Updates & Week of April 27 Meetings of Interest for District 2

District 2 Updates and Meetings of Interest

Meetings of city Boards, Committees, and Commissions are slowly ramping up again after being shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact. Common Council continues to work with the Mayor's office to get more committees back to work, but meetings will be limited to online only for now and some committees will meet less often than normal.

Meeting details are listed on agendas below, but all should have virtual public participation options.

Capitol Neighborhoods, Inc. will host their first virtual Executive Committee meeting on April 28 and Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Association next virtual meeting is expected on May 14.

Stay healthy, stay home, stay in touch, and please practice physical distancing whenever outside your home, in the grocery story, in parks, on sidewalks, and on bike paths.
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There are three sections to this week's update:

1. COVID-19 Updates

2. Other District 2 Updates

3. City Meetings of Interest to District 2

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1. COVID-19 UPDATES

 

 

Where to Get COVID-19 Information

 

- For information on the city's responses and services visit the City's Coronavirus Website. On the right side menu of that page are links to City Service Updates, Resources for Businesses, and much more.

 

- Another key site is Public Health Madison and Dane County and their Data Dashboard. New capabilities have been added to the Data Dashboard, including new cases by date, tests by date, stratified cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, and more. It is updated at 9:30 every morning.

 

- Public Health also is publishing a weekly COVID-19 data snapshot and a weekly COVID-19 newsletter. 

 

- The City has started a weekly COVID-19 newsletter. See the latest issue here.

 

- Subscribe to the City's COVID-19 email and/or text alerts here.

 

Links to Other COVID-19 Resources

 

From Governor Evers: Governor Evers Announces Badger Bounce Back - a Path to a Safer Recovery.

 

From the Mayor: Statement in Support of First Responders during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

 

From Public Health: Public Health Tips for Properly Re-Opening Your Business

 

From Public Health: Supporting Businesses During Safer at Home

 

From Parks Division: Golf Set to Open Friday with Adjustments

 

From Madison Public Library: Resources Available From Home

 

All City of Madison news releases are here.

 

From Dane Buy Local: Dane County Small Business Pandemic Support Program.

 

TLNA list of some area restaurants and retailers that need your business and support.

Information about Downtown Madison's businesses during the pandemic can be found here.

Information on UW's response to the pandemic at this site.

 

Madison Metropolitan School District says that thousands of families not taking advantage of free lunch offerings. For more information visit this site.

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2. OTHER DISTRICT 2 UPDATES

 

Extension of Suspension for On-Street Parking Restrictions

 

The current suspension ending Sunday, April 26th of all on-street meters, Residential Permit Only restrictions, 1-hour and 2-hour time-limit restrictions in non-metered areas, and Street sweeping and Clean Streets-Clean Lakes program parking has been further extended to mirror the new end date of the Wisconsin's Safer at Home order.

The following on-street parking restrictions will remain suspended city-wide through Memorial day, Monday, May 25th, and will not be enforced:

• On-street meters (time limits and fees are suspended)
• Residential Permit Only
• 1-hour and 2-hour time-limits in non-metered areas
• Street sweeping and Clean Streets-Clean Lakes program restrictions

Full details here, including those parking restrictions that are still in effect.

 

 

400 Block E. Washington Steering Committee Likely Moved to May 7

 

The James Madison Park District Steering Committee that has been reviewing the LZ Ventures redevelopment proposal for the north side of 400 block of E. Washington Ave has rescheduled a virtual meeting for Thursday, May 7, 7pm. Once the date is confirmed, email notices will be sent to all who have signed up to participate in the Steering Committee process and will also be noticed in my next Alder Update. If you'd like to participate and/or stay informed contact Eli at president@capitolneighborhoods.org or Joe at jmartino@isi360.com.

 

Proposed Demolitions at Landmarks Commission on May 4

The proposed demolitions of the existing homes and businesses will be reviewed by the Landmarks Commission at their May 4 meeting (that meeting agenda will be published next week). The proposal could be considered by the Urban Design Commission in late May with Plan Commission in June. I'll be sure to publicize those meetings. The developer's application to the city can be found here. 

