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!
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I lied/Can't Sleep Extra Round Up

So, I wasn't going to blog today, but . . . I came home last night after being sniffly all day, made dinner and laid down. I was freezing so I covered up and fell asleep. Now, in the early am, I'm awake, sick/can't sleep cuz of runny nose and cough and waiting for the cold medicine to kick in, so . . . here's what I have for today . . .

STILL, NO ANSWER
Looks like council leadership (Tim Bruer, President and Mark Clear, Pro Tem), Mayor Dave Cieslewicz and Bob Dunn (Hammes Company) didn't come to any agreement today. They're meeting again on Tuesday.


CAT IS OUT OF THE BAG - HO CHUNK AND UNION CORNERS
I've been hearing about this, but was sworn to secrecy, that's why Barrett scooped me! :P Guess it's not a very big secret as this went out over a neighborhood listserve or two:

Today there was a meeting at the Ho-Chunk Nation office on Mendota Street to discuss their plans to develop the Union Corners property located at East Washington Avenue and Milwaukee Street. There were about 20 people including Alders Rummel, Palmer and Rhodes-Conway, reps from nearby neighborhood associations, including SASYNA, and other groups interested in development of this site (i.e. Commonwealth, Project Home, Eco Realty, Progressive Party, Urban Farming, etc.). The nation plans to purchase the entire property and would like to develop it over an eight year period. The very preliminary plans for the first phase include a building for nation offices and a nation museum, a health center and daycare center. The office/museum would be located at the very visible East Wash/Milwaukee Street corner. Phase 2 might include a gas station/convenience store. Phase 3 might include affordable apartments and senior housing with a public meeting hall. A grocery store is possible and the nation is open to partnerships with other businesses or organizations. There are no plans for a casino. The nation has similar types of developments elsewhere in Wisconsin including health care, child care and community centers.

Plans are very preliminary and will be open for input from surrounding neighbors and interested organizations. Joe Green from Ho-Chunk Nation discussed their plans. He grew up in the neighborhood and attended East High. He made it clear the nation wanted to create a project which benefited the neighborhood and city. The project would be affordable and environmentally positive including features such as solar panels and low energy consumption. It would fit into the existing neighborhood so buildings would be shorter than previously proposed for the McGrath development. They would not remove the property from the tax rolls so it would contribute property taxes for Madison schools and services.

A decision to pursue this project will be made by the nation during January. By the end of the January, preliminary plans for the property would be available for review by the public during meetings with interested parties. SASYNA was very involved in the original plans for Union Corners and will continue to involved. Stay tuned for more info during the new year.

There was a very positive reception to the Ho-Chunk plans for Union Corners. This is a very positive development for the neighborhood.

Looks like it wasn't a big secret if all those people were there and its on list serves and even Barrett knows about it. :) Giggle. I'm just always glad when someone tells me something is confidential, and I can't be accused of being the leak.

THAT'S WHAT MAKES THIS FUNNY
Giggle. This article chooses a funny example (and picture) given the above. And points out how out of touch the council leadership is.

AN AGENDA FOR THE CITY
Joe Tarr from the Isthmus gets the Mayor to talk about his agenda for the city. And uses a progressive as Mayor Dave's foil. I suppose he had to, since I'm not sure others have a vision for what the city should be working on in the next year. I happen to agree with Satya Rhodes-Conway and I'm happy she was able to clearly articulate an alternative as good progressives do, I'm just frustrated that the story doesn't have an agenda from the moderates or conservatives on the council. Is this part of the positioning towards the right of the Mayor - or did no one else have an agenda? Or don't they want to admit what their agenda is?

The Mayor's agenda is crime. And then there's these other things:
- building support for a referendum on regional transit next fall
- breaking ground on the new Central Library
- winning federal support for high-speed rail
- improving relationships with the business community
- and pursuing green initiatives, like making the city more bike-friendly and energy-efficient.

Rhodes-Conway counters with:
- strong attention to economic development - she says. "I don't mean attracting large companies. I mean helping support and grow the businesses we have."
- review some basic economic development mechanisms, like tax increment financing and put a process in place for evaluating job creation proposals for TIF
- equal review of downtown and periphery projects
- help people in these tough economic times, pay attention to community services

Heh, people. Notice the mayor didn't mention people who are struggling or community services, even tho they are going through an extensive review of their funding processes and priorities.

Falk gets it right, focusing on jobs.

"ANOTHER DUDE"
This note from the Mayor was forwarded to me with the title above . . . can't say I'm surprised.

I wanted you to be among the first to know that I’ve made a decision about the City IT Director position. I’m pleased to welcome Paul Kronberger to the City of Madison.

Paul has an extensive background in IT. He started his career in the City of Milwaukee IT Department, has worked for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue as IT Director and the Wisconsin Department of Commerce as IT Director. After a few years in the private sector, Paul is eager to return to the public sector to serve the City of Madison.

This was certainly not an easy choice, as we had three very qualified finalists for the position. Dave Faust and Rich Beadles have been the consummate professionals throughout this lengthy process and throughout their careers. I thank them for that and I know that they will continue to make great contributions as we move forward.

You will have the opportunity to learn more as Paul’s confirmation comes through the Council. I look forward to you all having a chance to meet Paul.

I don't know what the applicant pool is, but I'm glad someone is noticing the trend besides me. It may or may not be a valid comment, but, I'd like to hear the Mayor articulate what they are doing to bring gender equity to the leadership in the city. Think maybe the next planning director might be a woman? Ok, I bet not.

MORRISEY ON POT
Um, no, he's not smokin' it. He has an opinion on it. An interesting one at that.

WORDS MATTER
Hmmm, I found this article curious. Joel DeSpain says the following:

"The crime took place outside, and one of the four suspects had a handgun," DeSpain said.

However, if you read to the end of the story you find out:

"Money and electronic items were taken during the robbery, and one suspect was found carrying at least one stolen item," DeSpain said. "Officers also recovered a facsimile handgun."

If the second statement is correct, shouldn't the first statement perhaps have been worded differently?

GOOD TO KNOW
Was I running against Noble Wray? David Blaska claims the following:

In the spring election, Police Chief Noble Wray and the police union defeated Brenda Konkel.

[NOTE: When I quote someone, I provide a link, to provide the reader with easy access to information and to ensure I don't take something out of context and to keep things honest. It would be kinda cool if professional newspapers would hold their bloggers to the same standards.]

Good night, happy holidays to those who will be celebrating over the next few days and stay safe on the roads. Read more!

County's Version of Over Paid (Overtime) Bus Drivers

Only in the case of the county it isn't bus drivers . . . its . . . the sheriffs. Here's how it breaks down.

Of the 52 people working for the county who make over $100,000 per year, 15 of them are from the sheriff's department.

