Without the budget, things slow back down, but still some items of note . . . and several missing agendas?? Full weekly schedule here. Agendas here.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009
5:30 p.m. EANR – Sustainable Agriculture Subcommittee...Rm. 310 CCB
Setting Priorities for Work Group Recommendations
- Farm Profitability
- Beginning Farmer
- Farmland Preservation/Conservation
- Urban Agriculture and Community Food Security
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2009
5:00 p.m. HEALTH & HUMAN NEEDS COMMITTEE...Rm. 309 CCB
- I couldn't find much to be interested in.
* 5:30 p.m. ZONING & LAND REGULATION COMMITTEE ...Rm. 310 CCB
- Determine the date for enacting the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection Farmland conversion fees under the Working Lands Initiative
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2009
12:30 p.m. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE...Rm. 310 CCB
- As disappointing as the city's committee on economic development, shouldn't they have more to talk about with these economic times besides the mustard museum?
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2009
5:00 p.m. HUMAN SERVICES BOARD...Rm. 315 CCB
- Continued discussion of merging POS agencies.
5:00 p.m. IMMIGRATION TASK FORCE...Rm. 321 CCB
- Agenda not available?????
5:30 p.m. CAPITAL AREA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSON...Rm. 310 CCB
- Agenda not available?????
7:00 p.m. DANE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS...Rm. 201 CCB
- 2010 Calendar of Meetings
- Authorizing a Contract Between Dane County and Inmate Calling Solutions,
LLC, for Dane County Jail Inmate Telephone Services (on consent agenda)
- Authorizing an Agreement Between Dane County and Matrix Consulting Group
to Conduct a Staffing Study of the Dane County Sheriff’s Office (on consent agenda)
- Approving AFSCME contracts and compensation and benefit packages for non-represented and confidential employees (on consent agenda)
And I didn't see much else, I'm guessing it'll be a quick meeting.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2009
10:00 a.m. Wisconsin River Rail Transit Commission ...2302 Fish Hatchery Rd.
- Agenda not available???
Read more!
Showing posts with label Tanking Economy and Stimulus Money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tanking Economy and Stimulus Money. Show all posts
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Closing of the Catholic Multicultural Center
As news trickled through the community about the closing (today!) of the Catholic Multicultural Center, I was impressed by the quick responses of so many and the concern about what would happen to the people served by the Center. I'm blown away by the short notice and can't help but wonder what made Morlino make such a drastic decision with so little notice - is it just mean-spirited? Or unthoughtful? Or a fundraising ploy? What ever the case, I'm proud of the quick response by the community. There are already two events planned that you may want to attend if you are concerned:
The first one is a vigil scheduled for Saturday at noon.
The second is a meeting Wednesday morning:
Along with these two formal meetings people are suggesting many solutions on-line and trying to figure out how to keep the services available to the community and asking how to volunteer to help. Its refreshing to see such a wonderful caring response from the community, too bad the Catholic Diocese wasn't as thoughtful and caring. Read more!
The first one is a vigil scheduled for Saturday at noon.
Community Alert! To all members of Madison Community!
Community members organize a Vigil to ask Catholic Dioceses to keep Centro Guadalupe’s doors open.
THE VIGIL WILL BE THIS SATURDAY AT NOON AT CENTRO GUADALUPE
Community members and organizations concerned with the dramatic loss for the community will organize a vigil this coming Saturday at the entrance of the Centro Guadalupe (1862 Beld St) starting at noon. The purpose of the event is to stress the long and successful history that the center and the community share together and the need to keep Centro Guadalupe open.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison announced yesterday the need to make a number of serious cutbacks. The changes will include the closing of the Diocese’s Catholic Multicultural Center. The center is one of the biggest support venues for immigrant families; literally thousands of families rely in one way or another on the legal, pantry, financial, education or advocacy services that the center provides. All thanks to the restless effort of the limited staff and the great and enthusiastic team of volunteers.
However, tomorrow at 4pm, the center will close forever. The history of Centro Guadalupe (CG) is the history of the Latino community as a whole. Many relate the current center to the legacy of OHAS, an organization in the 70s that started addressing the needs of the Latino community. Today, the center is a symbol of integration, support, and partnership for and from the Latino community.
The community is still absorbing the terrible news. Most social services providers agree that there is not one agency or a group of agencies that can pick up the number of services that will stop tomorrow. Especially in these economical times, the low income families that compose the vast majority of their clients are left in a vulnerable situation.
Organizations, activists, social workers, providers in the Latino community wonder the reason that made the Catholic Dioceses to act in such precipitated way “the decision come without give us an opportunity as a community to figure out how to keep this services running,” a long term social worker complains. Literally, closing the center in two days has left the community without time to work on a transition plan to address and protect hundreds of families that rely on the type of help that CG provides every day.
Many in the Latino community are asking for the opportunity of an open and sincere dialogue between the community and the Diocese to address the different options; “This should happen before closing the doors of the community center,” Alejandro R. explains, one of the thousands of clients that was helped by CG when he was homeless and “thanks to them I have medication to my medical disorder and a job, I am afraid that many people in my situation will not be so lucky if they close the center.”