 

 

Dogs Now Allowed On-Leash in Most Madison Parks

 

From the Parks Division:

In early 2020, Madison Common Council approved the revised dog ordinances (MGO 8.19  and 23.32 , File 59294) which took effect on Friday, March 13. Due to COVID-19 priorities, we were unable to properly promote this important change to the Madison park system. We appreciate your patience during this time and are happy to provide detailed information.

 

Dogs, on-leash, are allowed at most Madison parks. When visiting a park with your dog, the following rules must be followed.

• Dogs must have a dog park permit.
• Dogs must be on a non-retractable leash no more than 6 feet long and held by a person at all times.
• Dogs must be under the immediate physical control of a person at all times.
• Dogs must be licensed (purchased through the City of Madison Treasurer's Office) and must have an up-to-date rabies vaccination.
• Dog handlers are required to pick up the waste and have bags or scoops when in the park.
• Dogs must not dig, chase or harm wildlife, damage park property, or interfere with other Park users
• Dogs are prohibited from the designated Dog Free Parks and specific areas, such as near playgrounds, and all conservation parks. See below for more information

Violators may be reported by contacting a Park Ranger (608) 235-0448. Note that in District 2, Period Garden Park is on the Dog Free Parks list, as is Breese Stevens Field, Tenney Park beach, James Madison Park beach, playgrounds, and some athletic fields.

126 Langdon St. Redevelopment Proposal at Plan Commission on May 18

 

Core Spaces, the developers of the proposed apartment building at 126 Langdon St., has asked that their application be considered at the Plan Commission's May 18 virtual meeting. Note that Core Spaces has made some design modifications in response to UDC and neighbor input. That latest proposal version can be found here. The neighborhood steering committee, organized by the Mansion Hill District of Capitol Neighborhoods, Inc., has contacted committee members asking for additional input. Steering committee chair Bob Klebba (bob.klebba@gmail.com) is gathering all input for presentation to Plan Commission. You can also email me with your comments.

 

 

Stuck at Home? Plant a Rain Garden, Help City Reach 1,000 Rain Garden Goal

 

While our community remains at home during the COVID-19 Stay at Home Order until May 24, the Engineering Division invites all residents to take part in reaching its renewed 1,000 rain garden goal. A rain garden is a garden of native shrubs, perennials, and flowers planted in a shallow depression, which, sometimes, is built on a natural slope.  Rain gardens are often designed to capture and infiltrate water into the ground. A rain garden is a great option for stormwater management as it temporarily holds and soaks in rainwater runoff that flows from roofs, driveways, patios or lawns.

Benefits to resident

A rain garden can reduce risks of flooding in your neighborhood and the City. A rain garden is able to direct water away from your home and directly into the groundwater. As more rain gardens are installed, the pressure on the stormwater management pipes can be reduced. This lessens the risk of flooding during extreme storm events.

 

Benefits to environment

Rain gardens help Madison lakes. Rain gardens can reduce sediment loads and nutrient loads such as nutrient-loaded fertilizers. These are all things that at times wash off driveways, parking lots, lawns and streets during storm events. By directing runoff into rain gardens to be filtered rather than directly into the lakes, the risk of nutrient-forced algae blooms, health risks from poor water quality, and habituate degradation lower.

 

A rain garden, particularly one with native plants, can attract beneficial birds, hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. Monarch butterflies can thrive when rain gardens have milkweed and blazing star species. Birds can eat the native plant seeds during the fall and winter. 

Information on how to build a rain garden and more resources available here.

News From the Streets Division:

Limited Amount of Mulch to be Available in Parks for Residents on Temporary Basis

Streets Division Drop-off Sites Set to Re-Open April 24 with New Restrictions

 

 

Ride the Drive 2020 Canceled and Other Parks News

 

In compliance with the latest Governor's Safer at Home order, Ride the Drive 2020 is canceled. Please know, we are continually looking at alternate ways to safely encourage visiting parks and trails throughout Madison. We will also evaluate opportunities to promote recreational biking across Madison. The following links provide additional information on visiting parks and using pathways during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Madison Parks: Open with precautions and limitations 
Learn what's open, how to use with caution and what's closed

Using the Outdoors While Maintaining Social Distancing 
Tips and guidelines to following while enjoying outdoor spaces in Madison parks.

