggested that people just raise their hands instead of a roll call, so that's what we did. The back row on the left side of the council all voted "no" (Palm, Compton, Clausius, Schumacher, Clear and Pham-Remmele) which prompted Alder Solomon to name them "murderer's row".
AMENDMENT TWO - HENRY VILAS ZOO
Agency/Project: Miscellaneous / Project #1 - Henry Vilas Zoo ImprovementsThis amendment was sponsored by the Mayor because they did not know how much money would be needed when he put out his budget. They now have the detailed list of items that would be done. It was a total of $730,000 of costs and per our agreement with the county, we pay only 20%. This passed on a voice vote, with only Alder Sanborn voting no. (I think - I don't know, as I didn't call roll call.)
Page(s): 44
Sponsor(s): Mayor Cieslewicz, Ald. Kerr
Add General Obligation Debt funding of $146,000 to the Henry Vilas Zoo Improvements project.
(Note: The 2009 Dane County Executive Recommended Budget includes payments from the City of $146,000 for Zoo Capital projects. The City of Madison 2009 Executive Budget includes no funding for Zoo Capital projects. This amendment will equalize the amounts in the City and County budgets.)
General Obligation Debt $ 1 46,000
Other Funding 0
Total $ 146,000 Levy Impact: $ 18,908
NOTE: Alders are often accused of only adding money to the Mayor's budget, but the Mayor often adds money during this process as well - and most people don't usually note that. This year, the Mayor sponsored amendments adding half a million dollars to his own budget - but the Council will be blamed for this.
AMENDMENT THREE - UPGRADES TO COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Agency/Project: Facilities Management / Project #7 - CCB-201 Council ChambersThere was a substitute Amendment that cut the project by $100,000 to match what the Personnel and Finance committee of the Dane County Board decided. I added an amendment that had the language in amendment 4 "The Common Council shall approve any changes proposed to be made to the chambers, prior to expenditure of funds". That was friendly. The amendment passed 11 (Gruber, Judge, Kerr, Konkel, Rhodes-Conway, Rummel, Verveer, Webber, Bruer, Clausius, Clear) to 9 (Monson, Palm, Pham-Remmele, Sanborn, Schumacher, Skimore, Solomon, Cnare and Compton.)
Page(s): 49
Sponsor(s): Mayor Cieslewicz, Alds. Verveer, Rummel
Reduce General Obligation Debt funding by $50,000 and reduce Other funding (from the County) by $50,000.
(Note: The 2009 Dane County Executive Recommended Budget includes $250,000 in payments from the City of Madison for this project. The City of Madison 2009 Executive Budget as recommended by the Board of Estimates includes City funding of $300,000 for this project. This amendment, in conjunction with amendment No. 7 will equalize the amounts for CCB Improvements in the City and County budgets.)
General Obligation Debt $ (50,000)
Other Funding (50,000)
Total $ (100,000) Levy Impact: $ (6,475)
They then asked us to place amendments 4 & 5 on file.
AMENDMENT FOUR - ADDITIONAL CUTS TO COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Agency/Project: Facilities Management / Projects #7 - CCB - 201 Council ChambersAMENDMENT FIVE - CUTTING EVEN MORE FUNDS FOR COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Page(s): 49
Sponsor(s): Alds. Konkel, Rhodes-Conway, Solomon
Reduce General Obligation Debt funding by $150,000 and reduce Other funding (from the County) by $150,000. Add the following language to the project narrative: "The Common Council shall approve any changes proposed to be made to the chambers prior to expenditure of any funds."
General Obligation Debt $ (150,000)
Other Funding (150,000)
Total $ (300,000) Levy Impact: $ (19,426)
Agency/Project: Facilities Management / Project #7 - CCB-201 Council ChambersI agreed to place amendment 4 on file, because I got my language from my amendment in amendment 3 and I was willing to cut more in Jed's amendment, but he also placed his on file . . . doh!