Chief Deputy Sheriff = $114,123
Sheriff = $113,278
Sergeant = $109,867 ($16,785 of overtime)
Deputy Sheriff I-II = 105,752 ($32,443 of overtime)
Lieutenant = $105,309 ($5,261 in overtime)
Lieutenant = $104,937 ($5,735 in overtime)
Sergeant = $104,811 ($12,853 in overtime)
Captain = $104,644
Captain = $103,168
Lieutenant = $102,619 ($5,279 in overtime)
Lieutenant = $102,611 ($2,892 in overtime)
Captain = $102,413
Lieutenant = $101,405 ($5,136 in overtime)
Captain = $100,204
Sergeant = 100,053 ($12,872 in overtime)

These folks are getting paid more than:

- Executive Chief of Staff
- Director of Nursing
- Director of Finance and Administration
- Library Director
- Emergency Management Director
- Director of Facilities and Maintenance
- Solid Waste Manager
- Planning and Development Director
- Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity
- Clerk of Courts
- Parks Director

The sheriffs department had 36 of the 93 people who got paid over $90,000. This number includes:
- 6 Lieutenants
- 9 Sergeants
- 6 Deputies (They made $31,614, $26,112, $23,586, $18,603, $21,559 and $18,610 in overtime)

The sheriff's department has 64 of the 167 people who make over $80,000 per year.

You can read the details here if you are interested.
Read more!

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.
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Pre-Thanksgiving Round Up

It's a slow week, but somehow, I still found a few things to comment on.

WYOU BLUES
If you ever thought about donating to WYOU, now is the time to do it. Please. After looking at the budget last night, its grim. And our only hope to survive is YOU. There's no other place to find this kind of local programming. And, if charter goes with their "consumption based billing" you may be watching a little less youtube. (Tho, I gotta wonder how that will work with all the free wifi - I bet they start blocking video streaming.)

DON'T RENT EARLY!
I blew it on this interview, I forgot to say that in addition to the price, the other big reason not to rent early if you are a student . . . some of the better apartments, the ones that landlords don't want to rent to students, are held back til later in the year in hopes of getting either more mature students or non-students. And I can't stress enough that when you are asked to renew earlier and earlier every year, you don't get the opportunity 2 months into your lease to know what the heating bills are, if you get along with your roommates, what kind of repairs the landlord will do, how alternate side parking affects you, will you be coming back next semester, is there flooding in the spring, etc etc etc. Because, the next thing that happens after people rush out there to sign leases . . . is that they decide to break the lease or sublet. My guess is Maniaci's ordinance won't do anything, as long as the landlord's still have the option to change the date in the non-standard rental provision.

SO MUCH FOR BUDGET CUTS
At a time when people are desperate for jobs and most places are getting tons of applications for the few jobs available, wouldn't this year have been a good time to cut back on say . . . recruiting . . . especially driving 14,000 miles in a year to places like Fargo N.D. Most departments can't even advertise their positions in their professional magazines and the Human Resources Department has said that they have cut back on advertising because of the economy and our attempts in the past to give them more money have been refused. But the police department, no need to be frugal there, they get a credit card with no limit.

MORE BAD HEADLINES
City subcommittee changes snow clearing ordinance [ONLINE EXCLUSIVE] - Right . . . a subcommittee changed an ordinance. In what universe? I don't really know where to begin, but given the professional media can't get their headlines right, I guess we can hardly expect UW students to get it right. What I'm confused about is are they planning for Madison Metro to get the tickets, cuz the bus pads are the city responsibility to clear. Or were they intending to make that the responsibility of nearby property owner? I re-read the article, wasn't sure what the intent was.

OVERCROWDING
Define overcrowding. These same homes, if they were family members, likely would not be "overcrowded" but because they are "unrelated" they are "overcrowded". And, given our definitions of "family" in our zoning codes and the lack of desire to fix it in the zoning code re-write, I think we should tread lightly. One of the odder questions I have even been asked was when 3 straight guys wanted to rent a 4 bedroom but couldn't because they were "unrelated", and asked if they should pretend they were gay. Which was inventive, but . . . still wouldn't help.
Read more!

Thursday Round Up

Thursday round up, round two this week. I'm not sure if it is lazy blogging or just still too much to blog about. But, here it is:

First, it turns out this post is mostly about the recent shooting and what to do about crime on the west side. It sounds like it was a terrible tragedy and that this young man had alot to offer and was well liked. I feel the need to say that my heart goes out to the family and friends for their loss. Anytime a young person dies it is a loss and I can't imagine their grief. And, it has to be all the worse because of the media and attention they are getting. I hope they get time to grieve and are left alone by the media, as much as possible.

That being said, this will have city-wide and political implications. Here's some of my random thoughts on this topic, and more.

IGNORING/RESPONDING TO BLASKA
First of all, I don't recommend anything the guy writes, we don't want to even click on it, it just encourages the the Isthmus to keep him around and . . . his writing is headache inducing and just predictable. Bottom line, is he blames liberals, progressives, the Captital Times, Progressive Dane and anyone left of Joe Lieberman with broad sweeping generalizations and of course, like any good right-wing blowhard, he just makes up his own "facts". All that being said, I do recommend reading this, a response over at Forward Our Motto. He offers constructive, concrete examples about what the City should do to address issues on the Westside, and it happens that I've attempted those same things, so I agree!

HERE'S SOMETHING THAT CONCERNS ME
Police didn't listen to this guy who was trying to tell them his kid was going to get shot? Wow, channel 3 got this is a pretty amazing statement:

A criminal complaint alleges that in February Collins Jr. and another student from Memorial High School got into a fight in the neighborhood. The complaint alleges that Karamee Collins Sr. pulled someone away who tried to stop the fight.

Collins Jr. was charged with battery and his father was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a child.

But Collins Sr. said Wednesday that the fight didn't end there and that he believes the shooting was retaliation.

"Yeah (it was retaliation). And I was trying to tell police, and people don't believe me, because I sell drugs. I'm on camera saying it but, yeah it was."

But Madison police said Wednesday there is still no known motive and that they could not confirm the father's claim.

When a drug dealer seeks out the police to tell them something, do you think he's lying?

HERE COMES 30 MORE POLICE OFFICERS
Watch your pocket, we might be getting another 30 police officers. Or whatever else the police department wants. Channel 3 also tells us that:

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said he'll meet with neighborhood leaders, residents and police about growing violence.

Hopefully, Mayor Dave will listen to this police officer and his solutions:

"We need some focus, to not only this neighborhood but throughout the city for some of the challenged neighborhoods, to provide programming, provide social workers, provide avenues for a way out for some of these young adults that really don't think that far into the future," Hanson said.

Um, yeah, I think that is what some of us have been saying for years! Wouldn't it be amazing if instead of dumping $1 - 2 million into the police department budget, they dumped it into Community Services. Especially since Community Services get less than 10% of police department budget.

WHICH IS IT?
Mayor Dave's solution doesn't sound like it will be community services. He apparently has some other things in mind, according to the WSJ account:

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said Wednesday he will meet with neighborhood leaders, City Council members, school officials, police and community leaders to address public safety concerns.

