Friday, April 30, 2010
A Wonderful Life
Nice tribute to a friend, mentor, role model and personal hero. The world needs more people like Nan & David Cheney. The article is a nice look into the life of one amazing woman. I'm grateful I got to learn from her and am fond of a saying I stole from co-worker Megin McDonell "When I grow up, I want to be Nan Cheney." A true inspiration. Rest in Peace Nan. And thank you for everything you did for this community and the world.
Read more!
Landmarks Staff Report on the Edgewater
The full report is here. More info here. The important part is below.
"a case can be made". Not the greatest language I've ever seen in a report. So they think it meets the criteria or not. My guess is they don't but don't want to say it due to pressure from above. But I can't tell, I'm used to cryptic staff reports, but this one has me wondering what is really going on. Especially because of the memo relaying what the State Historic Preservation Officer said. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.
Read more!
Part 7: Staff Recommendation
This report describes each of the project’s components for ease of discussion and to facilitate the review of each of the criteria that apply specifically to those components. However, the proposal is a single integrated project and the Landmarks Commission is being asked to grant a single Certificate of Appropriateness for the project in its entirety.
Based on the materials submitted, staff believe that the project is consistent with the criteria for alterations to the 1940s tower. Staff also believe that the project is consistent with the criteria for alterations to the 1970s addition. Staff further believe that the project is consistent with the criteria 3-5 for new construction for the new tower. Staff believe that, considering changes made to the new tower and buildings now included within the Visually Related Area (notably the National Guardian Life Building and 1940s Edgewater tower), a case can be made that the project now is more in keeping with criteria 1 and 2. However, the applicants have requested variances if the Landmarks Commission feels these (or other criteria) are not met. To approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project, the Landmarks Commission must either find that the project meets all of the criteria, or grant the requested variances for those criteria the Commission may find are not met.
If the Landmarks Commission finds that the approval criteria are met for the entire project, and/or variances are granted, staff recommend the following conditions of approval:
1. The design details for the rehabilitation of the exterior of the 1940s hotel tower, including but not limited to, window, door, and material specifications, and brick repair, shall be approved by staff, or by the Landmarks Commission at staff’s discretion.
2. The design details and construction drawings for the new top floor, Rigadoon Room, and front entrance element for the 1940s tower must be submitted for approval by staff, or by the Landmarks Commission at staff’s discretion.
3. Minor changes to the 1970s addition and proposed public plaza, new hotel tower, and elements associated with the underground parking structure may be approved by staff, with any major changes, as determined by staff, to return to the Commission for further approval.
"a case can be made". Not the greatest language I've ever seen in a report. So they think it meets the criteria or not. My guess is they don't but don't want to say it due to pressure from above. But I can't tell, I'm used to cryptic staff reports, but this one has me wondering what is really going on. Especially because of the memo relaying what the State Historic Preservation Officer said. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.
Read more!
Edgewater (Mostly TIF) Round Up
Yeah, if you can stand to hear any more about it . . . people keep asking how this became a city obsession and why we aren't more focused on E Washington Avenue, the Overturn, the Library, etc, etc, etc, etc. And I don't know, but we are . . . maybe we all just can't look away from a massive train wreck. The rest of the morning round up is in the previous post.
EDGEWATER SUPPORTERS MEETING
Note, these are not the people who live in the neighborhood, but those who are "stakeholders", meaning they own property or do business or want to do business there. But, I like how they bill themselves, "The Voice of the Neighborhood" indeed. I guess its all about the spin, well, and free lunch! I wonder if they add those costs to their lobbying reports?
GRANT THORNTON LEAVING TOWN
In the interest of full disclosure, my sister works there, but she didn't tell me much. My question is, how much does the new Edgewater project have to do with them leaving? Aren't they the group that can get out of their lease if their view is blocked? Did their lease crisis spur on their decision to leave town? I seriously don't know, but I'm suspicious.
EXCEPTIONS TO TIF POLICY
Check out the exceptions to the TIf policy required. Given the problems that we have been having with TIF and lack of ability to get payments from Monroe Commons this seems foolish at best. Here's the exceptions that they printed, I wonder if there are more, since the TIF analysis is not yet complete.
THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE TIF NOT YET DONE
There's still no term sheet. Not a minor problem. There is likely to be "news" in the term sheet when it comes out. There are many unanswered questions that may be answered in the term sheet, if we ever get to see it.
THE EDGEWATER ISN'T EVEN IN A TIF DISTRICT YET
Yeah, lets not forget that, before TIF money can be awarded, the Joint TIF Review Board has to approve the expansion of the TIF district. Here's the blight studies that have been done to determine where that boundary might go. There was not only one, but two studies done. Here's the map of what the new TIF district might look like, which no longer includes James Madison Park. I have to say, those were sitting in my in box and I didn't open them until this morning and, well, I'm )*^%$#@%&()())&%$#@#$%^^& . . . bleep . . . I'm was mad. This could have been the thing that made me run again, which I was leaning against, but I just can't make up my mind. It definitely made me consider accepting the nomination for neighborhood association president or chair of the district whatever they call it. That second study was just wrong. Well, until I read it and my blood pressure went down! We're not blighted enough!!!! Can you believe it!!!!!! WE. DON'T. HAVE. ENOUGH. BLIGHT! Ha! How often does that happen? I say we because its basically the boundaries of my neighborhood association and my house is in it. My house happens to be rated "satisfactory" (the highest ranking) despite the harassment I get from my neighbors with building inspection calls. I believe if there was a TIF district here it could be the end of our neighborhood as house after house after house gets torn down and replaced by suburban style buildings. I'm so happy, NOT ENOUGH BLIGHT!!!! I can't believe it.
BUILDERS GROUP NEWS ON THE EDGEWATER
Here's their article on the conditional use appeal.
And the TIF.
That's it, I'm running late this morning. There will likely be more on Monday . . . after I'm done celebrating not being blighted!! Well, and getting my taxes back.
Read more!
EDGEWATER SUPPORTERS MEETING
Note, these are not the people who live in the neighborhood, but those who are "stakeholders", meaning they own property or do business or want to do business there. But, I like how they bill themselves, "The Voice of the Neighborhood" indeed. I guess its all about the spin, well, and free lunch! I wonder if they add those costs to their lobbying reports?
GRANT THORNTON LEAVING TOWN
In the interest of full disclosure, my sister works there, but she didn't tell me much. My question is, how much does the new Edgewater project have to do with them leaving? Aren't they the group that can get out of their lease if their view is blocked? Did their lease crisis spur on their decision to leave town? I seriously don't know, but I'm suspicious.
EXCEPTIONS TO TIF POLICY
Check out the exceptions to the TIf policy required. Given the problems that we have been having with TIF and lack of ability to get payments from Monroe Commons this seems foolish at best. Here's the exceptions that they printed, I wonder if there are more, since the TIF analysis is not yet complete.
But the proposal would need exceptions from policy, including rules that:
• Limit the TIF loan to 50 percent of tax revenues a project generates over the life of the TIF district. The project would need 100 percent of its tax revenue plus revenue from a nearby TIF district that would be expanded to include the Edgewater.
• Prohibits the use of TIF tax revenues from outside the project site. The project would require revenue from the larger district.
• Require a personal guarantee for all terms and conditions of the loan agreement. Hammes President Robert Dunn would guarantee $1 million and the borrower, Hammes’ limited liability corporation, Landmark X, LLC, the remaining $15 million.
THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE TIF NOT YET DONE
There's still no term sheet. Not a minor problem. There is likely to be "news" in the term sheet when it comes out. There are many unanswered questions that may be answered in the term sheet, if we ever get to see it.
THE EDGEWATER ISN'T EVEN IN A TIF DISTRICT YET
Yeah, lets not forget that, before TIF money can be awarded, the Joint TIF Review Board has to approve the expansion of the TIF district. Here's the blight studies that have been done to determine where that boundary might go. There was not only one, but two studies done. Here's the map of what the new TIF district might look like, which no longer includes James Madison Park. I have to say, those were sitting in my in box and I didn't open them until this morning and, well, I'm )*^%$#@%&()())&%$#@#$%^^& . . . bleep . . . I'm was mad. This could have been the thing that made me run again, which I was leaning against, but I just can't make up my mind. It definitely made me consider accepting the nomination for neighborhood association president or chair of the district whatever they call it. That second study was just wrong. Well, until I read it and my blood pressure went down! We're not blighted enough!!!! Can you believe it!!!!!! WE. DON'T. HAVE. ENOUGH. BLIGHT! Ha! How often does that happen? I say we because its basically the boundaries of my neighborhood association and my house is in it. My house happens to be rated "satisfactory" (the highest ranking) despite the harassment I get from my neighbors with building inspection calls. I believe if there was a TIF district here it could be the end of our neighborhood as house after house after house gets torn down and replaced by suburban style buildings. I'm so happy, NOT ENOUGH BLIGHT!!!! I can't believe it.
BUILDERS GROUP NEWS ON THE EDGEWATER
Here's their article on the conditional use appeal.
And the TIF.
That's it, I'm running late this morning. There will likely be more on Monday . . . after I'm done celebrating not being blighted!! Well, and getting my taxes back.
Read more!
A long Friday Round Up
I have a separate Edgewater Round Up for this morning, cuz this got long and well, some people just can't stand to hear about it any more, and I don't blame them. In other news, I'm not happy with the mainstream media this morning . . . I know they all had their staff cut, but they still should be paying better attention. I do this part time, for free and am not an expert in County Board and School Board issues and still, I think I am paying more attention than they are.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THIS COUNTY BOARD
Budget, redistricting . . . a few other issues. What cracks me up about this article is this:
I EXPECT THIS FROM THE STATE JOURNAL, NOT THE CAP TIMES
This is bullshit. Maybe not the editorial board's fault because they are relying on this story, which is bullshit. As I said, this was the worst kept "secret" in town in that they discussed they were going to do it in a public meeting and then the school board president tallied them and the board members got the results at a public meeting and discussed them at a public meeting. Then, immediately after the public meeting, gave copies of them to members of the public who requested them and emailed them to others the next day. The only flaw was that the administration didn't get them on the website right away. The school board didn't do this one in secret, maybe the media just wasn't paying close enough attention. There are many, many flaws in the school budget process, including lack of good information for the public and school board members. But this, this "crisis" is media created and misdirected. To top it all off, the actual votes that they took aren't the same as the straw poll votes.
SCHOOL BOARD BUDGET
So, they need to make decisions by May 3 or 4 in order to tell people who will get laid off. But, after that they will have the following hearings:
- May 17 Hearing
- June 1, Statutorily Required Hearing and Vote.
And then the final budget is not done until October. It's an odd process, which I think is confusing and hard to follow. Staying true to the pattern, the School Board's website is useless. And wrong. I really wish the website was better maintained and more real time.
TEACHER PAY FREEZE
At least it's not a 3% cut.
GREAT STORY ON SOCIAL JUSTICE CENTER MURAL
Ok, I'll give the press a little love this morning. The panels describing the mural went up yesterday, the dedication will be May 7th from 5 - 9 on gallery night. Read the article to find out all about Sharon Kilfoy's mural and the story behind it. Stop by our event, we have a permit to block off the street and will have music and food and fun! Peter and Lou Berryman, Kronic Jones and Harmony of Spheres will be playing. There will be a light and video show from WYOU, it's Art Gallery Night and we're featuring posters from the 70s from Sharon Kilfoy in our art gallery. Tammy Baldwin is going to try to make it to the Mural dedication as she was there when we opened the building and we are celebrating our 10th anniversary on the 13th at Olbrich Gardens. Yay! And they said the Social Justice Center couldn't be done. And we did it without any government money! Let's hear is for scrappy little non-profits who don't understand the word "no" and Nan and David Cheney who we could not have done it without!
ROB'S LINK
From train to plane. And no, he's not talking about where to put the high speed rail station.
PARTY TIPS FOR MIFFLIN
This articles always crack me up, but as a former criminal defense attorney, this one line bothers me, especially when telling it to young people . . .
UW-PLATTEVILLE WANTS YOU TO BRING YOUR GUNS TO CAMPUS
I'm a 1990 graduate from UW Platteville - I received a degree in criminal justice and a minor in english - yeah, my teachers would probably go stark raving mad if they read my blog!. I was also an R.A. in the dorms. I suppose if the guns are going to be there, its responsible to have a plan, but somehow, I don't think this is something to be encouraged, how much time to students have to go hunting?
CITY SAVES THE FIRE WORKS
In an age where the city is moving to charge more for services, it seems odd that we just gave in and sent staff to straighten it all out. I wonder what this means for what the Rhythm and Booms folks will now ask for? Or, are we charging Woodman's and making money?
I'm also surprised the Woodman's folks are so thin skinned and if they don't like what Sly said, why bring it up again and remind the public about it? And, I agree with Morrisey, Woodman's doesn't have the right to control what Sly says. Chris Murphy asks a good question. Remember, at the bottom of all of this, is Woodman's end of their mental health coverage, they are hardly the heroes here.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP
I just found out about this yesterday, not much time to plan to help out, but if you're in the neighborhood and free tomorrow . . .
WATER UTILITY OPEN HOUSE
I know many of my readers care about water issues, so this may be of interest:
NATURE WALK AT WARNER PARK
Your chance to see the geese up front and personal.
TAKE BACK THE LAND
JAMES C. WRIGHT HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THIS COUNTY BOARD
Budget, redistricting . . . a few other issues. What cracks me up about this article is this:
A few months back, the county quietly passed a program that lets rural property owners sell development rights to developers, meaning the owners get money for agreeing not to develop. In exchange, developers win the ability to build more densely in population centers.The only reason it was "quietly" done is because the press didn't cover it. I did blog it at the time.
I EXPECT THIS FROM THE STATE JOURNAL, NOT THE CAP TIMES
This is bullshit. Maybe not the editorial board's fault because they are relying on this story, which is bullshit. As I said, this was the worst kept "secret" in town in that they discussed they were going to do it in a public meeting and then the school board president tallied them and the board members got the results at a public meeting and discussed them at a public meeting. Then, immediately after the public meeting, gave copies of them to members of the public who requested them and emailed them to others the next day. The only flaw was that the administration didn't get them on the website right away. The school board didn't do this one in secret, maybe the media just wasn't paying close enough attention. There are many, many flaws in the school budget process, including lack of good information for the public and school board members. But this, this "crisis" is media created and misdirected. To top it all off, the actual votes that they took aren't the same as the straw poll votes.
SCHOOL BOARD BUDGET
So, they need to make decisions by May 3 or 4 in order to tell people who will get laid off. But, after that they will have the following hearings:
- May 17 Hearing
- June 1, Statutorily Required Hearing and Vote.
