Short Week Monday Morning Round Up

Edgewater free round up . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From City Staff we have this:

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

Which do you believe?

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

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

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

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

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

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

EEEE Round Up: Everything Else Except the Edgewater

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

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

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

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

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

ART GALLERY OPENING

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

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

Wine and hor'devours to be served.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AIDS QUILT IN MADISON TODAY AND TOMORROW"

Overture Center Main Lobby
201 State Street, Madison, Wisconsin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'm freaking speechless.
Read more!

All Aboard the Thuy Rollercoaster Council Recap

When the consent agenda came out with only Pham-Remmele separating items for discussion, I got several "Thuy Alert!" emails. I struggled with whether to just post there was alot of grandstanding that wasn't worth writing about and leaving it at that . . . but the problem is, she made a few good points in between bachelor roses and Brad and Angelina African baby orphans. In case you haven't already figured it out . . . lots of purple comments today. Be forewarned, she talked/asked questions for a full 45 minutes of the 90 minute meeting.

GETTING STARTED
They actually got started early, and by that I mean only 5 minutes late! I think it was out of respect for the guests from the Camaguey sister city.

ROLL CALL - Kerr absent, Maniaci m.i.a.

Bruer suspends the rules to take items out of order and introduce items from the floor.

CAMAGUEY SISTER CITY RESOLUTION
They celebrated 15 years of a sister city relationship with Camaguey and welcomed the Cuban artists visiting Madison.

Ricardo Gonzalez spoke recalling 15 years ago when the council adopted a project that was daring and difficult to undertake and yet over last 15 years one of the most successful sister cities. He introduced guests. Thanked the Mayor’s office and council for putting their confidence in us at the time and for voting for the resolutions about Cuba. Notes that Congress will be voting to end the travel ban allowing us to go see Cuba and see sister city without the restrictions. One of the guests thanks the Mayor and Council.

Bruer "quickly" adds words to add to the celebration tonight. I tuned out.

CONSENT AGENDA
You'll have to look up your own links for some of these.
- Item 72 recommendation is to approve (Linden Park driveway easement)
- Item 24 recommendation is approval of the third substitute (Department of Energy Grant)
- Item 47 recommendation is to adopt (reducing energy and transportation fuel usage by 25% by 2025)
- Item 53 add housing committee as a referral (notification for chicken licenses and revocation of license)
- Item 55 refer substitute (sewer utility rates)
- Item 22 & 23 recommend approval but requires extra-majority vote (Water Utility Bonds)
- Exclude 8 (appointments), 10 (shared appreciation for non-profits), 13 (Meadowood Neighborhood Center), 20 (Vendor's fees) for discussion
- Pham-Remmele asked for the Water Utility Bonds (22 & 23) to also be excluded.

PUBLIC HEARINGS
Nothing of note.

MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS
Pham-Remmele asked for separation because she had concerns in April and she was told to just agree to go along and let them go ahead with the appointments and that CCOC (Common Council Organizational Committee) was going to take up this issue and make a recommendation for commission and committees appointments servicing many issues, asks council leadership what has been taken up. [Ok so here's the beginning of driving her 20 colleagues crazy by grandstanding and either using questions, rather poorly, to make a point or just plain not doing her homework, there are mixed opinions about which it is, but it is clear the entire council left to right was just annoyed throughout the evening. One alder from the right, who I don't necessarily agree with often, suggested I list the phone number and emails in my blog for the people she could have contacted prior to the meeting to get her questions answered instead of wasting time and grandstanding.] Patiently waiting since the spring. [Ok, this is the second major annoyance of the evening. Instead of "waiting" for something to happen, she could do her job and "make" things happen. She has this sense of entitlement that she can just say something and everyone else should just do the work with no direction or assistance from her.] She has a concern cuz this item has to get 2/3 council approval, she is very new on the council [OK - if she is new on the council that means Rummel, Solomon, Kerr, Clear, Clausius and Schumacher are also "new" along with the newest alders Maniaici, Bidar-Sielaff, King, Eagon, and Schmidt and I RARELY hear any of them use this as an excuse.] and takes her job seriously, when she votes she wants to be informed about the decision, so when it is decided that mayor appoint citizens, that is wonderful, but when the requirement to consent is from the council we are the final authority to look into it and approve it, but all time she served, she has been told it is a courtesy, you vote yes unless you have a big issue, most of time no issues, but she doesn’t know people, same names appear again and again, getting to point she memorized the names,[Ok - credit where credit due, yes, some of the same names pop up over and over, but many are due to requirements that committees have for cross appointment, so LRTPC need a plan commission for example, so that person's name come up more than once.] some serve 10 – 12 years, serve on many committees, good they volunteer to step up and take care of civic matters, shows dedication and appreciates this, but if so important make every decision in town, many things go through so many commissions and these people, I don’t know them, don’t know how dedicated, not know who’s interest they are serving, election in 1.5 years, not put negative thoughts in your mind,[classic, make your point by denying what you are doing, I wonder if she is concerned about someone running against her in a few years or what is going on in her mind.] should it be someone making big decisions for city shouldn’t they be scrutinized, they are not accountable and not elected [recycle RTA talking points here.] at least have something known to rest of council when appointed for 10 years. [She does have a point, the council should get more information, including I am told, the ordinance requires the council to get a copy of the statement of interest forms, perhaps this is what she is getting at. I need to get the ordinance and follow up on that. However, people are usually appointed for 1, 2, 3 or 5 years, not 10.] She asks about Stuart Levitan, she says she doesn’t know him, [Is she living under a rock?] who is serving in so many groups [CDA, Madison Development Corporation and Landmarks], don’t know him enough to know one way or the other. Rosemary Lee has been here forever [only on Vending Oversight]. She asks what did CCOC decide or do,[One more theme for the evening, she doesn't attend committees where items of interest to her are discussed and doesn't participate at the committee level and just expects others to do the work at her command.] there appointments are usually on the consent agenda, no one ever knows. She says don’t do this for her, she is not going to request or ask to be placed on any commission or committee,[Interesting strategy, knowing that she won't get appointed, declare she doesn't want to be appointed, and do it very publicly.] She says Bruer called her before meeting and suggested she serve on the Affirmative Action Committee and she appreciates it, but please don’t do it for me, don’t be like a bachelor over the rose, I am not desperate, fix the process so when vote for people not elected – let’s do it transparently, fairly, big city and working class should be a lot of people serving instead of the same old group, same old crowd, doesn’t make us look good, if clean, honest we should smell like roses.[Gotta give her props for her colorful, memorable statements, but I often walk away remembering roses, but not why she used it to get attention.]