Page(s): 49
Sponsor(s): Alds. Sanborn, Cnare, Schumacher, Monson, Compton, Pham-Remmele
Reduce General Obligation Debt funding by $250,000 and reduce Other funding (from the County) by $250,000.
General Obligation Debt $ (250,000)
Other Funding (250,000)
Total $ (500,000) Levy Impact: $ (32,376)
AMENDMENT SIX - RENEWABLE ENERGY
Agency/Project: Facilities Management / Project #12 - Renewable EnergyAlder Sanborn renewed (heh.) his arguments that he used at Board of Estimates that these photovoltaic panels are not good technology, expensive for energy they produce and that they need to be more efficient before we spend more money on it. He argued the city did not need to be a leader, that people will do this on their own if it is a wise decision. This was another voice vote. I only heard Jed Sanborn and Judy Compton voting no, but who knows?
Page(s): 49
Sponsor(s): Alds. Sanborn, Compton, Pham-Remmele
Remove funding for the Renewable Energy project.
General Obligation Debt $ (100,000)
Other Funding 0
Total $ (100,000) Levy Impact: $ (12,950)
AMENDMENT SEVEN - MORE TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS PER CONTRACT
Agency/Project: Facilities Management / Project #13 - City-County Building ImprovementsNote, the Mayor is adding more money to the "Council's" budget. Essentially, we pay 39.4% of capital and operating costs for the City-County building based on our agreement with the county. The mayor just wanted us to vote - but I asked they they tell us why we were spending this money. It boiled down to roof, hvac, elevators, etc. The amendment passed on a voice vote, with Jed (poor Jed, I can hear how he votes) voting no, and who knows what everyone else did.
Page(s): 50
Sponsor(s): Mayor Cieslewicz, Alds. Verveer, Rummel
Add $342,900 of General Obligation Debt funding to the Facilities Management Capital Budget.
(Note: The 2009 Dane County Executive Recommended Budget includes $492,900 in payments from the City of Madison for this project. The City of Madison 2009 Executive Budget as recommended by the Board of Estimates includes City funding of $150,000 for this project. This amendment, in conjunction with amendment No. 3 will equalize the amounts for CCB Improvements in the City and County budgets.)
General Obligation Debt $ 3 42,900
Other Funding 0
Total $ 342,900 Levy Impact: $ 44,407
AMENDMENT EIGHT - NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (Traffic Calming)
Agency/Project: Engineering - Major Streets / Project #8 Neighborhood Traffic ManagementThis item was $250,000 in 2008 and they reduced it to $50,000 in 2009. This amendment would have added just 1/5 of the money back. The staff have never really liked this money - we have had to increase it against their will on more than one occassion and it seems like they have used the "the worst budget year in the history of the universe for the fifth year in a row" as a reason to gut the program. Oh, they promise to get back at it next year . . . meanwhile, as Alder Rhodes-Conway pointed out, there are many neighborhoods who are requesting this funding. The amendment failed 8 (Kerr, Konkel, Rhodes-Conway, Rummel, Solomon, Verveer, Webber, Cnare) to 12 (Gruber, Judge, Monson, Palm, Pham-Remmele, Sanborn, Schumacher, Skidmore, Bruer, Clausius, Clear, Compton).
Page(s): 62
Sponsor(s): Alds. Webber, Konkel
Retore funding for Neighborhood Traffic Management Program.
General Obligation Debt $ 5 0,000
Other Funding 0
Total $ 50,000 Levy Impact: $ 6,475
AMENDMENT NINE - TRAFFIC CALMING FOR MINERAL POINT AND OWEN DRIVE
Agency/Project: Engineering - Major Streets / Project #8 Neighborhood Traffic ManagementThis was a simple reauthorization missed in the budget process and passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Page(s): 62
Sponsor(s): Alds. Gruber, Webber
Reauthorize $145,325 of Federal Transportation Grant funding for the design and construction of the Mineral Point at Owen Drive intersection improvement.