And then the final budget is not done until October. It's an odd process, which I think is confusing and hard to follow. Staying true to the pattern, the School Board's website is useless. And wrong. I really wish the website was better maintained and more real time.
TEACHER PAY FREEZE
At least it's not a 3% cut.
GREAT STORY ON SOCIAL JUSTICE CENTER MURAL
Ok, I'll give the press a little love this morning. The panels describing the mural went up yesterday, the dedication will be May 7th from 5 - 9 on gallery night. Read the article to find out all about Sharon Kilfoy's mural and the story behind it. Stop by our event, we have a permit to block off the street and will have music and food and fun! Peter and Lou Berryman, Kronic Jones and Harmony of Spheres will be playing. There will be a light and video show from WYOU, it's Art Gallery Night and we're featuring posters from the 70s from Sharon Kilfoy in our art gallery. Tammy Baldwin is going to try to make it to the Mural dedication as she was there when we opened the building and we are celebrating our 10th anniversary on the 13th at Olbrich Gardens. Yay! And they said the Social Justice Center couldn't be done. And we did it without any government money! Let's hear is for scrappy little non-profits who don't understand the word "no" and Nan and David Cheney who we could not have done it without!
ROB'S LINK
From train to plane. And no, he's not talking about where to put the high speed rail station.
PARTY TIPS FOR MIFFLIN
This articles always crack me up, but as a former criminal defense attorney, this one line bothers me, especially when telling it to young people . . .
If officers do happen to intervene in any escapades, be nice and be honest because both obstructing a police officer and disorderly conduct can cost up to $429.Well, don't forget the "right to remain silent" as well.
UW-PLATTEVILLE WANTS YOU TO BRING YOUR GUNS TO CAMPUS
I'm a 1990 graduate from UW Platteville - I received a degree in criminal justice and a minor in english - yeah, my teachers would probably go stark raving mad if they read my blog!. I was also an R.A. in the dorms. I suppose if the guns are going to be there, its responsible to have a plan, but somehow, I don't think this is something to be encouraged, how much time to students have to go hunting?
CITY SAVES THE FIRE WORKS
In an age where the city is moving to charge more for services, it seems odd that we just gave in and sent staff to straighten it all out. I wonder what this means for what the Rhythm and Booms folks will now ask for? Or, are we charging Woodman's and making money?
I'm also surprised the Woodman's folks are so thin skinned and if they don't like what Sly said, why bring it up again and remind the public about it? And, I agree with Morrisey, Woodman's doesn't have the right to control what Sly says. Chris Murphy asks a good question. Remember, at the bottom of all of this, is Woodman's end of their mental health coverage, they are hardly the heroes here.
NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP
I just found out about this yesterday, not much time to plan to help out, but if you're in the neighborhood and free tomorrow . . .
Dear Neighbor,
You’re invited to a Neighborhood Clean-Up Day, this Saturday, May 1, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.! The clean-up will be conducted by neighborhood residents and East High School students. If you’d like to participate, please meet on the corner of E. Mifflin and N. Franklin Streets at 1:00 p.m. Trash and recycling bags will be provided. If you have a rake, please bring it along. You may also want to bring some gloves.
Please contact me with any questions. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday!
Bridget Maniaci
WATER UTILITY OPEN HOUSE
I know many of my readers care about water issues, so this may be of interest:
Water Utility to Hold Open House May 8
To Celebrate National Drinking Water Week
Madison—The public is invited to the Madison Water Utility’s open house on Saturday, May 8, at the utility’s administration building, 119 East Olin Avenue. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on that day, utility representatives will be giving tours and highlighting the ways that they pump, test, disinfect, and distribute this precious natural resource to every resident of the city.
NATURE WALK AT WARNER PARK
Your chance to see the geese up front and personal.
Saturday, May 1, 8:30 am
Meet at Warner Park Shelter (colored tin cans)
Nature Walk, led by Trish O'Kane, naturalist from UW-MAdison
www.wildwarnerpark.org
TAKE BACK THE LAND
OPERATION WELCOME HOME invites you to join us in solidarity as we take back the land in our communities!
In the midst of the current housing crisis, Operation Welcome Home is joining the national movement of Take Back the Land to assert housing as a human right. Come learn more about this national effort and how Madison can take action to house people and prevent evictions.
Let's put an end to the destruction of our neighborhoods and ensure that local communities have control over land and housing!
TAKE BACK THE LAND!
INFORMATIONAL AND PLANNING MEETING*
MONDAY, MAY 3 from 5:30-7:30 PM
Social Justice Center (1202 Williamson St.)
*This meeting is a follow-up to our April 6 informational meeting and will include further details on supporting our May Take Back the Land actions, as well as updates for first-time attendees.
JAMES C. WRIGHT HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD
Madison Department of Civil Rights REV. JAMES C. WRIGHT HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD The Madison Department of Civil Rights (DCR) is seeking nominations of individuals who have served the Madison community in the area of civil rights for the Annual James C. Wright Award. The Award is presented annually at our Summer Diversity Picnic, which will be held on July 29, 2010. Individuals should share Rev. Wright's dedication to and compassion for civil and human rights and conduct their daily life consistent with these values. The nomination deadline is July 2, 2010. Members of the Department of Civil Rights, its staff and/or volunteers will not be eligible to receive the award.Read more!
Please contact Annie Weatherby-Flowers at the Equal Opportunities Division of the Department of Civil Rights at 608.266.6577 or aweatherbyflowers@cityofmadison.com with questions or other requests for information.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
People's Affordable Housing Vision Near Completion!
If you want to come and help finalize it and sign on, let us know!
Access to safe, adequate and affordable housing is a human right and yet it is out of reach for so many in our community. Government, at all levels, has failed to adequately respond to this crisis. Frustrated with local government's apathy and inertia on housing issues, the Affordable Housing Action Alliance (AHAA) facilitated community meetings to identify problems and develop solutions to address our community's most pressing housing needs. Over the last several months, we created a vision for the Madison area to expand low income housing opportunities, ensure basic dignity and a path to stable housing for the homeless, provide greater accountability for violations of local housing laws and increase local government resources to support housing programs. Please join us for a meeting to discuss the People's Affordable Housing Vision next Thursday 5/6/10 from 6-8 pm on the second floor of the Central Library (201 W. Mifflin). We want to share our vision with you, answer your questions and seek your support to make this vision a reality.I didn't really want to post her contact information, but you can contact me and I'll forward if you don't already have her contact info. Read more!
If you are unable to attend, but are interested in contributing to this effort, please let me know.
Thanks!
heidi wegleitner
Edgewater TIF Application
Here it is. I'm working hard to control my potty mouth. You're never going to believe how much the gap is . . . Seriously, after all those changes and new plans, it couldn't be $16M could it?
Oh yeah baby, it is. This is the third pretty major redesign and still the gap is exactly $16M. What kind of hocus pocus are they doing with the numbers?
Check it out, here it is.
Former TIF blogs on the Edgewater are here and here. Read those to look at previous issues and I'll probably have more to say on this once I get a better look at it.
Enjoy!
And good thing I'm workign 9 - 8:30 today and 9 - 6 tomorrow so have I extra hours to deal with all the news today. Read more!
Oh yeah baby, it is. This is the third pretty major redesign and still the gap is exactly $16M. What kind of hocus pocus are they doing with the numbers?
Check it out, here it is.
Former TIF blogs on the Edgewater are here and here. Read those to look at previous issues and I'll probably have more to say on this once I get a better look at it.
Enjoy!
And good thing I'm workign 9 - 8:30 today and 9 - 6 tomorrow so have I extra hours to deal with all the news today. Read more!
An Open Letter to the Ethics Committee
We all know how popular my filing of complaints are. And trying to change laws has backfired as well. So, here's my new strategy . . . think it will work? Or will it all be about personality and not substance yet again? Notice, I left names and specific instances out to avoid making it personal, not sure it will work, but I tried on my end.
To: City of Madison Ethics Board Committee Members
From: Brenda K. Konkel
Re: The State of Ethics in the City of Madison
Date: 4/29/2010
Dear Members of the City of Madison Ethics Board:
First of all, thank you for serving, we need more dedicated residents of the City of Madison who are willing to serve on committees, and I often fear that with the recent assault on the committees that make recommendations that are contrary to our Mayor’s wishes, fewer and fewer people will be willing to serve, so thank you!
I had to say that because I’m about to ask you to do something unpopular, which might put the future of your appointment to this committee at risk. Over the last nine years, including the eight I served on the Council and the one following it, I have observed many ethics issues that I would like discussed. These issues are of a systemic nature and I’d like to see the board address them at that level instead of on a case by case basis. I attempted to provide some ideas about how the issues might be addressed, but I do not claim to have all the answers and hope that the committee can help brainstorm potential solutions.
I know that the committee members care deeply about the city and so I appeal to you now, to take a proactive role in looking at the ethics laws in the City of Madison and help ensure that city maintains the highest standards of ethics to ensure the integrity of our local government. I thank you for considering these issues.
The issues that I see that need to be addressed are in the following areas:
Disclosure, recusals and resignations from Non-profit Boards for Alders
First, for years, I had thought the general rule was that once elected, an alder who served on a board of a non-profit funded by the City of Madison was required to resign. Numerous alders have been told this over the years and have in fact resigned because of direction from the city attorney. I can think of at least a dozen or so elected officials from the County Board and City Council who were on the Tenant Resource Center Board and were told to resign. That is partially the reason why staff from city-funded non-profits can serve as elected officials, they are not the ones making the financial decisions for the organization. However, in the recent past, at least two alders continued to or started to serve on boards of non-profits funded by the City of Madison. These are two that I happen to know about. There may be others.
Second, even if they were allowed to continue to serve, they should have at least disclosed their position during the budget and abstained from voting on issues related to the funding of the organization that they serve as board members. I do not recall such disclosures in recent years when voting on the budget. I used to, prior to the vote on the operating budget, make a statement about my conflict of interest due to my staff position at the Tenant Resource Center, but I was told by the City Attorney that it wasn’t necessary. That doesn’t seem right to me.
Potential Solutions:
1. Education of Alders and candidates running for office about the demands of their dualroles in the community.
2. Put Statement of interest forms on council website as well as on-line in the clerk’s office so they are readily accessible.
3. Perhaps revise the ordinance to be more specific about disclosures to keep decisions consistent.
4. Resume disclosures of conflicts of interest when voting on the budget, perhaps consider an item on the agenda where people are asked to disclose conflicts or ask for written disclosure.
Disclosure of conflicts by committee members and staff.
I have witnessed several occasions where members of a committee, board or commission had at least a personal conflict of interest, and possibly a financial conflict of interest that was not disclosed. Some of them mentioned it in passing, but not in any formal kind of way, others perhaps mentioned it at one meeting but not subsequent meetings so those not formerly in attendance would not reasonably know of the conflict. Even when disclosed, it doesn’t always formally end up in the minutes.
Recently, regarding the Edgewater one member on one committee was told by staff of the Department of Planning Community and Economic Development that they had to recuse themselves from discussion and voting on a matter because they were on a Board of Directors of a non-profit that took a position on the matter. On another committee, another member who was the chair of the government affairs committee of a community organization that took a position on the matter was similarly cautioned by planning staff and in fact, didn’t disclose that relationship.
On at least one occasion, a committee member had a conflict of interest in that a motion made at the committee would benefit a client. In that case the person was paid to represent an organization that would benefit from the ordinance. As more and more members of special interest groups are appointed to committees they seem free to say that they are making or supporting the position endorsed by their community group. In at least one case, the real decision may appeared to be made by an outside group because of the membership of the committee.
Finally, I was amazed to hear that recently a city staff member, acting as a staff member, made remarks at a commission meeting about a project that would impact their own neighborhood. When this happened in the past, people were told to recuse themselves and they were not allowed to appear before the commission representing their personal and perhaps financial interests. Instead, they had to have someone appear on their behalf. However, it seems that the city attorney advice on this matter has shifted over time.
Potential Solutions:
1. Put Statement of Interest forms on-line.
2. Educate the Alders, Staff and board, committee and commission members about conflicts of interest and disclosure.
3. Consider adopting procedures similar to the Office of Community Services where they fill out conflict of interest forms on an annual basis.
4. Consider putting a permanent agenda item for disclosure of conflicts of interests.
5. Consider amendments to the ordinance to make more clear the definition of personal conflict of interest.
6. Revise the lobbying law to include lobbying on behalf of ordinances or otherwise revise the ethics laws to delineate responsibilities when a person serves on a community group that has taken a position on a matter before them on a city committee.
7. Determine some way to provide more guidance to create more consistent outcomes, particularly regarding land use matters.
Can I buy you a drink? Offer you a ride?
I was constantly amazed when a bartender or lobbyist would offer me a beer or soda and I would refuse they would ask me why. I’d explain the ethics laws and they would proceed to either try to convince me there was a dollar limit or tell me of other alders who they have bought drinks for. There seems to be a general feeling that if it is not substantial in value, it doesn’t matter. Additionally, while on my bike or on my way to a same venue, lobbyists would offer me a ride. I’d politely decline and explain I could not accept their ride, even if I had to follow them to the next location in a separate vehicle or on bike.
Potential Solutions:
1. Send out educational materials with lobbyist registration information about what they cannot do. A copy of the ordinance is not enough.
2. Change the ethics law to a dollar limit to conform with current practice.
3. Consider a definition of transportation.
One year moratorium.
The current ethics laws, paraphrased, say that a former elected officials cannot appear before a board committee or commission representing anyone as a volunteer or for pay or concerning a matter over which they previously had control. If, like many former elected officials, you are involved with any organizations, sit on any boards, or are otherwise engaged in the community, or if you had sponsored many items as a council member, this rule basically results in a year of being a second class citizen. Due to those laws most former alders I know thought, and were told, that they could not serve on a committee for a year after being on the council and that was the practice until recently. Now, the mayor routinely appoints former alders to committees within weeks of their leaving office.
Potential Solutions:
1. Consider changing the law to explicitly say alders cannot serve on committees for one year following the end of their term of office. Clarify that this doesn’t just address appearances before the body.
2. Consider clarifying the laws to make clear how one could testify on their own personal opinions or what committees they could serve on without violating the law.
The Mayor’s Bike Ride.
I simply do not get it. How was this not a violation of the ethics laws. When the Council President arranged a get together between the business community and the alders, we had to pay our own way. A few dollars for some hors doeuvres. But the Mayor can accept a trip to Europe? Was the meeting with the business community not for the benefit of the city? Additionally, originally it was reported that the city attorney approved the trip because a foundation paid for it. That is a distinction that is clearly not in the law and moreover I believe the purpose of the foundation is to lobby government.
Potential Solutions:
1. Education of elected officials.
2. Review the forms in the clerk’s office about what items are disclosed and consider ordinance modification.
3. Consider an ordinance change that creates a definition of what benefits the city.
4. Look closely at tightening the language about what types of groups can pay for such items that “benefit the city”.
Burden on the Accuser/Shifting City Attorney Opinions/Is there Another Way?