Bruer – he’s going to see if he can focus – says at council and CCOC and in leadership meetings they look at composition of the committees, their representation and expertise so there is a certain level of review that continues to go on. [That was a bit of a stretch. CCOC doesn't review committee appointments and that is why I asked for the reports on gender and race/ethnicity, because many committees are unbalanced, but very little is done with that report cuz the mayor decides.] We could have a committee to look at them, but we don’t have one, it would take us 2 or 3 years to go through confirmation hearings. A number of times appointments have been sent back,[Ok, but how many times, if ever, has the appointment changes? The Mayor usually just comes back with the same person.] mayor is sensitive to that. He says it is critical that every member of the body, if you have people in the community and willing to devote time, make those nominations known to the mayor and encourage those interested parties to fill out the application [Ok - Pham-Remmele may have a point here, when I was alder I encouraged people I know who were filling out the form to NOT use my name and instead I helped them find another alder to recommend them so they'd have a chance of getting appointed.]– if look at alder district reports, there is representation from all districts, he has sensitivity to encourage new blood and that doesn’t mean that those who have served diligently that end of the 5 or 10 years that they shouldn’t be encouraged to serve in other ways. Since Pham-Remmele has been vocal about their concern, if you have people bring those names forward and he would welcome her to bring the names to leadership and we will recommend them to the Mayor.[Here, I'm not sure if Pham-Remmele is not doing her job on her own, or if she just feel alienated from the Mayor's office and doesn't bother, as I did.]

Pham-Remmele thanks him, says that is the urgency, people in her district applied and encouraged and recommended and not chosen and they won’t apply any more. [Score one for Pham-Remmele, that is precisely the problem I hear all the time. People won't apply because when they did there was no communication from the Mayor's office and have heard of others who never hear about their application or they get appointed to something they aren't interested in.] One is still serving, but they donated $1,000 to mayor campaign and that is why appointed, [That seems a little far fetched to me - but I'll follow up on that claim! I don't think any appointment except maybe Plan commission is worth that much money, and you could just stand with the Mayor at a press conference to get his attention and get appointed to something.]that was the bomb that dropped, this is not clean, with upcoming election, maybe we should see how they contribute to campaign, don’t want bad rumors to be passed alone.[If she's interested, it's all on-line, she could look it all up herself.]

Bruer jumps in with nervous glances from the Mayor, and says that is a strong statement, he would like Mayor to identify all "Alder Thuy’s"[Konkel pet peeve, Bruer only calls the women by their first names, never the men. "Alder Bridget" is another of his favorites along with "Alder Shiva". Drives me nuts.] folks and he’d be happy to look at them and report back to Thuy and says there is no evidence of pay for play. [No wonder the mayor was looking nervous, this is hardly a real credible defender on this point.] That is totally an unacceptable suggestion. [It's only unacceptable if its not true, but if she's going to make the claim, she better be ready to back it up.] If she feels that is the case, then she wants to have leadership evaluate and assess that.

Mayor says not many gave $1000 to his campaign.

Palm says Pham-Remmele brings up some interesting issues, some committees have more applicants and some have fewer because not as desirable, what is the general understanding of how many applicants per positions – how does the Mayor recommend people, why do some people get appointed, some don’t.

Mayor says it varies widely, dozens for plan, few for more obscure committees, he encourages all alders to encourage people to apply, some districts have more representation, but they look for geographical diversity.

Palm asks about the council's 12 year rule and the Mayor's 10 year rule, what is your opinion on people on multiple committees for generations?

Mayor says he has been criticized for the opposite, for letting people go. Says there is not an ironclad rule, thinks good to turn over committees after a decade unless extraordinary reason.

Pham Remmele asks to abstain from the approvals, doesn’t know enough, abstain me from these appointments until process is more clear, a lot of appointments tonight and don’t have information to vote and not fair to vote against, abstain from process until process improved.[But don't expect her to life a finger to make it happen. She could write a resolution to create a committee to look at it, write a report or change the ordinance herself. If she wants to have the discussion, she should propose some changes.]

This passes on a voice vote. Pham-Remmele, of course, abstaining.

SHARED APPRECIATION FOR NON-PROFITS
She asked for it to be excluded, pleased came to the decisions to change policy, it was a policy that didn’t work, have seen agency asking them to modify the rule that so they can operate, good time to eliminate, except city is giving up return that is going back into the funds, we get nothing for doing it, want staff or policy makers look deeper to see if something to offset this,[ahem, or she could do her job and come up with a proposal] instead of demanding a share of appreciation, can we do something so when property is sold can we get something for the e city, charge interest on the loan, getting rid of an unworkable policy – asks staff to respond before they vote.

Clingan says this has been an issue for 10 years, trying to protect themselves, not giving up shared appreciation, it is plowed back into the provider, almost all funds in many years have been given back to same provider in the same night and resolution. They added a provision that shared appreciation must be plugged back in to the core mission of the provider.[How are they going to track that? Where is the accountability?] Second thing is a compromise to have it be the default position, but there could be exceptions on selective cases.

Passes on a voice vote.

MEADOWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
Pham-Remmele apologizes for being the only one raising issues this evening. She has to ask for that permission, item 13 is for aneighborhood center in her district Raymond Road. Thankful to see $72,000 assigned for this, cuz she worked very hard for 3 years to make it reality, [REALITY CHECK: SHE VOTED AGAINST HER OWN NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER FUNDING IN THE BUDGET WHEN IT WAS PART OF THE EMERGING NEIGHBORHOOD FUNDS!!! Yes, I'm yelling, just channeling the pent up frustration of my former colleagues. This was the vote that caused Rummel to throw her pen in the air during that budget debate. It also caused alot of eye rolling and tense moments with the council as many understood the need, but felt compelled to vote against it if the alder didn't want it. It was an interesting dilemma. I chose to vote for it because its not about Pham-Remmele, but the people who need the services.] At this point, she stop talking and points out that several alders talking and not listening. Maniaci slinks back to her seat. Pham-Remmele waits. [She was probably right to point it out, but then also a little overly dramatic about it and she feels the need to drive. her. point. home.] Yes, there are more serious issue to discussion, but uncomfortable talking when something else going on, this is not respectful, this is like being in class, promises to be clear and short and fast as possible, but wants them to pay attention. She says this is a neighborhood center in her district, ran for office to respond to needs of neighbors and senior citizens longing for a place to gather and when it happened she really plead for that, from the point not even a concept, city responded unusually by giving $20K for study to a pilot and at the end of 2008 a lease signed almost at the last minute, opened Feb. 23, the response of neighborhood people has been beyond expectations, thankful for that, the word pilot has been removed, next year funded by CDBG is a good sign. Question is then what? So she is for it, answer a lot of needs in the area, things not done before opening, very clear with the public, as an alder for the district she is out in the dark, no one shared anything with her, someone showed her something to be introduced tonight [There was no pause here and a quick shift in topics and I'm not clear what she was saying, but I think she was unhappy about not being kept in the loop and I don't know if this is the typical kind of thing that can happen to alders, or if this is more of her just not doing here work.] She says she feels like a parent of a child in Africa and Angelina Jolie came to adopt her child, this is beyond her expectation, don’t need to be connected, from this point on this child, who used to be an orphans is adopted, it has legitimate it documents, wants to rest in peace and know that they have a name and will be cared for. [?????????????????????] Question is what happens after this year, is it legitimate or will it be a goner, hopes someone could explain it. So far all these things happen and can’t answer how happened.

Clingan says it’s a two year funding cycle, they would apply next summer for the regular cycle of funding and they hope that they would apply like other neighborhood associations, right now, stand alone money to get it going and become part of regular neighborhood center.

Pham-Remmele says when it opened she was told had to encourage people to use it and there would be a survey – she is scared, does it go through any survey process and if have to re-apply, who is in charge, are we doing things this flexibly all the time, if there is a formula to be funded like other centers? [She sat on the committee for two years, she should know the process.] She says she feels like she got the adoption papers under the table, doesn’t like it.

Clingan says this all happened when he was first hired, this happened in city standards with lightening speed, it was imperative to get it done, because they missed the 2 year cycle they put money into it for next year and then they hope that Meadowood like others will be part of two year cycle and if successful would get funding in 2011.

Pham-Remmele says that this community center is also connected to the library, she says "Mayor you know" they are worried about the library and at April meeting at police station you promised people that it won’t go anywhere, at budget Palm said we would look at location and money is set aside and expanded, its not going anywhere, plea to everyone for this community center, you adopted the baby, sibling connected right there, you approve land banking of $5M to save the land to develop union corners, next to the library there is a piece of land sitting there for 10 years and if expand you might want to expand to that. [Sometimes I don't understand the connect between her random list of thoughts and so I worry I didn't capture it correctly. But that's all I got out of that. I'm working on just getting recordings for moments like these so you can just hear it for yourself.] In 2011 when they expand the library, what will happen to the community center. Excuse me, but I am giving up two kids, one handicap and old, but if Brad and Angelina adopts them she wants to say something now and move on, wants it on public record, when look at role of community center should share services with library branch, two siblings, might not be there all the time, say something on the record, so people listening on TV can hear something.[Same problem.]

Bidar-Sielaff says if Pham–Remmele is interested in how decision made, she could attend CDBG meetings, members of Meadowood were there when this was discussed, the alders who served on the committee didn’t know if Pham-Remmele supported this and had no information from the alder. She would encourage the alder not to make accusations of things under the table, this was done on the table, it was clear and open with members of the group there to answer questions. They made a commitment cuz we do care about what s going on in any neighborhood in our city. They were happy to make the commitment, but need to integrate it into the committee funding process. Discussion like this are wasteful and disrespectful. [Kudos Bidar-Sielaff!]

King says this is a real asset to the southwest side and going in a positive direction and wants to be added as a sponsor.

Palm - insert pause here - says that he thought they covered this last week, but still some haven’t heard accurately so he'll repeat himself. A number of years ago they tried to locate a library that was reasonable for the service area and branches serve a lot of people. Compton and Cnare don’t have a branch, Clausius and Clear don't either. Branches serve a lot of people and some in our community have a branch very near their home and he is overwhelmed with the pride they have but don’t know others don’t have that privilege. When library tries to look at costs of operations they look at the service area and try to make it accessible by the most people. The previous alder was passionate about not moving it, no conclusion with landlord, mayor graciously put placeholder in budget for next year for improvements, they will look at service area and model and find out what is best for people, for all of the southwest side. He explicitly said library is a place for all but not a community center, to insinuate that they two have a relationship is not appropriate, please stop saying it. Library is there for everyone, not a secondary role, that is why not community or neighborhood center, there are two different roles, could be conjoined or nearby, but that is not part of the library’s method of operation. Sometimes it is a broader issue to be resolved with neighboring alders and neighborhood associations, he invites all alders to come to library board to discuss where a proper branch placement is. Your participation is always welcome, you could grace us with your presence and it would be good to hear what people say at the time the decisions re made not after. [Kudos, again!]

And with that . . . the motion passes.

RAISING THE VENDING FEES
Pham-Remmele says this is a Vendin Oversight Committee issue, where she serves and has had several calls from food vendors concerned about raising the fees. Fees were $680 in 2003, $800 in 2004 and now $850 so if you look, 25% increase in last 6 years and as she mentioned before, Warren Hanson has been working with less and adding more responsibility. He lost his assistant Charlie, working without help and this is one of the few area where we have direct service to the public, so when money approved to hire assistant was taken for other uses and with the hiring freeze, now entering the spring, is there any guarantee at all if we raise the fee, will it be use toward paying for that position? There is nothing in the resolution. When need money why do we get it from small business vendors, it’s a very small number of money, but these are people who are mostly minority who don’t know how city works and don’t know that we are discussing things impacting them. She works with Verveer on VOC and depends on his experience and she feels uncomfortable approving this, that is the reason she excluded it. Should they do this, is the money worth doing it?. We discuss a million dollars very easily and something like this she wants to bring to their attention, plight of small business people. Worth consideration.

