Common Council

September 11...Fourteen Years Ago

Today marks the 14th year Anniversary of 911. That date will forever be etched into our collective memories as it changed the lives of so many...of an entire Country. Today we also recognize the unparalleled humanitarianism shown by first responders and the community of the whole. I love the phrase coined by the community of Sun Prairie...Sun Prairie Strong!! We would like for you to join the Neighborhood Associations on the Southwest Side and the Madison City Council as we honor our own First Responder..Alder Matthew "Matt" Phair and his wife Connie at the Common Council meeting on Tuesday, September 25, 6:30 p.m. 

The Council Invitation:
Sorry our schedules did not connect. I wanted to talk with you about the Community Appreciation & Recognition that is planned for you and Connie at the September 25 Council Meeting. The Southwest Neighborhood Associations have asked the Council to allow them to express their appreciation to you and Connie for your acts of humanitarianism during the flash flooding event. We would like to personally invite your family and friends to join us at the next Council meeting to allow them and the Council to thank both of you.  What a wonderful example you have set for your children.  I understand your sense of humbleness, but it gives the community a great sense of pride to be allowed to say "thank you".  Many have commented that through such great tradedy the basic human kindness and selflessness of people was so evident. On behalf of the Community and the Council please allow us to say thank you.
#####

City of Madison Flooding Update: Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Issued: 6:00 p.m.
Contact: Katie Crawley, Public Information Officer, City of Madison Emergency Operations Center
ALERT: Flash Flooding Risks –City-wide. Conditions are favorable for urban flash flooding with 2-3" of rain in the next two hours with 1" later in the evening. Don't drive. Move cars from low-lying areas. Turn around; don't drown.

####

Current Status, August 27 at 1:00 p.m.
We ask that Madison residents continue to be prepared for rising water levels. The water level on Lake Monona is down one half inch. While levels have dropped and some roads have been opened staff are continuing to be monitor roads and water levels and closure
decisions will be made as needed. We encourage residents to refer to cityofmadison.com/flooding. While we did not get excessive amounts of rain yesterday and last night, weather conditions continue to
be unstable. Flash flooding continues to be a concern.
Dane County Lakes staff has been working around the clock to do what they can to mitigate additional flooding before more rain is expected this week. Due to their efforts, Monona crested yesterday and levels should slowly go down today. Working through the weekend, county staff used 10 lake weed harvesters to remove over 270 loads of aquatic plants in the past several days. That's doubled the flow of the water leaving the chain of lakes. More water is now leaving the Yahara Chain than what's entering it, allowing for levels to stabilize.
Recent City Action
City staff and volunteers have leafletted over 1,000 additional homes in the Starkweather Creek area letting property owners know their property is in a vulnerable area if we receive additional rain. Maps of all areas and of street closures can be found at cityofmadison.com/flooding.
Staff and volunteers have distributed 160,000 sandbags ....and we are in no danger of running out. Crews have been working around the clock to fill bags, at our Badger Road, Streets facility and they are able to fill roughly 1,400 per hour. Ten thousand additional bags were distributed this morning as a result of their overnight work.
 
Five sites throughout the Isthmus area are being utilized for sandbag production with staff and volunteers...those can be found on the website.
We have RE-OPENED the following streets this morning:
• Inbound E Washington (from N. Brearly to N Livingston) – all lanes are now open inbound
• Outbound E Washington (near S. Blount St) – all lanes are now open outbound
•
N First St between E Washington and Johnson – 2 lanes open northbound and 2 lanes open southbound
•
•
Dayton Street
The following remain CLOSED at this time:
• E. Johnson St closed from N. First St to N. Baldwin St
• E. Main St between Northern Court to and past the river
• Marston Ave between E Johnson St & Sherman Ave (this is where the sand pile is located)
• 700 and 800 blocks of E Mifflin St (between Blount St and Paterson St)
Madison Metro is continuing to offer free fares today but plan to charge for service tomorrow.
Continue to Prepare for Flooding
Residents are still reminded to monitor weather and avoid parking in low levels if rain is predicted. Overnight parking is still free in Madison ramps.
-Move valuables from your basement to other floors.
-Get a submersible pump and test your pump if you already have one.
E. Main St is open between S. Dickinson St and Northern Court N. Livingston is now open from E Washington Ave north to E

-Sandbag your property if you are in low-lying areas identified on the City may for Isthmus flash flooding or in areas known to flood in the past.
-Sandbag the lowest opening of your building (i.e. Doors and windows) -Acquire a plug for your floor drains, basement sink, and basement toilet. Placing sandbags over the floor drain will provide some level of protection.
Additional information
We have received reports of people walking, swimming and kayaking in flood waters. The water is not safe for many reasons and people should stay out of it.
Big Top Events from Breese Stevens Field (Madison Mallards) donated 200 cases of bottled water to provide to volunteers and workers
today. We appreciate their community support.####

Due to rising lake levels, City Traffic Engineering staff  are closing a portion of East Johnson Street this evening.  It will be closed from 1st Street to  Baldwin.  Detours have been established, 1st  Street  to  East Washington Avenue to North  Baldwin.

