This Side of Town . . .: Environment

Showing posts with label Environment. Show all posts

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Slow News Week Thursday

The slow news week continues, so I have to make my own . . . luckily I have some material you won't be reading about in the paper, yet.

SUSTAINABLE AG ON COUNTY BOARD AGENDA TONIGHT
The county moved at a city pace on this one, but it was well worth the wait!

IT'S OFFICIAL!
First "This Side of Town" or "Brenda's Blog" show was taped yesterday. It will be played for the first time Saturday at 1:00. If you like it, please donate to WYOU, make sure you mention my show. If people show interest, it could continue, but only if WYOU continues to exist and it can only do that with your support!

SERIOUSLY?
They bought the story, hook. line. and sinker. How's that for a nice Wisconsinesque reference? For the real details, see here. It's not Madison politics that are lopsided, but this article and the survey. It's almost ridiculous.

NEW DIRECTOR OF PLANNING COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Know anyone who would be good?

Employment Opportunity: DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Agency: Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development
Category: PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL
Salary: $103,253 - $139,392 annually
Date Posted: 3/30/2010
Application Deadline: 4/30/2010
Residency: Legal Residence within the City of Madison is a Condition of Employment for this Position.

Job Announcement Details

LANDMARKS EDGEWATER MEETING
A special meeting will be held on Wednesday, 4/14 room 260 at 5:00 and:

Madison City Channel will cover the April 14th meeting live on our channel as well as stream it live on our website of www.madisoncitychannel.com. Thanks.

So you won't have to be there and can still follow along from the comfort of your own home where you will likely be able to hear what is going on better.

ORDER YOUR NATIVE PLANTS TODAY

Spring has sprung and thoughts are turning to outdoor projects. If you or your group are considering planting a rain garden, replacing turf with natives or restoring prairie in a park or elsewhere, the Plant Dane! Cost-Share Program provides plants and seed for less than half of retail prices.

Go to http://www.myfairlakes.com for an online application and more information. Orders may be placed through May 15th, 2010.
Plants will be delivered on June 26th.
Now in its 6th year, the Plant Dane! Cost-Share Program provides homeowners, schools and nonprofit organizations with native plants, seeds and information to establish rain gardens and restore prairies through a gift from the Graham-Martin Foundation.

The Plant Dane! Program has provided tens of thousands of plants, resulting in hundreds acres being planted with native species throughout Dane County. Plan your rain garden or prairie restoration today!

EXCITING NEWS FOR RIDE THE DRIVE
I'm not sure if there is more news beyond what they state here, but the successful ride the drive looks to expand.

Join Mayor Dave and the City of Madison, along with John Burke of Trek Bicycle as they announce some VERY exciting news about this year's Ride the Drive events.

Wednesday, April 7
UW Arboretum Visitor Center
9:45am

We will have a short press conference at the Arboretum and then a group bike ride to Vilas Park where refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there!

RSVP is appreciated - ridethedrive@cityofmadison.com

About Ride the Drive
Ride the Drive is a celebration of Madison's commitment to healthy, active lifestyles. This community event is an invitation to leave their cars behind to experience some of Madison's most scenic byways a whole new way - by riding, walking, skating, or strolling along some of Madison's most beautiful streets.

Following the success of last year, we are pleased to announce TWO dates for 2010:

Sunday, June 6
Sunday, August 29

Learn more at cityofmadison.com/ridethedrive

LAKE LEVELS
This might be of interest to some and its FREE!:

NELSON INSTITUTE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM

Water levels in the Yahara Lakes are heavily influenced by a number of physical factors, both natural (precipitation, groundwater levels) and human-made (paved surfaces, bridges, dams and other land uses). This forum will explore the complex river system that includes the Yahara Lakes and examine how it responds to these influences.

Forums are FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Water Levels in the Upper Yahara Lakes:
Surface and Groundwater Influences

Presentations:
KENNETH POTTER, Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Chair, Water Resources Management Program
JEREMY BALOUSEK, Urban Conservation Engineer, Dane County Office of Land and Water Resources
SUE JOSHEFF, Basin Supervisor, Division of Water, Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources
PETER HUGHES, Assistant Center Director, Wisconsin Water Science Center, US Geological Survey

TUESDAY, APRIL 6
5:30 - 7:00 PM
1106 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING BLDG.
1513 UNIVERSITY AVENUE
Bus Routes 2,3, 70, 71, 72, 19, 81, 14, and 15.
Free parking in Lot 17.

Sponsored by:
Yahara Lakes Association, Dane County Office of Lakes and Watersheds Civil and Environmental Engineering Department

For more information: www.nelson.wisc.edu/community/programs/community-environmental-forums
Event Contact: lambersonphi@wisc.edu

Read more!

Thursday, December 31, 2009

New Year's Eve Round Up

There were too many items yesterday for me not to do a round up - so here it is . . .

COUNTY BOARD CANDIDATES
I checked the office yesterday, many people on the list got more papers in, but no new candidates. I may update later today. People can still file Monday or up until 5:00 on Tuesday to get on the ballot. 20 potential races so far.

SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES
Only on race at the moment, in the seat being vacated by Johnny Winston Jr. Tom Farley and James Howard are running for that seat. The only coverage I've seen so far, since their announcements was this little story about a cat fight. I hope the coverage gets better and they start talking about issues.

EDGEWATER COMPROMISE?
Schumacher says that there might be one. Here's the thing about compromise, both parties have to agree. Since no one I know in opposition to the project knows what the compromise is, its unlikely to be a real compromise. Instead, its likely one of those were people on one side decide that they are making some concession and call it a compromise, even if the other side doesn't agree. That's not a compromise. Any which way, can't wait to hear what it is. It's be cool if there really is something new. But, um . . . are we going to find out what it is on Tuesday?

WE DIDN'T HAVE TO DO THIS, THIS WAY
Brad Murphy explains what projects like the Edgewater need to do to get approval.

All city zoning districts that allow for nonresidential development have permitted and conditional uses. The first requires no review by the city’s plan commission; the second does.

In addition, the city has so-called “overlay” districts that basically impose additional requirements on top of existing zoning requirements. With economic development projects, the two relevant types of overlay districts are urban design and local historic districts, Murphy said. For projects in the first type, developers need the OK of the Urban Design Commission. For projects in the second, they need the Landmarks Commission’s approval.

Otherwise, determining which projects are considered by which city bodies “really depends on the project, where it’s located and what the zoning is,” Murphy said.

So, a different project, located in a different location might not have had this kind of trouble. This was an extremely challenging project as proposed.

Interesting note. Is all new development "economic development"? Should we try to literally build our way out of this recession? Isn't that part of how we got here in the first place?

HOTEL REJECTION, WAS A GOOD IDEA
Former Mayor gently suggests that Edgewater Hotel rejection might not be the end of the world. Um, awkward.

THANK YOU GLENN GROTHMAN
He teed this one up for us! Um, yeah, maybe if the state paid us the money we should be getting for all the university and government buildings here in Madison we'd have more money to plow the streets. Paul Soglin calls it the gift that will keep on giving. So, thank you Grothman.

VOTING EARLY, GOOD OR BAD?
Personally, I like voting on election day. You just never know what might surface in those last days, and I want to make the most informed decision that I can. However, for many, voting early means the difference between voting and not voting, so, I have no problem with it. It's a good thing when used properly. This article takes a look at if there will be changes in the future to early voting.

POLICE TO DRIVE DODGE CHARGERS?
Really? I wonder how much more these will cost? Basic blue book values on a 2009 appear to be the same, but it depends up on what they get.

DRECKMANN ANSWERS REPUBLICANS
Plastic bag law could have been works, it could have been a complete ban. By the way, seems to be popular. Or maybe people were just saving them for months waiting to be able to recycle them. I guess only time will tell. But hopefully, as more and more people participate, the pace will remain the same or improve.

HOW'D THAT SMATH GROWTH LAW WORK OUT FOR YOU?
January 1st, 2010 is State Deadline to Adopt “Smart Growth” Plan ". Dane County finished their plan 2 years early. But here's how others are doing:

According to the state Department of Administration’s latest count in August, 28 counties have approved plans, 41 counties are in the process of adopting, 1 county was in the preliminary planning stage and 2 counties were not planning.

RICHARD RUSSELL ON MAYOR DAVE/OBAMA
An interesting point of view.

BUS SCHEDULES FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW

SERVICE ON DECEMBER 31 & JANUARY 1

NEW YEAR'S EVE: Thursday, December 31
WEEKDAY Schedules
Buses follow regular WEEKDAY service on Thursday, December 31.