LASUP, Latino Support Network has scheduled a special meeting open to the community for next Wednesday, June 3, from 9am to 11am at United Way to discuss the Catholic Diocese’s decision to close the Multicultural Center.
One of the ideas to save the Centro Guadalupe is to ask the Catholic Diocese to lend the building to a group of volunteers and organizations that would run the operation, initially on volunteer time until finding alternative funding. Another alternative is that the Dane County or Madison City administration would be willing to buy or rent the building to allow the programs to keep running.
The second is a meeting Wednesday morning:
We have scheduled a special meeting of La Sup for next Wednesday June 3 from 9am to 11am at United Way (Atwood Ave.) We will discuss the Catholic Dioceses decision to close the Multicultural Center. Members of the La Sup Exec Committee will facilitate the meeting. Please feel free to invite anybody who may be interested in this issue.
Along with these two formal meetings people are suggesting many solutions on-line and trying to figure out how to keep the services available to the community and asking how to volunteer to help. Its refreshing to see such a wonderful caring response from the community, too bad the Catholic Diocese wasn't as thoughtful and caring. Read more!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Lost Your Job, Worried About Your Housing?
Here's a meeting you might want to check out!
Letter of InvitationRead more!
“We’re Looking for Work” Town Meeting #3
Friday, May 29th, 4:50 to 9:15 PM
Stoughton High School Cafetorium, 600 Lincoln, Stoughton, WI
Have you or a friend been laid-off, downsized, or part-timed & now you’re looking for work?
We have organized a THIRD town meeting for workers who have lost their jobs, been part-timed or are underemployed. Workers and their partners living in Stoughton, southern Dane, northern Rock counties or other communities are invited to attend.
This free town meeting begins with a meal for families. The event brings together workers and their partners in a friendly environment to learn about health care resources, job search resources, and stretching your budget in hard times. Registration is free. Call early!
To register call (608) 873-2612
Persons at the last meeting, May 5th, said they are most interested in learning how to stay in their home or apartment. Thus the May 29th meeting will provide this workshop:
“Fighting to Stay in Your Home or Apartment During Hard Times”
Part I Developing a Family Budget to Help You Negotiate with Your Banker or Landlord
Part II Foreclosure & Eviction Law -- When & Where to Seek Legal Advice & How to Re-negotiate Rent Payments
Part III Federal Mortgage Adjustment Programs & How to Re-negotiate Mortgage Payments
Part IV Might “House Sharing” Be a Partial Solution for You?
We ask you to do these things:
1. Call the above number. Register now. Tell them how many people will be joining you. We invite you, your partner and any children you may wish to bring along. We will not be providing sitter services but some families bring small children and that is fine. Some bring their older children. That is good because it helps them to understand the situation your family is in and they see that many other families are in the same situation.
2. Call, invite and bring along any relatives, friends or former co-workers who have been laid off. Invite their partners also. Ask them to call the registration number or you call it for them with their names and telephone numbers, address, etc.
3. If you attended one of the first two meetings, please bring your three-ring resource manual to the meeting.
The town meeting is sponsored by the Stoughton Job Networking and Family Support Group and the Stoughton Chapter of the WI Alliance of Retired Americans and is co-sponsored by the Stoughton Area Resource Team, Inc. (START), American Federation of Teachers-WI, Unity Church of Madison, AFT-WI Retirees Chapter and other organizations
Lastly, with regard to the meeting topic avoiding foreclosure or eviction, it is regretful but many workers presently unemployed may be unemployed for 6 months or longer during this recession/depression. It is critical that your family avoid foreclosure/eviction. There are now programs to help you avoid these situations but, like everything else these days, the issues are complex and you have to study the issues. So please register today (the line is 24/7) and together we will learn about how we can keep our families in our homes during these most difficult times.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call Organizing Committee member Buzz Davis at 608-873-4886.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you and your family Friday, May 29th at the Stoughton high school. 600 Lincoln Ave., at 4:50 PM!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
County to Pass Financial Woes on to the Poor
So, when someone is getting evicted by the sheriff, it usually means one thing. They have no place to go or no resources to get there. They're broke, that's why 95% of the people get evicted. The money they make, doesn't cover their costs when the car breaks down, or they get sick and miss work, or their kid has to go to the hospital . . . or they lose their job, get their hours cut or are furloughed. So, to solve the problem of costs to the sheriff, what should we do? Charge the poor more!
That's the proposal tonight at the County Board (page 67). It's only going to bring in an anticipated $5,000 for Dane County, but it will help bury those already without resources even more.
I know some people may have thought this was no big deal because the landlords would have to pay this money, but that isn't the case. As I pointed out to a few folks, the costs get automatically added to the judgment and passed on to the tenant.
Read more!
That's the proposal tonight at the County Board (page 67). It's only going to bring in an anticipated $5,000 for Dane County, but it will help bury those already without resources even more.
I know some people may have thought this was no big deal because the landlords would have to pay this money, but that isn't the case. As I pointed out to a few folks, the costs get automatically added to the judgment and passed on to the tenant.
799.25 Costs. The clerk shall without notice to the parties taxGiven that it already costs more to be poor (a very good article you should read, but here's an excerpt with just one issue)
and insert in the judgment as costs in favor of the party recovering
judgment the following:
(6) SERVICE FEES AND OTHER CHARGES. Lawful fees or charges
paid to the sheriff, constable or other person for serving the summons
or any other document, and charges paid to the sheriff in
connection with the execution of any writ of restitution.