“We need to address the access and availability of handguns,” the mayor said in a statement. But Cieslewicz said fear should be tempered with facts.

Or, according to the Channel 3 account?

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said he'll meet with neighborhood leaders, residents and police about growing violence.

"We need defined community standards that are enforced by the community. We need to continue to find ways to reduce anonymity and build a sense of community throughout our neighborhoods," Cieslewicz said in a statement.

Yeah, that doesn't sound like services and activities for youth is on his agenda.

IS "ALDER THUY" OUT OF TOUCH?
Here's what Alder Thuy says to the WSJ:

“This is nothing new,” Pham-Remmele said. “It’s not an overnight thing. I don’t want my constituents to be in the crossfire. We needed something drastic to happen to wake people up, and here it came. I wish it didn’t happen. The feeling here is very raw. People here are angry. They’re very frustrated.”

Here's what the direct neighbors says and neighborhood president have to say:

Telah Thomas, who lives in the townhouse that the victim was trying to reach, said she also heard the gunshots Tuesday night just before Collins collapsed. Her daughter was standing outside with her shortly after the shooting.

“It’s not like it happens over here regularly. The most you ever get is a noise complaint,” Thomas said. “But it’s still concerning since I’m a single mother with two kids and am also taking care of my nephew and niece.”

Cynthia Johnson, a neighborhood resident, called the crime “unbelievable” given the tight-knit nature of those who live there.

“We all hang out together,” Johnson said. “We all eat together. We all go to the park and barbecue together.”

Yet the murder brings all of that into question for Johnson, who said she now wants to leave the Meadowood neighborhood for the sake of her 7-year-old.

Still, the president of the Meadowood Neighborhood Association said the group has been working hard to boost community participation to solve problems. “Even though this was a tragic event, I see it as a citywide issue,” Lisa Veldran said. “I don’t see it as a neighborhood issue.

“I don’t know the answer to guns in the city. We can only do so much as neighbors. ... I don’t want fear to take over our neighborhood because we definitely don’t want to be fearful. We all stand together.”

Or, for that matter, is Mayor Dave out of touch? His comments about building community seem to fly in the face of the Cynthia Johnson's comments above as well as the neighborhood association.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF CRIME
Ever heard of the word "rachmanism"?

What's odd is, neither have I, even after working with the Tenant Resource Center for 18 years as a volunteer, board member and staff.

Here's the definition:

noun: The exploitation and intimidation of tenants by landlords.

Who knew there was a word for that!

A DEFENSE TO FORECLOSURE
I had heard that there were problems with the banks not having appropriate paperwork for foreclosure, but I am surprised it ends up being a viable defense. If you're being foreclosed on, you might want to try the three word defense, "produce the note".

LOBBYISTS, LOBBYISTS, LOBBYISTS
I've found over 100 violations in 2008, its worse than its been and I'm not done yet. Expense reports without registrations, completely missing registrations and expense reports for large (obvious!) projects, people reporting the wrong thing on their reports, etc, etc, etc . . . what to do? Should I just consider this a warning and hope they do better with their reports due in July? File a few very obvious (and ridiculous), very targeted complaints and get accused of favoritism or going after people I don't like? File complaints on a specific type of violation to get education one step at a time? Or, do all the work and file all the complaints to get the city attorney to pay attention to how bad it is? Funny, he doesn't mention all the violations in his annual reports, is he even looking at them? Should I try to find someone else to file the complaints? Should I let it go - I mean, why bother, I'm the only one who cares, right? Somehow I doubt it - but how can you care if you don't know what the violations are? I might be the only one who cares enough to check up on it. Perhaps some paid reporter out there could do the work to follow up? Read more!

Wednesday Round Up

Today is Friday for me, as I get to enjoy another 4 day weekend (Steel Bridge Music Festival in Door County!), then panic when I get back to work on Monday. So, here's a smattering of items to comment on, as my blog topic list grows and grows and grows and I can't get to it all!

STATE BUDGET - PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION TAKEN OUT OF BUDGET BY ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATS
So, according to the Wisconsin State Journal, the celebrating may have been premature. It matches what I was hearing, contrary to the Mayor's crowing about his great accomplishment after 5 years. You know, he claims he personally lobbied on this and takes credit for its resolution. Well, doesn't look so good according to this article:

In votes behind closed doors late Tuesday night, Assembly Democrats voted to make several changes to the budget, said Rebekah Sweeney, spokeswoman for Assembly Speaker Mike Sherdian, D-Janesville.

The changes would delete budget provisions that would have: [snip]

• Resolved a long-running dispute over when housing units for seniors and low-income residents can receive tax breaks. The deleted provision has been vigorously sought by Madison non-profits who say they need it to keep providing housing to the poor.

COMMUNITIES UNITED/PAT SCHNEIDER ON COMMITTEE DIVERSITY
They are asking all the right questions! But . . . um . . . I nearly started banging my head against the wall when I read that they were going to collect all this information themselves. I appreciate them being sensitive to staff, but this is about priorities!!! Seriously, it can be done and probably done quicker with volunteers that know what they are doing, but the data won't have as much credibility and it sends a really strange message about how important diversity is to the city. I guess what the City and Mayor are saying are that yes, those are important questions to ask, but apparently staff can't be bothered to gather the information. I guess it speaks volumes to the Mayor's commitment to diversity. Can you believe after talking about this for a few years, the Mayor's office doesn't even know if women, people of color and people with disabilities are even applying for the positions and can't share that information? I thought that part of the plan by Affirmative Action was outreach last year, how will they know if it is successful if they don't have a benchmark to measure it by?

OH, MANIACI
Yes, my first direct comments about her performance. I've been trying to keep an open mind, encourage her and give her an opportunity to find her way. However, I have some pretty major concerns that I hope she is working on and I just don't know about! But, um . . . shouldn't we know . . .

1. After attacking me throughout the campaign about not doing enough for the Johnson St. businesses, (after all 11 businesses left in the 8 years I was in office) it turns out, 2 businesses left in her first 2 months in office. Along with that we're losing Don Miller and lost the Madison Dairy. I haven't seen any public meetings or comments on listserves or any information about any of this from her. Not a peep. I'm more concerned about the E. Washington corridor and know that they are reviewing the proposals for marketing for the area, I hope she is working with the neighborhood to make sure we get the best group for the job!

2. For someone who talked so much about safety, she really blew it when she paved the way to stop the speed humps that were supposed to be getting installed by Tenney Park on Marston Avenue. Even tho the neighborhood surveys were in and they were approved by the residents that lived there by over 60%, she had them re-survey and the results ended up slanted by the absentee property owners/landlords. I sure hope no child gets injured in that area as a result.