General Obligation Debt $ 0
Federal Transportation Grant 145,325
Total $ 145,325 Levy Impact: $ 0
AMENDMENT TEN - PEDESTRIAN IMPROVMENTS
Agency/Project: Engineering - Major Streets / Project #9 Pedestrian Impr on Major StreetsThese arguments were similar to amendment 8. This funding was $155,000 in 2008 and it was reduced to $50,000 and this amendment would have restored another 1/3 of the funding. Larry Nelson testified that these were the improvements that "made it safe to cross the street". Sounds like a safety issue here people! But, it failed. 10 (Gruber, Judge, Kerr, Konkel, Rhodes-Conway, Rummel, Solomon, Verveer, Webber, Cnare) to 10 (Monson, Plam, Pham-Remmele, Sanborn, Schumacher, Skidmore, Bruer, Clausius, Clear, Compton) And the mayor broke the tie against the amendment. What a surprise! :)
Page(s): 63
Sponsor(s): Alds. Webber, Konkel
Restore funding for Pedestrian Improvements on Major Streets.
General Obligation Debt $ 5 0,000
Other Funding 0
Total $ 50,000 Levy Impact: $ 6,475
AMENDMENTS 11, 12 & 13 - COUNTY HIGHWAY M
Agency/Project: Engineering - Major Streets / Project #17 CTM - CTH PD Area
Page(s): 64
Sponsor(s): Alds. Rummel, Webber
Delay the project for one year.
General Obligation Debt $ (137,000)
Other Funding (133,000)
Total $ (270,000) Levy Impact: $ (17,742)
Agency/Project: Engineering - Major Streets / Projects #18 CTH M - Midtown Road Area
Engineering - Major Streets / Projects #19 CTH M - Valley View Road
Engineering - Major Streets / Projects #20 CTH M - Watts Road Area
Page(s): 64 and 65
Sponsor(s): Alds. Rummel, Webber
Delay all three projects by one year.
General Obligation Debt $ (353,000)
Other Funding 0
Total $ (353,000) Levy Impact: $ (45,715)
Agency/Project: Engineering - Major Streets / Project #21 CTH M - CTH SThose roads, so many, many roads. A heavy issue after 3 hours of testimony and in the 4th hour of meetings. The issue here, as outlined by Alder Rummel is are we building a sustainable city? Why are we building big arterial roads and not grids. She pointed out the impact of borrowing on debt service. She stressed that we needed to be creating interesting, livable, walkable neighborhoods throughout the city.
Page(s): 65
Sponsor(s): Alds. Rummel, Webber
Delay the project by one year.
General Obligation Debt $ (400,000)
Other Funding (2,000,000)
Total $ (2,400,000) Levy Impact: $ (51,802)
Several alders took offense and felt the need to defend their neighborhoods. Larry Nelson did his Larry Nelson thing. He asked us to just stop the projects instead of delaying them if that is what we really wanted. He told council members if we didn't spend the federal money, other communities might swoop in and take it away. And then . . . he actually made the argument that we needed to build roads to support the workers and the economy and pointed out, a little bit subtly, that we got cheaper rates when more people bid because of the slow down in work. And my favorite line, after about 10 minutes of talking was that "neighborhood plans are promises" of what will get done. HA! OK - I'll go with that. I got lots of "promises" in several neighborhood plans that I'd like to see the City work on!!!
I asked a bunch of questions about the TIP (Transportation Improvement Plan) - I think this might be the first that some alders even ever heard about it - that led to the amendment in number 14.
There was, of course, a roll call vote. The motion to cut these roads failed 5 (Judge, Konkel Rhodes-Conway, Rummel, Webber) to 15 (Gruber, Kerr, Monson, Palm, Pham-Remmele, Sanborn, Schumacher, Skidmore, Solomon, Verveer, Bruer, Clausius, Clear, Cnare, Compton).