The rest of it is here.
Poverty 101: We'll start with the basics.Read the article, really. It'll show you why it is so wrong for the county to be piling on at this time, especially for such a small return. Contact your sups or county_board_recipients@co.dane.wi.us! Ask them not to vote for this tonight. Make sure they realize the impact of this ordinance.
Like food: You don't have a car to get to a supermarket, much less to Costco or Trader Joe's, where the middle class goes to save money. You don't have three hours to take the bus. So you buy groceries at the corner store, where a gallon of milk costs an extra dollar.
A loaf of bread there costs you $2.99 for white. For wheat, it's $3.79. The clerk behind the counter tells you the gallon of leaking milk in the bottom of the back cooler is $4.99. She holds up four fingers to clarify. The milk is beneath the shelf that holds beef bologna for $3.79. A pound of butter sells for $4.49. In the back of the store are fruits and vegetables. The green peppers are shriveled, the bananas are more brown than yellow, the oranges are picked over.
(At a Safeway on Bradley Boulevard in Bethesda, the wheat bread costs $1.19, and white bread is on sale for $1. A gallon of milk costs $3.49 -- $2.99 if you buy two gallons. A pound of butter is $2.49. Beef bologna is on sale, two packages for $5.)
Read more!
County cutbacks trickle down . . .
Wow, who doesn't love a contract where they can just change the amount of money you're getting to do the same services? And more questions about how the executive can over-rule the legislative branch of government. In the past 5 years, the Tenant Resource Center hasn't gotten an increase in funding from the county for operational funds, in fact, the County added $8,000 of expenses during this time (charge us for rent, phone calls and make us make our own copies). Meanwhile, our health care costs nearly doubled, all of our expenses have gone up and the level of services that we have to provide has remained the same and has gotten more difficult as the problems of our clients get more and more complex with less and less resources to help resolve their issues. Last year, we finally got a 1% increase in funding, and now they want to reduce that by 2% or even more.
This is also another interesting separation of powers local government issue. The County Board voted to, for the first time in 5 years, increase the funding to non-profit service providers by 1%. Now the staff is reducing it by 2%. It was a nice 6 months while it lasted! The question is, how can the staff do this without a vote by the county board, and a public process? I know Kathleen Falk has decided that everyone needs to feel the pain, but has the County Board acted? Does the staff have the authority to do this?
I suppose, the questions are kind of rhetorical. If they want to do this, they will find a way and we will have very little options. We'll just have to grin and bear it and be thankful that we aren't being cut more. Ah, the life of a non-profit Executive Director is always a joy! Do more with less! I can hardly wait to see if they want to get more than 2% from us. Do you think maybe we can use it as leverage to finally get the moldy carpeting removed from the space we rent?
Meanwhile, here's the official word . . .
This is also another interesting separation of powers local government issue. The County Board voted to, for the first time in 5 years, increase the funding to non-profit service providers by 1%. Now the staff is reducing it by 2%. It was a nice 6 months while it lasted! The question is, how can the staff do this without a vote by the county board, and a public process? I know Kathleen Falk has decided that everyone needs to feel the pain, but has the County Board acted? Does the staff have the authority to do this?
I suppose, the questions are kind of rhetorical. If they want to do this, they will find a way and we will have very little options. We'll just have to grin and bear it and be thankful that we aren't being cut more. Ah, the life of a non-profit Executive Director is always a joy! Do more with less! I can hardly wait to see if they want to get more than 2% from us. Do you think maybe we can use it as leverage to finally get the moldy carpeting removed from the space we rent?
Meanwhile, here's the official word . . .
May 19, 2009Read more!
Purchased Service Providers:
As you already know based on my past communications, Dane County’s fiscal situation is most problematic as the year’s mid-point approaches. National and State economic difficulties with which all of you are familiar strike Dane County hard at this time. The proposed State budget contains major reductions for human services. Revenue declines in areas such as sales tax have been dramatic. County Executive Kathleen Falk has communicated to the Dane County Board of Supervisors that the County faces a shortfall of as much as $5-6 million in the absence of prompt action. In addition, the State recently announced increased deficit figures, and we are anticipating more reductions at the local level.
The Department of Human Services is the County’s largest department. It commands fully half of the total County budget. We are currently projecting a 2009 deficit of $3.4 million. It is our legal responsibility to address this budget problem and balance our budget by the end of the year. The Department of Human Services has implemented numerous cost saving efforts within the Department and must implement a mid-year reduction in our provider contracts.
Internally, County staff may be compelled to take unpaid leaves, new hires are frozen, limited-term-employee utilization has been curbed, all staff conferences and trainings are frozen, all discretionary spending is frozen, capital outlays are being carefully reviewed, and more. In addition, we have put increased efforts into psychiatric hospitalization and juvenile residential diversion and maximizing revenues in all areas. It is hoped that these actions and more will solve the majority of the Department’s 2009 budget problem.