Over the years, I have raised some of these issues and have had conversations with the City Attorney about several of these matters. I suspect many other alders and committee and staff members have as well. After all, the people faced with the questions are most likely to know about them. However, most of the issues never see the light of day and I suspect that you as committee members have no idea these issues are being discussed.
Additionally, for the issues to come before you, there needs to be a complaint. Most of the people in the positions to know about the violations are not likely to file a complaint for fear of how it would be perceived in the media or by their colleagues. And the general public does not have access to the information and evidence necessary to be able to file a complaint.
Possible Solutions:
1. Have the city attorney do a monthly report of questions received about ethics issues so the board stays informed of current issues.
2. Consider alternatives to the current complaint system for issues to come before the board, allow a way for issues that are not yet a complaint to come forward.
3. Consider an investigation or discovery system so members of the public can get access to the information to allow them to meet the burden of proof.
4. Have regular meetings where issues can be raised instead of not meeting for months at a time leaving no venue for issues to be resolved.
Other Issues
While all of these issues may not technically fall within your purview, they are matters which you may want to consider or bring to the attention of others within the city. Also, I have some brief recommendations about my experience filing lobbying complaints and how that system does (or does not) work and would welcome further discussion on those matters.
1. In order for the public to have access to information about items to be discussed, we have a computer system that allows attachments to make agenda items available. Several committees do not use that function and do not attach their materials for the meetings, leaving the public with no choice but to seek out the staff or attend the meeting and hope that they have enough handouts for the public. Some agendas are particularly vague and the public has no real notice of what will be discussed. The Police and Fire Commission is particularly problematic and not willing to remedy the situation.
2. In recent years, I have seen deliberate attempts to get around the open meetings laws openly discussed by government bodies. One committee has gone as far as to appoint staff and committee member work groups where the members of the committee don’t break walking quorum rules, but they still are groups created by the committee and I believe should be publicly noticed.
3. I have several issues with web policies. The mayor’s blog appears to be in violation of several APMs and questionable about if it is campaign activity, and doesn’t follow web linking policies for the city. In addition, alders seem to have a double standard. They are not allowed to blog and when it comes to linking to outside organizations, links are not allowed to go to an organization like Progressive Dane, but they are allowed to go to the Chamber of Commerce which does endorse in political campaigns.
4. Lobbying violations, even with the much weakened laws, appear to be going on, on a regular basis and there is little attempt to rectify that . Complaints are very much discouraged because there are not staff resources to be put into investigating the complaints and again, the burden is on the person who does not have access to the information. A small thing that could be done would be to actually look at what is submitted and ensure that clear violations are remedied in the reporting.
This letter took me some time to write, because I know there are other issues that are out there, but I decided to not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. I hope you will consider these thoughts and consider getting further information and addressing the issues that you find to be important. Thanks again for your time.
Read more!
To: City of Madison Ethics Board Committee Members
From: Brenda K. Konkel
Re: The State of Ethics in the City of Madison
Date: 4/29/2010
Dear Members of the City of Madison Ethics Board:
First of all, thank you for serving, we need more dedicated residents of the City of Madison who are willing to serve on committees, and I often fear that with the recent assault on the committees that make recommendations that are contrary to our Mayor’s wishes, fewer and fewer people will be willing to serve, so thank you!
I had to say that because I’m about to ask you to do something unpopular, which might put the future of your appointment to this committee at risk. Over the last nine years, including the eight I served on the Council and the one following it, I have observed many ethics issues that I would like discussed. These issues are of a systemic nature and I’d like to see the board address them at that level instead of on a case by case basis. I attempted to provide some ideas about how the issues might be addressed, but I do not claim to have all the answers and hope that the committee can help brainstorm potential solutions.
I know that the committee members care deeply about the city and so I appeal to you now, to take a proactive role in looking at the ethics laws in the City of Madison and help ensure that city maintains the highest standards of ethics to ensure the integrity of our local government. I thank you for considering these issues.
The issues that I see that need to be addressed are in the following areas:
Disclosure, recusals and resignations from Non-profit Boards for Alders
First, for years, I had thought the general rule was that once elected, an alder who served on a board of a non-profit funded by the City of Madison was required to resign. Numerous alders have been told this over the years and have in fact resigned because of direction from the city attorney. I can think of at least a dozen or so elected officials from the County Board and City Council who were on the Tenant Resource Center Board and were told to resign. That is partially the reason why staff from city-funded non-profits can serve as elected officials, they are not the ones making the financial decisions for the organization. However, in the recent past, at least two alders continued to or started to serve on boards of non-profits funded by the City of Madison. These are two that I happen to know about. There may be others.
Second, even if they were allowed to continue to serve, they should have at least disclosed their position during the budget and abstained from voting on issues related to the funding of the organization that they serve as board members. I do not recall such disclosures in recent years when voting on the budget. I used to, prior to the vote on the operating budget, make a statement about my conflict of interest due to my staff position at the Tenant Resource Center, but I was told by the City Attorney that it wasn’t necessary. That doesn’t seem right to me.
Potential Solutions:
1. Education of Alders and candidates running for office about the demands of their dualroles in the community.
2. Put Statement of interest forms on council website as well as on-line in the clerk’s office so they are readily accessible.
3. Perhaps revise the ordinance to be more specific about disclosures to keep decisions consistent.
4. Resume disclosures of conflicts of interest when voting on the budget, perhaps consider an item on the agenda where people are asked to disclose conflicts or ask for written disclosure.
Disclosure of conflicts by committee members and staff.
I have witnessed several occasions where members of a committee, board or commission had at least a personal conflict of interest, and possibly a financial conflict of interest that was not disclosed. Some of them mentioned it in passing, but not in any formal kind of way, others perhaps mentioned it at one meeting but not subsequent meetings so those not formerly in attendance would not reasonably know of the conflict. Even when disclosed, it doesn’t always formally end up in the minutes.
Recently, regarding the Edgewater one member on one committee was told by staff of the Department of Planning Community and Economic Development that they had to recuse themselves from discussion and voting on a matter because they were on a Board of Directors of a non-profit that took a position on the matter. On another committee, another member who was the chair of the government affairs committee of a community organization that took a position on the matter was similarly cautioned by planning staff and in fact, didn’t disclose that relationship.
On at least one occasion, a committee member had a conflict of interest in that a motion made at the committee would benefit a client. In that case the person was paid to represent an organization that would benefit from the ordinance. As more and more members of special interest groups are appointed to committees they seem free to say that they are making or supporting the position endorsed by their community group. In at least one case, the real decision may appeared to be made by an outside group because of the membership of the committee.
Finally, I was amazed to hear that recently a city staff member, acting as a staff member, made remarks at a commission meeting about a project that would impact their own neighborhood. When this happened in the past, people were told to recuse themselves and they were not allowed to appear before the commission representing their personal and perhaps financial interests. Instead, they had to have someone appear on their behalf. However, it seems that the city attorney advice on this matter has shifted over time.
Potential Solutions:
1. Put Statement of Interest forms on-line.
2. Educate the Alders, Staff and board, committee and commission members about conflicts of interest and disclosure.
3. Consider adopting procedures similar to the Office of Community Services where they fill out conflict of interest forms on an annual basis.
4. Consider putting a permanent agenda item for disclosure of conflicts of interests.
5. Consider amendments to the ordinance to make more clear the definition of personal conflict of interest.
6. Revise the lobbying law to include lobbying on behalf of ordinances or otherwise revise the ethics laws to delineate responsibilities when a person serves on a community group that has taken a position on a matter before them on a city committee.
7. Determine some way to provide more guidance to create more consistent outcomes, particularly regarding land use matters.
Can I buy you a drink? Offer you a ride?
I was constantly amazed when a bartender or lobbyist would offer me a beer or soda and I would refuse they would ask me why. I’d explain the ethics laws and they would proceed to either try to convince me there was a dollar limit or tell me of other alders who they have bought drinks for. There seems to be a general feeling that if it is not substantial in value, it doesn’t matter. Additionally, while on my bike or on my way to a same venue, lobbyists would offer me a ride. I’d politely decline and explain I could not accept their ride, even if I had to follow them to the next location in a separate vehicle or on bike.
Potential Solutions:
1. Send out educational materials with lobbyist registration information about what they cannot do. A copy of the ordinance is not enough.
2. Change the ethics law to a dollar limit to conform with current practice.
3. Consider a definition of transportation.
One year moratorium.
The current ethics laws, paraphrased, say that a former elected officials cannot appear before a board committee or commission representing anyone as a volunteer or for pay or concerning a matter over which they previously had control. If, like many former elected officials, you are involved with any organizations, sit on any boards, or are otherwise engaged in the community, or if you had sponsored many items as a council member, this rule basically results in a year of being a second class citizen. Due to those laws most former alders I know thought, and were told, that they could not serve on a committee for a year after being on the council and that was the practice until recently. Now, the mayor routinely appoints former alders to committees within weeks of their leaving office.
Potential Solutions:
1. Consider changing the law to explicitly say alders cannot serve on committees for one year following the end of their term of office. Clarify that this doesn’t just address appearances before the body.
2. Consider clarifying the laws to make clear how one could testify on their own personal opinions or what committees they could serve on without violating the law.
The Mayor’s Bike Ride.
I simply do not get it. How was this not a violation of the ethics laws. When the Council President arranged a get together between the business community and the alders, we had to pay our own way. A few dollars for some hors doeuvres. But the Mayor can accept a trip to Europe? Was the meeting with the business community not for the benefit of the city? Additionally, originally it was reported that the city attorney approved the trip because a foundation paid for it. That is a distinction that is clearly not in the law and moreover I believe the purpose of the foundation is to lobby government.
Potential Solutions:
1. Education of elected officials.
2. Review the forms in the clerk’s office about what items are disclosed and consider ordinance modification.
3. Consider an ordinance change that creates a definition of what benefits the city.
4. Look closely at tightening the language about what types of groups can pay for such items that “benefit the city”.
Burden on the Accuser/Shifting City Attorney Opinions/Is there Another Way?
Over the years, I have raised some of these issues and have had conversations with the City Attorney about several of these matters. I suspect many other alders and committee and staff members have as well. After all, the people faced with the questions are most likely to know about them. However, most of the issues never see the light of day and I suspect that you as committee members have no idea these issues are being discussed.
Additionally, for the issues to come before you, there needs to be a complaint. Most of the people in the positions to know about the violations are not likely to file a complaint for fear of how it would be perceived in the media or by their colleagues. And the general public does not have access to the information and evidence necessary to be able to file a complaint.
Possible Solutions:
1. Have the city attorney do a monthly report of questions received about ethics issues so the board stays informed of current issues.
2. Consider alternatives to the current complaint system for issues to come before the board, allow a way for issues that are not yet a complaint to come forward.
3. Consider an investigation or discovery system so members of the public can get access to the information to allow them to meet the burden of proof.
4. Have regular meetings where issues can be raised instead of not meeting for months at a time leaving no venue for issues to be resolved.
Other Issues
While all of these issues may not technically fall within your purview, they are matters which you may want to consider or bring to the attention of others within the city. Also, I have some brief recommendations about my experience filing lobbying complaints and how that system does (or does not) work and would welcome further discussion on those matters.
1. In order for the public to have access to information about items to be discussed, we have a computer system that allows attachments to make agenda items available. Several committees do not use that function and do not attach their materials for the meetings, leaving the public with no choice but to seek out the staff or attend the meeting and hope that they have enough handouts for the public. Some agendas are particularly vague and the public has no real notice of what will be discussed. The Police and Fire Commission is particularly problematic and not willing to remedy the situation.
2. In recent years, I have seen deliberate attempts to get around the open meetings laws openly discussed by government bodies. One committee has gone as far as to appoint staff and committee member work groups where the members of the committee don’t break walking quorum rules, but they still are groups created by the committee and I believe should be publicly noticed.
3. I have several issues with web policies. The mayor’s blog appears to be in violation of several APMs and questionable about if it is campaign activity, and doesn’t follow web linking policies for the city. In addition, alders seem to have a double standard. They are not allowed to blog and when it comes to linking to outside organizations, links are not allowed to go to an organization like Progressive Dane, but they are allowed to go to the Chamber of Commerce which does endorse in political campaigns.
4. Lobbying violations, even with the much weakened laws, appear to be going on, on a regular basis and there is little attempt to rectify that . Complaints are very much discouraged because there are not staff resources to be put into investigating the complaints and again, the burden is on the person who does not have access to the information. A small thing that could be done would be to actually look at what is submitted and ensure that clear violations are remedied in the reporting.
This letter took me some time to write, because I know there are other issues that are out there, but I decided to not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. I hope you will consider these thoughts and consider getting further information and addressing the issues that you find to be important. Thanks again for your time.
Read more!
Edgewater is Back Round Up
Wait, wait, wait . . . hurry up!
FOR HAMMES, TIF WAS A PRIORITY
Wow, seriously? I'd hate to see how long it would take to get an application if it wasn't a priority. The article is just a little off in a few of their explanations, so I wonder if this is really true?
WHEN WILL THE COUNCIL MEETING ON THE EDGEWATER BE HELD?
Well, probably no one really knows. If they can reschedule the Board of Estimates meeting so it is not on the 10th when the Landmarks meeting is, and get it all done before May 18th I'll be surprised. My google alert says something interesting that isn't in the Badger Herald article . . . and I see it was updated 8 minutes after posting.
HOW'S THAT GOING TO WORK
Allied Drive is getting owner occupied housing, they are skipping the condos for now and building single family homes, do you think they can meet the affordablility goals if they do that?
WOW. THIS IS JUST DISAPPOINTING
For once, Sly is controversial for a good reason, no racist or sexist comments! He's the reason Woodman's pulled out of the fireworks, they didn't like his criticism that mental health parity insurance for their employees at their "employee owned" company.
TIP!
Which roads do you want? Should we get to vote on it? TIP = Transportation Improvement Plan and the council will be getting their briefing before the next council meeting. Meanwhile, Robbie Webber had some interesting thoughts about it.
VANHOLLEN WORKING FOR REPUBLICANS ON HEALTH CARE LAWSUIT
Anyone surprised?
JOURNALISM ETHICS
The new ethics? Looks interesting, wish I could go.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE VIOLATIONS
Whenever the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign comes out with this list, I can't help but wonder what its like to accidentally give more than $10,000 to campaigns. Some of these folks are even repeat offenders.
$2K TO $3K TOILETS?
They explain how it can happen, and it makes sense, but its also a tad bit depressing. I'm glad the school board members are digging into the numbers!
IS COUNCIL LEADERSHIP OUT OF TOUCH?