FREE NEW YEAR'S EVE RIDES
Thursday, December 31; Starts at 7 PM
Starting at 7 PM, Miller Coors Brewing Company and Metro will offer free extended service until approximately 3:30 AM.

For help planning your trip, call (608) 266-4466 or 1-800-FREE RIDES (1-800-373-3743).
Customer service representatives will be available from 6:15 AM through 1 AM.
New Year's Eve Schedules

NEW YEAR'S DAY: Friday, January 1
Holiday Schedules
Routes 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 30, 32, 36, 40, 50, 51, 59, 63, 67 and 68 operate
Holiday Schedules. These are the only routes that will operate on New Year's Day.

PARATRANSIT SERVICE ON DECEMBER 31
Free Extended Service Starts at 7 PM
Free paratransit service will be available starting at 7 PM until approximately 3:30 AM. Service depends on Metro fixed-route service operating in area of travel.

For help planning your trip, call (608) 266-4466 or 1-800-FREE RIDES (1-800-373-3743). Customer service representatives will be available from 6:15 AM through 1 AM on New Year's Eve.

Complete Info

PARATRANSIT SERVICE ON JANUARY 1
Standing Rides Cancelled
All standing and long term assignment paratransit rides will be canceled on Friday, January 1.
Paratransit passengers must schedule casual rides to travel on this date.

UPCOMING DETOUR
CAPITOL LOOP DETOUR: U.S. Bank Eve
Thursday, December 31; 5:30 PM - End of Service
Due to the U.S. Bank Eve event, Metro detours to the Capitol Loop starting at 5:30 PM on Thursday, December 31.
Buses return to the Capitol Square on Friday, January 1.

Paratransit riders are the losers again. While they might have some service, if they aren't going within 1/4 mile of the routes that are running, they likely won't get service.

That's it for now, there may be some posts later today, or maybe not. Maybe the Wii or the Roku will take over my life instead . . . or maybe, a nap. :) Oh, wait, I still have boxes to unpack . . .

Happy New Year! Have fun, but be safe tonight!
Read more!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Brief Snowy Tuesday Round Up

More snow! Wow. Yesterday was the first day of winter, the longest night of the year, but I'm done with winter already.

A LOT OF GOOD "EMPLOYEE OWNED" DOES
Woodman's cutting mental health insurance for their 2,000 employees? What? Right, the employees made that decision? Some delightful ignorance, from one of their "employees" named Clint Woodman at the end of this story.

WAUSAU LOSES GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY TELEVISION

WAUSAU AREA ACCESS CHANNEL CLOSES
Wausau, WI, December 21, 2009 – Today Mayor Tipple announces that after January 31, 2009, the City of Wausau will no longer be able to fund the two Public, Education and Government (PEG) Access Channels (Cable Channel 98/980 and 96/981). The Wausau Access Coordinator position will be eliminated and the Wausau Area Access Channel Office located in City Hall will be closed at that time. “These are tough economic times that require tough decisions,” explains Mayor Tipple.

In addition to serving as a way to locally exercise First Amendment rights of Free Speech, the Wausau Area Access Channels 98/980 and 96/981 have played an important role in our region, broadcasting area fabric-of-life events such as:
♦ local and regional candidate forums and volunteer recognitions
♦ unedited coverage of our local city council, school board and county board meetings
♦ complete game coverage of our local high school sports teams
♦ local high school graduations
♦ local church services,
♦ local parades
♦ locally produced programs and informational programs created by local services and non-profit organizations
♦ programs from federal agencies such as Social Security, NASA and the Armed Services
♦ programs to explain changes or improvements in services and procedures

Funding for the Wausau Area Access Channels had been provided by the franchise agreement between the City of Wausau and our local cable provider, currently Charter Communications. While Wausau Access Channels served the greater Wausau area, only the City of Wausau franchise agreement provided any funding.

When the state passed Act 42 replacing local franchise agreements with a standard state wide franchise, Wausau PEG support fees were eliminated after a three year sunset. That sunset would occur December 31, 2010. The City of Wausau has not received any PEG support fees from Charter Communication during the three year sunset period.

The cost of maintaining the current service and keeping the channels live would be $90,000. Interim funding streams are being explored while a longer term solution is being sought.
♦ The city of Wausau may recover the PEG support fees from Charter.
♦ All communities served by the Wausau Area Access Channels could consider sharing the cost of the channels.
♦ If the State Legislature passes the AB 606 Cable Consumer Repair Bill, 1% of the gross revenue from the local cable company can be requested to fund the local access channels. With the support of our state legislators and using the leadership positions that they hold, this bill could be passed quickly, securing long term survival of these valuable resources.
♦ Local residents, businesses and organizations could step forward with financial help to keep the doors open.

Once the public access channel goes dark, it will be difficult to reactivate it in the future.

WATER RATES GOING UP TODAY?

Tuesday, December 22
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
610 N Whitney Way
3rd Floor
10:30 AM
Agenda Items 13.-14. (Last items on the agenda) Madison Water Utility request to increase water rates

THE THINGS YOU DON'T THINK ABOUT
Digesting your food for energy. Um, but not quite the way you think. Turning food waste, garbage, into methane. Uh, stimulating.

That's it for this morning . . . a brief round up, as promised. Read more!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Short Week Monday Morning Round Up

Edgewater free round up . . .

CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MIA
So, where is our Economic Development Commission, our Economic Development Director and city leadership? With all the talk of jobs and the economy, wouldn't you think buying local would have been a top priority this shopping season?

NO WONDER THERE IS SO MUCH SHERIFF'S OVERTIME
What kind of management is this?

The biggest change in the Sheriff’s Office this year that reduced overtime was reversing a policy that allowed deputies to take whatever vacation days they wanted. In the past, the “red zone vacation days” — June, July, August and holidays — would have so many deputies out that the department had to schedule seven deputies on overtime each shift.

Holy crap, that's just irresponsible. Check out what Moody's has to say about it:

When Moody’s Investors Services downgraded the county’s bond rating — an indicator of the county’s financial health — in September for the first time in decades, the analyst pointed to the overspending in the Sheriff’s Office as one of the reasons why the county posted a $10 million deficit in 2008.

What bothers me even more is that I've heard County Board Supervisors defend the Sheriff by saying, "its what all the other sheriff's have done, so we can't blame Mahoney". I'm not sure I blame Mahoney, I blame the county board supervisors with that attitude.

WSJ AND SHERIFF'S ASSOCIATION WANT YOU TO RUN FOR OFFICE
I wonder what they would have to say about the above?

CLASS BASED AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
I found this article interesting. This isn't a new idea by any means, but its interesting to see people talking about it.

SEE A PROBLEM HERE?
The city kinda screwed up and as a result, some of the poorest people in the city had a huge rent increase with little to no notice. Months later, they have not been made whole. Now, it add insult to injury, if the city gets money from the federal government here's what they are going to do with it:

If the city gets the extra money, it will be distributed to landlords, who will be required to make refunds to tenants whose rent was increased, said Rachel Strauch-Nelson, spokesperson for Mayor Dave Cieslewicz.

Does that make sense to you? Sounds like a recipe for disaster as the tenants fight to get their money back. Why not give it directly to the tenants? How can we be sure they actually get that money back and that the landlord doesn't get paid twice?

GRINCHOR A SIGN OF HOW DESPERATE THE TIMES ARE?
Nobody likes to see this. I think it's a sad comment about how desperate some people have become.

IS OUR WATER SAFE?
This was a good recap of the issues. More here.

COUNCIL BLOOPERS
I've heard people talk about doing this for years, kudos to this rookie class for finally getting it done!

DO OVER
Without the racism this time. I missed the Hip Hop discussion at ALRC, but I have to say, I didn't have high hopes. I can't wait until they come out with best practices for County music. Or Jam Bands.

WHERE CAN YOU RECYCLE YOUR PLASTIC BAGS AND HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Cost first? Nothing? Or waste of resources? This article has two points of view:
From the Business Commmunity we have this:

Brandon Scholz, president and chief executive of the Wisconsin Grocers Association and an early critic of the program, said Thursday the program was an ineffective use of city resources because many private companies in the city already offer the same service. He also predicted the city's outdoor bins would be hard to keep clean and difficult to monitor for misuse.

From City Staff we have this:

Dreckmann said the plastic bag recycling bins would be emptied about every two weeks, depending on their level of use, and the program wouldn't pass any new costs onto taxpayers.

Which do you believe?

Second, when I first read about the new plastic bags recycling program, the options seemed really limited and seemed to lack downtown locations, but it turns out the list is much longer than reported on channel 15.
Here's the list.