That said, due to the magnitude of our deficit and the fact that 59% of my Department’s budget goes to purchase services, we are unable to cover the entire deficit without the assistance of our contracted providers. As a result, all agencies that provide purchased services to consumers and are not 100% supported by earmarked grant funds will be required to accept a two percent (2.0%) base budget reduction effective July 1, 2009. An across-the-board reduction is the most equitable way to treat all of our valuable agencies and services and maintain the continuum of services to our consumers.
Please anticipate a formal contract amendment from the Department in the very near future. I ask that you work closely with your contract manager as to the manner in which you may practically effectuate this reduction. Maximizing services to consumers should of course be paramount.
Please note that your contract manager may implement other reductions at this time as well. I have asked managers to remove outside revenues (Medical Assistance monies, for example) which are not materializing from agencies’ budgets if there is no reason to believe that those revenues will in fact materialize in the second half of the year. The Department is not in a position to absorb revenues shortfalls, as it has done in many years, in 2009.
I regret all of these actions, but they are necessary in this unprecedented negative fiscal environment of Federal and State reductions in human service funding and unrealized revenues. I have tried to be as fair as possible to our partner agencies. You will note that reductions are borne internally to the greatest extent possible. I hope for better budget news at some point in the future, but I must in honesty write that such is not likely to be forthcoming soon. In fact, indications are that we will be getting news shortly of further State reductions when the Governor announces amendments to his budget proposal based on projected decreased State revenues. Nevertheless, I truly believe that if we work together we can maintain quality services to our consumers and insure their safety and the safety of the community.
Sincerely,
Lynn Green
Director
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Services for Homeless and Jobless
Here's some help . . . but what is really needed is more jobs in the community!
From Employment and Training Association
Here's the details of what they can help with:
From Employment and Training Association
Receive employment services (resumes, cover letters, applications, job leads, etc.) and referrals to Dane County Services (FSET, W-2, DVR, etc.)
Meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 2:00 pm in Room #4 at the Dane County Job Center
Contact: Karen Potnek, 1819 Aberg Avenue, Madison, WI 53704
Phone: 608-242-4556, Fax: 608-242-4553, E-mail: karenp@eata.org
Here's the details of what they can help with:
Homeless Employment Support Program ActivitiesRead more!
The goal of this program is to provide meaningful individualized employment search assistance along with support and advocacy in accessing community resources that complements the services already being provided by Case Managers serving Dane County’s homeless single adults and families.
Services provided by the Homeless Employment Support Case Manager may include, but are not limited to:
1) A Thorough Employment Readiness Assessment
a) Evaluation of an individual’s work related skills and experience
b) Identification of barriers affecting an individual’s ability to find and maintain employment.
c) An assessment of an individual’s work related training activities that includes potential training needed to meet employment goals
2) The Development of an Employment Action Plan
a) Outline of steps needed to overcome barriers
b) Identification of resources and training opportunities available to meet employment goals (reviewed with Case Manager)
3) Access to Job Seeking Resources
a) Job Leads – weekly listings and direct referrals to employers that are currently hiring
b) Referrals to employer recruitment events including Job Fairs, on-site interviews (at employer location or at the Job Center), and community based employer events
c) Referrals for State, County and City testing opportunities
d) Assistance with internet applications and researching employers
e) Local job market information
4) Guidance and Assistance with the Completion of Applications, Developing and Updating Resumes, Cover Letters, Thank You Letters.
5) Referrals to Employer Based Training Activities Taking Place at the Dane County Job Center, YWCA Annex, Urban League, MATC, etc. Including Referrals to Workforce Investment Act Funded Training Programs.
6) Individualized or Group Counseling Sessions Addressing Job Seeking and Job Retention Skills. Topics may Include:
Completing a Strong Application Resume Formats
Conducting Follow-Up Phone Calls Interviewing Skills
Dressing and Grooming for Employment Cover Letters
Personal Responsibility in the Workplace
Where to Look for Work Based on your Conviction Record
Troubleshooting Common Problems that Affect Absenteeism/ Tardiness (retention)
7) Information, Referrals and Assistance with Accessing and Applying for Community Resources as Appropriate (Medical Assistance, FoodShare, Child Care, W2, Social Security, Housing Assistance, Emergency Assistance, DVR, Older Worker Programs, referrals to Mental Health and AODA Treatment Programming, etc..)
8) Assistance with Accessing Job Center Resources. This Includes Advocacy Work in Relation to Program Eligibility and Compliance, Documentation and Benefits.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Common Council Recap - The Basics
A report, from citizen reporter Konkel! ;)
GETTING STARTED
The meeting started around 6:38, Mayor was in the chair since before 6:30, but it still took nearly 10 minutes to get started. I don't know why they can't start on time, everyone seemed to be in the room, its just that everyone was busy chatting. I'm not sure if that bothers anyone, but it used to drive me a little crazy.
Cnare was absent, which was notified in advance. Palm also absent, which was not anticipated. Palm did arrive later in the meeting.
The meeting started with mic problems, as usual. Bruer had to use Kerr's microphone, to the vocally expressed displeasure of Alder Kerr. Bruer makes the motion to suspend the rules allowing them to take things out of order and introduce items from the floor, no objection, as usual.
HONORING RESOLUTIONS
Item 1 - referred to May 19 when Memorial Spartan Boys Swimming and Diving team can be there.