3. The Edgewater. Psssst, wanna fill us in? What's going on, where's the community discussion? There should have been a public meeting before the students left for the summer. To make this decision over the summer without their input is not representing the students in her district very well. At this point, even if she delays this til they get back, the major discussions will have already been done and their ability to have an impact will be greatly diminished.

4. Already complaining? These are her comments from the Critical Badger blog about electronic voting:

Interesting… but (1) If this were my full time, living-expense paying job, I might have the time to work on this outside of all the other demands of the district at the moment (Maybe Steve King’s got some time for this jk….), so if you’d like to advocate for above-minimum wage, fair pay for your friendly local alder, awesome!

A much better answer would have been, I'll check with the City Attorney to see if we have the authority to do that. And the likely answer is no, no need to make excuses about time.

Oh, there is more, but those are three major issues in the neighborhood that have me concerned and one observance.

CRITICAL BADGER
Ok - I know I'm a bit behind on a few topics I want to blog about, but what took the Critical Badger so long to respond to a month old story.

POLICE MEDIA STRATEGY AND RESPONSE TO SHOOTINGS
So, on the 5th, the police announce that they are going to have a press conference about the shootings. Since its Friday, a kinda bad press day, they decide to wait until Monday to appeal to the public to help the with this problem, and the next day, someone is dead. Maybe, just maybe, they should worry a little less about controlling their message and good placement in the media and more using the media to get information to and from the public. Talk about misplaced priorities! Meanwhile, they did manage to try to bury the story about their racial disparities in traffic stops - that's good enough news for a Friday.

DUH/MELANIE CONKLIN?!
First, the shocker! I didn't even know Melanie Conklin was still in the news business, I nearly fell off my chair when I saw she wrote this article!

Second, I'll just say duh. Housing. First. works. We just don't want to pay for it, even tho in the long run, it will likely cost us less.
Read more!

The Friday Snarkarama

I have about 30 blog topics in my queue that I haven't gotten to, I might not have snarky comments about all of them, but somehow, by Friday, some people just inspire me.

ARTICLE ON THE MAYOR
Yawn. Can you imagine what the article might have said if Kristin could have gotten people to speak "ON THE RECORD", that would have been much, much more interesting. Here's a bit of that truth posted to a listserve:

. . . there was nothing about the most recent Property Tax issue. I saw the brief letter he sent out thanking everyone for their work on this issue especially Mario, which is surprising because there was nothing about how his office totally supported what had caused this and what we had been meeting with him for a year trying to get his staff to stop pursuing the tax exemption. Some kind of leadership there and no vision at all of what this policy would create. Late and only supportive when there was political pressure and even then he seemed upset that we were questioning his commitment.

PARKING RATES GOING UP
Rate went up, kinda. Over the next 6 weeks. I usually just keep plugging money in til I get the number of minutes I need, but those who need to know how much they are paying per hour might want to read the meters.

HOUSING DIVERSITY COMMITTEE
Hmmm . . . I find out that when they say they will meet in August for the first time, that what they really mean is the last possible date in August, August 31st. After my blog post, however, there was a scramble to try to get them to meet in June. I wonder if they will be successful. I just love these committees that the council approves and the mayor stalls in appointing and then don't meet. Why bother setting report deadlines if they don't even meet until after the report is due. It says volumes about the Mayor's priorities.

TALK ABOUT PRIORITIES
1. Apparently, the Mayor doesn't care about historic preservation, even tho he says he's a strong supporter. Anyone, EVER, seen any evidence of that? Ever? Worse yet, what about the impact that not filling positions has on staff.

2. Too bad the Council can't weigh in on these priorities - just get the information if they request it. (How about making it truly available and emailing it to them when the statements are written and then putting it on the website?)

3. Most importantly, I've talked to a few staff who are suffering from the lack of support in their units. There are some staff who are working very hard, are very stressed and there doesn't appear to be relief in sight. I didn't hear the Mayor mention the impact on staff in his blog, or that this was part of the decision making process. It makes me really sad to see how hard some of our staff work without recognition and then get insult on top of injury by the Mayor not at least acknowledging it is tough on them. Next time you see some of the hard working staff, not the ones with the high ranking names and titles, but the people who do the work, be sure to thank them!! Our staff is one of the City's greatest assets and it is not being appropriately supported or appreciated, IMHO.

CRIME IS DOWN
For the second year in a row. Go figure. It seems only FEAR is up.

LOBBYIST SPECIAL INVITE

There will be a briefing by city staff on the Zoning Code Rewrite on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 201, CCB (before the Council meeting that evening).

Rick Roll from the Planning, Community & Economic Department will be briefing alders.

Carol Schaeffer and Brian Munson will also be present to provide their perspectives/observations on the Zoning Code Rewrite.

An agenda will be sent out later this week.

Hmmm . . . why just Carole and Brian? Hmmm . . . .

DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE WEEK
Mike Verveer. I hate it when it is one of your own! Emily Mills is thoughtful as usual. However, its a free speech, right to assemble, right to use public spaces etc etc etc issue. Street musicians should not be charged! Bad Mike.

WHO KNOWS?
Alder Rhodes-Conway shared and email from someone trying to get some information from the city. This is just embarrassing.

I tried to find out what percentage of City employees live in Madison. The Mayors office didn't know. The city human resources office didn't know. The comptrollers office offered to run some kind of search. The State Journal didn't know but said that they would contact the comptroller and let me know the results. It seems like a valuable indicator of some sort.

For those of you wondering the answer. 61%

THAT'S ALL?
$10,000? My guess is that the city is very, very lucky. I always wondered what was in that envelope that Baumann handed Cieslewicz when she left office - from the looks on the faces of the folks in the room, it was pretty grim. My guess is that, from the rumors I have heard, it should have been more women complaining and more money shelled out!

ITS ABOUT FREAKING TIME!
Jason Joyce from the Isthmus has been a staunch defender of his whiner neighbors and the hiring of 30 cops based on their "whites only" meeting they had. But, he finally caved, and is seeing that maybe, just maybe, there's more to the issue and perhaps some are over-reacting. Now, if we could just get him to support an inclusive neighborhood discussion of the issues going on (instead of a press opportunity) and a discussion about what the solutions, beyond policing, might be! I call it progress, but there's a long way to go in resolving issues that we're sure to keep hearing about as the police look for new "tools". Perhaps, the tools shouldn't come from the police department?

That's it folks, the blogging queue is still quite long . . . but the day is too nice to keep sitting at the computer on a day off!
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Friday Round Up

Due to the short week, lots of topics left to cover, so little time, so here's a recap of some important, some snarky, items I haven't had time to get to.

TASERS
In the important category. Anyone surprised that minorities, especially blacks, get tasered twice as much as whites compared to their arrest? Anyone? This article makes me sick to my stomach. I'd say its "worthy of closer study"!

CLEAN ELECTIONS
Also important, there was a first of its kind public hearing on overhauling Supreme Court races and election disclosure laws. Here's an update from the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.