City of Madison Self Help Drop Off Centers
- East 4602 Sycamore Av
- South 1501 W. Badger Rd
- West 402 South Point Rd

Other City Sites
- Glenway Golf Course Waste Oil Site
- Monona Golf Course Waste Oil Site
- Warner Park Community Recreation Center

City Program Participants
- Aldi Stores - 3925 Lien Rd & 8222 Watts Rd.
- University Bookstore - 713 State St
- Williamson Street Co-Op - 1221 Williamson St.

Other Plastic Bag Recycling Sites
Capital Center Foods - 111 N. Broom St
Copps Food Stores
- 3010 Cahill Main
- 620 S. Whitney Way
- 1312 S. Park St
- 2502 Shopko Dr
- 6540 Monona Dr
- 3650 University Av
- 261 Junction Rd.
- 6655 McKee Rd.
HyVee - 3801 E. Washington Av
Kohl's Department Stores - 2602 East Springs Dr. & 7401 West Towne Way
Metcalf's Market (Sentry) - 726 N. Midvale Bl
Pierce's Northside Market - 2817 N. Sherman Av
Sentry Foods - 4602 Cottage Grove Rd.
Trader Joe's - 1810 Monroe St.
Wal Mart - 7202 Watts Rd & 4198 Nakoosa Trl
Whole Foods Market - 3313 University Av.
Woodman's - 3817 Milwaukee St & 711 S. Gammon Rd

On a slow week, its a good thing I still have 20 - 30 more emails labled "blog topic" in my blog folder. Expect some more, perhaps more stale round up tomorrow.
Read more!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Friday Round Up . . .

Ex-alder gives advice to colleagues, Olinger leaving the city, kudos to public health, Kailin service, Brews for WYOU, Homeless Memorial Day, composting, and more, more, more Edgewater . . .

ANOTHER EX-ALDER WEIGHS IN ON THE EDGEWATER . . . PROCESS
Former Alder urges colleagues to do the right thing, not the politically expedient thing. Good letter.

CLARENCE KAILIN MEMORIAL RE-PLAY

Clarence Kailin Memorial will play in its entirety ( 03:00Hrs) starting @ 3pm Saturday Dec.5 - WYOU ch 991 or WYOU ch 95 or wyou.org
Thanks to Judith leurquin and Russ Attoe for letting their program "third world view" be preempted
Peace
Luciano

OLINGER - OUTTA HERE!

From: Olinger, Mark
Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 6:02 PM
To: ALL ALDERS
Cc: Mayor; Veldran, Lisa; 'Gregg Shimanski'; Harmon, Ray; Strauch-Nelson, Rachel
Subject: Information

Dear Alders:

I wanted to let you all know that effective January 5, 2010, I will no longer be under contract as the Director of the Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development.

The Mayor has asked me to continue to serve as Director on a provisional basis subsequent to that date to help finish a number of projects that are in critical phases of implementation or financing. I have accepted the Mayor’s offer in order to make sure that these projects get across the finish line.

It has been a pleasure working with you as Director.

Thank you.

KUDOS
I happen to be one of the "lucky" people who have an "underlying condition" (Type 1/Insulin Dependent Diabetes) so I was able to get a H1N1 flu shot the other day. It reminded me how great our Public Health Department is. So, kudos! And thank you!

WHAT MY NEIGHBORS ARE SAYING ABOUT EDGEWATER (FROM LISTSERVES)
Why not East Washington.

I know most are getting sick about the Edgewater discussion. Everyone on this list is well aware of the condition of the commerce on East Washington -- or lack thereof. We have a newly abandoned Madison Dairy, a vacant Mautz paint factory, an almost vacant Marquip factory, Don Miller is almost completely gone, and we have a huge abandoned Union Corners development. Some influential people in this city are bending over backwards to give $16 million to a luxury hotel that will charge $300/night that none of us will ever stay in. No serious amount of long term jobs. The developer refuses to build to the standards of which the property sits, so let's wake up and kill this project now while we have a chance, and divert this money to a stimulus package to invite real jobs to town. Let's invite proposals for all these decaying properties and long lost jobs so that we can once again be proud to bring visitors up East Washington Avenue. I would bet the mayor never brings guests up East Washington -- and it is a shame that the gateway to our city is falling apart.

This is a shameful hour for our city.

Need a new leader.

I think it is time for a future mayoral candidate to step up and address the infantile, temper tantrum histrionics of our present mayor. I hope there is someone out there to step forward and challenge his ability to lead.

E-mail your alders

Please e-mail allalders@madison.com. This entire project is fraught with deception and inaccuracies too numerous to mention. For me, what really is at stake now is the democratic process – including the citizen committees which are a time-honored tradition in Madison. These largely consist of experts in their particular fields who give their knowledge, experience and time freely.

To see so many ordinances violated, as well as the process itself, puts our city at great risk.

Once again, please e-mail allalders@madison.com and let them know that they are accountable to all of us to uphold the ordinances as written, not to bend to the will of a capricious despot.

No TIF

There seems to be an assumption on the part of a lot of people that TIF is free. But the city issues bonds. Issuing bonds affects the city's credit rating. Issue too many and the credit rating goes down and the cost of issuing the bonds go up. Or, another way to look at it, issuing 16 million in TIF bonds for the Edgewater project reduces the amount of money available for other projects, or raises the cost of all city borrowing.

Second xxxxx mentions that TIF is an investment. Again there seems to be an assumption on the part of a lot of people that TIF districts always repay the investment. That assumption is based on the notion that the TIF district gets better as a result of the project, all property values raise, and over time more money comes back to the city. It very questionable whether the Edgewater project will ever pay back the TIF expense. What additional development is theproject going to cause? There is no vacant land in the area to speak of. There are no empty buildings to redevelop. It's a residential area. Is having a large hotel as a neighbor going to inspire landlords to maintain their buildings better? Or maybe they'll let them deteriorate to make it easier to get their own TIF handout. It will probably actually lower the value of nearby residential buildings.

The Edgewater project doesn't meet the city's stated TIF goals and objectives. Giving the project TIF will simply make it harder to say no to all future mediocre-to-bad projects.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

EEEE Round Up: Everything Else Except the Edgewater

That title sounds like it should be sung to the tune from "All Along the Watchtower" . . . but yes, there are other things going on around town . . .

WORTH READING
Here's another take on why the city has a budget problem. Tho a few of us tried to address this a few times, it is something the council never seriously considers. Sanborn was the only one hammering on the Capital Budget this year, but if others had tried to cut roads, especially ones in his district, he would have voted for them.

Barry Orton, on Soglin's blog, does a good job summarizing where we are at with the Cable Competition Act . . . more broken promises. This is what led to the the defunding of WYOU (donate now!) and an average 21% rise in cable rates in two years.

Check out the drop in our air quality! Full Dane County Environmental Health Card Report Card here.

I appreciated this call to have the County Board members to stand up to the sheriff's department . . . and the understanding that it could have political implications if they were to do so.

ART GALLERY OPENING

The Jackie Macaulay Gallery is hosting an artist reception for Desereé Nehrkorn

Friday, December 4, 2009 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm.

Wine and hor'devours to be served.

Located in the Social Justice Center,
1202 Williamson Street, Madison, WI

WISCONSIN ONCE AGAIN SHOWING IT IS PROGRESSIVE
From the Democracy campaign:

Impartial Justice bill signed into law
The Impartial Justice bill is officially the Impartial Justice law. Governor Jim Doyle signed the bill this morning. The governor's signing statement is here.

With today's action, Wisconsin becomes the first and only state to enact public financing legislation this year and joins North Carolina and New Mexico as the only states to ever create public financing systems for judicial elections.

The Democracy Campaign thanks Governor Doyle and all the legislators who acted to make this long-sought reform a reality. WDC also thanks the many other groups that worked for the bill's passage, most especially Common Cause in Wisconsin and the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin. And we owe a great debt of gratitude to the countless citizens who took the time to contact their representatives and the governor to urge them to take this important step toward cleaning up state Supreme Court elections.

This historic breakthrough for campaign finance reform was a decade in the making, as the Impartial Justice bill was first proposed in 1999. It is the most significant campaign reform in Wisconsin since 1977.

WATER RATES GOING UP!!!
According to the letter from the PSC,

Our proposed charge for public fire protection provides an increase of approximately 27 percent compared to a 21 percent increase in general service rates.

There is a public hearing next Tuesday. You can comment here.