AMENDMENT 14 - FEMRITE DRIVE PHASE 3
Agency/Project: Engineering - Major Streets / Project #24 Femrite Drive Phase 3Second verse, same as the first. This one didn't have any federal funding, so there was no risk of losing federal funding by delaying this one. Tho, based on the last vote, we could see where this was going, so I made a substitute amendment that said "The TIP (Transportation Improvement Plan) shall be presented to the Common Council annually by May 15th, prior to submission to the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization)."
Page(s): 65
Sponsor(s): Alds. Rummel, Webber
Delay the project by one year.
General Obligation Debt $ (410,000)
Other Funding 0
Total $ (410,000) Levy Impact: $ (53,097)
Ok - I'm out of my league here. I asked Larry Nelson a bunch of questions, but . . . the outcome was that Larry basically said that we approve neighborhood plans and then the only time we discuss which projects get priority is during the Capital Budget. I know that when I was on Long Range Transportation Planning Committee, Larry did an annual presentation to us that described the projects he wanted to work on, we gave him input, he went away and we never heard again until Capital Budget time. I essentially, wanted that presentation done at the Council - prior to making decisions, so that alders could have input and hear from the public, outside of the Capital Budget process and prior to the decisions being made by others. Compton said she couldn't vote yes on it, so I presume she voted against having more information and input. But again, no roll call, so I don't know. You might want to see the Cap Times for further discussion of this item. Alder Webber had many great comments on this issue.
AMENDMENT 15 - GILMAN ST.
Agency/Project: Engineering - Major Streets / Project #27 - Gilman StreetThis was the correction of a "technical error" which passed on a voice vote - unanimously, I think. But who knows.
Page(s): 66
Sponsor(s): Alds Verveer, Judge
Change limits from "University Avenue to State Street" to "University Avenue to North Henry Street". There is no change in funding
General Obligation Debt $ 0
Other Funding 0
Total $ 0 Levy Impact: $ 0
AMENDMENT 16 - MILWAUKEE ST.
Agency/Project: Engineering - Major Streets / Project #37 - Milwaukee Street at I 94Alder Rummel placed this one on file.
Page(s): 68
Sponsor(s): Alds. Rummel, Webber
Delay the project by one year.
General Obligation Debt $ (270,000)
Other Funding 0
Total $ (270,000) Levy Impact: $ (34,966)
AMENDMENT 17 - SEVERAL DOWNTOWN ROAD PROJECTS
Agency/Project: Engineering - Major Streets / Project #55 - University Ave - Campus to BroomNot much discussion on this one beyond describing the above. I think it was a unanimous voice vote - but your guess is as good as mine. :)
State Street - Capitol Square / Project #4 - State St.-Side Streets Phase 2
Page(s): 71, 29
Sponsor(s): Alds. Verveer, Judge
Replace narrative and costs for Project No. 55, as follows:
University Ave / Gorham St - Campus Dr to State St
Limits - University Ave/Gorham St from Campus Drive to State Street and North Broom St from State St to W. Johnson St
Construction Year - 2009
Funding - City of Madison
Description - The existing pavement is in poor condition. This project will replace the existing pavement except for portions of the existing bus / bike lane which have been previously replaced. This project will also upgrade portions of the terraces on Gorham Street between State Street and Broom Street, and Broom Street from State Street to Gorham Street in accordance with the State Street Design Project Plan.
Total Cost $2,560,000
GO $1,970,000
TIF $ 220,000
Assess $ 370,000
Also: Delete TID cash funding of $120,000 from State Street Project #4, as amended by the Board of Estimates. And reduce Year 2010 funding for this project from $800,000 to $600,000. Streets planned for reconstruction in 2010 will be Gorham Street, from State to Henry, and also Henry Street, from Gorham to State. The net result of this amendment is an increase of special assessments by $160,000, an increase in TID cash funding of $100,000, and no increase in General Obligation Debt.
General Obligation Debt $ 0
Other Funding 260,000
Total $ 260,000 Levy Impact: $ 0
AMENDMENT 18 - CENTRAL PARK
Agency/Project: Engineering - Other Projects / Project #15 - Central ParkJed explained to us that "you can't have everything". He thought the park should be funded by private funding. People reminded him that the little bit of money here would be leveraging other federal dollars. It failed on a voice vote - and I didn't even catch if anyone voted no or not. Since you know, there was no roll call. :) (Is that getting obnoxious yet?)