Item 2 - adoption of resolution declaring May 9th Broom St. Theatre Day - only Julia Kerr stands. Like many good organizations, they've been around since 1969 and proud to be serving Madison and intend to stay around for years to come.
Item 3 - adoption of a resolution honoring the selfless heroism of Lt. Gerald Stull - over 50 years ago he flew plane into Lake Monona to avoid running into a Madison neighborhood, and the neighborhood is placing a memorial in a neighborhood park with a ceremony in Hudson Park (Lakeland & Miller Ave) Saturday at 11:00. Lt. Stull's family will be in attendance.
Item 4 - adoption of a resolution that congratulates Madison Memorial Boys Basketball Team - State Division 1 Title - Coach spoke with his team behind him. He said it is great to win in their home town and he hopes the state tourney stays here in Madison.
Item 5 - adoption of a resolution recognizing Public Service Recognition Week May 4 - 10. The plaque was accepted by Brad Wirtz of Human Resources which was probably a little insulting to some city staff. He rushed through reading a written speech with little enthusiasm or sincerity. I couldn't tell if he was a bad public speaker, or just annoyed to be there. There will be a ceremony today at noon on steps of . . . either City Hall or the City-County Building . . . I wasn't quite clear.
Item 6 - Cinco de Mayo resolution. There was no one to accept it but Alder Bidar-Sielaff spoke to explain no one there to accept resolution because they were celebrating the day elsewhere.
It was nearly 7:55 by the time they were done with all the honoring resolutions. Its the most I have seen in a while.
Item 7 - A petition from Java Cat regarding the widening of Monona Drive was referred to Board of Public Works.
EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT
Early Public Comment - Duane Johnson on item 16 representing Ikonica on Demming Way. Registered to speak - no questions from the council.
CONSENT AGENDA
The consent agenda -
23 is the citizen appointments introduced tonight and it was referred to 5/19 council meeting
48 a bartender's license for a man who works at the Edgewater was referred back to ALRC
163 was the Aldermanic appointments that Alder Pham-Remmele was threatening to quit over, but it was placed on file.
20 (appointments to committees of people not living in Madison), 54 (Resources for Tuberculosis), 55 (Amending Public Health Budget to carry over funds form 2008) & 62 (Annual Budget adjustments, including spending over $100,000 from Contingent Reserve) - all were unanimously approved even tho they were super majority items. Items can be looked up on the agenda.
WILL ALDER THUY PHAM-REMMELE QUIT IN DISGUST OVER MAYORAL ALDERMANIC APPOINTMENTS
No. The item was placed on file. Alder Pham-Remmele speaks, but asks what it means to place 163 on file and thanks Alder Bruer for requesting this to be placed on the agenda, but says it is not necessary. So, the Common Council did not need to face the dilemma.
Items separated for discussion were:
20 - Citizen Appointments
24 - Property Tax Exemption
41 - Banning sales of small quantities of liquor
60 - Buy American with Stimulus Money
102 - Curfew
SWINE FLU, ER . . . H1N1 Virus
Special Order of Business - update on swine flu from Doctor Schlenker - item #164 was moved out of order - they didn't vote on it or make a motion. Schlenker updated the council that while the flu is wide spread it is not as severe as originally thought. He said that there were no deaths in United States (?) but there have been 30 hospitalizations however they have been brief. He said there are 400 cases nationally in most states. In Wisconsin there are 119 cases in 10 counties. As of last night, we have our first probable case here in Dane County where an infant who had visited Mexico was ill. He was tested and they don't know for sure because the test was inconclusive. The boy and his family are isolated and at home and being monitored by public health nurses, and the boy has recovered at this point. He has very caring and capable parents. He has not attended any kind of school in last few months so no concern there either. The other 56 specimens taken in Dane County are 48 that have been negative, 7 still pending, but likely to have more cases in coming days. He reiterates it is a relatively mild illness - no worse than seasonal influenza. He also said it was unlikely that there would be any school closures, the Centers for Disease control has new guidelines do not recommend school closures at this time. Instead they recommend that schools should ID people who are sick and make them go home.
Pham-Remmele asks if there are special precautions for older people. Schlenker says to wash hands frequently, cover mouth when cough or sneeze, if sick stay home, if elderly or other physical disability be in touch with your doctor but unless develop respiratory problems you do not need to seek medical attention. She asks about if people should be wearing masks. Schlenker says no, not necessary or very effective.
Mayor asks if the flu is expected to return in the fall. Schlenker says yes, and that is a concern now that it has proven to be very effectively transmitted between humans it would only take a mutation or two to ratchet up the seriousness but he hopes to have a vaccine for the fall.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEMS 8 - 19.
- DEMOLITION DEFINITION
Item 8 Definition of Demolition - no registrants. I was slightly surprised no one showed up to express concerns and that there were no amendments. I believe that the motion was on the original not the alternate.
Alder Rhodes-Conway points out that there is an alternate and asked Brad Murphy to explain the ordinance. He said current ordinance doesn't have a definition of demolition and staff has had to use judgement about if large scale remodeling warranted demolition review. This ordinance provides an objective definition - and if 50% of the wall area or the front wall are being removed it would require plan commission approval.