DID YOU KNOW . . .
County board elections are coming up? People can start filing for that and school board starting yesterday. Seems really, really, really quiet this year . . . so far, Melissa Sargeant is running for a seat being vacated by Dorothy Wheeler and there's some action on campus . . . but I haven't heard a whole lot more, but I haven't been paying a whole lot of attention either and there is a virtual media blackout at the county and school board levels, making it hard to find news . . . but, at the county level, if you don't like what happened to human services this year, or are concerned about the sheriff's office and the immigration issues, or are passionate about land use (yes, there are some of you out there!) or [insert issue here], you should consider running! It's not as much work as the city council and there are important issues that need to be addressed! School Board info here. County Board info here. Of course, if you are interested, you might want to talk to some folks . . . feel free to call or email me or find someone who you respect or agree with! Candidates needed!

SMALL BUSINESS BUS PASS PROGRAM
Sometimes those crazy Progressive Dane ideas can even be supported by Jenifer Alexander of the Chamber of Commerce . . . for more info to get involved in the program, see here.

STALLED HOTEL
Hmmm, not returning phone calls . . . hard to buy the initial excuses about product not being available given the news of liens being filed against the property.

AIDS QUILT IN MADISON TODAY AND TOMORROW"

Overture Center Main Lobby
201 State Street, Madison, Wisconsin

Wednesday, December 2, 2009
11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Thursday, December 3, 2009
10:00 am - 10:00 pm

The AIDS Memorial Quilt is an expanding memorial to the lives of people lost to HIV/AIDS, created by those who loved them. It is the largest community art project in the world, totaling more than 45,500 individual panels that commemorate more than 91,000 people.

View 21 12'x12' blocks of the captivating quilt in person, brought to Madison in recognition of World AIDS Day (December 1) by the UW Health HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Care Program, with financial support from Becker Law Office, the Wisconsin AIDS/HIV Program and our many generous allies and friends.

JUST A FEW DAYS LEFT . . .
Do some shopping, help the community, get a good deal!

Help Promote Sustainability Statewide and these Community Causes: Dane County TimeBank, WYOU Community Access TV, Community Groundworks at Troy Gardens

PEACE RALLY TODAY
Wednesday, December 2 – March of the Dead & Placing Demands on Sen. Kohls Office Door & Rep. Baldwin’s Office Door.

11:00 AM – Gather at Lisa Link Peace Park, State St., Mad., WI and march to Veterans Park at corner of State St. and the Capitol Square.

We will have a somber March of the Dead to the Capitol Square where we will remember and mourn the dead by reading their stories. Will arrive at the Square at NOON. We will deliver our demands to Senator Kohl’s office at approximately 12:30 to 12:45 and to Congresswoman Baldwin’s office at 1:30 or 1:45 PM, calling on our legislators to refuse to fund the escalation for the wars.

MADISON LOBBIES
Check out what the City of Madison is paying money to lobby on. The question that always bothered me is . . . who decides what we lobby on? In the last few years there has been a minimal effort to involve the council in the decisions, but it mostly is just a report on what has already happened and a request to give input once a year.

YOUR ALDER SAID WHAT?
As a side note to the above issue, check this out, the audio of the meeting is available. It's the last link at the bottom of the links here. It would be sooooooo totally cool if that was made available for every committee meeting. Tho, that would probably scare the bejesus out most elected officials . . . but it also might make them think a little more about what they say. I wonder why this audio is available and if they plan to continue doing it?

CASEY JONES, YOU BETTER WATCH YOUR SPEED
Ticketing for speeding is once again a priority, kinda. There used to be two traffic enforcement teams called TEST teams. I forget when and how it went away, but I remember council members being concerned at the time and we were told to mind our own business . . . I remember thinking that the cops at the time just didn't want to give tickets, they wanted to work on "real crime" because it was more exciting. Glad to see that preventative safety is back on their minds . . . but I'm also bracing myself for that ticket and when I get it, I won't have any good excuses besides I just have a lead foot! But then again, the enforcement is still probably so light, I might never even notice.

WTF?
This is an account of a beating on Halloween weekend, which I don't think we ever heard about:

Because of his injuries, which medical records show also include bulging discs, Miller was unable to complete the fall semester at UW-Parkside, and it is uncertain if he will be able to start a theater job in New York City scheduled to begin in January, he said.

Miller said he told a paramedic, whom he thought was a police officer, that he had just been beaten and could not get up. He said the paramedic told him to get up or he would be taken to detox then pulled him up and took him back to the house of the friend with whom he had been arguing.

Miller said the paramedic asked if he needed an ambulance, and he replied that he had no health insurance. The paramedic then questioned whether he was refusing medical treatment, but Miller did not reply, Miller said.

Amesqua said the paramedic, Gary Schreiber, denied that Miller told him he had been beaten. Miller also had no apparent injuries, she said.

Schreiber told a police detective that Miller refused medical treatment, Amesqua said.

A Fire Department report indicates paramedics responded to "a man sleeping in a alley. We were able to get him up and inside his house."

I'm freaking speechless.
Read more!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Monday Morning Round Up

So, it was a very busy week last week and this week looks to be more of the same. Anyways, here's a few items of interest to kick the week off! So much to catch uo on.

MORE EXPENSIVE POSTCARDS
So, several people got postcards that look something like this (side one, side two) from the Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance (a Realtor front group), the postcards direct you to go to www.danecountypropertyrights.com (who don't identify themselves) that directs you here, a conservative/republican group opposed to the RTA. Also with several realtors/lobbyists/real estate interests on their board. It all makes me wonder how many organizations the realtors need to create to create the illusion of support.

SOME SORT OF FREUDIAN SLIP
So, this is how the mayor describes his own budget and the council:

I thought they bought too much stuff at the grocery store and turned the heat up too high. They thought I blew too much money on a plasma TV and new golf clubs (but, hey, that new driver is sweet!).

So, the council wants basic needs like food and heat. The Mayor wants luxuries like plasma TVs and golf clubs . . . maybe he does understand how some people see the difference between Community Services and the Edgewater! And just doesn't care.

CENSUS JOBS
We wanted to make sure that you all are aware that the Census Bureau is accepting applications for Census jobs. For your reference, please see the WSJ article:

Interested citizens are encouraged to call the Census Bureau jobs line at 1-866-861-2010, call the local Census office at (608) 327-5600 or visit www.2010censusjobs.gov They are then directed to an application/testing site that is convenient for them.

The Census Bureau has established testing sites throughout the County and continues to add more sites. Here are some of the area testing sites:
-Stoughton Fire Dept.
-Verona Public Library
-Waunakee Village Hall
-Door Creek Church (Dominion Drive)
-Dane County Jobs Center (Aberg Ave.)
-Dane County United Way (Atwood Ave.)
-Upper Iowa University (Beltline and Midvale)
-UW Memorial Union (Langdon)
-Villager Mall (S. Park)
-Wil-Mar Neighborhood Center (Jenifer St.)

MADISON URBAN MINISTRY PRAYER AND MEDITATION VIGIL FOR HUMAN SERVICES

As you know, the Dane County Board of Supervisors will begin voting on the 2010 budget on Monday, November 16th, at 7:00 p.m. Madison-area Urban Ministry will be hosting an interfaith vigil for restoration of the proposed across the board cuts to human services, and for our most vulnerable neighbors.

We will gather at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, 11/16, at the steps of the City County Building, 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison.

Citizens will not be able to speak at the County Board meeting so we are hoping that the vigil will send the message to Supervisors that we are asking the cuts be restored. The proposed cuts will undermine the social safety net in our County, non-profit agencies are already preparing their lay off lists if this budget passes, many plan to renegotiate the contracts with the county as they cannot continue to serve the same number of individuals with what is, in effect, a much greater reduction in funding when stagnant funding over the last decade and increased costs of business are factored in. We are hoping that an amendment to restore the cuts will be introduced from the floor of the meeting. Amendments made at the Committee level to restore the cuts have been defeated, in addition, the Personnel and Finance Committee last week voted to increase the amount of money an individual facing evicted is charged for the actual eviction from $15.00 an hour to $50.00 an hour (these funds are to offset costs to the Sheriff’s Department for the actual eviction).

Faith communities across our county are reporting up to 30% increases in requests for help and many people are being turned away. Our shelter system is full and people are being turned away nightly. The proposed cuts to human service provider agencies will further exacerbate the current problems. The budget also includes a provision to close the Joining Forces for Families office in Stoughton. That office provides crucial assistance to residents of Stoughton and surrounding communities. The budget proposes relocating the services to Madison, which creates additional transportation problems for families in need.

Please join us on November 16th, as we raise our voices for our neighbors, as we call for a budget that reflects our values as a community.