On teh wrong track? You know my opinion, but here's another.
NEED A FIRETRUCK FOR YOUR PARADE?
Is this how we focus on basic services in tight budget times?
GREEN JOBS!
Quick, if its between 8:00 and 9:00 turn on WORT to hear more on Tony Casteneda's show.
FOR HAMMES, TIF WAS A PRIORITY
Wow, seriously? I'd hate to see how long it would take to get an application if it wasn't a priority. The article is just a little off in a few of their explanations, so I wonder if this is really true?
Hammes spokesperson Sarah Carpenter said the company has prioritized the Board of Estimates meeting because of the crucial nature of the TIF application to the financing of the project.More on the Edgewater from yesterday here and here. Kristin Czubkowski does this for a living and had time to explain further!
WHEN WILL THE COUNCIL MEETING ON THE EDGEWATER BE HELD?
Well, probably no one really knows. If they can reschedule the Board of Estimates meeting so it is not on the 10th when the Landmarks meeting is, and get it all done before May 18th I'll be surprised. My google alert says something interesting that isn't in the Badger Herald article . . . and I see it was updated 8 minutes after posting.
Google News Alert for: "brian solomon"Solomon will be having surgery, but last I heard it was not until May 21st, do you think they will delay the vote based on that if they don't make the 18th and 19th? I'm suspecting they will, I've taken and then crossed off many days off based on all this rescheduling, I'm not even going to write it down this time til we have something more certain.
Edgewater clears significant hurdle
UW Badger Herald
She said Ald. Brian Solomon, District 10, plans to have surgery, which could postpone the votes to later this summer. If the Board of Estimates approves the ...
HOW'S THAT GOING TO WORK
Allied Drive is getting owner occupied housing, they are skipping the condos for now and building single family homes, do you think they can meet the affordablility goals if they do that?
A recently approved plan shows 28 lots, with at least 20 for single-family residences, up to five two-family homes and three lots for multi-family buildings. The plan also includes open space and a place for community gardens.What will happen to the affordability goals if, oops, they never build the condos cuz of the market?
The multi-family buildings, however, will be put on hold due to a soft market for condos, Olinger said.
The original redevelopment plan in 2008 speaks to affordability. A third of the homes are for those making between 30 percent and 50 percent of the county median income, a third for those making 50 percent to 80 percent, and a third for those making more than 80 percent.
WOW. THIS IS JUST DISAPPOINTING
For once, Sly is controversial for a good reason, no racist or sexist comments! He's the reason Woodman's pulled out of the fireworks, they didn't like his criticism that mental health parity insurance for their employees at their "employee owned" company.
TIP!
Which roads do you want? Should we get to vote on it? TIP = Transportation Improvement Plan and the council will be getting their briefing before the next council meeting. Meanwhile, Robbie Webber had some interesting thoughts about it.
VANHOLLEN WORKING FOR REPUBLICANS ON HEALTH CARE LAWSUIT
Anyone surprised?
JOURNALISM ETHICS
The new ethics? Looks interesting, wish I could go.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE VIOLATIONS
Whenever the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign comes out with this list, I can't help but wonder what its like to accidentally give more than $10,000 to campaigns. Some of these folks are even repeat offenders.
$2K TO $3K TOILETS?
They explain how it can happen, and it makes sense, but its also a tad bit depressing. I'm glad the school board members are digging into the numbers!
IS COUNCIL LEADERSHIP OUT OF TOUCH?
On teh wrong track? You know my opinion, but here's another.
NEED A FIRETRUCK FOR YOUR PARADE?
Is this how we focus on basic services in tight budget times?
>
City of Madison Fire Department 4th of July Parade Request Policy
May 3, 2010 Begins Request
Please contact Madison Fire Department Community Education Unit during the weekday between May 3 – June 11 to schedule a Fire Engine or Ladder for 4th of July Parades. See attached policy for specific steps on how to request vehicles. Vehicle assignments will be based on first-come, first-serve basis. Specific information includes: Name of Neighborhood Association or Group; Contact Name and Number; Parade Time from Time Range Listed; and Address of Staging Area. Confirmation will be sent out of the contact person by June 25th. Contact Community Education Unit at 608-266-4709.
GREEN JOBS!
Quick, if its between 8:00 and 9:00 turn on WORT to hear more on Tony Casteneda's show.
Green Collar Job Symposium, Saturday May 1, Madison Labor Temple, 1602 South Park Street, 9:30 – 5:30.Read more!
The Green Collar Alliance will be holding the first annual Green Collar Symposium and networking event Saturday, May 1 at the Madison Labor Temple. The purpose of the event is to create a model which if implemented in local communities can create sustainable 100% employment. The Symposium will feature a presentation by the Natural Step Organization and three panel discussions (Local, Education, and Funding) as well as a musical performance by the Raging Grannies. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
Telephone: 1 (608) 721-2234
Email: greencollaralliance@yahoo.com
Website www.greencollaralliance.com
Edgewater TIF Application is In!
I heard this yesterday and immediately fired off my request to get a copy (tho I neglected to request the equally interesting term sheet). Here's the story according to Council President Mark Clear. Looks like he's doing the Mayor's work for him yet again and of course deferring to him instead of advocating on behalf of the council. I sure hope they don't have the Board of Estimates and Landmark's meeting both on the 10th! And, I'm wondering why he didn't just send the application to the council, even if the analysis isn't done. Poor Joe is probably going to get a lot of requests for it today, to add to the ones he already got yesterday.
Joe Gromacki tells me that the application and term sheet were received this morning and he and other staff are doing their analysis and vetting work. That will take several days, after which the application and analysis will be available in Legistar for introduction at the May 4 Common Council meeting. They will not be able to complete their work in time for the council agenda packet, so the introduction will be made from the floor.Read more!
Obviously there is a great deal of interest from the public and the council in this application, and I've asked Joe to notify the council as soon as it is available for our review.
The normal course of events would put the matter before Board of Estimates on Monday 5/10. As you probably know, that is the same time that the Landmarks Commission is scheduled to hear the project's revised application for a certificate of appropriateness.
Recognizing that many alders and members of the public may wish to attend both meetings, while at the same time acknowledging that schedules are tight and moving a meeting can create more problems than it solves, I would like to know your preference on whether to keep BOE at its original schedule or try to reschedule. The results of this poll will be provided to the Mayor (as chair of BOE, the decision to reschedule or not is his).
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Holy. Edgewater. Mess.
The conditional use appeal gets interesting . . .and it isn't even Friday.
Here's the City Attorney's memo and attachments. 8 pages of analysis, 31 pages total.
Here's the appellant attorney's latest memo, prior to the City Attorney determination, and I think the one referred to in his memo.
Suffice it to say, its complicated. Looks to me like the list issue is a real concern and the appeal should be heard, but I still don't understand how the Council will review the record. The record is blank so its not sufficient to find that the conditions of approval are met. I suspect this will end up being what the case rests on, an interpretation of what the "record" is. To me, its clear. Let me remind you, this is the discussion on this item.
(Sorry, never figured out how to sync the video and audio . . . gave up and moved on. I do, however, know what not to do next time. The audio gets done before the slow video, but it is the entire audio and I would argue, the entire record.)
I expect there to be more twists and turns to come.
Read more!
Here's the City Attorney's memo and attachments. 8 pages of analysis, 31 pages total.
Here's the appellant attorney's latest memo, prior to the City Attorney determination, and I think the one referred to in his memo.
Suffice it to say, its complicated. Looks to me like the list issue is a real concern and the appeal should be heard, but I still don't understand how the Council will review the record. The record is blank so its not sufficient to find that the conditions of approval are met. I suspect this will end up being what the case rests on, an interpretation of what the "record" is. To me, its clear. Let me remind you, this is the discussion on this item.
(Sorry, never figured out how to sync the video and audio . . . gave up and moved on. I do, however, know what not to do next time. The audio gets done before the slow video, but it is the entire audio and I would argue, the entire record.)
I expect there to be more twists and turns to come.
Read more!
Demolition of Water Utility Building
A pet peeve of mine - is this former (in the process of being sold) Water Utility Building really in such bad shape it must be torn down?
Please be advised that Lance McGrath will be filing a demolition permit application
Read more!
Please be advised that Lance McGrath will be filing a demolition permit application
on May 26, 2010 for Plan Commission review that calls for a Commercial Building located at 523 E Main St Madison, WI 53703 to be demolished. For more information regarding this forthcoming application, you may contact the applicant, Lance McGrath, Lance T. McGrath / LT McGrath, LLC, 3849 Caribou Rd Verona, WI 53593 at ltmcgrathllc@gmail.com or (608)345-3975.I'm not sure I care all that much about the building, but I do care about the arguments about why it should be torn down. Why can't we just be honest about why it is being torn down, its not because it is in "relatively poor condition" whatever that means, but it is to make money.
Applicant's Comments:
This is the former Water Utility office building located at the corner of E. Main and S. Blair. It is a 2-story concrete block building that was built in 1948 and is in relatively poor condition. A PUD-SIP rezoning application will be submitted on 5/26/10 to allow for the construction of a new multi-family rental project.
Read more!
Almost Freezing Wednesday Morning Round Up
32 degrees. I guess we've been spoiled and really shouldn't complain . . .
HERE WE GO AGAIN
Fireworks over the fireworks. Apparently the corporations won't play nicely in the sandbox. Anyone getting tired of this yet? Does there have to be a crisis every year. And, OHMIGOD THE HYPOCRISY, Pham-Remmele who won't spend a dime on so many things wants money once again for her district. This isn't a basic service, this isn't a must have, but no, Thuy must have. I see Rummel throwing her pen in the air again in sheer frustration with the lack of logic and consistency.
HALF A MILLION
That's the gap in the Overture budget. Or, the entire City Channel budget for a year. Or less than half the Mayor's budget ($1.1M). Or, .08% of the police budget. Or 14% of what the city sets aside for Community Services that it contracts out. How's that for perspective.
WORST KEPT SECRET IN TOWN
There was no secret straw poll vote, they talked about it openly in their open meetings and it was made available when requested and it was clear that it was a tool to find out what items they could dispense with quickly and which ones needed more discussion. It was feedback, no one was held to it and it wasn't a vote. Wow. Something seems fishy about this WSJ article. Making up news?
THIS IS A NO-BRAINER RIGHT
We don't need to elect a coroner, a hired medical examiner should be just fine. Did I miss a controversy? Or does the WSJ ed board just need an easy win?
WHAT?
A city or county can't decide to contract with companies or entities paying a living wage? That was pre-empted by the state bill on minimum wage? I don't think so. Don't the airlines contract with the county to provide services there and so therefore aren't they "under a contract for the provision of services to" the County? Hmmm . . . I'm with Tom Stoebig, I'm reserving judgment until we get more facts and the Corporation Council opinion.
DON'T CALL 911
Yes, those low flying planes dumping chemicals on you are supposed to be doing that. Sounds great, doesn't it?! Its gypsy moth spraying time!
CITY PARTY TIPS
Yeah, its that time of year. Mifflin St is this weekend so cops and fire give out party tips to people who live on Mifflin. Just heard on the news that it might rain this weekend. And, looks like the bands won't be able to get permits this year, despite introduction of a law.
MAYBE GEESE ARE SAVED
The parks department is going to "oil the eggs" which should be a substitute to killing the geese, but it sounds like instead of using that as a substitute, they may do both. I guess I jumped the gun thinking that they would do the reasonable thing. My bad. I should have known that logic and listening to the public would not prevail with Briski. However, I guess there is still hope. I don't know why they are taking so long to decide if they should hear from the public, I find it appalling, its not that big of a decision and it seems like a no-brainer after they admitted that they didn't think it would be so controversial. Cap Times says no reprieve yet, Wis State Journal headline more hopeful saying its being considered. I guess we'll see.
COPS ON CRACK
Wow. If the pot growing kids are dumb and dumber (grew so much pot the neighbors could smell it outside), what does that make this cop? I find it interesting how channel 15 added this disclaimer to their story:
A DIFFERENT LOOK AT BAGGY PANTS
No, they aren't causing crime but according to Doug Moe, they could kill you.
LIBRARY SELECTION PROCESS QUESTIONED
Hey, I agree with the development folks on this one, I don't think this process has been fair. Re-issuing the RFQ would be the right thing to do.
MAN'S BUSINESS STOLEN WHILE HE BUYS A SNACK
Who can resist reading a story with a headline like that!
CLEAN LAKES
WILLY STREET PARK PLANT SALE
Rain or shine!
IF WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TRAINS, I WANT THIS!
Richard Russell titled this "How to Board a Moving Train" . . . pretty cool.
It's a little early, so if I find anything else this morning, I'll make sure to note this has been updated in the title and list it below. So, stay tuned, if I don't add anything by 9:00, there won't be anything. Read more!
HERE WE GO AGAIN
Fireworks over the fireworks. Apparently the corporations won't play nicely in the sandbox. Anyone getting tired of this yet? Does there have to be a crisis every year. And, OHMIGOD THE HYPOCRISY, Pham-Remmele who won't spend a dime on so many things wants money once again for her district. This isn't a basic service, this isn't a must have, but no, Thuy must have. I see Rummel throwing her pen in the air again in sheer frustration with the lack of logic and consistency.
HALF A MILLION
That's the gap in the Overture budget. Or, the entire City Channel budget for a year. Or less than half the Mayor's budget ($1.1M). Or, .08% of the police budget. Or 14% of what the city sets aside for Community Services that it contracts out. How's that for perspective.
WORST KEPT SECRET IN TOWN
There was no secret straw poll vote, they talked about it openly in their open meetings and it was made available when requested and it was clear that it was a tool to find out what items they could dispense with quickly and which ones needed more discussion. It was feedback, no one was held to it and it wasn't a vote. Wow. Something seems fishy about this WSJ article. Making up news?
THIS IS A NO-BRAINER RIGHT
We don't need to elect a coroner, a hired medical examiner should be just fine. Did I miss a controversy? Or does the WSJ ed board just need an easy win?
WHAT?
A city or county can't decide to contract with companies or entities paying a living wage? That was pre-empted by the state bill on minimum wage? I don't think so. Don't the airlines contract with the county to provide services there and so therefore aren't they "under a contract for the provision of services to" the County? Hmmm . . . I'm with Tom Stoebig, I'm reserving judgment until we get more facts and the Corporation Council opinion.
DON'T CALL 911
Yes, those low flying planes dumping chemicals on you are supposed to be doing that. Sounds great, doesn't it?! Its gypsy moth spraying time!
CITY PARTY TIPS
Yeah, its that time of year. Mifflin St is this weekend so cops and fire give out party tips to people who live on Mifflin. Just heard on the news that it might rain this weekend. And, looks like the bands won't be able to get permits this year, despite introduction of a law.
