Happy Solstice, Large Item Collection, Omicron is Here

Hi Everyone,

Happy Solstice. The darkness will now start to roll back, imperceptibly at first, as more light and longer days bring relief to the weary. And we remain hopeful the same is true with respect to the many challenges we are facing, burdens that weigh heavily and test our resilience. As we face another surge, we continue to look out for each other, reminded that it's okay to ask for help. 

If you are in need of neighborly assistance, please contact District13Cares@gmail.com.

Here are this week's updates:

More Frequent Large Item Collection

The Streets Division is happy to announce that you will now have more opportunities every month to set out large items for collection when you submit a large item work order. Learn more here.

Avoid Sanitary Sewer Backups

The Engineering Division reminds you to pay attention to what you put down your drain to avoid a sanitary sewer backup while hosting this holiday season. During the holidays, more people bake and cook more. Improper disposal of grease and food scraps can increase the likelihood of a backup occurring. Click here to learn about best practices to help avoid clogs. (If you want to know what actually goes down the pipes, watch the Everyday Engineering podcast "Down the drain: bowling balls, bacon grease, Legos.")

Help Control Gypsy Moths

The City of Madison Streets Division's Urban Forestry Department is asking residents to help control the gypsy moth population. This winter, please look for and then destroy the egg masses for this species that are on your property. Learn more here.

Yard Waste Collection is Over

Curbside yardwaste collection by the Streets Division has ended for 2021. The last chance collection that began on December 6 has been completed. Do not place yard waste out to the curb for pickup at this time. And if you already have a yard waste pile on your terrace at this time, it is not likely to be collected this year as collections have ended. Yard waste material should be taken to a drop-off site. The drop-off sites are located at 4602 Sycamore Avenue and 1501 W. Badger Road. These two sites are currently on winter hours. This means they are open from 7:30am to 2:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Curbside collection will resume in the spring of 2022. The exact start date of the spring collections will be announced at a later date. Additional information about yard waste, the drop-off sites, and other Streets Division services can be found at www.cityofmadison.com/Streets.

Omicron is Here -- Get Vaccinated and/or Boosted!!

The Omicron variant has been detected in Dane County and is rapidly spreading. Public Health Madison & Dane County is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19, or get a booster if they're eligible. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), the state of Wisconsin is seeing some of the highest case counts in the country, with more than half of the state's hospitals currently operating at overall peak capacity. Learn more here, and make a vaccination appointment here.

ADU Changes Enacted

Last week, the ordinance updating regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) was enacted following approval by the council on December 7th. Owners of many residential properties can now apply for permits to construct an ADU on their properties without needing to apply for a conditional use permit. If this is of interest to you, you can contact our zoning office with questions. Their contact information is here.

Property Tax Bill

Property owners also received their 2021 tax bill last week and for most there is a sizable increase from previous years. This is due in large part to the increase in assessments, a function of a tight housing market, one in which demand far exceeds supply. The property tax bill is sent and collected by the City of Madison on behalf of four taxing jurisdictions: Madison Metropolitan School District, City of Madison, Dane County, and Madison College.

For those over the age of 65 and meeting income limits there is a property tax assistance program available. More information is available at www.cityofmadison.com/homeloans or at (608) 266-6520.

That's all for now.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Tag