Page(s): 79
Sponsor(s): Alds. Sanborn, Pham-Remmele, Monson
Remove funding for Central Park for the Years 2009 through 2011.
General Obligation Debt $ (250,000)
Other Funding 0
Total $ (250,000) Levy Impact: $ (32,376)
AMENDMENT 19 - STORM SEWERS
Agency/Project: Stormwater Utility / Project #4 - Storm Sewer with Street ProjectsAnother "technical" amendment that passed unanimously on a voice vote - as far as I could tell.
Page(s): 83
Sponsor(s): Mayor Cieslewicz, Ald. Bruer
Reduce General Obligation reauthorization by $130,400, from $1,271,682 to $1,141,282.
(Note: The $1,271,682 in reauthorization was added by Board of Estimates Amendment #1. The reduction in reauthorization is necessary due to RES-08-00942, which was adopted on October 7, 2008. General Obligation debt associated with the Stormwater Utility is repaid using the Utility's resources, therefore, there is no levy impact.)
General Obligation Debt $ (130,400)
Other Funding 0
Total $ (130,400) Levy Impact: $ 0
AMENDMENT 20 - MONEY FOR PARKS NOT COVERED BY DEVELOPMENT FEES (The "Bubbler" Amendment!)
Agency/Project: Parks Division / Project #11 - Development Fee ProjectsWho knew, development fees don't cover our actual costs for the parks. Hmmmmm . . . . .
Page(s): 97
Sponsor(s): Alds. Cnare, Compton, Clausius, Schumacher
Replace Development Fee funding with General Obligation debt for Phases II and III for Door Creek Park, a Drinking Fountain (Bubbler) in North Star Park and tennis courts at Richmond Hill Park. Debt service of approximately $90,000 per year will be repaid through impact fees.
General Obligation Debt $ 7 00,000
Other Funding (700,000)
Total $ 0 Levy Impact: $ 0
Ok - so there were some accounting games played here because we don't have enough collections from developer fees for parks and we want to do some project now, so we're borrowing money and hoping the developer fees come in later and they will be used to pay the interest on our loan, but not for the actual improvements. So, we will need to charge developers for this in the future. If I understood it correctly. I just wish we could have done something this creative for some of the parks in the 2nd district. Maybe next year . . .
One of the funnier comments when was Judy Compton was trying to speak in support of the amendment, but was urging the council to vote against it - Alder Cnare asked the Mayor to "Turn off the mic!" He started to . . . Judy straightened herself out and I think it passed unanimously.
AMENDMENT 21 - NEW DOWNTOWN PARKING RAMP PLANNING MONEY
This was tabled, I'll come back to it - it contains the most bizarre items of the evening.
AMENDMENT 22 - PARKING EQUIPMENT
Agency/Project: Parking Utility / Project #6 - Parking Revenue EquipmentAfter heavy lobbying from staff, I agreed to place this on file.
Page(s): 119
Sponsor(s): Alds. Konkel, Rummel
Delay purchase of multi-space meter equipment until there is a solution to high credit card charges.
General Obligation Debt $ 0
Other Funding (640,000)
Total $ (640,000) Levy Impact: $ 0
AMENDMENT 23 - SMALL CAP TIF
Agency/Project: Planning and Community and Economic Development /To me, this is one of the most wasteful, stupid programs we have in the city. I empathize with the need to get more owner-occupants downtown and I empathize with the fact that you can't easily turn these crappy rentals into owner-occupied housing easily and that we are losing our housing stock in the downtown. But this is just NOT the way to address these issues and as long as this program is in place, we won't get to real solutions. I think we can accomplish these goals withough giving someone $60,000 of free money from the city. Nevertheless, it failed on voice vote. Alders Sanborn and I voted no, I don't know if anyone else did. (Yup - no pesky roll call vote - so you'll never really know.)