Social Distancing while using City Bicycle and Pedestrian Pathways 
Shared-use paths remain open, learn the best way to use trails and pathway.

Mayor Encourages Madison Residents to Complete the Census While Social Distancing

 

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway is encouraging people to complete the 2020 Census from the comfort of home. Rhodes-Conway reiterated the crucial importance of counting all Madison residents.

Census data determines how more than $675 billion in federal funds are distributed to communities across the country for healthcare, affordable housing, childcare, education, transportation, and more. That's over $2,000 per person for Madison and Dane County every year. In fact, public health experts, government officials, and first responders all rely on population data to make critical decisions in crises like the one we are currently experiencing.

Mayor Rhodes-Conway further urged people to text or call at least five friends, family members, and colleagues to encourage them to complete the census and ask them, in turn, to share the same message with at least five more people within their networks. She indicated it was especially important to reach out to people that might be less likely to participate.

Madison residents can fill out the census over the phone, by mail or online at my2020census.gov.

City Funds Organizations Meeting Community Food Access & Security Needs During COVID-19

Common Council recently approved $50,000 in funding for 13 community-based organizations working to alleviate food security and access issues for residents dealing with the economic fallout of COVID-19. The Madison Food Policy Council adapted the original SEED Grants program, which historically funds food education and access projects in the City, and created a COVID-19 funding application to assist organizations implementing programs to serve residents affected by COVID-19.

Thirteen proposals were funded, spanning communities across the City and providing much needed resources to organizations that are working tirelessly to serve the City's most vulnerable residents. More details here.

Is Your Voter ID On File?

Many residents have contacted the City Clerk's Office with requests to expand options for mail-in ballots for the next election cycle. The city is definitely at work on this. The biggest obstacle to obtaining an absentee ballot is getting a copy of your voter ID on file with the Clerk's Office, not figuring out how to ask for a ballot.

MyVote.Wi.gov would be the ideal way for someone to request an absentee because it makes sure the voter is registered, determines whether they already have an ID on file with the Clerk's Office, and eliminates the need for the Clerk's Office to try to decipher poor handwriting. 

Paper requests require a lot of follow-up work for the Clerk's Office because people often don't read the instructions, think they can update their registration via the absentee request form, and do not include a copy of their voter ID. Plus, there already are groups that send out absentee request forms in mass mailings. 

The area where more help is needed, is with voter ID. Everyone should make sure their ID is on file as part of the COVID-19 new normal. Please encourage your friends, co-workers, and family to upload their ID at MyVote.Wi.gov. It is our new civic responsibility.

From City Engineering: Update on Proposed Storm Water Ordinance Changes

Thank you to the nearly 80 people who tuned in to our first virtual public information meeting focused on the Chapter 37 Stormwater Ordinance Changes for the City of Madison this afternoon. 

If you missed the presentation, and want to watch the recording, read any supporting materials or view the next steps in the approval process, all links and supported documents are posted here. You also have until April 27, 2020 to submit additional comments by email to engineer@cityofmadison.com.

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3. CITY MEETINGS OF INTERESTED TO DISTRICT 2

 

Below are some pertinent agenda items from the two city committees that are meeting this week. If you click on a meeting agenda below, then click on an agenda item of interest, you will see all documents that have been submitted on that item.

 

The city meeting agenda items are open for testimony from the public should you be interested in weighing in via teleconferencing or email (details included on agendas). Committees also have an opportunity at the beginning of each agenda for Public Comment on items not on the agenda. I also appreciate hearing from you on any items on which you have a particular interest or concern.

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Plan Commission: Agenda

5:30pm, Monday, April 27, 2020

Virtual Meeting

 

The City of Madison is holding this Plan Commission meeting virtually to help protect our community from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Note: Virtual attendance instructions in the agenda linked above.

PUBLIC HEARING-5:45 p.m.

Conditional Use & Demolition Permits

Agenda Item 8

1020 Sherman Avenue; 2nd Ald. Dist.: Consideration of a conditional use in the Traditional Residential-Consistent 2 (TR-C2) District to construct accessory building exceeding 576 square feet of area; consideration of a conditional use for lakefront development, and; consideration of a conditional use in the TR-C2 District for an accessory dwelling unit, all to allow construction of an accessory building containing a one-stall garage, an accessory dwelling unit, and a usable rooftop.