Rhodes-Conway asks what happens if it is less than 50% of the wall area. Murphy explained that they would need staff review and approval of building plans against building code.
Rhodes-Conway asks about historic buildings. He says all projects that are landmarked or in historic district would need to be approved by Landmarks.
Rhodes-Conway asks about "demolition by neglect". Murphy says that was topic of discussion when demolition ordinance was revised a year ago.
There was a roll call, but it was unanimous that all 19 people in attendance (Cnare absent) voted in support. The Mayor makes a snide "thanks" to alder Rhodes-Conway for requesting roll call.
- MERITER
Item 9 - Steve Jacobson spoke in opposition, lives in Triangle, Brittingham Place, sent an email to the council that he said they all have (but they don't). He opposes 11 story building because it will have a negative impact on his community. He would like it referred until consideration given to the neighbors - 300 low income, elderly and disabled residents plus Bayview. He thinks that they should review the parking and do a cost benefit analysis. He thinks neighborhood process (3 meetings) was ok but says there is still room for discussion about what conclusions should be drawn from the meetings and how the input was used. There were three neighborhood associations involved. One Neighborhood Association said there wasn't time to comment on the project and suggests they want information on what a one story bungalow will look like next to a 164 foot building. Another neighborhood association in the area also did not vote on the project. He knocked on doors today and people were concerned about tv reception and other issues. He also said that everyone he talked to facing 11 story building opposes the project.
Joe Stark - also from Braxton Place was in opposition but did not speak.
3 registrations in support, all representing Meriter Hospital
Alder Kerr said that she sent the email to allalders@cityofmadison.com at the beginning of meeting so if they have their computers they can read the email the speaker was referring to. She thinks the process was good and excited about Meriter making an investment in the corridor. Some of Mr. Jacobson's concerns were addressed in plan commission motion last night. The item was approved with additional conditions, not available to the public but on the desks of the alders. King abstains, no discussion by the Council.
- OTHER PUBLIC HEARINGS (See Agenda for the items)
Item 10 - 13 - Report of ALRC, all passed on voice vote
Item 14 & 15 - Report of Board of Public Works, passed on voice vote.
Report of Plan Commission
Item 16 - Duane Johnson registered - same as early registration
Item 17 - no one in attendance
Item 18 - Silicon Prairie Parkway - no one in attendance
Item 19 - no registrants
16 - 18 adopted with substitute on 19 that is on their desks all passed on a voice vote. Skidmore abstains on 16.
CITIZEN APPOINTMENTS
Item 20 - Bert Zipperer speaks in opposition. Speaking for himself. Megin McDonell is an EOC appointment with housing experience, invaluable member and officer of EOC. He says the EOC and all the appointments depend upon the Council to give the committee members their three year terms. There are 13 members on EOC and 7 of the members have 2 years experience or less. 3 members have 4 -6 years experience. 3 members have 10 or more years experience and without Megin that leaves 2 members with that experience. He says he understands the prerogative to make changes, but says they also have responsibility to look and makes sure that they are not doing damage. He thinks this is important and wanted people to be aware of it.
Pham-Remmele asks Bert - has Megin been showing up and fulfill her duties. In 11 years, she's had excellent attendance, she had been the Vice President of the commission for 7 years and participates in many subcommittees of the commission.
Thuy asks the following questions with Bert's answers:
Any complaints? No.
Has she been investigated on some wrong doing? No.
Do you need fresh perspective? Bert says a 10 or 12 year rule might be good, but alot of people move on for various reasons, so many people don't stay until replaced, most leave before they are there for 4 years (move out of town, new job, grad school) so rotating people might sound good, but losing experienced people with historical memory and lots to offer to the commission is a problem. He thinks that they will not benefit from Megin's loss.
Satya Rhodes Conway votes no - Rummel speaks up and votes no. Pham-Remmele abstains, that is 16 votes and it passes.
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION
Click here for blog on Property Tax Exemption discussion at the Council meeting. (I did a separate blog to keep this post from being WAAAAYYYY too long.)
BANNING LIQUOR IN SMALL PACKAGES
Click here for discussion on Banning Sales of Liquor Packaged in Small Quantities.
BUY AMERICAN WITH STIMULUS MONEY
#60 – there is a substitute at their desks and 1 speaker Alliance for American something-or-other that I missed.
Larry Warman spoke about buying steal and keeping jobs in the United States, these resolutions shouldn’t be necessary, but because of the markets, we need policies like this to keep manufacturing jobs here.
Alder Rhodes-Conway encourages support.
Schumacher reminds people that we are all interconnected in the world, but will support this. He says its symbolic and reminds people that there is a larger world out there. Says even Obama has said that buying American is not always the answer.
CURFEW
Click here for discussion on Curfew.
The council adjourned around 12:10.
Read more!
GETTING STARTED
The meeting started around 6:38, Mayor was in the chair since before 6:30, but it still took nearly 10 minutes to get started. I don't know why they can't start on time, everyone seemed to be in the room, its just that everyone was busy chatting. I'm not sure if that bothers anyone, but it used to drive me a little crazy.
Cnare was absent, which was notified in advance. Palm also absent, which was not anticipated. Palm did arrive later in the meeting.