That was the end of the discussion.

WATER UTILITY BONDS
Bruer asks comptroller to explain for new members of the body and give us a sense of why this comes up with such a short notice.

Brasser says this is a refinancing of Water Utility’s debt, they have faced constrained revenues as it become more difficult to get rate increases, but expanding capital improvement program, especially with water quality issues. Coming under increasing financial pressure and needs to borrow more money to operate and finance capital improvement program. They are also under antiquated bond covenants, high levels of required debt service coverage. To bring more stability to water utility, this refinancing replaces all debt with new bonds that were bid this morning, and refinancing results in several benefits 1) modernize bond covenants to conform with industry standards, 2) allows utility to reduce debt service over next few years and increase cash balance and flow, water utility can pay back capital loan from the city more quickly. Most of the borrowing amounts changed, good interest rates, Title 1 was predicted to be $49M but that was reduced to $47M. Those are all tax exempt, 20 year bonds, 3.88% true interest rate, lowest ever. Other resolution is a smaller piece of debt $1.5M, taxable because refinances some debt of water utility that was already refinanced in 2005 and can’t issue tax exempt debt for refinanced debt. $50M interest rates favorable, utility improve cash position, allows them to borrow, $11M is for their current capital projects.

Bruer asks the reason for the short window? Attractive interest rate?

Brasser says borrowing for water utility approved in 2009 budget last fall, planning in the works for a long time, quick turnaround is because competitive sales process. Bids go up at 10:30 in morning, bids are good for 24 hours, get bids, work out package quickly. That is why they held the special Water Utility and Board of Estimates meetings right before the council meeting. They need council approval so can get back to the winning bidder by 10:30 tomorrow morning.

Bruer says this has been true as long as he can remember.

Brasser says it is the standard schedule.

Bruer says if questions or concerns they can contact comptroller office in advance.

Brasser says any time. Notes Piper from Water utility is here too.

Schumacher adds that water utility has the fortunate but financial dilemma that 20% savings on conservation and that translates to revenue, city will be facing this in the future, but we as a city need to figure out how to have a fee structure to add in to the conservation – cost of doing business with water utility.

Pham-Remmele says if to refinance, how is the current interest rate changed? What is current interest rate?

Brasser says that inside the cover of the resolution shows the schedule for the winning bidder, interest rates that bond holders will pay over next several years, for year 1, 2 3 and 4 they pay different rates, the calculation of the true interest costs including transaction fees is the 3.88% which replaces several different bonds at different rates and maturity. Says average interest rate is going to be close to the ones replaced.

Pham Remmele said that text says the “next few years” – should help improve stability, repay working capital loan. I next few years 9 or 2 or 10?

Brasser says closer to 2 than 9. City fund balance, beginning a few years ago, water utility had a cash crunch, growing capital expenditure needs and rates from Public Service Commision (PSC) assumed higher water sales, as sales declined, also meant declining revenues. Conservation good, no money bad. City loaned money on a temporary basis, that loan is $4.6M at moment, financing will help reduce that by $1M or more when completed and over next 3 – 5 years, water tultity will fully repay the balance.

Pham Remmele says she asked her husband to look at last year to this year water bill. March 2008, 1.2 per cubic foot, 1.41 this year, with sewage etc. added her bill went from $422 to $525 and just putting self in position for regular Madison resident, encouraged to be conservative, rate of using we are going down, have rate of 17% of customers in default, all optimistic to repay, but we do have less use for water and higher fees charged and higher number of customers non-paying. Has reservations going into this. Wants to answer to regular resident, what are we doing? $50M is not a small amount.

Mayor asks Piper – Brasser says that it’s true that water rates have gone up and will need to go up, Robin can talk about how new rate cases are looking at changing the rate structure, utility has been addressing this.

Mayor wants Piper but Pham–Remmele jumps in and asks about meter reading improvements, how did we pass the savings to the residents and how much of loan or money is used for replacing the pipe system, doesn’t see numbers there to give her the assurance.

Brasser says that everything water utility spends is either to repay current debt or for new projects from 2009 budget, can only spend the proceeds on improvements to the water supply and distribution system. He says that this resoltuion doesn't include those details, it’s in the budget process.

Pham-Remmele asks if by approving this tonight, how will it impact customer rate for Madison residents if they approve these two items, how is this going to affect the resident of Madison?

Brasser says this action has no direct impact on the rates. Except good repairs of system, rates set by PSC, which is a separate process, most of borrowing replacing debt, very little impact, Robin can talk about the rate cases. This allows utility to cover current capital costs already built in to the current rates.

Piper says that in this refunding is $11M for 2009 and a little 2010 and majority is for main replacements and infrastructure improvements, won’t affect the rates for a few years, PSC doesn’t allow actual inclusion of assets that were funded through the money until the assets are in service, affect is in future years.

Schumacher asks Piper where we stand with other utilities?

Piper says that they have the lower portion of larger utilities, 78 larger ones in the state and we’re approaching the upper teens, but fairly low for area and state. Water bill is now municipal services, sewer, stormwater and landfill remediation fees all on the water bill. Water bill increase is only 36% of the bill and that is all that is increased.

Cnare says that lack of money stymied us (Water Utility) this year, we have a loan out there, but reality is that it has an impact on our budget, this allows them to pay back the $4.5M that is the win, scrambling to catch up cuz too conservative for years, pipes, booster stations and the water table level issues need to be addressed. This is forecasting and the community now understands this is a precious service and resource and that they are not not saving up for one big bolus every few years. Not wait for the main to break, basic stuff, not an unusual occurrence, residents will appreciate when they turn on the faucet and have clean water now and for year to come. Good deal on water for a long time, starting to catch up - PSC agrees we need to increase the rates, benefit is also capital budget and automatic reader reading, monthly bill will be able to see the results in the savings. This is not unusual, its a critical piece that allows this to go forward.