Note: TLNA Council voted to support this proposal and city staff recommends approval while several nearby neighbors have expressed opposition. The proposal and other materials can be found here.

 

- Upcoming Matters - May 18, 2020

- 126 Langdon Street - Conditional Use - Construct seven-story, 107-unit apartment building (Revised request)

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Finance Committee: Agenda

4:30pm, Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Virtual Meeting

 

The City of Madison is holding the Finance Committee meeting virtually to help protect our community from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

 

Note: Virtual attendance instructions in the agenda linked above.

 

ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED

Agenda Item 1

Submitting the appointment of Justin Stuehrenberg for confirmation of a five-year term as the Transit General Manager

Agenda Item 2
A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Clerk and Mayor to enter into a competitively selected service contract for a one-year term with four annual renewal options, for a total of five years, with Westside Psychotherapy, LLC for employee mental health and wellness services.

Fiscal Note

The proposed resolution authorizes the City Clerk and Mayor to enter into a competitively selected service contract for a one-year term with four annual renewal options with Westside Psychotherapy, LLC for employee mental health and wellness services. The anticipated cost of this contract in 2020 is $135,300. The Police Department's 2020 adopted operating budget includes $150,000 for annual wellness and mental health checks for every commissioned and civilian employee.

Agenda Item 3
A Resolution authorizing the non-competitive purchase of $69,211.00 in goods from Clarey's Safety Equipment, Inc. for the purchase of one Rapid Deployment Kit and $101,000.00 in goods from Fisher Scientific for the purchase of one Gemini Instrument as stipulated by the Wisconsin Hazardous Materials Response System Equipment Grant.

Fiscal Note

The proposed resolution authorizes non-competitive purchases totaling $170,211 as stipulated by the Wisconsin Hazardous Materials Response System Equipment Grant. A separate resolution (Legistar ID #60181) amends the Fire Department's 2020 Operating Budget for the grant. The grant covers the full cost of the equipment; there is no impact on the levy.

 

Agenda Item 5

Amending the 2020 Water Utility Capital Budget to transfer existing budget authority between various major project and program budgets to intended 2020 water main replacement projects.

Agenda Item 6
Authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to enter into a project agreement with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and other project partners to construct an interchange at USH 12/18 and County AB. (16 AD)

 

Agenda Item 7
SUBSTITUTE - Amending the 2020 Adopted Capital Budget for the Economic Development Division Budget (TID # 42) by increasing funding for the Land Banking capital program by $1,260,000 and authorizing the execution of a Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City of Madison and Stopple Revocable Trust for the City's acquisition of the property located at 1810 South Park Street for land banking purposes. (14th A.D.)

Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes amending EDD's Land Banking capital program in the amount of $1.26 million for the acquisition of property located at 1810 South Park Street. The estimated acquisition cost for this parcel is $1,200,000 for the property plus $40,000 in additional real estate costs for environmental site assessment, title work, and miscellaneous closing costs for a total amount of $1,240,000. In addition, $20,000 is added to the 2020 Economic Development Division Budget to pay for holding costs of the property for the remainder of the year.
Funding for the purchase and holding costs of the property will be in the form of TIF proceeds, funded by TID #42. The use of TIF proceeds from TID #42 will require a transfer of incremental revenues from TID #39, whereby TID #39 becomes a donor TID to TID #42. The use and transfer for such proceeds within the TIF districts require approval from the TIF Joint Review Board.

 

Agenda Item 8

Establishing rules and procedures for Common Council deliberations on the City of Madison's 2021 Capital and Operating Budgets.

 

Agenda Item 9

Economic and Financial Update

 

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Urban Design Commission: Agenda

4:30pm, Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Virtual Meeting

 

Some or all of the members of the Urban Design Commission, applicants, or members of the public, may participate in the meeting remotely by teleconference or videoconference.

Note: Virtual attendance instructions in the agenda linked above.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Agenda Item 16

202 N. First Street - Public Building, Madison Public Market Located in UDD No. 4. 12th Ald. Dist.

Owner: City of Madison
Applicant: Jeryl Aman, MSR Design/Brent Pauba, City of Madison Engineering Division

Final Approval is Requested

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