The meeting started with mic problems, as usual. Bruer had to use Kerr's microphone, to the vocally expressed displeasure of Alder Kerr. Bruer makes the motion to suspend the rules allowing them to take things out of order and introduce items from the floor, no objection, as usual.
HONORING RESOLUTIONS
Item 1 - referred to May 19 when Memorial Spartan Boys Swimming and Diving team can be there.
Item 2 - adoption of resolution declaring May 9th Broom St. Theatre Day - only Julia Kerr stands. Like many good organizations, they've been around since 1969 and proud to be serving Madison and intend to stay around for years to come.
Item 3 - adoption of a resolution honoring the selfless heroism of Lt. Gerald Stull - over 50 years ago he flew plane into Lake Monona to avoid running into a Madison neighborhood, and the neighborhood is placing a memorial in a neighborhood park with a ceremony in Hudson Park (Lakeland & Miller Ave) Saturday at 11:00. Lt. Stull's family will be in attendance.
Item 4 - adoption of a resolution that congratulates Madison Memorial Boys Basketball Team - State Division 1 Title - Coach spoke with his team behind him. He said it is great to win in their home town and he hopes the state tourney stays here in Madison.
Item 5 - adoption of a resolution recognizing Public Service Recognition Week May 4 - 10. The plaque was accepted by Brad Wirtz of Human Resources which was probably a little insulting to some city staff. He rushed through reading a written speech with little enthusiasm or sincerity. I couldn't tell if he was a bad public speaker, or just annoyed to be there. There will be a ceremony today at noon on steps of . . . either City Hall or the City-County Building . . . I wasn't quite clear.
Item 6 - Cinco de Mayo resolution. There was no one to accept it but Alder Bidar-Sielaff spoke to explain no one there to accept resolution because they were celebrating the day elsewhere.
It was nearly 7:55 by the time they were done with all the honoring resolutions. Its the most I have seen in a while.
Item 7 - A petition from Java Cat regarding the widening of Monona Drive was referred to Board of Public Works.
EARLY PUBLIC COMMENT
Early Public Comment - Duane Johnson on item 16 representing Ikonica on Demming Way. Registered to speak - no questions from the council.
CONSENT AGENDA
The consent agenda -
23 is the citizen appointments introduced tonight and it was referred to 5/19 council meeting
48 a bartender's license for a man who works at the Edgewater was referred back to ALRC
163 was the Aldermanic appointments that Alder Pham-Remmele was threatening to quit over, but it was placed on file.
20 (appointments to committees of people not living in Madison), 54 (Resources for Tuberculosis), 55 (Amending Public Health Budget to carry over funds form 2008) & 62 (Annual Budget adjustments, including spending over $100,000 from Contingent Reserve) - all were unanimously approved even tho they were super majority items. Items can be looked up on the agenda.
WILL ALDER THUY PHAM-REMMELE QUIT IN DISGUST OVER MAYORAL ALDERMANIC APPOINTMENTS
No. The item was placed on file. Alder Pham-Remmele speaks, but asks what it means to place 163 on file and thanks Alder Bruer for requesting this to be placed on the agenda, but says it is not necessary. So, the Common Council did not need to face the dilemma.
Items separated for discussion were:
20 - Citizen Appointments
24 - Property Tax Exemption
41 - Banning sales of small quantities of liquor
60 - Buy American with Stimulus Money
102 - Curfew
SWINE FLU, ER . . . H1N1 Virus
Special Order of Business - update on swine flu from Doctor Schlenker - item #164 was moved out of order - they didn't vote on it or make a motion. Schlenker updated the council that while the flu is wide spread it is not as severe as originally thought. He said that there were no deaths in United States (?) but there have been 30 hospitalizations however they have been brief. He said there are 400 cases nationally in most states. In Wisconsin there are 119 cases in 10 counties. As of last night, we have our first probable case here in Dane County where an infant who had visited Mexico was ill. He was tested and they don't know for sure because the test was inconclusive. The boy and his family are isolated and at home and being monitored by public health nurses, and the boy has recovered at this point. He has very caring and capable parents. He has not attended any kind of school in last few months so no concern there either. The other 56 specimens taken in Dane County are 48 that have been negative, 7 still pending, but likely to have more cases in coming days. He reiterates it is a relatively mild illness - no worse than seasonal influenza. He also said it was unlikely that there would be any school closures, the Centers for Disease control has new guidelines do not recommend school closures at this time. Instead they recommend that schools should ID people who are sick and make them go home.
Pham-Remmele asks if there are special precautions for older people. Schlenker says to wash hands frequently, cover mouth when cough or sneeze, if sick stay home, if elderly or other physical disability be in touch with your doctor but unless develop respiratory problems you do not need to seek medical attention. She asks about if people should be wearing masks. Schlenker says no, not necessary or very effective.
Mayor asks if the flu is expected to return in the fall. Schlenker says yes, and that is a concern now that it has proven to be very effectively transmitted between humans it would only take a mutation or two to ratchet up the seriousness but he hopes to have a vaccine for the fall.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - ITEMS 8 - 19.
- DEMOLITION DEFINITION
Item 8 Definition of Demolition - no registrants. I was slightly surprised no one showed up to express concerns and that there were no amendments. I believe that the motion was on the original not the alternate.