At a rare joint public hearing held by Senate and Assembly committees in Eau Claire and Madison, citizens and advocacy groups were given a chance to put in their two cents on the Impartial Justice bill overhauling state Supreme Court elections and the Electioneering Disclosure bill closing the "issue ad" loophole in state law. To read the Democracy Campaign's testimony, go here.

The hearing made history as it marked the first time a legislative public hearing was held simultaneously at the State Capitol and a satellite site via teleconferencing.

USELESS LOBBYING ORDINANCE
In response to my blog post about the non-public meeting held by Alder Schumacher, I got this list of questions among many:

I'd like to know too who hired Organizational Skills Associates, and how much that contract is worth. Was it large enough to trigger competitive bidding? If not, did anyone at least shop around? Who's even paying for the facilitator, and why was a facilitator needed, particularly if this was a meeting of a city committee which after all, does have a chair?

Sadly, those questions should be answered in lobbying reports if the facilitator was paid for by the lobbyists. But I think we sufficiently gutted our lobbyist law so that we will never know because they generally don't have to report on lobbying on a piece of legislation. And only having reports every six months makes the information so much less accessible in a timely manner.

"A BIT OF A DICK"
On the snarkier end of things, who's a bit of a dick? Last time I posted something unflattering (but true) about the dick in question, he posted this up at his house so that while sitting on my porch you can't help but see it - he happens to live kitty corner from me.


(Sorry, bad picture, but its a Maniaci sign that "the dick" made sure faced my house instead of the street during the election and reappeared in a more obvious taunt to me when he got mad at me, I think over something that I posted in my blog, but what exactly his anger towards me was about was unclear since I'm no longer his alder. He pretty much can't say anything civil to me.) I gotta say, I'm glad he didn't support me, I wouldn't want to win with supporters like that.

BUDGET GLOOM AND DOOM
I haven't forgotten or ignored the Mayor's latest budget gloom and doom reports over the past week or so, just haven't gotten to it yet. I'm a little reluctant to help spread "the fear" (best read while imagining a loud deep booming voice) without having more time to analyze what is being said and especially when we keep getting relatively good news.

WHO'S THE MEANY?
I had wondered why, for the first time in years, the forensics team didn't perform in front of the council. A blog reader explained:

At the CC meeting on Tuesday, I was sitting with the Memorial Forensics team and Mark Clear came over just before the start and told them there wouldn't be time to give a presentation since the meeting was going to be so long. You want to talk about disappointed and ticked off! They had two people scheduled to do a joint presentation which was supposed to be very good. Oh well.

Seriously? I wonder if this was his decision, or for whom (ok, I'm pretty sure I know) was he carrying water?

That's as much snark as I should probably share for a Friday . . .enjoy the weekend!!
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Last Public Hearing: Racial Disparities & Criminal Justice System

The last hearing is tomorrow night! Your input is needed!

Dane County Task Force on Racial Disparities
May 27th, 2009
5-7 pm

Warner Park Community Center, 1625 Northport Drive, Madison.

For Immediate Release
DATE: May 19, 2009
Contacts: Celia Jackson and Laurie Mlatawou, Co-Chairs, Dane County Task Force on Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System
• Celia Jackson (608) 266-1623
• Laurie Mlatawou (608) 345-5710 or (608) 255-9455
• Colleen Clark-Bernhardt, Office of Equal Opportunity (608) 266-3022

Dane County Task Force Holds Last Public Hearing
Warner Park Community Center is the site for the final listening session

The Dane County Task Force on Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System will hold its last public hearing--designed as a listening session—at the Warner Park Community Center, 1625 Northport Drive, on May 27, 2009. The Task Force is made up of Dane County citizens working to identify strategies to reduce the racial disparities in Dane County’s criminal justice system, and is staffed by the Dane County Office of Equal Opportunity. Upon hearing from many residents in the first three hearings, the Task Force hopes to continue to hear from a large, diverse group at Warner Park.

Wisconsin has consistently ranked near the top in the nation in its rate in its disproportionate representation of people of color in the criminal justice system. Dane County’s disparities are among the highest in Wisconsin. Racial disparities occur in the number of arrests, cases charged, sentences and probation and parole revocations. The task force is made up of individuals from law enforcement, community-based organizations, corrections, and the courts.

The Task Force has heard many of Dane County residents speak about their personal, and occasionally organizational, account of racial disparity. Each public hearing was highlighted by a high level public interest, comments and involvement.

The Public Hearings will be a part of the data gathering process the Task Force is currently achieving. The Dane County Task Force on Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System’s vision is to “recommend evidence-based best practices to eliminate racial disparities in the adult criminal justice system of Dane County”. Public involvement is critical to this vision.

The public is encouraged to attend the final public hearing--an opportunity to listen, speak and learn about racial disparities in the Dane County Criminal Justice System. Come share your thoughts and experiences with the Dane County Task Force.

May 27, 2009 5-7 pm Warner Park Community Center
1625 Northport Drive, Madison, WI

Spanish translation will be provided.

Read more!

CC Recap - Chronic Nuisance Ordinance

The Equal Opportunities Commission was shut out of the original process, promised that they could have their say and asked to report back to the council, then when it comes back, people decide its not the right time. How does that saying go "justice delayed is . . ."

EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT
Carousel Bayrd came to the meeting, she was supposed to home on bed rest, but here to talk about the Chronic Nuisance Ordinance representing the Equal Opportunities Commission. They had 7 recommendations, 4 are not contested and affirmed by city attorney.

- (3)(a)6. and 3(b)3.b. When landlord has to come up with remedies to solve the problem, they can only evict if there are no other alternatives . Can't evict if there are feasible alternatives.

- (6)(a) Expands retaliation protection beyond those (and their families) who are evicted, but also to those who are not evicted. The protection is for those who call the police or on whom the police were called but are not evicted and continue to live on the property..

- (6)a. Removes the language that allows the landlord to non-renew in retaliation. The removal of this language just says that the landlord can non-renew a lease for any reason except retaliation or discrimination.
Other pieces

Carousel also talked about one of the changed that she felt was important that the city attorney opposed:

- (3)(b)2. - She says that there should not be an exception that allows discretion to decide if domestic abuse cases qualify as a nuisance action. She says it will have a chilling effect. She says the loophole is a problem, not necessarily with this staff, but it could have a chiling effect.

[Note: Carousel testified early, the council dealt with several other issues and then they went back to this issue.]

MOTION
Jed moves to place on file.

PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Tom McKenna - Orchard Ridge
Says the original ordinance has real teeth to go after bad landlords. The bad landlords were not proactive in going after violence, prostitiuion, drug deals. There has been no misuse of the ordinance. It has only been used 8 times. Says if you must tinker with the ordinance, please follow the report of the City Attorney's office. [Making policy again!] He says she makes a persuasive argument of what to change and what not to change. Use that as your guideline. Points out the ordinance repeals itself 5 months from now. Asked them not to spend alot of time on this now, do an up and down vote and more on to more important things.