A DAY OR TWO LATE
It's that time of year!

A reminder that Alternate Side Parking goes into effect at 1 a.m. on Sunday November 15th. That means that you should park your car on the ODD house numbered side fo the street on Saturday evening November 14th.

Alternate Side Parking restrictions are in effect throughout most of the City of Madison sevend ays a week, regardless of weather conditions from November 15th through March 15th with the exception of the Downtown/Isthmus Snow emergency Zone where the restrictions are in effect only during a declared Snow Emergency.

For more information visit www.cityofmadison.com/winter.

DEVELOPERS GET BENEFITS OF IZ, DON'T HAVE TO PAY OR BUILD THE HOUSING
Looks like the University Square developers won their court case against the city. They got the benefits outlined in the inclusionary zoning ordinance, but did not have to make their payments for the affordable housing they did not build. Wow. Could the city attorneys mess this up any more than they have?

LABOR ENDORSEMENTS
I was wondering how labor endorsements lined up with the labor vote on the Edgewater. Thanks to Lukas Diaz for breaking it down.

x Read more!

Monday, June 8, 2009

Take a Stake in the Lakes!

Events started on Saturday and go through the 21st!

The month of June will feature a series of fun, eco-conscious, community events. Featuring paddles, clean-up events and more, highlights include:

Thursday, June 11
6:30 a.m.-7:30 a.m. Paddle to Work Day, departing from Olin Park and ending at Law Park, with times varying at additional locations. Register your participation and secure a spot in a 25-foot voyageur canoe at www.takeastakeinthelakes.com/events/PaddleToWork.aspx

Saturday, June 13
9 a.m.-noon 22nd annual Take a Stake in the Lakes Clean-Up, Information Center Memorial Union - Alumni Pier located between Red Gym and Memorial Union on Lake Mendota: Volunteer shoreline cleanup of Lakes Mendota and Kegonsa, along with other places across the county.

Sunday, June 14
All-day Lower Wisconsin Riverway 20th Anniversary Paddle from Prairie du Sac to Arena. Paddle in a replica voyageur canoe along the 14-mile stretch that makes up Dane County’s northwestern border. Mark Cupp, Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board Executive Director, will share information about the Riverway’s achievements over the past 20 years and other interesting Wisconsin River facts along the way. For more information or to register, go here.

Thursday, June 18
5:30 p.m. at the Madison Club, Terrace Room, Dane County Waters Champions Awards Ceremony. Recognizing how groups and individuals are working to protect and enhance Dane County’s water resources. For more information, contact Marcia Hartwig at (608) 224-3746.

Saturday, June 20
9:00 a.m. – noon 22nd annual Take a Stake in the Lakes Clean-Up, Information Center at Law Park: Volunteer shoreline clean-up of Lakes Monona, Waubesa and Wingra.

For more information, and a full schedule of events, visit www.takeastakeinthelakes.com.

Read more!

What are those Black Spots on my Maple leaves?

Gypsy moths, Emerald Ash Borer and now the Maples? UW-Extension explains, no need to worry about the black spots on your Maple leaves:

This spring the Dane County UWEX Horticulture staff have been inundated with calls and emails from homeowners reporting that leaves on their silver maples are blackening and falling off.

The symptoms are caused by two groups of fungi, according to Brian Hudelson, Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic director on campus. One is called anthracnose, the other, Venturia leaf blotch. For most trees, both are usually just a cosmetic problem rather than a significant health issue.

“We get these calls very commonly when we have cool, wet spring weather,” says Lisa Johnson, the Dane County UWEX Horticulture Educator. “Anthracnose also can infect ash and oak, so some years, we get calls about the disease on these trees as well. People are happy to hear that it is generally not a major problem. Typically, we don’t recommend a chemical treatment for anthracnose or Venturia leaf blotch; only to rake up any fallen infected leaves so that they can’t provide more inoculum for future infections.” Both diseases should disappear as the weather becomes warmer and drier over the season.

The diseases can be problematic for young trees that have recently been planted and have fewer leaves to begin with, or for larger trees that have been completely defoliated by the disease several years in a row. In those cases, chemical control may be warranted. However, at this time, since most fungicide products protect against new infections rather than cure those already present, it is too late to spray. To learn more about available chemical treatments and when to apply them, visit the online factsheet for anthracnose here.

Read more!

Friday, June 5, 2009

County Board Recap

Not much on the agenda, but here it is for what it is worth . . .

all 74 pages and 55 [orderly] minutes.

A. ROLL CALL
The following people were absent: 33 present, 4 missiong - Stubbs, and 2 others [Tivoe'd it and couldn't hear who was gone and they don't repeat it like the City Clerk does], Hampton was Excused

1. Prayer/Inspirational Message - Supervisor Stoebig
- County Hwy worker on Hwy 151 was killed today. Name not yet released. Asks to bow their heads and a small prayer.

2. Pledge of Allegiance - Supervisor Stoebig

B. SPECIAL MATTERS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Res 1, 09-10 - Celebrating Maureen Arcand's 80th Birthday
Supervisor Rusk reads the resolution, sponsored with Supervisor Vedder - Maureen was there. Rusk says that she was born in Dane County in 1929, wasn't supposed to live more than 6 weeks, and if she survived, she would be just fine. She went to Mt. Horeb High School, she was mainstreamed. Maureen spoke, Dave Ripp is the only one that was on the board when she served. Being on the County Board was one of the highlights of her life, was able to educate people about the needs of people with disabilities and continues to do that. She learned to respect people, even those who don't agree with her, and she still feels that was about anyone who runs for public office, they should be respected. She thanks Paul and everyone for commemorating her. Says Dane County is a very special place in her mind.

Vedder speaks to say Maureen is a mentor from way back, even from before she was on the board, knew her through her advocacy work she did with Access to Independence. When Movin' Out had their big party, it was a very special event. Peter Leidy did a song, and she had alot of people there to say its great. Vedder says she can make it six years. Thanks her for everything she has done for the community.

McDonell says that honored former County Board Chair George Harb(?) on his 100th birthday and hopes they can do the same for her. He says that at that time, she'll still only recognize Dave Ripp.

2. Dane County Safety & Working Conditions Safety Committee - Safety awards presentation - Lt. Mark Twambly
Hesselbein moves to postpone due to the death of the worker today and asks drivers to please slow down.

3. Announcements
Salov - Dane County Breakfast on the Farm posters out front - Hinchley's [sp?]on Hwy 73 on Sat the 13th, Breakfast 7 - 11, Pam Janke and others will be there. Crowning of first Dane County Fairest of the Fair, Alice in Dairyland will be there, farm tours, horse drawn wagon rides, Soggy Prairie Boys will be making music, live broadcast on Q-106.

DeSmidt - Thanks Mayor and others for stepping in to try to stop the closing of the Catholic Multi-cultural Center, asks people to contact Supervisors if you have used the center, we don't need to rely on religious organizations, the County, the government and others will make sure people have food on their tables. Thanks Lynn Green and her outrach people and ask people in need to call her, she'll do what she can.

de Felice - There a county road AB or Buckeye Road in his district that is a continuing concern because of speeding drivers and children, and they have reached an agreement with City and others to reduce speed from 35 to 30 and he is introducing an amendment and would like others to sign on.

Opitz - On behalf of Supervisor Hesselbein, after breakfast on the farm, on June 13th to come to the 2nd Annual Big Event in Middleton, citywide garage sale, live music and food at over 12 places, fireworks. So please come out.

Hulsey - After Breakfast on the Farm and Big Event come to Take a Stake in the Lakes, its the big event to clean up the Lakes, but don't have to wait that long on June 6th there is the Clean Lakes Festival sponsored by Mad City Ski Team, DeJope and others and goes 9 - 9, there's a run, canoe races, demo boats, music. June 11th is Paddle to Work Day, that starts at Olbrich. Two weeks from tonight they will have the Clean Water Campions there and a report on Clean Up the Lakes. Was swimming in Lake Wingra and it was cleaner than it has been in 10 years since they took out the carp. A neighbor was fishing this weekend and he said the water in Lake Mendota and say 2 big sturgeons swimming. Extra posters if people need them.

Downing - McDonell asks him if he is capping off the 13th, Downing says he hopes that you will have room on your calendars. 25 Western Dane County Artists invited you to Overture last month, this month the same artists would like to invite you to their studios the over three days the 12th to the 14th, starts at 11 am. Springarttour.com is more info. Holds up poster with examples of art. Come on out to the driftless area.