Pham-Remmele wants to be clear – what is the bond rating now?

Brasser says AA2.

Pham-Remmele asks if this is better or worse?

Brasser says it is down from AA1 before this most recent rating. Last time sold bonds, Moody’s gave them a negative rating, need to rectify situation that we are trying to address with this debt restructuring, so rating went down.

Pham-Remmele asks if they are sliding? What proportion of operating expense is for debt service?

Piper says he thinks it is 18 – 20%, that is in the ball park.

Pham-Remmele asks if that is comfortable – are we ok with that or should we worry about it?

Brasser says not a ratio to worry about, but in general fund we have goal of 12%, but water utility isn’t a city, different structure, capital intensive, much of effort this building and maintaining the system, so expect to have a higher ratio for debt service cuz of all the borrowing.

Pham-Remmele says right now it is?

Brasser says coverage ratio of operating income to debt service has been scheduled out. Its 300% and then drops to between n 130 – 140% of the revenue of debt service for 20 years of bond issue. Above required level of 125%. 1.4 was requirement in past, with new debt, 1.25 and utility is projected to have actual 1.3 – 1.4. [I confess, I didn't quite understand that, so I hope what I typed is correct.]

Pham-Remmele asks if this is optimistic?

Brasser says it was realistic.

[Ok, that was more tolerable and a little less grandstanding. But again, this isn't the first time the council approved bonds in the nearly 3 years Pham-Remmele has been on the council and she should have known much of this.]

They vote, it passes. There are some introductions of items. They adjourn for their "budget party" at Madisons. Rollercoaster ride comes to an end . . .

Read more!

It's Water Main Flushing Season

Water Main Flushing plans beginning Thursday, May 28 (all flushing is
daytime unless otherwise noted). More info here.

North (Area 7) -- West of N Sherman Ave and North of MacPherson

East (Area 25) -- Between Cottage Grove Rd and S Thompson Dr from Vondron Rd to S Thompson Dr

West (Area 12) –- Mineral point Rd and Old Middleton Rd from Rosa Rd to Midvale Blvd

South (Area 18) -- Badger Rd to Post Rd from Todd Dr to Syene Rd

Near East (Area 24) NIGHTS(Sunday-Thurs) -- Between E Gorham St and E Washington Ave, from Brearly St to Pinckney St.


Questions: Shayne Santi, 261-9128

Flushing Information Line: 261-9178

DETAILS:

Area 7 (North): 5-7 runs per day

7052 Fremont-Almo-Pleasure
7053 Trailsway then south on Monterey Dr
7054 Fremont from Trailsway to Almo
7055 Calypso Rd and Carioca Ln
7056 Brentwood Pkwy-Wyldewood Dr-Wyldewood Cir
7057 Monterey Dr-Wyldewood Dr-north on Sheridan Dr
7058 Wyldewood Dr from Brentwood to Almo
7059 Arrowwood from Sheridan to Almo
7060 Pleasure Dr from Sheridan to Almo
7061 Sheridan Dr from Pleasure to Mac Pherson

Area 25 (East): 5-7 runs per day

25055 Irongate Dr - Forge Dr (Thompson to N of Woodglen)
25056 Rustic Woods - Anvil - Woodglen - Forge (Thompson to S of Irongate)
25056.1 Woodglen Ct
25057 Rustic Woods - Forge (Thompson to Thompson)
25058 Anvil Ln - Forge Dr (Woodglen to Thompson)
25059 Blacksmsith - Oxbow Bend (Thompson to N of bend in road)
25060 Oxbow Bend - Oxbow Ct (entire length)
25061 Wagon Trl
25061.1 Wagon Trl
25062 Irongate Ct
25063 Rustic Ridge Ct
25064 Forge Ct
25065 Rustic Woods Ct
25066 Ranch House Ln
25067 Bellows Cir

Area 12 (West): 4-6 runs per day

12208 Regent St. from s. Whitney Way to S. Rock Rd.
12209 Carillon Dr. from South Hill Dr. onto Trempealeau Trl. 12210 S Rock Rd From Trempealeau to Regent
12211 S Kenosha, Trempealeau, S Rock Rd
12212 S Kenosha from Regent to Trempealeau
12212.1 Carillon Dr
12212.2 South End of Carillon Dr
12213 Carillon Dr From Regent to Trempealeau
12214 S Rosa Rd and Anchorage
12215 Beach St and Cable Dr
12216 Regent from Wakeman to Rosa
12217 Rosa Rd from Regent to Crestwood
12218 N Rosa from Regent to Bordner
12219 Mark Twain St
12220 Rosa, T. Haute, Glen(T. Haute to Regent)
12221 Glen (Terre Haute to Tesla)
12222 Kenosha (Glen to Regent)

Area 18 (South) 4-6 runs per day

18077 Sequoia Trl - Cypress Way - W Badger Rd
18077.1 Cypress Way
18078 Magnolia Ln - Cypress Way - Huges Pl
18079 Hackberry Ln (Magnolia Ln - Sequoia Trail)
18079.1 Magnolia Cir
18080 S Park St - W Badger Rd
18080.1 S Park St - Badger Pkwy
18080.2 W Badger Rd (S Park St - Catalpa Rd)
18081 Union Pacific RR (Fish Hatchery Rd - W Badger Rd)
18082 W Badger Rd -Catalpa Rd
18083 Parker Pl - Fiedler Ln
18084 Fiedler Ln (S of W Badger Rd)
18085 Perry St - Ann St
18086 Fish Hatchery Rd - Ann St
18087 Petra Pl (W of Fish Hatchery Rd)
18087.1 Alrita Ct
18088 Emil St - W Beltline Hwy (S side Frontage Rd)
18088.1 Damon Rd (N of W Beltline Hwy)
18089 Damon Rd (S of Emil St)
18090 Applegate Rd ( Latham Dr - Greenway Cross)
18091 Applegate Ct - Greenway Cross
18092 Applegate Rd

Area 24 (near East) NIGHTS Sun-Thurs 10pm-6am

24532 E Washington Ave - Paterson to Ingersoll
24533 E Washington Ave - Paterson to Ingersoll
24534 S Brearly - E Washington to E Main
24548.2 E Washington Ave - Ingersoll to Thornton
24548.3 E Washington Ave - Dickinson to Thornton
24529 E Main St - S Paterson to S Blount
24530 S Livingston St - E Washington to E Main
24011 E Dayton St - Paterson to Blair
24701 Hancock St (E. Mifflin to E. Main)
24702 E Washington Ave (Hancock to Blair)
24703 S Hancock St (Main to John Nolen)
24704 E Washington Ave - S. Franklin St (Hancock to Wilson)
24027 E Wilson St - Hancock to Williamson
24028 N Franklin St - E Washington to E Johnson
24029 N Hancock St - E Mifflin to E Gorham

Read more!