Lisa Subeck - In opposition
Opposes amendments, lives on SW side of town, struggles with challenging situations, dealt with incredible challenges and credits the ordinances, plus other factors for changes in the neighborhood. Landlords have something over thier heads and it is changing their behavior. She says she looked at the changes as a resident and someone who used to be a landlord who dealt with challenging populations. Extremely hesitent to have actual charges by DA, this is about behavior, doesn't care if filed charges, what she cares about is the police calls. Talks about an apartment by her and says it was a nuisance and made her feel unsafe. Multitude of police calls shows a pattern of behavior. She says she thinks EOC is trying to protect people with a criminal background. This isn't about innocent until proven guilty. This is about problems in the neighborood and this ordingnace gives teeth to that. If they require charges it may mean waiting months. Domestic Violence issue is a tough one for her. She thinks people should feel comfortable to call police, doesn't think this ordinance changes that - doesn't care if it is Domestic Violence or other noise, if the police are called its a nuisance. She says, as her grandma says "If it aint broke don't fix it."

Nancy Jensen, AASCW registered but I didn't hear if it was in support or opposition. Likely opposition.

DISCUSSION
Solomon - Wants to set the record straight about the EOC and says people are re-writing history. Reminds people what happened. Mayor came to EOC and asked them not to act, because the ordinance was still under review and getting redrafted. The final draft came out and EOC didn't get to act, they never got to see the ordinance. Solomon pushed for referral back to EOC for that reason. EOC is getting their chance to look at the ordinance. He says the reason it took so long is his fault. He met with City Attorney's office and tried to figure out language to address needs of both sides. [What? Negotiating with the city attorney's office on a policy to come up with something they can agree to? Anyone find that odd?] He says an effort was made. EOC would have had it done months ago. This is not EOC rewriting history - they should have had this opportunity in the first place.

Solomon talks about the three concerns that the city attorney's office has:

- (2)(a)2. EOC wanted a higher burden of proof when determining that a property is a Chronic Nuisance Property. He said there should at least be charges filed instead of just an arrest or police call. He says if there is a reason why charges aren't filed, might that not be a reason not to make the property a Chronic Nuisance Property? He says we should use the same standard.

[Note, the city attorney's memo says that this higher burden of proof is problematic because "The judge has to be presented with sufficient facts and must have a substantial basis for believeing that probable cause exists." Pesky facts, who need 'em? Apparently not the city attorney's office.]

- (2)(c) Required charges to be filed Second change, arrest or referral of charges with no charges filed. City Attorney concerned about enforcement by an independent agency. Flip side is the same arguement he just made. He wants the ordinance to be a useful tool. But it should be parallel to our justice system standards.

-(3)(b)2. Domestic Abuse issue. He says Carousel spoke well to it. Doesn't know why you'd have that exception. Talks to Allied Drive residents about safety and security and lots of people are afraid to call the police. Why would we have that chilling affect, its already a problem. These three changes are reasonable, understands why City Attorney has concerns, but he reminds people EOC didn't tear this apart, they supported it.

Schumacher - supports place on file. Sunset is chance to revisit. Was initially skeptical of ordinance but used it in his district. A new owner of property that had problems and he said just raising the fact that there was an ordinance made them realize that the city has become more serious about these issues. Urges people to keep it as is, changes don't add value and when it comes to filing charges, DAs office is understaffed and many crimes don't end up with charges being filed and doesn't want community to lose out.

Bruer - Solomon deserves battle pay. He shares history [or at least his version]. This ordinance was considered d.o.a., former alder who said that it could never come back from the dead, another said it would be nothing short of a miracle if it passed - (Palm says he was a little more blatant than that) Bruer agrees but says he was being tactful. He says that they went through a number of meetings - 2 - 3 in support in the beginning but ended up with overwhelming support at the end. Appreciates that EOC didn't get to say what they wanted. Neighborhoods are in support of this. Apt Assoc in support. Protections built in. Domestic Violence groups said they ere ok with it and in support of it. He says this protects the quality of life of the constituents and neighborhoods. There were concerns about how it would be used, said if even remote undercurrent of abuse it would be repealed. He says the sunset was there for a reason and says they can talk about it at sunset time. He says there hasn't been one complaint on how this is being used. Said he would bring it back if he heard complaints [guess I need to talk to Alder Bruer] He says he could have filled chambers wilth supporters but discouraged people from doing that. He says in due respect to EOC, vote to place it on file and it will come back in 60 to 90 days and EOC will be able to respond then and be in the process. He says we'll bring in the community at that time. He says they built in the protections EOC wanted - some of the things they were asked to address were in the original framework. At the end of the day, what is the problem with waiting 90 days and we can assess and evaluate. If there have been downsides, he'd like to see them and hear them. Support placing on file and looks forward to working together to work with committees, commissions and board and take it up later. Don't amend and tinker until all committees have had a chance to look at again.

Sanborn - wants to make sure people know how important this is. There is a sunset. We can address concerns then. Some of the provisions recommended severely water down the ordinance, but some others water it down in lesser ways. In response to Alder Solomon, why not have the same standards? the answer is because the chronic nuisance isn't targeting them for trial and jail time, they are going after the owners and the poor job they are doing and that is why we have a different standard. Says it is an important difference. We have a criminal code and we wouldn't need a chronic nusiance ordinance if that took care of the problems. [i.e. the police can't jail people, so lets take away their homes instead? And we can do it with less effort.]

Clausius - supports place on file, with due respect to Solomon. No criticism or complaints on the ordinance. Dramatic testimony about how well it works. Says there was a subtle inference that it will lead to discrimination. Ask if any complaints - Lucia Nunez says they submitted a report to Mayor and leadership in November or October, no matches with housing complaints. Just took a look at additional properties and no new cases on that match the properties where it was used. [That's crazy, if there were complaints, they likely would not be filed with the EOC - plus people are notorious for not filing complaints in housing because they are too busy looking for new housing.] Clausius says if sunset in 5 months, just place on file.

Palm - unsure - one thing we could do is re-refer to committees then use the ordinance with the recommended changes as the basis for considering the changes and the sunset at the same time. Presumes that we will continue with the ordinance. No one is talking about any other changes. Why not have this as the basis for the future change that we have. Would not throw out what is already done. No need to recreate and put back through the committees - it would be more logical to refer to different committees with changes to sunset provision and then come back as the reauthorization.

RHODES-CONWAY SUBSTITUTE MOTION
Rhodes-Conway - On the principle placing it on file is adding insult to injury. We did injure our public process when we ignored the EOC. We did get something good with the ordinance, where applied the ordinance was done well and had a positive impact. We specifically asked EOC and told them not to worry and said that we would listen to them. Its insulting to the committee to ignore them now. Open to Palm's suggestion to refer and use this as a basis for future work.