MAYBE GEESE ARE SAVED
The parks department is going to "oil the eggs" which should be a substitute to killing the geese, but it sounds like instead of using that as a substitute, they may do both. I guess I jumped the gun thinking that they would do the reasonable thing. My bad. I should have known that logic and listening to the public would not prevail with Briski. However, I guess there is still hope. I don't know why they are taking so long to decide if they should hear from the public, I find it appalling, its not that big of a decision and it seems like a no-brainer after they admitted that they didn't think it would be so controversial. Cap Times says no reprieve yet, Wis State Journal headline more hopeful saying its being considered. I guess we'll see.
COPS ON CRACK
Wow. If the pot growing kids are dumb and dumber (grew so much pot the neighbors could smell it outside), what does that make this cop? I find it interesting how channel 15 added this disclaimer to their story:
The public is reminded that a criminal complaint is merely a method by which to charge individuals with criminal conduct. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.Funny how that is the case when it is a cop arrested, but they don't write that about their other stories about crime.
A DIFFERENT LOOK AT BAGGY PANTS
No, they aren't causing crime but according to Doug Moe, they could kill you.
LIBRARY SELECTION PROCESS QUESTIONED
Hey, I agree with the development folks on this one, I don't think this process has been fair. Re-issuing the RFQ would be the right thing to do.
MAN'S BUSINESS STOLEN WHILE HE BUYS A SNACK
Who can resist reading a story with a headline like that!
CLEAN LAKES
Public Input Sought on Yahara Lakes Cleanup Ideas
Yahara CLEAN Meeting to be held Thursday April 29 at 7 p.m.
The Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission and the Yahara Lakes Legacy Partnership (YLLP) will host a public informational meeting on Thursday April 29, from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Exhibition Hall of the Alliant Energy Center -- Kegonsa Room. The Alliant Energy Center is located at 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way in Madison. Parking is free for this event.
WILLY STREET PARK PLANT SALE
Rain or shine!
Green-Up Time is here and WILLY STREET PARK will have garden plants out for
fund-raiser sale this coming Saturday, MAYDAY PLANT SALE 9-2, IN THE PARK AT
WILLIAMSON AND BREARLY STREETS. Flowering annuals, wildflowers, Asiatic
lilies and other perennial flowers; and Food plants - Boxcar Willy and
Sungold tomatoes; also leeks and other veggies. This a fund-raiser for the
all-volunteer community park. For more information, or to donate plants,
please write, or call 242-0712. Rain or shine! At least there isn't snow in
the forecast.
IF WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TRAINS, I WANT THIS!
Richard Russell titled this "How to Board a Moving Train" . . . pretty cool.
This idea comes from China, where it currently exists only on the drawing board but is being seriously considered for a major inter-city rail line. The idea is that, to maintain the ideal of HIGH-SPEED inter-city rail, the train doesn't stop at each station, it just slows down to drop off an upper-level piggy-back car full of disembarking passengers while picking up a replacement piggy-back car of boarding passengers. Once the connection is made, passengers can move back and forth between the main train and the piggy-back module. The process is illustrated in the attached WMV video.
It's a little early, so if I find anything else this morning, I'll make sure to note this has been updated in the title and list it below. So, stay tuned, if I don't add anything by 9:00, there won't be anything. Read more!
1/4 Million Dollars for Government Access TV?
Will the city pick up the tab? We know our city government elected officials jettisoned public access television, will they be as quick to defund government access when it is the channel with their faces on it? Will that make them think twice? If not, what is a government access tv station to do? Will they take the Mayor's advice to WYOU and just do it on YouTube? What will they do if half their budget disappears?
This is from the first meeting of the Madison City Channel Ad Hoc Advisory Subcommittee. Say that 10 times fast. MCCAHAS, what a name. Sounds like something my cat barfed up. And what are they a Subcommittee of? And why is their quorum listed as 5? Anyways, this was, as I said, their first meeting. The agenda is here. The meeting was last Thursday, so I'm a bit behind, but here's how it went and what they talked about.
THE DIFFICULTY OF GETTING STARTED
What do you do when you're a new committee and have no chair to call the meeting to order? And clearly there was no pre-determined plan about who would be elected chair . . . let's watch and see . . . oh, wait, they didn't televise their own meeting! Probably costs too much. :)
After a bit of discussion Judy Compton calls the meeting to order, asks staff to take a roll call. The members of the committee present are:
Judy Compton
Judy Olson
Barry Orton
Mary Cardona
Eli Judge
Peter Kleppin
Maniaci was absent but shows up later.
Staff present are Paul Kronenberger and Sarah Edgerton from IT and Doug May, Brad Clark and Jennifer Hilgendorf from City Channel as well as Rachel Strauch-Nelson from the Mayor's office.
Member of the public: Zero. The press: Zero, just a solitary blogger who needs city channel to cover the meetings!
ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
This is a little confusing, but here's the short, less complicated version and the outcome.
- Alders can't chair the committee, that takes out 2 of the 7 members, Compton and Maniaci.
- Olson looks around the room and quickly nominates Eli Judge as chair, probably fearing she would be nominated if she wasn't careful.
- Cardona nominates Orton, he declines, noting he chaired the committee last time.
- Judge accepts with caveat that Judy Olson is the co-chair because there is a 100% chance he'll be leaving the city in late-July or mid-August and they might not be done.
- Olson suggests she be vice chair and says she is willing if nominated.
- Orton asks if they might be done by then.
- Olson says if they were, it would be the most unusual city committee ever.
- They discuss have Olson chair and Judge vice chair.
- Judge is elected chair. He says they have to elect the vice chair at the next meeting because its not on the agenda.
- Compton tried to move suspension of the rules. What? You can't suspend the rules to follow open meetings laws! This is embarrassing.
- Judge temporarily questions it, but does it anyways.Shoulda went with his gut. I thought he said the city attorney said it was ok, but there wasn't one in the room that I was aware of.
- Compton nominates Olson, Orton seconds. There are no other nominations and she is voted vice chair (illegally) and by acclamation.
WHAT MATERIALS DO THEY HAVE, NOT HAVE
Judge says that he hopes people read their materials. He says they were sent in an email a while back. He says there was a work plan, but I think he mis-spoke. He asks staff to fill them in if there is anything else left on the table.
One of the committee members asks what they were supposed to have received.
They said there was a survey of stakeholders, a needs and goals handout (I'm not sure what this is), a spreadsheet about comparisons about where funding comes from for other government channels (I have this and will scan and post later today), policies of committee (I think they mean the mission statement and usage policy which is attached to the agenda?), committee goals (I didn't see this), a fact sheet about city (linked to agenda) and letter from mayor (linked to the agenda). [In the materials they handed out they also has a list of special ad hoc productions. So, I'm not sure what they got in their email and what got handed out and why only some of it was attached to the agenda?]
Compton asks staff to make copies for those of us who might not have gotten the email. More confusion, Jennifer can't leave to make copies if she is taking the minutes, Brad offers to take notes, Jennifer says she needs a key, May goes to make the copies. I'm confused.
GOALS AND WORKPLAN
Judge asks what goals that they want to see.
Compton says that she would like to ensure that city channel is funded and remains vital part of the city and an independent organization.
Maniaci asks about web 2.0. Judge asks her it o introduce herself since she was late. Cardona asks to talk louder.
Judges echoes her comments as we move into the future, even Facebook had their system evolve again today, how will we evolve into other multimedia, excited about that.
Olson has a question about letter from mayor – collaboration with IT – what does that mean?
Kronenberger says that doesn’t know what meant, but some of things Maniaci mentioned are the focal point, web facilities, access to citizens, organizational tuning to be improved – really are looking for suggestion from committee to help us move further in that direction.
Maniaci asks if City Channel can do more video production.
Edgerton explains that city channel charges, she says that they could train other department staff to use the cameras, but they have to think about if city channel is charging how do they deal with lost revenue. We won’t have that presence. She also says that all city agencies says have to use city channel to produce videos, departments are not moving forward.
Clark says that we want to get away from that, that is the way the budget evolved, had to charge agencies to have staff, would like to get away from that, it is a road block if they have to charge and they do not have money in their budget.
Maniaci asks what the money is used for.
Clark says staff.
Maniaci asks if there is equipment check out.
Clark says not really.
Edgerton says they have looked at it, with the concept of YouTube, shaky, bad video is ok if it does not look great, but trying to get and reach your constituents and want to reach a new audience, we could do that so goes on YouTube but we have to get over hurdles of APM to move forward. They are all for it otherwise, but they are hindered from doing it.
Cardona asks what the APM is.
Edgerton says that it is an administrative procedure memorandum and there is one that says that for any video technology, the department has to buy video and services, and city channel will charge back for it.
Compton says some things I didn't quite understand, but here's my interpretation of it. She says that city channel does not just sequester themselves, had to do that cuz of budget cuts and they were challenged, they have to be careful lending out cameras, they have to protect that cuz can’t replace them, Brad has done yeoman’s work to get what have, during BTRB (Broadband Telecommunication Review Board) they had many members who wanted expansion and that is great, but the city was not awake to that, if are now that is good, we need to supplement vs. reach in, wouldn’t want to break up or alienate city channel as a department. If we could connect it to another department, how would we connect with IT?
Edgerton says that City Channel is part of the IT department, it is connected with it.
Compton says that she knows that they have many meetings, but what she means is that she hates to think about if they would do like they did to the TV channel (I think she meant WYOU) without supplementing city channel which is where you want to expand, not understood how they have had to protect their budget. ??? That was kind of rough, I didn't understand her.
Olson says so far only they only talked about expansion – problem facing them is a budget cut, that is the reality. She is thinking that what we need is some information concerning budget and how it is made up and what the APMs are that are perhaps a roadblock, we’re looking for moving ahead to future and we need info from staff but if we're going to understand how to move forward we need more info, at least she feels she does. Maybe she should know more about budget than she does but needs more info.
Cardona says that need to find out how earn revenue now, expands revenue sources, key issue is how city channel and will make up for 250K shortfall, that needs to be the focus.
Kleppin says that for him this is fact finding, he needs more info about statistics on who watching it on the web, assume not drawing ratings over the air or cable, but on the web.
Edgerton says yes.
Kleppin says they are talking about expanding services, mission is to figure out what is core and what important services are and if can they can trim or modify, interesting to see who is using it, for what and when, are people using it in city? Or Wisconsin that info would be helpful.
Edgerton nods here head, she says sharing equipment, but bigger picture is what we need.
Orton says basic budget and historical information is needed but mission statement and usage policies are 15 years old, we should look at statement and try to update because when this was written we were just discovering you could buy things on the world wide web, we are a long way from that, YouTube was not there, I think fundamentally this needs to be rewritten and have to look at the mission – this is the old model of top down video production, model is not in many places any more.
Clark says that from his position, they talk about it in terms of what the core mission is, it is really us being cspan, just coverage of government meetings and programs? From where we sit, issue before us is how will be able to keep the same coverage of what going on in the city – social media vs. TV channel, he looks at it as they are alternate delivery methods, want to be amiable on any method they would expect, in terms of video production, that is big part of what we do, would like to get to point where we can look at charging people – that is a terrible roadblock, if Kevin Briski calls us up and wants to do professional video Clark wants to be able to schedule it and do it.
Compton says that is what she was trying to say about it being separate and many will not go on line and google anything or YouTube or facebook and tweet, she will turn on TV but not facembook, may people are like that. She says they should be putting this information in the foyer to the City-County building, you should walk in and see "hi I’m Nobel Wray and head of police dept".
Maniaci asks about case, she says sister cities paid for that.
Compton says that we talked about having something like they have in other municipalities, kiosk with video screen with information on the city, she thinks the county when passed it at city county liason committee it was discussed that they would allow it to be in the foyer we needed something like that an maybe city and county would join – thinks it good for departments. Ask for it, but they need a budget.
Judge says that recurring themes, budget and how to expand is that we need to expand smartly and try to preserve the exposure that public now enjoys and find smart and cheap ways to expand into multi-media – Judge makes sure to point out he doesn’t tweet – thinks that is something that is a perfect goal if we ever seen one, as we continue discussions with more info we will get to that.
Maniaci says that she goes to hours and hours of meetings, staff working the cameras, how to we connect holistically, how much learning experience do we provide, she only sees them at a 7 hour UDC meeting, are the independently taking on work on their own, she asks for info in terms of data, she’d like to see and what they feed into, she feels strongly to use city hall as a learning tool and educational hands on experience, especially since so much is now expected when you come out of college employers expect you to know how to do simple editing and video, that is what they want to know about when hit job market, she would like to get that info to see what they do, do they take on projects and run with it or are they just hourly employees that work the camera.
Clark says the people on the crews are work study and hourly, with some exceptions, that is what they are hired for, work study is a cost effective way for us to get a crew, 50 cents on a the dollar, it is hands on experience, some of them do take on other tasks, like community bulletin board, but also staff over and above cameras is fairly technically sophisticated, when have Boyd and Chris there to do higher end of thing they don’t get to do it.
Maniaci asks if there are handheld cameras available to them to produce a segment, she feels like opportunity to do informational items, even they have district reports or know your candidate or mayor’s report, is their ability to do something besides talking heads, can they open it up – not much to take a Cannon Powershot or nice Cannon and many still cameras have video capability to them, we have traditional broadcast technology and a lot more platforms between high end full production and little camera, there is a nice middle level production.
Cardona says that started out as work study and can tell you that just being in a a practical situation you learn more than in lecture, so when I was there some years ago there were always opportunities to grow and do more if there, but have to be careful about production values that city channel represents, it is high quality production value and events, hear talk about YouTube with way lower production values, in some contaxt that is ok, online and more innovative on the web but as a presence on cable TV and channel you really are getting compared to what is next to them, what people are used to seeing if lower production values too much, viewers go away and not see it as legitimate, make sure city channel has the production value and quality.
Compton says that need to stick to goal and say want to see how we can maintain the nationally acclaimed city channel and give piecemeal – computers and google stuff – the lesser quality, on other venues than city channel, or need to be independent but lined up with city channel. This is where got confusing, wants to keep it separate, this is nationally renowned station and can’t go back in time, have to add to, how can we expand.
Judge says that will discuss when hit the pavement on new technology, need to look at how quality of programming matches up – when covering future meetings.
Olson says that she would like list of request made that not able to fulfill, committees people want to see on air or other videos, but beyond capacity, on the other end of things, list of staff thoughts about what can be done to save funds.
(ALLEGEDLY) FUTURE INFORMATION NEEDS FROM STAFF
Judge says that weaving into agenda item three – if have goal at any time, just shout it out or send an email to add to future agenda items. Judge says move to item three.
Compton says to expand on what Olson said, info on study on how to bring in more funds if the have information on that, put that down as a goal for the committee too.