Will Regional Planning be Emasculated?

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

Background of the Mazomanie development proposal

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

Will CARPC lose its power to plan regionally?

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

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

Description of the Proposed Development

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

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

Environmental Impact

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

History of Mazomanie’s USA application Process

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

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

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

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

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

What can you do?

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

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

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

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

Dear Friends,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Capital Region Advocacy Network for Environmental Sustainability (CRANES)

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

Read more!

Lake Levels will be Voted on Tonight

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

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

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

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

Cleaning Up the Lakes & Flooding Issues

Yesterday I wondered about this plan and voila!, it appeared in my inbox! (Thank you magic fairy!) Here's how the city is meeting minimal legal requirements. Its a little technical, but hang in there, its worth reading. Stormwater, large particles in stormwater, lake levels, phosphorus and other topics below. Is it enough?

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
While meeting the regulatory requirements listed below will improve the quality of stormwater that reaches the lakes, it is unlikely that the result will be a discernable difference in lake water quality. Other nutrient sources need to be addressed before there is a significant improvement in the area lakes. Major collaborative efforts such as the Yahara Lakes Legacy Partnership, which hopes to address both urban and rural sources, are vital in making progress towards noticeably cleaner lakes. However, at this time, the goal for lake quality has not been developed.


NR-216 and NR-151 Compliance
The City of Madison is currently permitted to discharge stormwater to “Waters of the State of Wisconsin” from our Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), through a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit. This permit is authorized under State Administrative Code NR-216. Both the Administrative Code and our permit require the City to take specific actions with regards to stormwater treatment, as listed in Administrative Code NR-151. The purpose of NR-151 is “to limit non-point runoff pollution in order to achieve water quality standards,” and requires that municipalities with a Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (WPDES) permit be in compliance with the following:

1. Meet a 20% reduction of total suspended solids, compared to no controls, by 2008 (This has been met by the City of Madison.)
2. Meet a 40% reduction of total suspended solids, compared to no controls, by 2013

Other requirements of NR-151 include erosion and sediment control plans for construction sites as well as rigorous stormwater management targets for both new and redevelopment.

City Engineering staff estimate that with street sweeping and existing publicly owned detention basins, the City of Madison is currently controlling approximately 30% of the total suspended solids entering the local waterways. The City needs to increase its removal efficiency by another 10% by the year 2013. It is the belief of the City Engineering Division that compliance will not be achieved without the commitment of substantial resources in those areas that are not served by stormwater detention basins.


TMDL
A Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is written for water bodies listed on the EPA’s 303d list of impaired waters, under the Clean Water Act. Currently, the Rock River is on the 303d list for sediment and phosphorous. Therefore, the portion of the City that is in the Rock River Watershed (all areas except the southwest corner, which drains to the Sugar River) is subject to the requirements of a TMDL, currently being written by the WDNR & EPA.

The TMDL will set water quality standards for all areas of the watershed discharging to the Rock River. The implementation portion of the TMDL will allocate the allowable load to the entities within that watershed, including municipalities with a WPDES permit, agricultural lands, sewage treatment plants, and some industrial point sources.

It is very likely that a TMDL will require more restrictive standards than the stormwater regulations in NR-216 or NR-151. Specifically, a restriction on the discharge of phosphorous to all regulated water bodies will almost certainly be established.

It may be in the best interest of the City of Madison for the City to submit a request for the establishment of a TMDL for the lakes in order to determine and address the phosphorus loads from urban areas versus that of agri-business. Unless the phosphorus loads from agri-business is addressed, the potential for reducing the nutrient loads to our lakes, and therefore water quality in the lakes in any substantial fashion is unlikely.

PRIORITIES

Stormwater Discharge.
It is the intent of City Engineering to prioritize water quality improvements that will bring the City into further compliance with NR-216, NR-151 and any future TMDL. Expenditures shall be quantified and compared in order to determine the greatest reduction in suspended solids. In areas of the City developed within the past few decades, detention basins serve to treat stormwater runoff before it reaches the lakes.

At this time, City Engineering believes that the installation of proprietary catch basins in Aldermanic Districts 2, 4, 6, 8 and 13 (Major Basins MO 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, and 08) show the best promise to attain compliance with NR-151. Unfortunately, street sweeping has not proved effective in meeting the regulatory requirements.

In addition, the installation of retention basins is being considered for Northland Manor Park (AD 18), Delaware/Wheeler (AD 18) and at 2401 McKenna Boulevard. The City shall need to certify to the WDNR by March 31, 2011 regarding compliance initiatives. Stormwater models SLAMM (Source Loading and Management Model) or P8 will be used by City Staff to determine compliance.

The removal of visible pollutants not regulated by state code, such as trash and sand, shall receive a lower priority, but will preferably be addressed as a part of sediment removal. Where appropriate and in conjunction with street reconstruction projects, City Engineering shall install stormwater treatment devices that effectively remove sand and trash. If there is sufficient homeowner interest and where feasible, City Engineering shall also provide cost sharing for the installation of rain gardens in street terraces to filter street water and improve infiltration.

Another aspect of water quality that does not fall under state regulations is the view from the shoreline. Floating weeds and trash contribute to a poor perception of the actual quality of the lakes. Keeping shoreline areas clear of debris is an important step towards improving the public perception and enjoyment of the lakes. In 2008, City Engineering contracted with a company to clean up the shoreline along Monona Bay on a monthly basis and after major rainstorms. City Engineering is also working with Dane County to manage a barge that can collect trash from private piers as well as trash and weeds floating in the water. It is important to note that any resources the City puts toward aesthetic improvements do not move us closer to the state mandated stormwater management goals.