She moves a substitute to accept the four changes that the City Attorney has no objections to. [Should be non-controversial right? Wrong.] She suggested that the other three recommended changes should be discussed with sunset and that they could introduce those three changes at the next council meeting.

SANBORN AMENDMENT TO RHODES-CONWAY SUBSTITUTE MOTION
Sanborn amends it to take 2 of the 4 amendments out. The 3(b)3.b. and second 6a change. Says he is ok with the retaliaiton issue, just not when it comes to automatic renewals of leases.

Kerr asks for clarification. Mayor says city attorney understands it.

City attorney says - The montion not is the 7 recommendations by EOC, minus the three that the City Attorney's office had issues with, minus (3)(b)3.b. removed and the second (6)(a) provision. Confusion ensues again . . . Kerr says its crazy . . . basically, 2 of the seven changes are to be approved (3)(a)6. (eviction) and the first change to (6)(a) (retaliation).

Sanborn speaks to amendment. He thinks the two he picked out waters down the ordinance. Many reasons why you wouldn't renew a lease. Also, second change takes choices away from the landlord. Other changes are worthwhile and don't water down the ordinance.

Solomon - doesn't agree. Asks them to read (3)(b)3.b. carefully. Wants eviction to be the last possible strategy. Still supports the ordinance. Eviction just creates another problem. Its not like people just disappear from the planet, creates homelessness or makes parents drag children around place to place. If eviciton is the sole remedy, do it. If can't find alternative, do it. Reminds them that the city attorney's office is ok with this change. Doesn't agree that this creates a standard that failure to renew is automatically considered retaliation . . . it just doesn't speak to it at all, leaving it up to the courts to decide. Both of the changes are good additional protections but don't water down the ordinance.

Schumacher - will support the amendment to put this to rest, otherwise won't support substitute. Still not clear what problem they are trying to solve. No EOC problems, police say that it works - why are we changing something that is working well and we have a sunset. Its just an ideaological issue. Still want to place on file and wait for sunset.

Cnare asks if the two issues make a difference - City attorney says ordinance as it exists works. 4 changes didn't think made a substantial difference. Adopting 2 of the 4 also doesn't make a substantial difference.

Bruer - says this is a solution chasing after a problem. In reality, in next 90 days we'll go through the whole committee process. People are worried about due process, can't appreciate shear numbers of people who support this across the city. The accusation was that it would be wholesale use of the ordinance, but says that the proof in the pudding. Says landlords have had a change in perspective or change in approach to dealing with issues. Part of him says to vote against, in reality it doesn' t make any sense. Not trying to fix anything. Going after a ghost, closeted ghost when it came forward. Changes are inocuous, why are we doing this at 10:00 tonight without a broader discussion? EOC was punished for taking too long. Solomon battered and beaten on this, at the end of this, and if vote down the and then plac eon file, istn' that more rational as public process. We talk about due process and the fact that the report is before you speaks to the hard work - many of us are supporters of civil rights and social economic justice - sunset there so they can come back so it can be evaluated. No negative impacts, deterance factor, and downtown alders I'd be sensitive to the issues to the decay of housing stock in central city and seeing alarming trends starting to emerge and not surprised if we won't see this used in the central city. A solution chasing after a problem. Vote down both, place on file, extend a olive branch, understands whyeoc concerned, had legitimate concern, why change it tonight at 10:10. Vote down both. [Ugh, you kinda just got his stream of consciousness there cuz I didn't feel like taking the time to clean it up and make it readable. It is essentially what he said.]

Kerr says this is a rare moment where she agrees with Bruer not Solomon. She says she is a strong support of EOC getting a crack at this, but agrees the process was bad. Vote both down, then interested alders can bring it forward after the sunset. Vote it down, but is expecting that next time this comes around EOC is a full participant in the process. Lets not repeat the mistake.

Sanborn, supports placing it on file, only offered the amendment to the substitute. Preference is yes on amendment, no on subsitute, yes on place on file. [Again, good signaling to those who might not be paying attention.]

Rhodes-Conway - asks the City Attorney if underlying motion were to pass tonight, how long before can bring back the same language. He says 60 days. She concludes that the proper motion is to place on file without prejudice.

Pham-Remmele - Is frustrated, says they are looking for more problems, remembers when working on it alot of time, discussion and revision and is in the works, so i know that we are collecting data for neighborhood indicators there is no reason at this time to stop and change and modify. Speaks on behalf of the renters, landlords, homeowners and families who are being affected by negative activities in the neighborhood, a tool like this is not perfect but it helps enforcement but it makes people see there needs to be respoect. In 1975 was a mother with child with little income, all she could stay at was Cypress and even at that time it was infested with cimrinal activites and it was painful to see my 4 year old child see bad behaviors, room vibrating above her. This can make quality of life better, those who can afford move into a new place, move, but those who cannot have to put up with this daily. So when she sees that attempt to weaken and change the ordinace, they panic, we are trying to make people comfortable, does respect city attorneys and police officers and landlords who are working very hard in cooperation with us to provide service of housing to help us. Talks about a bag of beans, one might be rotten, need to separate the bad to protect the rest - don't waste more time, sunset and wait til then, move on.

Roll Call on Sanborn Amendment to Rhodes-Conway Substitute
AYE: Cnare, Compton, King, Palm, Sanborn, Schumacher, Skidmore
NO: Solomon, Verveer, Bidar-Sielaff, Clausius, Clear, Eagon, Kerr, Maniaci, Pham-Remmele, Rhodes-Conway, Rummel
Bruer originally passed, but voted No.
Fails 7 -13

No further discussion.

Roll Call on Substitute by Rhodes-Conway
AYE: Solomon, Verveer, Palm, Rhodes-Conway, Rummel
NO: Bidar-Sielaff, Bruer, Clausius, Clear, Cnare, Compton, Eagon, Kerr, King, Maniaci, Pham-Remmele, Sanborn, Schmidt, Schumacher, Skidmore.
Fails 5 - 15

They were back to the main motion to place it on file. Rhodes-Conway amends it to place on file without prejudice so they don't have to wait 60 days to consider the EOC amendments.

No discussion

Roll call passes 18 0 2 with Rhodes-Conway and Rummel voting no.

[This was painful to watch, there were so many misunderstandings about the criminal justice system and tenant-landlord issues. Not to mention the butchering of the history with the EOC being snubbed in the first place and then calling this a due process issue. Yes, it was adding insult to injury.]
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Board of Estimates - Council preview of a few issues

Often, what happens at Board of Estimates is considered to be a preview of what will happen at the Common Council . . . if the Mayor's appointments represent a cross section of the council (plastic bag ban, TIF agreement on Capital West, stimulus money, personnel issues and paid sick leave for city staff).

START
The meeting started with only 4 members there (Bruer, Sanborn, Clear and Clausius). The agenda can be found here.

Stimulus money item was skipped for later.