Alder Rhodes-Conway points out that there is an alternate and asked Brad Murphy to explain the ordinance. He said current ordinance doesn't have a definition of demolition and staff has had to use judgement about if large scale remodeling warranted demolition review. This ordinance provides an objective definition - and if 50% of the wall area or the front wall are being removed it would require plan commission approval.
Rhodes-Conway asks what happens if it is less than 50% of the wall area. Murphy explained that they would need staff review and approval of building plans against building code.
Rhodes-Conway asks about historic buildings. He says all projects that are landmarked or in historic district would need to be approved by Landmarks.
Rhodes-Conway asks about "demolition by neglect". Murphy says that was topic of discussion when demolition ordinance was revised a year ago.
There was a roll call, but it was unanimous that all 19 people in attendance (Cnare absent) voted in support. The Mayor makes a snide "thanks" to alder Rhodes-Conway for requesting roll call.
- MERITER
Item 9 - Steve Jacobson spoke in opposition, lives in Triangle, Brittingham Place, sent an email to the council that he said they all have (but they don't). He opposes 11 story building because it will have a negative impact on his community. He would like it referred until consideration given to the neighbors - 300 low income, elderly and disabled residents plus Bayview. He thinks that they should review the parking and do a cost benefit analysis. He thinks neighborhood process (3 meetings) was ok but says there is still room for discussion about what conclusions should be drawn from the meetings and how the input was used. There were three neighborhood associations involved. One Neighborhood Association said there wasn't time to comment on the project and suggests they want information on what a one story bungalow will look like next to a 164 foot building. Another neighborhood association in the area also did not vote on the project. He knocked on doors today and people were concerned about tv reception and other issues. He also said that everyone he talked to facing 11 story building opposes the project.
Joe Stark - also from Braxton Place was in opposition but did not speak.
3 registrations in support, all representing Meriter Hospital
Alder Kerr said that she sent the email to allalders@cityofmadison.com at the beginning of meeting so if they have their computers they can read the email the speaker was referring to. She thinks the process was good and excited about Meriter making an investment in the corridor. Some of Mr. Jacobson's concerns were addressed in plan commission motion last night. The item was approved with additional conditions, not available to the public but on the desks of the alders. King abstains, no discussion by the Council.
- OTHER PUBLIC HEARINGS (See Agenda for the items)
Item 10 - 13 - Report of ALRC, all passed on voice vote
Item 14 & 15 - Report of Board of Public Works, passed on voice vote.
Report of Plan Commission
Item 16 - Duane Johnson registered - same as early registration
Item 17 - no one in attendance
Item 18 - Silicon Prairie Parkway - no one in attendance
Item 19 - no registrants
16 - 18 adopted with substitute on 19 that is on their desks all passed on a voice vote. Skidmore abstains on 16.
CITIZEN APPOINTMENTS
Item 20 - Bert Zipperer speaks in opposition. Speaking for himself. Megin McDonell is an EOC appointment with housing experience, invaluable member and officer of EOC. He says the EOC and all the appointments depend upon the Council to give the committee members their three year terms. There are 13 members on EOC and 7 of the members have 2 years experience or less. 3 members have 4 -6 years experience. 3 members have 10 or more years experience and without Megin that leaves 2 members with that experience. He says he understands the prerogative to make changes, but says they also have responsibility to look and makes sure that they are not doing damage. He thinks this is important and wanted people to be aware of it.
Pham-Remmele asks Bert - has Megin been showing up and fulfill her duties. In 11 years, she's had excellent attendance, she had been the Vice President of the commission for 7 years and participates in many subcommittees of the commission.
Thuy asks the following questions with Bert's answers:
Any complaints? No.
Has she been investigated on some wrong doing? No.
Do you need fresh perspective? Bert says a 10 or 12 year rule might be good, but alot of people move on for various reasons, so many people don't stay until replaced, most leave before they are there for 4 years (move out of town, new job, grad school) so rotating people might sound good, but losing experienced people with historical memory and lots to offer to the commission is a problem. He thinks that they will not benefit from Megin's loss.
Satya Rhodes Conway votes no - Rummel speaks up and votes no. Pham-Remmele abstains, that is 16 votes and it passes.
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION
Click here for blog on Property Tax Exemption discussion at the Council meeting. (I did a separate blog to keep this post from being WAAAAYYYY too long.)
BANNING LIQUOR IN SMALL PACKAGES
Click here for discussion on Banning Sales of Liquor Packaged in Small Quantities.
BUY AMERICAN WITH STIMULUS MONEY
#60 – there is a substitute at their desks and 1 speaker Alliance for American something-or-other that I missed.
Larry Warman spoke about buying steal and keeping jobs in the United States, these resolutions shouldn’t be necessary, but because of the markets, we need policies like this to keep manufacturing jobs here.
Alder Rhodes-Conway encourages support.
Schumacher reminds people that we are all interconnected in the world, but will support this. He says its symbolic and reminds people that there is a larger world out there. Says even Obama has said that buying American is not always the answer.
CURFEW
Click here for discussion on Curfew.
The council adjourned around 12:10.
Read more!
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