Lake Management.

Since the mid-1970s, the responsibility for lake management has been assigned to Dane County with regulatory oversight by the WDNR. Given frequent flooding events over the last two decades and FEMA’s determination to elevate the regional flood of Lake Mendota, the City is proceeding to take a more active role in the management of the Yahara Lakes.

On April 6, 2009, WDNR, Dane County and the City of Madison presented a “Water Level Short-Term Action Plan” to the public. The City’s responsibilities include:

• Identify alternative/feasibility of modifying the STH 113 railroad bridge to increase the conveyance of the regional flood and reduce the height of the regional flood in the Cherokee Marsh;
• Complete the Lake Mendota portion of the hydraulic system model (INFOS ) and to expand this state-of-the art model to the other lakes in following years; and,
• To install a flow gauges on Starkweather Creek, and other key tributaries, to be used to provide data for the management of lake elevations and flows.

To enable the City of Madison to protect the property and fiscal interests of its residents and more accurately model the lake levels and pollutant loadings, accurate mathematical models of the lakes need to be developed and maintained. A model for Monona Bay and Lake Monona was created in a cooperative effort with the University of Wisconsin College of Engineering, and completed at the end of 2008. A model of Lake Mendota is being created at this time. City Engineering will continue to work with the University to create future lake models. City Engineering has been authorized a full time staff position to create, update and analyze model results.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

PHOSPHORUS
Phosphorus is the primary limiting factor for algal growth in the Madison area lakes, and therefore is directly linked to eutrophication. Farming practices and erosion from construction activities are the primary sources of phosphorus.

Phosphorus is generally reported as either “soluble reactive phosphorus” or “total phosphorus”. Soluble reactive phosphorus readily aids plant growth due to its dissolved state; its concentration varies widely over short periods of time as plants take it up and release it. Total phosphorus, however, remains more stable and is often a better indicator of a lake’s nutrient status. The total phosphorus in Lakes Mendota and Monona peaks from July through October at about 60 µg/l (parts per billion).

The high phosphorus loads that occurred in the first half of the 1900’s have accumulated in the lake sediments and continue to impact lake water quality. During lake turnover in the deeper, stratified portions of the lakes or in shallow areas due to strong winds, sediment-laden water is mixed up into the water column, making more phosphorus available for algae growth. Therefore, even when external loads are dramatically reduced, lake sediment acts as a reservoir that continues to release nutrients into the water.

MMSD PHOSPHORUS LOADINGS
Currently, Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) provides primary, secondary and disinfection treatment of the waste it receives. MMSD receives raw sewage, which has a total phosphorus content of approximately 6,000 µg/l.

Currently the average flow rate through MMSD is about 43 million gallons per day (MGD), or 783,700 lbs/yr of total phosphorus. Average effluent from the plant has a total phosphorus level of 390 µg/l, or 50,926 lbs/yr of total phosphorus discharged from the plant. There is a 93.5% reduction in total phosphorus levels from waste to effluent. The captured phosphorus is land spread through Metrogrow.

URBAN PHOSPHORUS LOADINGS
Developed areas in the City of Madison contribute approximately 28,435 pounds of total phosphorus each year, which includes atmospheric deposition and runoff from streets and established lawns. Of the total amount of phosphorus, about 68% (19,300 pounds) is particulate phosphorus, which can be captured by stormwater treatment practices. It is estimated that the city currently treats 39% of the particulate phosphorus in stormwater through street sweeping, treatment devices, detention ponds, and other practices.

Attachments: In order to track the tasks referred to in this Policy, a Stormwater Management Project Schedule is attached.

Larry D. Nelson, P.E.
City Engineer

SUMMARY OF PHOSPHORUS SOURCES

City of Madison (Urban) Total Phosphorus Loadings
Average Yield Average Concentration
(lbs/acre/year) (µg/l)
Downtown Commercial 1.11 205.9
Single Family Residential 1.02 580.6
High Density Residential 1.20 328.8
Light Industrial 1.12 278.6
Values reported from Source Loading and Management Model (SLAMM)

Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) Total Phosphorus Loadings
Total Concentration
(lbs/year) (µg/l)
Influent to MMSD 783,691 6,000
Effluent from MMSD 50,925.53 390

In-Lake Total Phosphorus
Average Concentration Peak Concentration Sediment Concentration
(µg/l) (µg/l) (µg/g)
Lake Mendota Spring 107 207 1.4*
Lake Mendota Summer 167 1,520
Lake Mendota Fall 209 803
Lake Monona Spring 81 275
1.3*

Lake Monona Summer 206 786
Lake Monona Fall 197 920
Monona Bay 0.8 **

Data tabulated from 1998 through 2007 from North Temperate Lakes Long Term Ecological Research (LTER)
* From Perspectives on the eutrophication of the Yahara Lakes, Richard C. Lathrop, 2007
** Value reported from 2006 WRM Practicum: Watershed and Management Plan for Monona Bay

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Water Main Flushing Schedule

Here's the latest.