Orton says that goal is to take a shot at rewriting mission stanment and usage policies, synthesize what hearing, city channel operating under big media, professional, largely driven by fact, mostly coverage of meetings and meetings are not done and lit and professional audio, hard to watch on cable and fatiguing to watch if trying to watch from home if not understand and not have head hit the floor, as long as on cable, I think has to by necessity be like big professional media, not handheld single camera at meeting. Tho they could do little media as well, or new media, those systems are have less quality to begin with – technical – quality of video and audio – get away with less, shorter snippets 5 – 10 minutes and causal viewing, thinks the channel should be doing both, they need a strategy to do both. You can do big media and make it into small media, but you can't do small media and then try to make it big media. Needs to include both.
Judge says that in the technical discussion, they need to look at the implications of iTunes and YouTube, how to translate big media and make it immediately accessible as pod cast or on YouTube.
Orton says companies doing that on a turnkey basis for city – being done, whole range of small town with one camera with one guy to city level professionally done, we are on the professionally done end, I think we want to be both and through the spectrum.
Judge asks staff what steps city channel and city has approached to get on-line – iTunes, YouTube and perhaps if noticed any cost with that expansion. Or research done as to companies that are out there that we need to partner with to make sure
City channel is moving to windows, they will have integrated with YouTube, a lot of it is being addressed, but we can write something up letting us know what is being done, staff say it’s pretty much there, Judge wasn’t to know what it costs.
Edgerton says it is her cost not city channel, a lot of it is the web team with IT staff, they are her costs, not city channel budget.
(Doug) May says that they are really mixing all kinds of things up and calling it the same thing, world is changing in distribution method, not content and production and that is what we are here to talk about, not distribution.
Orton disagrees, thing they are fundamentally connected.
Sarah agrees.
Judge says that is a huge discussion, moving on with item three . . .
Compton Apparently ignoring Judge asks about the need for expansion for when have a meeting that has a great need for public to view it and we lose it cuz not enough . . . Maniaci helps her out and tells her the word she is looking for is bandwidth . . . .
Edgerton says that the Council passed it, it has been addressed.
Compton says that they are asking for information on capability, how much service do they have, we passed it and decided it was better than we had, need to know what we have, will it need further expansion in the future?
Judge says that they need to clarify potential benchmarks and limitations when comes to technology and hardware and software.
Kleppin says that he wants to know from staff if any sort of publicity or marketing is out there, there is a $250K shortfall and we need to make recommendations for that money to come from somewhere and we are talking about expanding which might cost even more, we need a marketing plan, why is it a good way of spending of their money, city is no different than any other place, he has direct TV, doesn’t see cable, surprised to see the offerings, haven’t heard about it in the past 20 years, not being reached out to as a resident to hear about it, need to market it, don’t market as cspan, if want people to look at it, if its just a public record, no one will watch, part of our marketing campaign is to sex up city cable.
Committee erupts with a whole slew of bad recommendations . . .
Compton says she has hopes and dreams for city channel but would like to see from staff what is their ultimate goal, what is what they believe about what we have and what we could be – see where we are and have a shortfall and figure out how work with what we got.
Kleppin says what if not get anything, we need a concrete plan.
Compton says we're not going to lose city channel. [Remember those questions I asked in the beginning, it seems to be a whole different priority when their faces are on the video.]
Kleppin asks what service we would lose.
Judge asks for copy of last budget
Cardona says tried to get state legislation to continue the PEG fees, we didn’t get that, so based on budget shortfall, $250K in general fund or cut back or new revenue source, focus is to deal with that issue, incur revenue, cut back on expenses or efficiency? Would like to see us go through goals that we settled on – Judge please reiterate goals and where focus and what documents we need.
Orton says that goal we have to think about is a strategic plan – beyond mission statement, how do you get there, more broad strategic plan, without that, we are band aiding an issue as opposed to deciding what it is and where to go. Orton says they need to redo the mission statement, assess environment then strategic plan.
Olson says that reality of budget cycle and time frame operating in, when make impact on budget, 6 months before passed, not very strategic planning, but reality we have to deal with.
Judge says that asked a lot of questions – information has been requested – for goals he heard – big picture – 1) budget, keep the lights on, have to pay for the cameras, 2) quality and means of delivery, tech topics and how translate, maintain the quality we have while considering budget 3) how city channel moves forward, strategic plan, how changes are presented, 4) Cardona adds mission and how put forth and how consider itself and how know itself.
Edgerton says infrastructure is old and need to maintain it, they need to look at where they need to spend money in next year’s, important budget piece, need not just 250K, needs to be more.
Judge says include in info we need. Hopefully next meetings they will talk about introduction and background and why on the committee – one staff member can be an interesting budget.
Orton says they need the capital replacement plan.
Clark says they have a 5 year plan.
Edgerton says how the $200K and staff are separate, they have two budgets, sources of revenue and PEG and capital vs. . . . she asks to have them explain the slush fund and what it will have to cover.
SCHEDULES AND TRYING TO WRAP UP
Judge says moving forward – schedule of future meetings, to form work plan and strategic goal, we asked for quite a bit, we are essentially diagnosing an entire city division and would accept any ideas about how to form the work plan, strategic direction going in, wealth of institutional knowledge.
Maniaci says that from efficiencies, limited time before budget, need to start with budget and look at that instead of doing philosophical work to be done, wants to see budget first, will largely shape future and mission statement.
Judge says that to build off cramped for time concept, for the info we get, if readily available if at all possible between now and next meeting if could send it to Jenifer so committee members can start reviewing that could be of great value for this round of info and in future, so come into meetings not needing to read it while in front of us.
Compton says might have different reasons about why we are here, but the goal of being on committee is to have city channel and allow it to be production company it is there and keep them independent in the department, not part of big picture, but goal is to see what we can do to save it, fund it and keep it in place, budget is not as necessary, see budget and see what problem is, departments make the budgets and adjust them, find a way to ask departments to help fund the budgets, is our job to go into budget issues or say ok, here’s budget and here is what we don’t have and we need to restructure, maybe your definition of talking about budget is two different things.
Brad says that budgets are available on line, what he is thinking, he understands why people need to understand the budget, perhaps at start of next meeting, he could give info ahead of time, briefly, 5 minutes explain history where budget has been and where we are in 2010, he says he can do that in a few minutes, have stuff on paper so not start cold.
Cardona asks for core responsibilities and how interplay with budget,
Judge says even crystal ball predictions – what is your goal.
Olson says that she wants to encourage staff to be engaged in it and I for one can’t begin to be helpful in this difficult situation that MCC is in without substantial info from staff and participation.
Judges says that besides vote, he considers all staff are members of committee, if want to say something or send it, we need the info to get where need to go.
Clark says that absolutely they have a vested interest, we want you to have all info you need, and we have no sacred cows, willing and ready to start form scratch and reexamine what it is and should be.
Cardona wants Clark to make list of potential revenue earning projects – things must cross your mind, list of most and least likely revenue sources.
Judge says even those previously restricted.
Compton also wants to see grants, she is hearing that they don’t do a lot of that, she wants to know from your department if things focused towards city channel, refresh the research to see if grants available.
Edgerton asks what kind of grants.
Judge asks if there have been or potential for revenue not realized, Judge says pie in sky ideas and realizes that is a nebulous request for information.
I missed some back and forth here, the meeting was winding down but the members were not . . .
Kronberger says that they will look at public sector and government grants, arts grants, anything, bake sales, pay for view events, common council action figures . . . ok, the committee is chipping in to the list and getting silly.
Compton says should look for grants, investigate to see if something we are missing, she knows Clark is looking on a constant basis, maybe can find something.
Judge says interesting challenge here, discussions on channel 12 are connected it city department.
Maniaci says that for information, she wants market data, she doesn’t get city channel, what is our current address, how many direct TV users, how many charter, how many not at all, if trying to study this, big TV little TV discussion.
They explain that is proprietary information and likely not available.
Clark says he can extrapolate from some numbers.
Maniaci says search out data you won’t have the numbers, call and ask for the number.
Orton says good luck – they won’t tell you. AT&T won't tell you – Charter won’t tell you.
Clark says they can guess from the franchise fees. They will get it in the ball park.
OK REALLY, WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO MEET AND CAN THEY WRAP IT UP?
They talk about meeting the 2nd or 3rd Thursday and check calendars. They decide to meet May 13th.
Meanwhile, Judge asks mayor’s staff – says they got the mayor's letter, outlined goal and that was covered completely, take a holistic look.
Strauch-Nelson says that they covered what he has outlined in the letter.
They talk about if they should meet monthly with longer meetings or twice a month due to budget constraints.
They decide to meet on May 27th as well. They will meet the 2nd and 4th Thursdays.
Judge says he will talk with staff, hammer out next agenda and help with information flow and clarity, and if anything you need email is readily accessible or call – leave a message if don’t answer.
Compton reminds them about open meetings laws and to be careful with email.
Judge says don't reply all and watch out for walking quorums.
Judge explains that when communicating about topic on the budget or with mission or objective of committee, those things can and may have open records requests, don’t delete and another important thing is quorum when email between members of committee if Maniaci and Judy talking, they could have a quorum over the internet, meetings need to be notified where people can visit, when talk about city committee stuff, do it one on one, if talk about city info he can find it from staff, generally don’t have discussions on line, threat of potentially breaking open meetings law. If staff send out an email, reply only to her. Attendance issues are fine. Ok to talk about favorite ice cream – 3 weeks is the next meeting.
And with that, they adjourn.
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This is from the first meeting of the Madison City Channel Ad Hoc Advisory Subcommittee. Say that 10 times fast. MCCAHAS, what a name. Sounds like something my cat barfed up. And what are they a Subcommittee of? And why is their quorum listed as 5? Anyways, this was, as I said, their first meeting. The agenda is here. The meeting was last Thursday, so I'm a bit behind, but here's how it went and what they talked about.
THE DIFFICULTY OF GETTING STARTED
What do you do when you're a new committee and have no chair to call the meeting to order? And clearly there was no pre-determined plan about who would be elected chair . . . let's watch and see . . . oh, wait, they didn't televise their own meeting! Probably costs too much. :)
After a bit of discussion Judy Compton calls the meeting to order, asks staff to take a roll call. The members of the committee present are:
Judy Compton
Judy Olson
Barry Orton
Mary Cardona
Eli Judge
Peter Kleppin
Maniaci was absent but shows up later.
Staff present are Paul Kronenberger and Sarah Edgerton from IT and Doug May, Brad Clark and Jennifer Hilgendorf from City Channel as well as Rachel Strauch-Nelson from the Mayor's office.
Member of the public: Zero. The press: Zero, just a solitary blogger who needs city channel to cover the meetings!
ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
This is a little confusing, but here's the short, less complicated version and the outcome.
- Alders can't chair the committee, that takes out 2 of the 7 members, Compton and Maniaci.
- Olson looks around the room and quickly nominates Eli Judge as chair, probably fearing she would be nominated if she wasn't careful.
- Cardona nominates Orton, he declines, noting he chaired the committee last time.
- Judge accepts with caveat that Judy Olson is the co-chair because there is a 100% chance he'll be leaving the city in late-July or mid-August and they might not be done.
- Olson suggests she be vice chair and says she is willing if nominated.
- Orton asks if they might be done by then.
- Olson says if they were, it would be the most unusual city committee ever.
- They discuss have Olson chair and Judge vice chair.
- Judge is elected chair. He says they have to elect the vice chair at the next meeting because its not on the agenda.
- Compton tried to move suspension of the rules. What? You can't suspend the rules to follow open meetings laws! This is embarrassing.
- Judge temporarily questions it, but does it anyways.Shoulda went with his gut. I thought he said the city attorney said it was ok, but there wasn't one in the room that I was aware of.
- Compton nominates Olson, Orton seconds. There are no other nominations and she is voted vice chair (illegally) and by acclamation.
WHAT MATERIALS DO THEY HAVE, NOT HAVE
Judge says that he hopes people read their materials. He says they were sent in an email a while back. He says there was a work plan, but I think he mis-spoke. He asks staff to fill them in if there is anything else left on the table.
One of the committee members asks what they were supposed to have received.
They said there was a survey of stakeholders, a needs and goals handout (I'm not sure what this is), a spreadsheet about comparisons about where funding comes from for other government channels (I have this and will scan and post later today), policies of committee (I think they mean the mission statement and usage policy which is attached to the agenda?), committee goals (I didn't see this), a fact sheet about city (linked to agenda) and letter from mayor (linked to the agenda). [In the materials they handed out they also has a list of special ad hoc productions. So, I'm not sure what they got in their email and what got handed out and why only some of it was attached to the agenda?]
Compton asks staff to make copies for those of us who might not have gotten the email. More confusion, Jennifer can't leave to make copies if she is taking the minutes, Brad offers to take notes, Jennifer says she needs a key, May goes to make the copies. I'm confused.
GOALS AND WORKPLAN
Judge asks what goals that they want to see.
Compton says that she would like to ensure that city channel is funded and remains vital part of the city and an independent organization.
Maniaci asks about web 2.0. Judge asks her it o introduce herself since she was late. Cardona asks to talk louder.
Judges echoes her comments as we move into the future, even Facebook had their system evolve again today, how will we evolve into other multimedia, excited about that.
Olson has a question about letter from mayor – collaboration with IT – what does that mean?
Kronenberger says that doesn’t know what meant, but some of things Maniaci mentioned are the focal point, web facilities, access to citizens, organizational tuning to be improved – really are looking for suggestion from committee to help us move further in that direction.
Maniaci asks if City Channel can do more video production.
Edgerton explains that city channel charges, she says that they could train other department staff to use the cameras, but they have to think about if city channel is charging how do they deal with lost revenue. We won’t have that presence. She also says that all city agencies says have to use city channel to produce videos, departments are not moving forward.
Clark says that we want to get away from that, that is the way the budget evolved, had to charge agencies to have staff, would like to get away from that, it is a road block if they have to charge and they do not have money in their budget.
Maniaci asks what the money is used for.
Clark says staff.
Maniaci asks if there is equipment check out.
Clark says not really.
Edgerton says they have looked at it, with the concept of YouTube, shaky, bad video is ok if it does not look great, but trying to get and reach your constituents and want to reach a new audience, we could do that so goes on YouTube but we have to get over hurdles of APM to move forward. They are all for it otherwise, but they are hindered from doing it.
Cardona asks what the APM is.
Edgerton says that it is an administrative procedure memorandum and there is one that says that for any video technology, the department has to buy video and services, and city channel will charge back for it.
Compton says some things I didn't quite understand, but here's my interpretation of it. She says that city channel does not just sequester themselves, had to do that cuz of budget cuts and they were challenged, they have to be careful lending out cameras, they have to protect that cuz can’t replace them, Brad has done yeoman’s work to get what have, during BTRB (Broadband Telecommunication Review Board) they had many members who wanted expansion and that is great, but the city was not awake to that, if are now that is good, we need to supplement vs. reach in, wouldn’t want to break up or alienate city channel as a department. If we could connect it to another department, how would we connect with IT?