Project #10 - TID 32 - Upper State St. Corridor
Page(s): 125
Sponsor(s): Alds. Konkel, Sanborn
Amend the CIP to remove $300,000 annually in years 2010 through 2014 for Small Cap TID funding.
General Obligation Debt $ 0
Other Funding 0
Total $ 0 Levy Impact: $ 0
AMENDMENT 24 - $3M FOR WHAT?
Agency/Project: Planning and Community and Economic Development /Currently, we are giving $3M for something yet to be determined. The language in the budget says:
Project #14 - TID 38 - Badger / Ann / Park St.
Page(s): 126
Sponsor(s): Alds. Konkel, Bruer
Add the following language to the end of the project narrative: "A plan for the public process will be approved by the Common Council as well."
General Obligation Debt $ 0
Other Funding 0
Total $ 0 Levy Impact: $ 0
This TID was created in 2008 as part of the revitalization of the South Park Street and Badger Road area. General goals include the elimination of blight and the stimulation of commercial and residential development. $3,000,000 is included in 2009 for acquisition, demolition and relocation costs associated with land assemblage. Prior to the purchase or demolition of additional properties for this project, a business plan consistent with the South Madison Revitalization Strategies Report will be prepared for the block bounded by Park Street, Badger Road, Cypress Way and Hughes Street. This plan will be subject to a public process to gather citizen input and must be submitted for review and approval by the Common Council.So, $3M for what? I amended the amendment to say:
"A plan for the public process shall include at least two additional well publicized full neighbohood meeting beyond the legally required city meetings and neighborhood association meetings."
Passed unanimously.
AMENDMENT 25 - STOUGHTON ROAD
Agency/Project: Planning and Community and Economic Development /At this point it was 11:45 and President Bruer refused to let us take a break. Therefore, I took my own during this item. I have no idea if it was discussed. I have no idea what the outcome of the vote was, but I presume it passed.
Project #15 - TID 39 - Stoughton Road
Page(s): 126
Sponsor(s): Alds. Compton, Cnare, Clear, Sanborn, Schumacher, Skidmore
Add $100,000 for professional fees and other expenses related to the implementation of the marketing plan for the Bio-Ag Gateway. Although the marketing plan was prepared in 2008, actual implementation of the plan did not begin until the 4th Quarter. The amendment will allow the City to continue the implementation activities identified within the marketing plan. (Note: Future debt service will be repaid from the TIF district, therefore there is no direct impact on the levy.)
General Obligation Debt $ 1 00,000
Other Funding 0
Total $ 100,000 Levy Impact: $ 0
AMENDMENT 26 - CUTTING MUNICIPAL ART FUND
Agency/Project: Planning and Community and Economic Development / Project #19 -It was getting late, and since I didn't type this up right away, things have become fuzzy. Testimony that I recall was Thuy talking about how this was "too sophisticated" for her and how she didn't understand. I think this is when she went into how she didn't get any training to be an alder (like any of us did?). Libby Monson said that this should be funded by private funds. Tim Gruber spoke in support and pointed out that when he and his 2 year old son went to the pool, Martin noticed the gates, and knew that they were special. Rhodes-Conway graced us with a poem:
Municipal Art Fund
Page(s): 127
Sponsor(s): Alds. Sanborn, Schumacher, Monson, Pham-Remmele
Remove funding for the Municipal Art Fund.
General Obligation Debt $ (112,000)
Other Funding 0
Total $ (112,000) Levy Impact: $ (14,505)
As we come marching, marching, unnumbered women deadI'm certain Thuy didn't understand a word of it.
Go crying through our singing their ancient cry for bread.
Small art and love and beauty their drudging spirits knew.
Yes, it is bread we fight for -- but we fight for roses, too!
We had another voice vote. I heard Jed vote no, I'm not certain if all the sponsors voted "no" as well - it certainly didn't sound like it.