Ferrell - Nothing on the 13th, a couple days before that Blue and Gold invasion, Monday - Thursday next week, instead of Ash Borer or Gypsy Moth invasion. Come see young and old farmers at the FAA convention, he attended 4 years when he was younger.

Stoebig - Circulating a resolution providing Dane County Board Support for legislation to deal with Pay Day lending Consumer Protection Act. There was a press conference him and Chair McDonell were at, the bill has 48 co-sponsors in Assembly and Senate, not sure if it will pass, but intent is to get as much organizational and government support. Counted 5 pay day loan businesses in his district in 3 blocks on E Wash and says that there are more payday loan businesses than McDonalds. Hoping to turn back financial deregulation that happened in this state in the early 90s. Please think about sponsoring.

McDonell - No special matter from Memorial High School today, thought he might have made a mistake on the calendar. Two birthdays this month. Levin on the 3rd. The clerk, Bob Olson on the 28th. [He's not there tonight] Says he must be celebrating now.

C. BILLS AND ACCOUNTS
1. Claims Recommended for Approval

Motion to approve Stoebig/Hulsey. No discussion. Passes on voice vote.

D. APPROVAL OF PROCEEDINGS - May 7 & 21, 2009

Motion to approve Matano/deFelice. No discussion. Passes on a voice vote.

E. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Res 17, 09-10 - Buy Local, Buy American with Economic Recovery Funds (Adopt)

Motion is adoption. No objection, recorded as passed unanimously.

Not quite 7:30 so skip item G.

I. AWARD OF CONTRACTS 1. Res 19, 09-10 - Change order for Stewart Lake Shoreline Dredge (Adopt/Adopt with Amdt.)

Motion is adoption. Also amendment from Personnel and Finance but that is not before them and someone would have to move that here. [No one does] Or not. Finally Ripp moves finance amendment, seconded by deSmidt. Motion passes on a voice vote, no discussion.

Resolution 19 as amended is before them. No discusion. Passes on a voice vote.

J. RESOLUTIONS 1. Res 258, 08-09 - Authorizing the Acquisition of Land from Lyman F. Anderson Family (Adopt Sub 1 with Amdt.)

Adoption of sub 1 with amendment. One registrant Bill White in support and available to answer questions. Supervisor Jensen, moves sub 1. McDonell says its before them. Jensen says he was at a press conference at the farm and has spoken at the board when he introduced it and ihe does it with mixed feelings. All know Lyman Anderson was a former county board member, and environmentalist and an educator, and when he passed away he owned 400 acres of farm land and it was $20,000 per acre. When Pat inherited it, they worked out the tax situation but if something happened to Pat the kids would have to sell the land to pay the taxes and Lyman wouldn't have wanted that, he would have wanted the land to be kept together. The deal that has been worked out between the county and Anderson Family will keep the farm as one unit, it will remain a farm as long as we are all around, other farmers will rent the land and keep it farmed as Lyman would want it. Goes through specifics. Entire farm in one unit will further educational and recreational opportunities, with the donation of the quarry. When there is a zoning petition they can show how to be a good neighbor, the family is selling the land for half the appraised voice, and create an endowment for maintenance. Lyman would rant wabout how city buys land and doesn't set aside money for maintenance, the county might not do that, but the family will. The educational opportunity of the quarry. Sub 1, because of our fiscal problems, the first purchase will be in two installments, the first as soon as we can and the second no sooner than 7/15/2010.

Ferrell - Says all recently recieved the press release to cut back on capital borrowing, but we are buying this to honor our commitment. He asks what aobut our commitment to others in need, they deserve our help too. Says the debt service on this purchase of $750,000 for this years purchase will be $62,000 for just this this year to be paid in next years budget, and it will be paid for the next 20 years. And an additional quarter of a million dollars [that's what he said, but I don't think that was what he meant] in 2012 and and 2013. So, when people come to us this fall, just remember that we just spent $62,000 out of our operating budget for the next 20 years. Says EANR has an agriculture subcommittee and working on that agenda and trying to find out how to get new farmers and perserve farm land. Says the land won't remain, we will take 280 acres out of production over the years. If they were debating a development for 280 acres and taking 280 acres out of production, they wouldn't be there discussing this. Also taking $12,000 in property taxes also won't be paid based on 2008 taxes. $2200 goes into the county cofers, $1500 to the Town of Oregon and they have to make that up. $7,000 comes out of School, hopes that they appreciate our efforts. Says he never met Lyman Anderson, has his vion of him, thinks he was probably a wonderful man, read and heard alot of him, talked to alot of people who knew him. If this was the John Anderson or John Smith farm, would we be doing this. Sometimes you have to step back and think about it. Urges people to vote no.

Hulsey - says he moved to postpone a month ago, told the family then and asked the family "what would Lyman do" and served with Lyman, thinks he tried to put the conserve back in conservative and supports what Jensen says. Says it will be available for beginning farmers, can't afford to buy land, but can rent it. Last week Personnel and Finance did freeze half of the capital spending ($25 million), getting information on what state is doing to us, 3% cuts in shared revenue and others. $25M froze will save $3M next year. They are going line by line to see what else they can do. Feels comfortable honoring commitment to Lyman and family, but we have told staff don't go forward with any more land purchases unless consults with Personnel and Finance and they have set a high bar. Says that this meets that and it will be a wonderful park and urges people to support the sub.

Hendrick - also supports the resolution. Points out that this meets a need in the Parks and Open Space plan and they are acquiring land for recreation and open space for a couple good reasons, improves quality of life of everyone in the county, people with human service needs, people with special needs, everyone benefits. Another lesser known benefit, whenever there is open space, the land around it increases in value, increases in tax assessments, so they will collect more taxes for county, which will also be shared with town and village. The increase will outweigh the use value assessment on farm land and taking it off the tax rolls. Knew Lyman for many years, doesn't presume to know how he would vote tonight. He would not want his farm developed, but when they honored him, they were all giving speeches and when they called on him, he said that he wanted to remind people that he voted against the building they were naming after him. So, not so sure only doing this for Lyman, but doing it for Dane County and he requests a roll call.

McDonell says he remembers J Michael Blaska and Lyman going to battle over that building.

Jensen - Says farm land in some point in the very, very distant future may be taken out of production, but if this doesn't pass, that will happen very soon. They are preserving farm land. What the resolution does not say, there are three homes on the farm, the homes and structures will all stay in ownership of the Andersons, so the county is only buying the vacant land. The tax losses will be very minimal.

Martz - Also knew Lyman, good friend and advisor/mentor. One of his concerns is that parks are a great thing when we have money and quesitons if we need this now. But it concerns him that the body has debated over and over about turcks, quarries and the making of this park takes a railroad line, partially owned by Village of Oregon and City of Fitchburg and makes it a bike trail. In most cases, so what, but this is the only rail corridor that goes from Madison to the hub in Evansville and connects to the national rail line. In 1999 the Village of Oregon and City of Fitchburg bought it hoping to get trains back. He says that Lyman wanted trains to run by his farm again. Says that the rail line might cause businesses to come to Madison if this corridor were to stay in place. He says that it is also potential for commuter rail with RTA. Says you might be eliminating the only rail system that has the right of way for two rails. Biggest concern is that this will cause the rail line and potential for that rail line to be eliminated. If commuter rail with park on both sides of the rail, won't that defeat the purpose, to build high density living quarters along the rail corridor. If this is a park, how will that happen. Points out the issues so they take it into consideration as they vote. We advocate for many things like park land or commuter rail and this purchase flies in the face of many previous resolutions before the board.

Gau - does know Lyman Anderson, understands his issues, won't talk about the family, but instead county policies. Conservation Fund is used to buy property, for land that needs to be purchased to protect environment, 12% slopes, protect corridors or have environmental issues on it. Looking at those definitions, this parcel doesn't meet those criteria. The other thing is that no matter what you do tonight, or what the costs are, he understands what the family is going through, however, he also (talks about Middleton chunk of land) he wants to see the local communities contribute. Doesn't see Town and Village of Oregon contributing. Talking about policies, not emotions. Can't tell you his vote yet, but those are the things on his mind.

Hendrick - Supervisors should be aware that bike trails are a proven way to preserve rail corridors. Modern development of bike and rail corridors together is a trend. Points out nexus of development and rail projects is not that people want to live next to the trains, they want to live next to the stations, not all along the railroad.