Edgerton says that City Channel is part of the IT department, it is connected with it.
Compton says that she knows that they have many meetings, but what she means is that she hates to think about if they would do like they did to the TV channel (I think she meant WYOU) without supplementing city channel which is where you want to expand, not understood how they have had to protect their budget. ??? That was kind of rough, I didn't understand her.
Olson says so far only they only talked about expansion – problem facing them is a budget cut, that is the reality. She is thinking that what we need is some information concerning budget and how it is made up and what the APMs are that are perhaps a roadblock, we’re looking for moving ahead to future and we need info from staff but if we're going to understand how to move forward we need more info, at least she feels she does. Maybe she should know more about budget than she does but needs more info.
Cardona says that need to find out how earn revenue now, expands revenue sources, key issue is how city channel and will make up for 250K shortfall, that needs to be the focus.
Kleppin says that for him this is fact finding, he needs more info about statistics on who watching it on the web, assume not drawing ratings over the air or cable, but on the web.
Edgerton says yes.
Kleppin says they are talking about expanding services, mission is to figure out what is core and what important services are and if can they can trim or modify, interesting to see who is using it, for what and when, are people using it in city? Or Wisconsin that info would be helpful.
Edgerton nods here head, she says sharing equipment, but bigger picture is what we need.
Orton says basic budget and historical information is needed but mission statement and usage policies are 15 years old, we should look at statement and try to update because when this was written we were just discovering you could buy things on the world wide web, we are a long way from that, YouTube was not there, I think fundamentally this needs to be rewritten and have to look at the mission – this is the old model of top down video production, model is not in many places any more.
Clark says that from his position, they talk about it in terms of what the core mission is, it is really us being cspan, just coverage of government meetings and programs? From where we sit, issue before us is how will be able to keep the same coverage of what going on in the city – social media vs. TV channel, he looks at it as they are alternate delivery methods, want to be amiable on any method they would expect, in terms of video production, that is big part of what we do, would like to get to point where we can look at charging people – that is a terrible roadblock, if Kevin Briski calls us up and wants to do professional video Clark wants to be able to schedule it and do it.
Compton says that is what she was trying to say about it being separate and many will not go on line and google anything or YouTube or facebook and tweet, she will turn on TV but not facembook, may people are like that. She says they should be putting this information in the foyer to the City-County building, you should walk in and see "hi I’m Nobel Wray and head of police dept".
Maniaci asks about case, she says sister cities paid for that.
Compton says that we talked about having something like they have in other municipalities, kiosk with video screen with information on the city, she thinks the county when passed it at city county liason committee it was discussed that they would allow it to be in the foyer we needed something like that an maybe city and county would join – thinks it good for departments. Ask for it, but they need a budget.
Judge says that recurring themes, budget and how to expand is that we need to expand smartly and try to preserve the exposure that public now enjoys and find smart and cheap ways to expand into multi-media – Judge makes sure to point out he doesn’t tweet – thinks that is something that is a perfect goal if we ever seen one, as we continue discussions with more info we will get to that.
Maniaci says that she goes to hours and hours of meetings, staff working the cameras, how to we connect holistically, how much learning experience do we provide, she only sees them at a 7 hour UDC meeting, are the independently taking on work on their own, she asks for info in terms of data, she’d like to see and what they feed into, she feels strongly to use city hall as a learning tool and educational hands on experience, especially since so much is now expected when you come out of college employers expect you to know how to do simple editing and video, that is what they want to know about when hit job market, she would like to get that info to see what they do, do they take on projects and run with it or are they just hourly employees that work the camera.
Clark says the people on the crews are work study and hourly, with some exceptions, that is what they are hired for, work study is a cost effective way for us to get a crew, 50 cents on a the dollar, it is hands on experience, some of them do take on other tasks, like community bulletin board, but also staff over and above cameras is fairly technically sophisticated, when have Boyd and Chris there to do higher end of thing they don’t get to do it.
Maniaci asks if there are handheld cameras available to them to produce a segment, she feels like opportunity to do informational items, even they have district reports or know your candidate or mayor’s report, is their ability to do something besides talking heads, can they open it up – not much to take a Cannon Powershot or nice Cannon and many still cameras have video capability to them, we have traditional broadcast technology and a lot more platforms between high end full production and little camera, there is a nice middle level production.
Cardona says that started out as work study and can tell you that just being in a a practical situation you learn more than in lecture, so when I was there some years ago there were always opportunities to grow and do more if there, but have to be careful about production values that city channel represents, it is high quality production value and events, hear talk about YouTube with way lower production values, in some contaxt that is ok, online and more innovative on the web but as a presence on cable TV and channel you really are getting compared to what is next to them, what people are used to seeing if lower production values too much, viewers go away and not see it as legitimate, make sure city channel has the production value and quality.
Compton says that need to stick to goal and say want to see how we can maintain the nationally acclaimed city channel and give piecemeal – computers and google stuff – the lesser quality, on other venues than city channel, or need to be independent but lined up with city channel. This is where got confusing, wants to keep it separate, this is nationally renowned station and can’t go back in time, have to add to, how can we expand.
Judge says that will discuss when hit the pavement on new technology, need to look at how quality of programming matches up – when covering future meetings.
Olson says that she would like list of request made that not able to fulfill, committees people want to see on air or other videos, but beyond capacity, on the other end of things, list of staff thoughts about what can be done to save funds.
(ALLEGEDLY) FUTURE INFORMATION NEEDS FROM STAFF
Judge says that weaving into agenda item three – if have goal at any time, just shout it out or send an email to add to future agenda items. Judge says move to item three.
Compton says to expand on what Olson said, info on study on how to bring in more funds if the have information on that, put that down as a goal for the committee too.
Orton says that goal is to take a shot at rewriting mission stanment and usage policies, synthesize what hearing, city channel operating under big media, professional, largely driven by fact, mostly coverage of meetings and meetings are not done and lit and professional audio, hard to watch on cable and fatiguing to watch if trying to watch from home if not understand and not have head hit the floor, as long as on cable, I think has to by necessity be like big professional media, not handheld single camera at meeting. Tho they could do little media as well, or new media, those systems are have less quality to begin with – technical – quality of video and audio – get away with less, shorter snippets 5 – 10 minutes and causal viewing, thinks the channel should be doing both, they need a strategy to do both. You can do big media and make it into small media, but you can't do small media and then try to make it big media. Needs to include both.
Judge says that in the technical discussion, they need to look at the implications of iTunes and YouTube, how to translate big media and make it immediately accessible as pod cast or on YouTube.
Orton says companies doing that on a turnkey basis for city – being done, whole range of small town with one camera with one guy to city level professionally done, we are on the professionally done end, I think we want to be both and through the spectrum.
Judge asks staff what steps city channel and city has approached to get on-line – iTunes, YouTube and perhaps if noticed any cost with that expansion. Or research done as to companies that are out there that we need to partner with to make sure
City channel is moving to windows, they will have integrated with YouTube, a lot of it is being addressed, but we can write something up letting us know what is being done, staff say it’s pretty much there, Judge wasn’t to know what it costs.
Edgerton says it is her cost not city channel, a lot of it is the web team with IT staff, they are her costs, not city channel budget.
(Doug) May says that they are really mixing all kinds of things up and calling it the same thing, world is changing in distribution method, not content and production and that is what we are here to talk about, not distribution.
Orton disagrees, thing they are fundamentally connected.
Sarah agrees.
Judge says that is a huge discussion, moving on with item three . . .
Compton Apparently ignoring Judge asks about the need for expansion for when have a meeting that has a great need for public to view it and we lose it cuz not enough . . . Maniaci helps her out and tells her the word she is looking for is bandwidth . . . .
Edgerton says that the Council passed it, it has been addressed.
Compton says that they are asking for information on capability, how much service do they have, we passed it and decided it was better than we had, need to know what we have, will it need further expansion in the future?
Judge says that they need to clarify potential benchmarks and limitations when comes to technology and hardware and software.
Kleppin says that he wants to know from staff if any sort of publicity or marketing is out there, there is a $250K shortfall and we need to make recommendations for that money to come from somewhere and we are talking about expanding which might cost even more, we need a marketing plan, why is it a good way of spending of their money, city is no different than any other place, he has direct TV, doesn’t see cable, surprised to see the offerings, haven’t heard about it in the past 20 years, not being reached out to as a resident to hear about it, need to market it, don’t market as cspan, if want people to look at it, if its just a public record, no one will watch, part of our marketing campaign is to sex up city cable.
Committee erupts with a whole slew of bad recommendations . . .
Compton says she has hopes and dreams for city channel but would like to see from staff what is their ultimate goal, what is what they believe about what we have and what we could be – see where we are and have a shortfall and figure out how work with what we got.
Kleppin says what if not get anything, we need a concrete plan.
Compton says we're not going to lose city channel. [Remember those questions I asked in the beginning, it seems to be a whole different priority when their faces are on the video.]
Kleppin asks what service we would lose.
Judge asks for copy of last budget
Cardona says tried to get state legislation to continue the PEG fees, we didn’t get that, so based on budget shortfall, $250K in general fund or cut back or new revenue source, focus is to deal with that issue, incur revenue, cut back on expenses or efficiency? Would like to see us go through goals that we settled on – Judge please reiterate goals and where focus and what documents we need.
Orton says that goal we have to think about is a strategic plan – beyond mission statement, how do you get there, more broad strategic plan, without that, we are band aiding an issue as opposed to deciding what it is and where to go. Orton says they need to redo the mission statement, assess environment then strategic plan.
Olson says that reality of budget cycle and time frame operating in, when make impact on budget, 6 months before passed, not very strategic planning, but reality we have to deal with.
Judge says that asked a lot of questions – information has been requested – for goals he heard – big picture – 1) budget, keep the lights on, have to pay for the cameras, 2) quality and means of delivery, tech topics and how translate, maintain the quality we have while considering budget 3) how city channel moves forward, strategic plan, how changes are presented, 4) Cardona adds mission and how put forth and how consider itself and how know itself.
Edgerton says infrastructure is old and need to maintain it, they need to look at where they need to spend money in next year’s, important budget piece, need not just 250K, needs to be more.
Judge says include in info we need. Hopefully next meetings they will talk about introduction and background and why on the committee – one staff member can be an interesting budget.
Orton says they need the capital replacement plan.
Clark says they have a 5 year plan.
Edgerton says how the $200K and staff are separate, they have two budgets, sources of revenue and PEG and capital vs. . . . she asks to have them explain the slush fund and what it will have to cover.
SCHEDULES AND TRYING TO WRAP UP
Judge says moving forward – schedule of future meetings, to form work plan and strategic goal, we asked for quite a bit, we are essentially diagnosing an entire city division and would accept any ideas about how to form the work plan, strategic direction going in, wealth of institutional knowledge.
Maniaci says that from efficiencies, limited time before budget, need to start with budget and look at that instead of doing philosophical work to be done, wants to see budget first, will largely shape future and mission statement.
Judge says that to build off cramped for time concept, for the info we get, if readily available if at all possible between now and next meeting if could send it to Jenifer so committee members can start reviewing that could be of great value for this round of info and in future, so come into meetings not needing to read it while in front of us.
Compton says might have different reasons about why we are here, but the goal of being on committee is to have city channel and allow it to be production company it is there and keep them independent in the department, not part of big picture, but goal is to see what we can do to save it, fund it and keep it in place, budget is not as necessary, see budget and see what problem is, departments make the budgets and adjust them, find a way to ask departments to help fund the budgets, is our job to go into budget issues or say ok, here’s budget and here is what we don’t have and we need to restructure, maybe your definition of talking about budget is two different things.
Brad says that budgets are available on line, what he is thinking, he understands why people need to understand the budget, perhaps at start of next meeting, he could give info ahead of time, briefly, 5 minutes explain history where budget has been and where we are in 2010, he says he can do that in a few minutes, have stuff on paper so not start cold.
Cardona asks for core responsibilities and how interplay with budget,
Judge says even crystal ball predictions – what is your goal.
Olson says that she wants to encourage staff to be engaged in it and I for one can’t begin to be helpful in this difficult situation that MCC is in without substantial info from staff and participation.
Judges says that besides vote, he considers all staff are members of committee, if want to say something or send it, we need the info to get where need to go.
Clark says that absolutely they have a vested interest, we want you to have all info you need, and we have no sacred cows, willing and ready to start form scratch and reexamine what it is and should be.
Cardona wants Clark to make list of potential revenue earning projects – things must cross your mind, list of most and least likely revenue sources.
Judge says even those previously restricted.
Compton also wants to see grants, she is hearing that they don’t do a lot of that, she wants to know from your department if things focused towards city channel, refresh the research to see if grants available.
Edgerton asks what kind of grants.
Judge asks if there have been or potential for revenue not realized, Judge says pie in sky ideas and realizes that is a nebulous request for information.
I missed some back and forth here, the meeting was winding down but the members were not . . .
Kronberger says that they will look at public sector and government grants, arts grants, anything, bake sales, pay for view events, common council action figures . . . ok, the committee is chipping in to the list and getting silly.
Compton says should look for grants, investigate to see if something we are missing, she knows Clark is looking on a constant basis, maybe can find something.
Judge says interesting challenge here, discussions on channel 12 are connected it city department.
Maniaci says that for information, she wants market data, she doesn’t get city channel, what is our current address, how many direct TV users, how many charter, how many not at all, if trying to study this, big TV little TV discussion.
They explain that is proprietary information and likely not available.
Clark says he can extrapolate from some numbers.
Maniaci says search out data you won’t have the numbers, call and ask for the number.
Orton says good luck – they won’t tell you. AT&T won't tell you – Charter won’t tell you.
Clark says they can guess from the franchise fees. They will get it in the ball park.
OK REALLY, WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO MEET AND CAN THEY WRAP IT UP?
They talk about meeting the 2nd or 3rd Thursday and check calendars. They decide to meet May 13th.
Meanwhile, Judge asks mayor’s staff – says they got the mayor's letter, outlined goal and that was covered completely, take a holistic look.
Strauch-Nelson says that they covered what he has outlined in the letter.
They talk about if they should meet monthly with longer meetings or twice a month due to budget constraints.
They decide to meet on May 27th as well. They will meet the 2nd and 4th Thursdays.
Judge says he will talk with staff, hammer out next agenda and help with information flow and clarity, and if anything you need email is readily accessible or call – leave a message if don’t answer.
Compton reminds them about open meetings laws and to be careful with email.
Judge says don't reply all and watch out for walking quorums.