AMENDMENT 27 - PUBLIC MARKET
Agency/Project: Planning and Community and Economic Development /Alder Rummel talked about why needed this in the budget to send a signal and that it was seeding for the future. Alder Kerr expressed interest in having it be in an existing buidling. Gruber finally supports because they are looking at additional sites. (Wonder how much that will cost them?) Another voice vote, it was unclear who voted no.
Project #24 - Public Market
Page(s): 128
Sponsor(s): Alds. Rummel, Konkel; Mayor Cieslewicz
This project will provide funding in the Capital Improvement Program of $1 million in each of 2011 and 2012 for costs associated with the acquisition, construction, renovations, and other related development costs for a Madison Public Market to serve Madison and promote the use of local foods and products as part of the City's economic development strategy. Additionally, provide up to $60,000 of expenditures from the PCED Preliminary Planning project in 2009 to prepare additional detailed site selection, market analysis, design assessment, and community input for an additional 2-3 candidate locations to be identified as a potential site for a Madison Public Market.
General Obligation Debt $ 0
Other Funding 0
Total $ 0 Levy Impact: $ 0
AMENDMENT 28 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Agency/Project: Planning and Community and Economic Development /There was one question by Kerr, about why this was in the capital budget vs the operating budget. The Comptroller explained that major planning activities were put in the capital budget, others are put in the operating budget. This passed on a voice vote.
Project #32 - Revision of 3-5 Year Strategic Plan
Page(s): 129
Sponsor(s): Alds. Konkel, Rummel
Amend the CIP to provide $100,000 of funding in 2013.
General Obligation Debt $ 0
Other Funding 0
Total $ 0 Levy Impact: $ 0
AMENDMENT 21 - PARKING GARAGE
Agency/Project: Parking Utility / Project #3 - MMB Parking GarageThis amendment came about because we were given three choices by staff in the budget and the Mayor chose to fund the parking garage behind the municipal building - however, we are no where near making that decision. At the moment, the hotel is on hold and they won't know if the hotel is interested in building on the MMB property. The Mayor insisted that we needed to keep this in the budget to signal support. However, when alders tried asking questions, it quickly became clear that we couldn't possibly know what we might even be signaling support for. Alder Solomon was going to make a motion - he had a very long stream of consciousness conversation with himself - out loud - which led us to table the item. It was unanimously tabled until the end of the meeting and then we came back to it.
Page(s): 118
Sponsor(s): Alds. Konkel, Rummel, Webber
Remove funding for MMB Parking Garage until a Council decision has been reached on a downtown hotel placement or a study has been approved on the alternatives of a Brayton Garage and replacing Government East.
General Obligation Debt $ 0
Other Funding (1,200,000)
Total $ (1,200,000) Levy Impact: $ 0
When we got back to it - Alder Solomon's brilliant solution was "I got nothing."
Alder Verveer attempted to make the motion that I think Alder Solomon was trying to make . . . if I recall correctly, it would have passed this in the budget and then required them to bring a plan back to us. It was getting late and it was a few nights ago, so I hope I got that right. That motion failed 7 (Gruber, Judge, Sanborn, Compton, Bruer, Solomon and Verveer) to 13 (Kerr, Konkel, Monson, Palm, Pham-Remmele, Rummel, Schumacher, Skidmore, Webber, Clausius, Rhodes-Conway, Clear and Cnare)
We then voted on the orignal amendment and it failed with the Mayor breaking the 10-10 tie. Voting for the motion were Gruber, Judge, Kerr, Konkel, Rummel, Rhodes-Conway, Palm, Schumacher. Voting against were Monson, Pham-Remmele, Sanborn, Skimore, Compton, Solomon, Verveer, Bruer, Clausius and Clear.
If this was in the budget to "signal support" - I don't think it did its job very well. Who knows what the council would support?
FINAL VOTE
It was a voice vote and passed unanimously. I asked to be recorded as voting "no". Alder Rummel says she voted no as well.
Sorry it took me so long to complete this, I took a few days off! Read more!
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