Opitz - previous speaker made many of his points. Public Works and Transportation did talk about the rail issues, Martz raised the issues at that time, and what they said there is that there is no reason why the rails would be removed, bike trails can be contiguous to the rail and if there was a rail stop, it would be in downtown Oregon, not at the park site. So, he appreciates the interest, but the portion that we are voting on tonight is not immediately next to the rail line, that is in the second phase.

de Felice - Fantastically generous offer by the family. They are getting the land at half price and creating an endowment fund to maintain the property and they are selling it in phases so we can adjust accordingly. As supervisors we have to balance to present and the future and this unique opportunity preserves the past for the present and the future. This is the right time, a good buy. Please vote in favor.

O'Laughlin - Sat in front of Lyman for 4 - 6 years and one of his phrases was "a deal is a deal" whether written verbal or handshake. When we entered into this we weren't in this fiscal position, but the money was in the budget. But, we're worried, so the Anderson family asked to sit down and make a deal and that is what we have done. He goes back to "a deal is a deal".

No further discussion.

AYE: Stoebig, Vedder, Veldran, Vogel, Wheeler, Bayrd, de Felice, DeSmidt, Downing, Erickson, Hendrick, Hesselbein, Hulsey, Jensen, Kostelic, Levin, Manning, Matano, Miles, O'Laughlin, Opitz, Richmond, Ripp, Rusk, Salov, Schmidt, Solberg, McDonell
NO: Wiganowsky, Willett, Bruskewitz, Ferrell, Gau, Martz, Schlicht
ABSENT: Stubbs, Hampton

28 ayes, 7 nos, 2 absent, motion carries.

G. REPORTS AND ZONING PETITIONS
a. Map of Dane County
b. Summary of Grant as Modified Petitions
1. Petition 9555 - Town of Perry - Town of Perry (Deny)
2. Petition 10038 - Town of Vermont - Bernhard Magnuson (Grant)
3. Petition 10039 - Town of Springfield - Albert Meinholtz (Grant as Modified)
4. Petition 10040 - Town of Christiana - David Smithback (Grant as Modified)
5. Petition 10041 - Town of Vienna - Henry Land LLC (Grant)
6. Petition 10042 - Town of Oregon - Trosper Tr, Grayson & Marjorie (Grant as Modified)
7. Petition 10043 - Town of Burke - Vetesnik Enterprises LLC (Grant as Modified)
8. Petition 10044 - Town of Dunkirk - Kevin Hanson (Grant)
9. Petition 10045 - Town of Dunkirk - William Taplick (Grant as Modified)
10. Petition 10046 - Town of Perry - Kenneth Hefty (Grant as Modified)

No motions to separate. Committee recommendations are before them. No discussion. Passes on voice vote.

M. SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS THE COUNTY BOARD IS AUTHORIZED TO CONDUCT BY LAW

None.

N. ADJOURNMENT - Until Thursday, June 18, 2009 7:00 Or the Call of the Chair

Motion to adjourn by Opitz second by Erickson. No discussion. Passes on voice vote.

Meeting done in 55 minutes. Read more!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Will Regional Planning be Emasculated?

That's a question before the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) when they reconsider a Mazomanie development plan. Here's some background on the issue:

Background of the Mazomanie development proposal

You may be aware that a year ago, the Village of Mazomanie applied to CARPC for an USA [Urban Service Area - the extension of Water, and Stormwater Sewer Services] extension on 187 acres of farmland, located at the junction of US Hwy 14 and State Hwy 78, approximately 1.5 miles east of the village. What distinguishes this USA request from all the others is that it is the first time that CARPC has refused to recommend a USA request for approval to Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources (DNR). As a result of the refusal, the village – encouraged by their developer -- then appealed to the DNR to grant its own approval for the development without the benefit of CARPC support. Instead of making a decision, the DNR sent Mazomanie’s USA request back to CARPC for reconsideration, telling it that it can ONLY consider water quality when making its next decision. (See attached DNR letter)

Will CARPC lose its power to plan regionally?

The direction in which Dane County will turn in regard to sprawl, environmental protection and smart sustainable growth hinges on the outcome of the Mazomanie case. If CARPC caves into pressure from the developer, the village and their allies, and approves the Village of Mazomanie's USA request on the second round, that agency will never be able again to say “no” to any other proposal for sprawl, no matter how destructive such a proposal might be from an environmental and smart growth perspective. The agency will render itself ineffective as a protector of the county’s water quality, open spaces and farmland. Smart and sustainable growth will become a dead letter before it even is given a chance to work.

Although most of us do not live near the proposed development, this case is relevant to all of us who live in this county. Just remember, as Mazomanie goes, so goes the rest of Dane County.

Description of the Proposed Development

The developer, Hawthorne and Stone LLC, proposes to build 488 housing units, a supermarket, a liquor store and a strip mall in the amendment area. What is proposed here is a self-contained suburban island, separated from the mother village by about 1.5 miles and surrounded by cornfields and marshlands. This development was not planned in response to any community needs. It was superimposed on both the Village of Mazomanie and the Town of Mazomanie by the developer, who apparently saw it as an opportunity to buy cheap land with easily accessible, low-cost financing widely available to developers prior to the recent mortgage industry fiasco.

Ironically, the Village of Mazomanie seeks the USA extension for an area where the most essential urban services are either insufficient or non-existent. State Hwy 14, which is to serve the proposed development as the main arterial connector to the village and to Madison, is already congested during peak traffic hours. The Village of Mazomanie has no stormwater management utility, nor any kind of public transportation for disabled or senior citizens.

Environmental Impact

The proposed development would affect three natural coldwater streams and several wetland areas located in or adjacent to the amendment area: Black Earth Creek, Halfway Prairie Creek and Wendt Creek. The affected segment of Black Earth Creek supports both warm and coldwater aquatic communities. Halfway Prairie and Wendt Creeks were degraded over the years and are now classified as forage fisheries. The wetlands present in the area are remnants of once more extensive wetland network located along the creeks in the low lying areas. Up to this day nearby residents of rural homes report seeing sand hill cranes wading through swampy terrain. All three creeks and surrounding wetlands retain their restorative potential.

History of Mazomanie’s USA application Process

In May 2008, the Village of Mazomanie applied to CARPC for the USA extension.

In August 2008, after two public hearings, CARPC turned down Mazomanie’s USA amendment request on a 7 to 4 vote.

In October 2008, the village went directly to the DNR to ask for the USA extension approval.

In March 2009, the DNR sent Mazomanie’s USA request back to CARPC for a second consideration. The DNR stated that CARPC criteria for USA and LSA (limited service area) reviews, which were adopted 2-28-08 after the completion of a full public hearing process and approved by the DNR 12-13-08, were not to be applied any longer. Instead the DNR's letter insists that only narrowly-defined water quality criteria should be used when considering Mazomanie’s USA application. (The DNR letter is attached.)

For more info, email info@CapitalAreaRPC.org and ask for the new Mazomanie application packet to be emailed to you.

What can you do?

1. Email the folks who can play a role in preventing this from happening.

- CARPC - info@CapitalAreaRPC.org
- Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk - falk@co.dane.wi.us
- Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz - mayor@cityofmadison.com
- Dane County Towns Association - dctasecretary@hotmail.com

2. Put June 11th on your calendar and attend and speak on this matter

This issue may not directly affect you, but in the future, similar decisions could be made about farmland throughout Dane County, including the the Northeast Neighborhood of Fitchburg and Lake Waubesa. And it may mean the difference from having a Capital Area Regional Planning Commission that has teeth and one that is largely a rubber stamp. Here's some more info from a broad coalition of environmental groups.

Dear Friends,

This is an appeal to all of you who are alarmed by the speed at which thousands of acres of Dane County’s farmland have been paved and shingled over, previously wild and natural areas despoiled, many creeks and wetlands turned into drainage ditches for cookie-cutter suburbs that emerged in the wake of seemingly unstoppable destruction. If you don't have time now to read this entire email, please scroll down to the 2 tasks (write letters and attend the hearing) that you can do to stop this destruction.

We have a fair chance to control this process here in Dane County by stopping approval for an important request to the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) to approve an urban service area (USA) extension for a large proposed development near the Village of Mazomanie. It’s the second attempt by the Village, (the CARPC turned them down in August) and the WI Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has instructed the CARPC that this time, they may only decide based on (narrowly defined) water quality issues. Background information is contained at the end of this email alert.

Your help is needed to save our county's land and water

The CARPC hearing on Mazomanie’s USA request is scheduled for June 11, 2009. At this time the developer and their law firm (which is also the legal representative of the village) are working very hard to get the majority of the CARPC votes. We need to work even harder. So please help us.

Spread the word about the intended urban sprawl project in the cornfields and wetlands east of Mazomanie. Tell your like-minded friends about this outrage. Contact us if you want more information.