PERSONNEL ITEMS
They quickly dispensed of items 2 - 19 which were all personnel items. Some of the items I pointed out were
- Mini reorganization in Community Development Block Grant office - here and here.
- Police are getting a new LTE position
- Human Resources folks seem to be getting raises - here, here, here and here.
- Finally, after 3 years, sick leave for hourly employees!! We put it in the budget 3 years in a row and they finally are going to have the ability to spend the money!

Thanks to Clear for asking what's going on with all the personnel changes. The answer, of course, is "nothing to see here". Except, the impact of all these incremental changes come at budget time, when the council has no ability to do anything. Clear asked the right questions, but I think the answer was tantamount to "none of your business". This is a tough area, as personnel drives so much of the budget, there is no alder on the Personnel committee and the Board of Estimates is mostly told to stay out of it. So, who's looking at the bigger picture and strategy when it comes to personnel costs throughout the city? I think that this is the biggest investment we make, and most of the time the city gets it right, but there are certain things happening that don't seem quite fair.

Also in these items was the paid sick leave. They explained that is it was already being implemented for the unions and the ordinance makes it applicable to non-represented employees. The Mayor bristled at the fact that the Council put the money in the budget instead of it being bargained and the comptroller said it was now going to cost $75,000 - 150,000, which is WAY OFF of the projections they previously made ($60,000). The mayor says that the paid sick leave has already been implemented this year. It's about time after us budgeting it in 2007 (not implemented), 2008 (not implemented) and again in 2009.

All the items passed unanimously on a voice vote.

POLICE OVERTIME
Assistant Chief Davenport said that the fact that it went down was a result of the new police officers. He said that briefing overtime was up, but the demand-driven overtime was better - however, Terri Genin pointed out that there wasn't the extraordinary event overtime as there as been in the past, which seems to be the biggest chunk of savings.

The Mayor seems a little sassy, giving Bidar-Sielaff grief for sitting in Alder Verveers seat "self appointing" herself to the Board of Estimates.

Report passes unanimously on a voice vote.

PLASTIC BAG ORDINANCE
George Dreckman explains this is the only ordinance of the kind in the country. He says that other cities either ban the use (usually restricted to larger stores or those with a certain number of chains), charge a fee or tax the bags (Irish model, but we can't do it), require retailers to take take the bags back (not clear if they actually get recycled) or require biodegradable bags (cost is the biggest issue there). The Mayor asked about if we could ban the use of them, and I don't think he got the answer he thought he would, George says that we do have the legal authority to do it according to at least on assistant city attorney (who no longer works for the city). There also is the issue of how the bags would be picked up - including perhaps another separate container to put the bags in - which is dicey so for now, it sounds like they would have drop off sites. The ordinance they are passing is just the ban and they will figure out how to implement it, and pay for it, later. In the future, we could pay for for recycling in our normal recycling containers when our contract comes up with the people who do the recycling for us - but that will have to wait 2.5 years until the contract is renewed. Alder Compton says she'd like to have curb side pick up a few times a year. George makes clear you can still use plastic bags to pick up after your dog or line your trash can. They want to encourage reuse of the bags. The Mayor makes it clear that the violation for throwing away a bag is the same as throwing away a pop can - which you can be fined for. But, they basically said that no one will really ever get fined. They continued to talk about the issue for nearly an hour. Sanborn spoke most vehemently against the ordinance, and I think the only one to vote against it.

REDOING MDC LOAN FOR THE AVENUE
One quick question - passes unanimously.

STIMULUS MONEY
Bill Clingan explains that we are getting $534,096 in CDBG funds. He says the funds which are usually for suitable living environments, affordable housing and economic opportunities are required to be spent on infrastructure which means rehabilitation, retro-fitting, energy efficiency and conservation activities. He explains that there is a tight time line and that they need to get the information to HUD by June 5th. He says Council would approve general spending categories for not and specific awards of the money would come back to the council later. Bill says 15% can be spent on service and he says that he is looking at foreclosure prevention services (hire an lte to answer questions) and he also said that he might want to have a job development job search with people who are pending homelessness. The rest would perhaps be spent on economic development around energy issues or home rehab.

Bill also talked about the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. He says there is a round 2 of the funding available ($2B nationally) and they have to apply for at least $5M. He says that there will be a need analysis.

The only other update was from Metro on cost of hybrid buses and they are more expensive than anticipated, so there will only be 15 buses instead of 18.

CAPITAL REVOLVING LOAN FUND
There were some questions about the Capital Revolving Loan fund for the Wingra project. Jed Sanborn votes against and speaks against us using the money in these ways.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INTERN
Alder Rhodes-Conway asks why we aren't getting an intern for free. He says that its true that it probably won't cost $9,000. Mayor asks him to explain what the intern will work on. Cooley says working on some projects and research they haven't had time for, looking into commercial real estate database software, and some software for entrepreneurs. He also explains that the $9,000 that should have gone for software isn't enough and not a high priority right now.

I believe it passed unanimously on a voice vote.

PLANNING FOR UNIVERISTY AVENUE
There was some questions and it was approved.

CAPITAL WEST TIF AGREEMENT
Cliff Fisher speaks about how he believes that the City shouldn't have given TIF money to Alexanders because they undercut his condos at Metropolitan Place. He says that the assessment of his project was impacted by $8M as a result of Alexander underselling him. Cliff talks about how he's been on Sly and Mitch Henck and other shows. Cliff publicly asks Alexander to come on Mitch's show to debate - Cliff gets directed to talk to the Board of Estimates problem - Cliff says that the Alexanders won't come on the show and debate them.

Clear asks Cliff about what would happen if Alexanders are required sell the units by the current deadline, won't the units get sold at rock bottom prices and won't that negatively impact him. Cliff doesn't understand the question whatsoever.

Schumacher asks the Alexander folks a few questions and the Mayor says that Cliff's comments seemed irrelevant given they were about the original granting of the TIF, not the current deal.

Sanborn points out the hypocrisy of the compromise, given the principles that people were so adamant about the last time they talked about this.

Clear says that the agreement should be followed and that it shouldn't be renegotiated at this time and that the City should stick to its agreement.

Clausius seems like extending this agreement won't do much, he also says its unfair to other developers.

Verveer and Bruer defend the new agreement. There are more questions of staff. Staff say that this agreement is sound and that they did review the financial info and it did not seem unusual. In fact, they seem to be saying that the new agreement to extend the time is a sound decision given the legal issues and the cost to the city and the market in pursuing a breach of the agreement.

They spent nearly an hour discussing this issue. Which is amazing in that this was a compromise between Bruer and Verveer. It passes, it was a 3-3 tie, with the mayor breaking the tie.

WALGREENS
No discussion - they approve Walgreens getting their money and then go into closed session to talk about several tax cases. I wonder what they learned?

p.s. It looks like alders Schumacher, Rummel, Bidar-Sielaff and Compton attended portions of the meeting and were staying for the closed session, but it was hard to tell from tv. Read more!