Judge explains that when communicating about topic on the budget or with mission or objective of committee, those things can and may have open records requests, don’t delete and another important thing is quorum when email between members of committee if Maniaci and Judy talking, they could have a quorum over the internet, meetings need to be notified where people can visit, when talk about city committee stuff, do it one on one, if talk about city info he can find it from staff, generally don’t have discussions on line, threat of potentially breaking open meetings law. If staff send out an email, reply only to her. Attendance issues are fine. Ok to talk about favorite ice cream – 3 weeks is the next meeting.
And with that, they adjourn.
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Another Edgewater Wrinkle
Dealing with the condition of approval this way doesn't concern me as much as the ability to conform with historic preservation standards. It also places the Landmarks Commission in a difficult position again, being the ones that could stop the project if they don't find the condition met. Note the third concern of the state staff regarding the tower . . . not just some silly neighborhood concern, this is from an expert.
DATE: April 22, 2010Read more!
TO: Common Council Plan Commission Landmarks Commission
FROM: Bradley J. Murphy, AICP, Director, Planning Division
SUBJECT: Renovation of Original Edgewater Hotel Tower
On March 23, 2010, the Plan Commission recommended approval of the rezoning of 666 Wisconsin Avenue and 2 E. Gilman Street from R6H and HIST-MH OR to PUD-GDP-SIP (ID #15955) to the Common Council subject to the comments and conditions contained in the Plan Commission materials and two additional conditions of approval.
The first of the additional conditions recommended by the Commission would require that the renovation of the original 1946 hotel tower be conducted in accordance with the Secretary of Interior's (SOI) Standards for Rehabilitation (of historic buildings) and as approved by the State of Wisconsin Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
Following the Plan Commission hearing, Planning Division staff discussed the above recommended condition of approval for the Edgewater Hotel PUD with Jim Draeger, who is the Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer at the Wisconsin Historical Society and whose office would be relied upon to implement the proposed condition of approval. Independent of staff’s discussion with Mr. Draeger and based on his limited knowledge of the project, he informally reviewed the Edgewater project for potential compliance with the Secretary of Interior's standards and identified three key concerns regarding the developer’s plans for the 1946 hotel tower that could affect the project’s ability to conform to those standards:
1. The proposed addition to the roof of the original hotel tower of a one-story glass curtain-wall “club level” floor and rooftop outdoor seating area overlooking the lake may not meet the SOI standards due to likely visibility from the ground and from public view.
2. Plans for the rehabilitation of the original hotel call for a proposed entrance addition at the southeastern corner of the building that would feature a curving cantilevered roof and glass curtain wall intended to emulate the original Lawrence Monberg design for the hotel, which was constructed differently. Even though the proposed entry feature is seen by many as a positive aspect of the Edgewater project, Mr. Draeger indicated the feature may also not meet the SOI standards, which require that rehabilitation be in keeping with the historic building as constructed, not as designed.
3. Mr. Draeger also indicated that the plans for the new 9- to 14-story hotel tower to be constructed across the proposed plaza from the original hotel tower could affect the ability of the original tower to conform to the SOI standards for renovation.
Mr. Draeger also noted that the recommended condition of approval presented his office with an unusual situation, as SHPO has no legal authority under state or federal law to review this project under the conditions proposed by the Plan Commission. Typically, SHPO does not certify adherence to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, but rather, serves as a recommending body to the National Park Service on whether or not a project requesting historic tax credits meets the standards. He also raised a concern that the recommended condition of approval could create a situation where his review could potentially negate the approval of the project by another unit of government and also noted that the kind of approval proposed has not been done in other cases.
In light of Mr. Draeger’s comments regarding the condition of approval recommended by the Plan Commission, the Planning Division recommends that the Common Council consider modifying the condition to instead require that final plans for the renovation of the exterior of the original 1946 hotel tower be approved by the Landmarks Commission or Preservation Planner.
Cc: Jim Draeger, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Wisconsin Historical Society
Rebecca Cnare, Planning Division
Tim Parks, Planning Division
Tuesday Morning Round Up
Yesterday was jam packed with meetings, but once again, plans to try to cover more than one thing were foiled by technology. I tried to TiVo both plan commission and Board of Estimates, but that didn't work out as they were both at the same time and although the city channel said you could watch it live and the plan commission would be at aired 10:30, neither happened . . . This is what I could pull together this morning while answering the administrative phones at TRC.
PLAN COMMISSION - THAT LARGER THAN PROMISED GROCERY STORE
I watched the end of this discussion and was a little surprised plan commission had as many issues as they did. I didn't see the developer presentation or the testimony of neighbors, and only caught a little of the discussion. I hope they talked about how as of 2010 plans have to be consistent with the comprehensive plan, allegedly, no exceptions. I'm not clear how they are now handling issues that arise. In the past, we just amended, or promised to amend, the comprehensive plan. I understand now, we're no longer allowed to do that. So, I don't quite understand how this now works. Also, interesting that Mark Olinger didn't recuse him self with a conflict of interest.
SCHOOL BOARD DOWN TO $5.6M
More cuts. They took the $30M to $18M by using the state money and authority from referendum, cut another $6M and then another $4M and had some accounting adjustments and somehow have gotten the final gap down to $5.6M. They have two more meetings to go. And a deadline of May 4th to notify people of layoffs and changes in personnel.
UNSEEN MADISON
Photo challenge.
PLAN B
Denied! Kinda. They can smoke outside, just no drinks. I'm not surprised given the noise issues they are already dealing with.
PROTECTION MONEY
An interesting take on the Downtown Safety Initiative. I'd go a step further, a year or two ago this money was used to help Big Brother put up cameras downtown . . . no wonder no one wanted to "donate".
THE POOL
Still not sure what I think of having a pool when our lakes suck, but it seems popular. Haven't been there myself - not my thing.
COMPOST BINS AND RAIN BARRELS
From George Dreckmann
MY FAVORITE MEETING OF THE YEAR
Ok, maybe an exaggeration, but this is where you find out what is really going on. And this is where the real decisions are made about building roads. By the time it gets to budget, its all over.
MADISON MAY DAY MARCH
NORTHSIDE FARMERS MARKET
6th year!
LEARN ABOUT MADISON ARCHITECTS
TRANSPORTATION SURVEY
Eh, why not. Who knows where the results might end up getting used.
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PLAN COMMISSION - THAT LARGER THAN PROMISED GROCERY STORE
I watched the end of this discussion and was a little surprised plan commission had as many issues as they did. I didn't see the developer presentation or the testimony of neighbors, and only caught a little of the discussion. I hope they talked about how as of 2010 plans have to be consistent with the comprehensive plan, allegedly, no exceptions. I'm not clear how they are now handling issues that arise. In the past, we just amended, or promised to amend, the comprehensive plan. I understand now, we're no longer allowed to do that. So, I don't quite understand how this now works. Also, interesting that Mark Olinger didn't recuse him self with a conflict of interest.
SCHOOL BOARD DOWN TO $5.6M
More cuts. They took the $30M to $18M by using the state money and authority from referendum, cut another $6M and then another $4M and had some accounting adjustments and somehow have gotten the final gap down to $5.6M. They have two more meetings to go. And a deadline of May 4th to notify people of layoffs and changes in personnel.
UNSEEN MADISON
Photo challenge.
PLAN B
Denied! Kinda. They can smoke outside, just no drinks. I'm not surprised given the noise issues they are already dealing with.
PROTECTION MONEY
An interesting take on the Downtown Safety Initiative. I'd go a step further, a year or two ago this money was used to help Big Brother put up cameras downtown . . . no wonder no one wanted to "donate".
THE POOL
Still not sure what I think of having a pool when our lakes suck, but it seems popular. Haven't been there myself - not my thing.
Register for Goodman Pool swim lessons, join the Goodman Pool Sharks Swim Team and purchase your season Pool Pass for the 2010 Season. Registration has begun for lessons and sessions are filling up! New this year - expanded Adult swim programs. Try something new this summer!
http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/pool/
Check out the NEW Splash-tacular birthday and Splash Bash Party Packages. Goodman Pool is the perfect place to celebrate birthdays, family reunions, company picnics. Don't wait to book your special party at the pool!
http://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/pool/poolParty.cfm
COMPOST BINS AND RAIN BARRELS
From George Dreckmann
The annual home compost bin and rain barrel sale will take place this Saturday at the Alliant Energy Center’s Olin Av parking lot from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Earth Machine compost bins will be on sale for $45 tax included. This year we will accept Visa, Master Card, and Discover in addition to cash and checks. The Earth Machine is a $90 retail value.
This is a one day only sale, rain or shine. We cannot sell bins early and we cannot make arrangements for later pick up. You must attend the sale event to purchase a compost bin. There is no limit to the number of bins that can be purchased so you can have a friend or neighbor pick one up for you if you are unable to attend. You will find more details at http://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/HomeCompostBinSale.cfm
Sustain Dane will be selling their popular Rain Reserve rain barrels at the event as well. You must preorder the rain barrels. For more information on the rain barrel sale go to www.rainfordane.org
We could still use a few volunteers to work from 8 to 10 a.m. and from 10 to Noon. You can contact me if you are interested.
Hope to see you there.
George
MY FAVORITE MEETING OF THE YEAR
Ok, maybe an exaggeration, but this is where you find out what is really going on. And this is where the real decisions are made about building roads. By the time it gets to budget, its all over.
The Common Council included language in a 2008 budget amendment requiring that a presentation on the City’s Transportation Improvement Plan be made to the Common Council prior to submission of the plan to the Metropolitan Planning Organization (now the Madison Area Transportation Planning Board).It used to be that the Council didn't get this information. Hopefully, the pay close attention.
A Council presentation by City Engineering staff on the 2011-2016 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) that will be presented to the Madison Area Transportation Planning Board has been scheduled for:
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
5:00 p.m.
Room 201, City-County Building
MADISON MAY DAY MARCH
Sat. May 1st
Noon
Brittingham Park, Madison
All welcome to join UTI and allies on International Workers Day. Joining the national day of action for Immigration Reform, march for FAIR Immigration Reform and improving working and living conditions for worker's families:
* Immigration Reform NOW! Stop the Raids, Driver Licenses for ALL!
* No to the cuts to our education, the money for the War to the Public Education
* Not another tax on working families, tax the rich.
After the march there will be a "PEÑA" (Sing along in spanish) Music, food and information for the entire community!
More information, want to volunteer or be part of the event? call 608/345-9544 or alex@uniondetrabajadores.org.
Need more info, Want to help or volunteer? Contact UTI! 866-476-0884 or info@uniondetrabajadores.org.
To learn more about UTI projects: Youth, Latin Parents Rights, Black Latino Unity Project, our helpline, the campaign against deportations in Madison, immigration reform, etc.visit our new web site www.uniondetrabajadores.org
NORTHSIDE FARMERS MARKET
6th year!
The Northside Farmers Market 2010 season starts in May..…
One of the Northside’s favorite places to gather, the Northside Farmers Market, opens for the 2010 season on Sunday at 8:30 am. Think of it as our own community crossroads, a place where neighbors can gather -- to shop for fresh local foods, to enjoy offerings from interesting cultural groups and artists, and to just say ‘Hi’ to friendly faces that you might not have seen since last season. This is the sixth season for the Northside Farmers Market and our maturity shows, we’ve doubled the number of vendors at the market with more on our waiting list. That many vendors means many choices for shoppers!
Enjoy hot pancakes, bacon, eggs and free coffee. Sunday mornings at the Northside Farmers Market 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. On opening day, May 2nd, we will enjoy freshly prepared Mexican food as a way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Kids at the market will take swings at the treasure-filled piñata at 11 am. If you would like to become a part of the corp of volunteers, make yourself known at the information table or contact nfmmanager@yahoo.com or at our website www.northsidefarmersmarket.org. The Northside Farmers Market happens every Sunday morning from 8:30am – 12:30pm from May to October at the Northside TownCenter, on the corner of Sherman Avenue and Northport Drive, across from Warner Park.
LEARN ABOUT MADISON ARCHITECTS
Conover & Porter
Madison’s Premier 19th Century Architects
An illustrated talk by Architectural Historian Gary Tipler.
Thursday, May 27, 7 p.m.
Holy Redeemer School, 120 W. Johnson, just north of State Street
Following an accomplished career in science, mathematics and engineering, Allan Darst Conover taught engineering and building construction at the University of Wisconsin in the 1880s. He became interested in architecture with the construction of Science Hall in 1884, with which he helped architect Henry Koch of Milwaukee. The following year, Conover started practicing architecture while he continued teaching, when he took on Lew Porter, a talented former student as a partner in an architecture firm. Together the firm designed scores of city, county, state and federal buildings, schools, banks, commercial buildings, churches and residences through 1899, when they dissolved their partnership. Their firm was a training ground for Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Claude and Alvin Small, among others, who became architects of some importance.
Conover & Porter’s office was based in Madison, though they had offices in Ashland in 1887-1889, and for a short time in Baraboo during the early 1890s.
The program will be profusely illustrated with projected images of photos and postcards of buildings designed by the firm. Additions and contributions of stories and photos are welcomed.
The event is free and open to the public. The talk will be held in the third floor auditorium. This historic building does not have an elevator. However, there is parking available on site or across Johnson St. in the city ramp. The program is sponsored by Capitol Neighborhoods, Inc. For more information contact either:
Ledell Zellers (ledell.zellers@gmail.com or 231-1526) or Julie Wurl-Koth (knittingjulie@gmail.com).
TRANSPORTATION SURVEY
Eh, why not. Who knows where the results might end up getting used.
A Survey for Assessing Regional Transportation Needs
Dear Local Travelers,
We are a group of University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate students who wish to assess the transportation needs in the Greater Madison Area. Under the direction of Dr. Jessica Guo, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering professor, we kindly request you to participate in this survey. Your responses to this survey will assist us to communicate residents’ needs to local transportation decision makers as they work toward improving our transportation systems. The survey is anonymous and no personal identifying information is collected. The responses from all participants will be summarized by geographic and socioeconomic categories before being made public.
Please click on the link below to participate in this survey, which takes no more than 15 minutes to complete.
http://uwmadison.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1AdMfDmuNTJ9IO0&SVID=Prod
If you need assistance in filling out the survey, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 608-890-3027.
When you call, please leave us a message with your name, phone number and a good time for us to call you back. We will then go through the survey questions with you over the phone and fill out the survey on your behalf. If you have any other questions regarding the survey, you can also contact us by email at travelneedssurvey@mailplus.wisc.edu.
Please complete the survey by April 30th, 2010.
Your participation in this survey is much appreciated and will be a valuable way to influence the transportation investment decisions being made in our region.
Sincerely,
Kaushik Bekkem
Shang-Ching (Sean) Kuei
Mamata Shrestha
Tony Smick
Edwin Toledo-Duran
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