Task #1: E-mail a letter to CARPC, Kathleen Falk, the Mayor of Madison, and the Dane County Towns Association. Tell them why you want the CARPC to be able to make planning decisions based on more than narrowly-defined water quality issues. Tell them that you want a CARPC whose decisions cannot be overturned by political appointees in the DNR. Your own words about what you want to see saved will make the most impact. Please send us a copy of your letter at protectourlandsandwater@gmail.com.

Support the CARPC's right to say NO to poorly planned development.

Task #2: Please attend the one and only public hearing on the Mazomanie application. It will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, at the City County Bldg, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Room 201, Madison. You can register in opposition to the Mazomanie application and speak, or just register and be there in solidarity for this worthy cause.

Clear your calendar and bring all of your friends to pack the meeting room with supporters of clean water, responsible land use, and preservation of farmland!

In appreciation for all that you have done and will do to save our county,

Capital Region Advocacy Network for Environmental Sustainability (CRANES)

Jon Becker, President, Friends of Cherokee Marsh
Don Hammes, Chair, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Wetlands Committee
Phyllis Hasbrouck, West Waubesa Preservation Coalition
John Hendrick, Dane County Supervisor
Libby Lewis
Peter McKeever, Attorney, Garvey McNeil and Associates
Harry Read
Caryl Terrell, Sierra Club - Four Lakes Group
Connie Threinen, League of Women Voters of Dane County
Robbie Webber, Former Madison Alder
Gary Werner, Convener, Dane County Environmental Smart Growth, and President of CRANES

Read more!

Parks Clean Up Opportunities

The first one is coming on Saturday . . .

On Saturday, May 30th there will be an opening kick off event for park clean ups sponsored by Americorp and the ARC-WI. I have attached the flyer for all the park clean ups. There will be T shirts and lunch provided. Also will have materials help with clean up. Would love for neighbors to join in the event. Please pass on if you can

Pat LeFevour, ARC-WI

Volunteer Partnerships – AmeriCorps and People First
Summer Parks Clean Up Schedule

Saturday May 30th - (Rain Date will be Saturday June 6th)
Tenney Park – Kick off event – free t-shirts and lunch!
Meet in the parking lot next to the shelter for Park Clean-up/Picnic/Food drive
10:30am – 12noon

Friday June 19th
James Madison Park meet next to basketball court/parking lot for Clean-up
10:30 – 12 noon

Sunday July 5th
Warner Park – meet in the parking lot area near the shelter for Clean up after Rhythm and Booms
9 am -11 am

Friday July 17th
Tenney Beach Area – meet in the parking lot for beach Clean-up
10:30 am - 12

Saturday August 1st
Elver Park - meet at the shelter area for Park Clean-up
10:30 am -12

Saturday August 22nd
Tenney Park – end of the summer Park Clean-up/Celebration/Food drive/picnic
10:30 am – 12 noon

Read more!

Will Solar Work for You?

The city is offering free assessments of if a solar system will work for you. One friend I know had a system installed and payed less than $2 for electricity the first (not quite full) month she had the system.

If you want to know if a solar system would work for you, you can use the FREE service of the solar agent. The agent was hired by the City of Madison to evaluate the solar options on your property. He also will, if you wish, help you find a contractor.

All residents, businesses and non-profit organization with property in the City of Madison are eligible for this FREE service.

For assistance from the Solar Agent please contact (608) 243-0586 or email solar@cityofmadison.com

Read more!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Lake Levels will be Voted on Tonight

County Board will be discussing the lake levels tonight. Which reminds us all again of the issues with the lakes and makes one ask why isn't the county using the minimum lake levels that they are authorized to use?

To get up to speed, here's a relatively straightforward, easy to read quickly, easily digestible power point presentation about Dane County lake levels.

The County Board has a resolution (see page 62) at their meeting tonight to address the lake level issues and urge the state to take action. While the resolution is asking to be able to maintain the lake levels below the minimums, the county is planning to maintain the Lake Monona levels 3 inches above the summer minimum, which is 2460 acre-feet of additional flood storage if they would bring it down to the minimums authorized. Lake Mendota has not been maintained at its winter minimum since 1980.

Now, I realize that there are competing interests here, do we flood Belle Isle, or have flooding issues on Lake Mendota? (Not to mention the boaters?) But it does seem that with aggressive management, when the lakes are below their maximum levels, there could be actions taken to help rectify this situation and not have to make that choice. Read more!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Friday Round Up

There are so many issues in my queue to blog about, and so little time, so today, I have a little bit of this and a little bit of that . . .

FOLLOW UP ON FACEBOOK PRIVACY ISSUE
Emily Mills at Dane101.com does a great job outlining the issues and a relatively good/informed follow up conversation ensues. I agree these are open questions, and I'm surprised by who feels strongly which way on this issue. Those who first got me involved in blogging and on-line activities seem to lean more towards privacy, those a little newer tend to go towards no privacy. I guess I see a little of both sides of the issue. I think in this case, since I did post it on twitter, it was ok, especially because of how I use Facebook and Twitter, but it should have only been my comments, not those of others. But my opinions on this continue to morph as the conversation continues about the new on-line world and the media.

THAT'S ONE WAY TO DO IT!
I laughed when I read Bill Lueders article about the skateboard park advocates that finally just took things into their own hands. Skateboarding was an issue over 8 years ago before I was on the council and it does seem that nothing has changed. While their methods may have been a little unconventional, they certainly made their point! Hopefully, Alder Rhodes-Conway can help make something happen. There's no reason why a city this size doesn't have a skateboard park.

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST!
As I twittered, facebooked and e-mailed/listserved yesterday, then the email got blogged by Kristin at Laptop City Hall and a small article in the WSJ (based on a phone call, not the internet) . . . Carl DuRocher, the chair of the Transit and Parking commission is the latest victim of the Mayor's so-called non-existent "10 year rule". Tho, as Kristin points out, it is no small coincidence that Carl recently opposed the bus fare hike and is now being removed. To see others who may also be soon on their way out the door, here's the list I compiled a few weeks ago. It makes it kind of sad that the point made in the Cap Times editorial that touched off the facebook, racist, privacy debate got kinda lost. I agree with them, the City can handle vigorous debate and a diversity of opinions, too bad the Mayor can't see that as an asset instead of threat.

BANNING BOTTLED WATER BOTTLES
I think this should be considered along with the plastic bag issue. I like what they are doing at with water at Bonnaroo. I find their statistics from the press release staggering.

Bottled Water

Ends up as garbage 90% of the time.(1)
Uses 2,000 times more energy than water.(2)
Is 1,000 times more expensive than tap water.(3)
Takes 1,000 years to biodegrade.(4)
Requires enough fuel to power more than 3,000,000 vehicles a year.(5)

BUY LOCAL - KINDA
After attending the small business summit that the City of Madison and the Chamber of Commerce put on, a facebook "friend" (note, trying to respect this person's privacy) posted the following:

XXX is contemplating the irony of seeing a local Madison business tout technology developed in Asia by a company headquartered in Massachusetts to promote their "buy local" campaign.

I thought it was amusing. So I had to ask, and again, edited to protect privacy, here's what was said:

XXX presented at the Madison small-business conference on Tuesday, and gave a great commercial for Constant Contact, the e-mail marketing company from far away. My teeth were grinding. The good news is that XXX does use a local company [edited] for her Web site.

OH, OUCH
So, Terrence Wall was snubbed. After all the work he did to bring forward the idea of redoing the library, the committee goes with his competitor for the downtown library. Well, thank you Terrence, for getting the conversation going!

NORTHSIDE DISGUST
There has been a very interesting discussion happening on the northside neighborhood listserve. What shocked me was that when a person challenged Alderperson Michael Schumacher on his banning of liquor in small packages and tried to explain how that impacted low-income people . . . Alder Schumacher responded with a very personal attack on the critic. The person had been in trouble with the law in an incident that involved alcohol and Alder Schumacher used that incident to discredit the person standing up for the views in his neighborhood. It was one of the lower moments I've witnessed by bad listserve behavior by elected officials. However, the good news is, that after the personal attack, the discussion turned to some issues around alcohol and what is really needed to address the issues. I think the person, who did not back down when attacked by Alder Schumacher, was rather brave and I have new respect for this person and think it was great that he wasn't intimidated into silence.

DEWAR UPDATE
Thomas Dewar has defriended me. I'd like to say it has something to do with internet privacy, but I suspect not. I suspect it has more to do with yesterday's comments in my blog. If you'd like tho, you can join his fan club. (Zach Brandon should be the number one fan.) I told you, trouble follows him, or he causes it, one of the two. Read more!