Water Main Flushing plans beginning Friday, April 25 (all flushing is daytime unless otherwise noted)

Schedule map: http://www.cityofmadison.com/water/Documents/udf_schedule_citymap_links.pdf

North (Area 13) -- Between Sherman Ave and Harper Rd from Troy Dr to Lake Mendota/Warner Park

North (Area 15W) -- Between Pierstorff St and The Airport from Stoughton Rd to Packers Ave

West (Area16) -- Between Inner Dr and Old Sauk Rd from Gammon Rd to Jetty Dr/Ozark Trl

East (Area 25) -- Between Cottage Grove Rd and Commercial Ave from Thompson Dr to Meadowlark Dr

Downtown (Area 24W): NIGHTS -- Between Brearly St and Blair St from E. Washington Ave to Lake Mendota

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Questions: Gordon Heingartner, 261-9129

Flushing Information Line: 261-9178
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DETAILS:
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AREA 13 (North): 3 to 7 runs per day

Run ID Run Description
13086 Nova Way to Lerdahl Rd. to Delladonna Way
13088 Marcy Rd. (Troy Dr - Wooward & Forster)
13089 1001 Woodward Dr. to 1025 Woodward Dr.
13090.1 Hintze Rd. (Luster & Lerdahl - Marcy & Morningstar)
13090.2 From 537 Morningstar Ln. to intersection with Marcy Rd.
13090.3 From 536 Morningstar Ln. down Delladonna Way to end of Badeau Cir.
13091 From Forster Dr. & Woodward Dr. up Cascade Rd. to Shasta Dr. to Shasta Dr. cul-de-sac
13092 Foster Dr (Troy Dr to 1334 Forster Dr)
13093 From Forster Dr. & Cascade Rd. to 1334 Forster Dr.
13094 Hovde Rd. (Troy Dr - Forster & Novick)
13095 Shasta Dr. (Cascade - Glendale Ln & Hovde Rd)
13096 Alpine Rd. from Shasta Dr. to Forster Dr.
13097 Glendale Ln from Alpine Rd. to Hodve Rd.
13098 Up Novick Dr. from Forster Dr. around to Becker Dr. & Forster Dr.
13099 Gale Ct.
13100 Gina Ct.
13101 Hanover St. from Troy Dr. to Lakeview Av.
13102 Drewry Ln. (Hanover St. to Esch Ln.)
13103 Randy Ln. (Hanover St. - Susan Cir.)
13104 Susan Ln. (Susan Cir. - Troy Dr.)
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AREA 15W (North): 3 to 7 runs per day

Run ID Run Description
15127 Wright St (Pierstorff to N end)
15128 Bowman - Wright Connector (W of Wright to E of Bowman)
15129 Pearson - Wright Connector (directly N of Pierstorff)
15130 Wright - Bowman Connector (E of Bowman to W of Bowman)
15131 Wright - Bowman Connector (Wright to W of Bowman)
15132 Pierstorff - Mitchell Connector (Pierstorff to N of Mitchell)
15133 Pearson Extension (Pearson to W of Wright)
15134 Mitchell St (Wright to W of Pearson)
15135 Mitchell St - Darwin Rd Connector (W of Pearson to W of International)
15136 Mitchell St Extension (Truax Munitions Complex area - 10" main)
15137 Truax Munitions Complex area (8" main)
15138 Miller St (Wright St-Mitchell St) Airport area
15139 Truax Area - Dane Co Airport (310 Mitchell st)
15140 Truax Area - Dane Co Airport (NE 3118 Mitchell st)
15141 Miller St (E.Wright St-N.Mitchell St)
15142 Miller St (Truax Area)
15143 Miller St (N.Mitchell-W.Wright St)- Truax Area
15144 Miller St (N.Wright St)- Truax area
15145 E.Wright St-N.E Mitchell St)- Truax area
15146 Wright St-N.Stoughton Rd
15147 E.International Ln-Darwin Rd

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AREA 16 (West): 3 to 7 runs per day

Run ID Run Description
16076 Carlsbad Dr
16077 Isle Royal Dr and Carlsbad Dr
16078.1 Colony Dr from Gammon to Everglade
16078.2 Colony Dr from Everglade to Horseshoe Bend
16079 Inner Dr and Everglade Dr to Everglade Cir from N. Yellowstone Dr.
16080 Horseshoe Bend
16081 Gettysburg Dr from Yellowstone to Sumter Ct
16082 Gettysburg Dr from Inner to Appomattox Ct
16083 Acadia Dr and N on Everglade to Yellowstone
16084 Acadia Ct
16085 Everglade Dr and Shilo Dr to Shilo Ct
16086 Shilo Dr from Yellowstone to Shilo Ct
16087 Shiloh Dr - Saratoga Ct

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AREA 25 (East): 3 to 7 runs per day

Run ID Run Description
25022 Open Wood Way (Kingsbridge to Meadowlark)
25023 Inwood Wy
25024 Thompson Dr (N of Cottage Grove to S of Edna Ct)
25025 Cottage Grove Rd (Thompson to W of Meadowlark)
25025.1 Meadowlark (Cottage Grove to Onyx)
25025.2 Dorfmeister Ct
25025.3 Bromley Cir
25026 Eldon Ct
25027 Thompson Dr - Droster Rd (S of Cottage Grove)
25028 Droster Rd (Thompson to N of Buckeye)
25029 Ellen - Painted Post - Ellen
25030 Ellen - Amsterdam - Painted Post - Ellen
25031 Ellen Ave (Amsterdam to N of Starker)
25032 Bay Ridge Rd - Painted Post - Ellen
25033 Painted Post Dr - Ellen Ave (Droster to N of Starker)
25034 Emma Ct
25035 Georgiana Cir (NE branch)
25036 Georgiana Cir (SW branch)
25037 Edna Ct
25038 Kalas St - Thompson Dr (Droster to Grafton)
25039 Bea Cir

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AREA 24W (Downtown): 3 to 7 runs per night (NIGHTS)

Run ID Run Description
24024 Wilson St - S Henry St
24025 E Wilson St - S Hamilton St - S Henry St
24026 S Hancock St - E Washington Av
24027 E Wilson St (S Hancock St - S Blair St)
24528 N Blount St - E Washington to E Dayton
24529 E Mani St - S Paterson to S Blount
24530 S Livingston - E Washington to E Main
24531 E Main St - Blount to Blair
24532 E Washington Ave - Paterson to Ingersoll
24533 E Washington Ave - Paterson to Ingersoll
24534 S Brealry - E Washington to E Main
24535 E Main St - Paterson to Ingersoll
24536 S Paterson St - - E Main to Spaight
24537 S Paterson St - Williamson to Spaight
24538 Spaight,Jenifer,Williamson - Paterson to Blair
24539 S Blount St - Williamson to South End
24540 E Wilson St - Blair to Blount
24541 S Blount St - Williamson to Railroad St
24542 Williamson St - Blount to Livingston
24543 S Livingston St - Williamson to North End
24544 Jenifer St - Paterson to Livingston

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