We are continuing to prepare  for the  rising water  and this is probably not  the only closure we will be facing.  We  encourage  everyone to utilize cityofmadison.com/flooding for up to date information.

####

Multi-Agency Resource / One stop information site for services 

-Tomorrow (Saturday) in Middleton (Blackhawk Church 10a-4p 9620 Brader Way). Reps from munis, school districts, food pantries, ADRC, Pub Health, Amer Red Cross, Salvation Army, Walmart, and others.

Additional Flood information

The City IT team is working to update this site regularly with maps, road closures and other helpful and crucial information for motorist and property owners.  Please  utlize this  site as you are asked questions and refer callers to this site as well.

www.cityofmadison.com/flooding

Thank you to everyone  for everything you do!

Katie  Crawley, Deputy Mayor., Public Works and Communication

####

Hello Neighbor: 

We are likely to see more rain tomorrow. I'm including several updates here, so be prepared for lots of information. For the most up to date information, please see the City's Flood Updates (for things like road closures, cleanup information, and Metro Transit disruptions): http://www.cityofmadison.com/live-work/extreme-weather/flooding

Again, This is the website you should check daily for updates from the city about flooding. http://www.cityofmadison.com/live-work/extreme-weather/flooding. 

####

Flood Update: Drinking Water

A message from the City of Madison Water Utility:

The drinking water in Madison is safe. So far, Madison Water Utility operations have not been affected by flooding.  The water is continuously monitored at every well to ensure its safety. Water is also tested at various points in the distribution system.

The city has one well that could be at risk as waters continue to rise. Madison Water Utility will be sandbagging the municipal well at 101 N. Livingston St. and will shut the facility down tomorrow as a precaution.

The utility will rely on other well facilities to supply drinking water to the area.

MWU crews will also be sandbagging the Madison Water Utility Operations Center at 110 S. Paterson St. The facility does not distribute water. It is the hub for main break, maintenance and repair crews and equipment.

####

Deputy Mayor Crawley - Road Closing 

We are continuing to deal with the aftermath of Monday's unprecedented rainfall, both on the west and east sides of Madison.  Because of the rising water in the Isthmus, we are preparing to reroute traffic to Williamson Street, if East Washington Avenue become impassable.  The removal of parked cars will be crucial as we work to accommodate many additional vehicles.

Water is up higher than predicted.  We'll probably need to start closing the right lane of E Washington this afternoon/night.  Because of that, Parking Enforcement will post "No Parking" on all of Williamson Street starting around 10am today.  The signs will display, "No Parking, 8/23-8/31.  If we needing it longer than 8/31, it will be reposted next week. 

And on the West side of the City crews will be doing repairs on Pleasant View between Old Sauk Road and Blackhawk.  That section of road will be fully closed from 9:30 (after rush hour) until probably about 11:00 a.m.

####

LAKE/RIVER LEVELS

Dane County Lake management is forced to increase the amount of water coming out of Lake Mendota at the Tenney Dam and that is taking place now.  In addition, they intend to open the locks channel to release more water this afternoon.  At this point, Dane County staff is estimating that the Yahara River through the isthmus will go up another 3" to 6" over the next 24 hours.  Yesterday it went up about 5 inches.  A three inch rise is expected for Lake Monona over the next 24 hours. 

The level of the water in Lake Mendota has to be brought down to provide room for the rains that are predicted Friday and into next week.  If this isn't done, the dam at Tenney would almost certainly be compromised.  A failure of the dam would cause devastating flooding along the Yahara River, in the isthmus and the lands surrounding Lake Monona. 

Certain low lying areas of the isthmus are now at the same elevation as the elevation of the Yahara River.  What that means is that the puddles in the streets are a back water of the Yahara River.  The storm inlets and pipes are the only way to drain the street.  When it rains, instead of water draining into a dry pipe, the water entering the pipe has to push water out of the pipe.  This makes the storm sewer much less efficient.  The rain predicted for Madison on Friday and into next week is a significant concern.  Urban flash flooding will occur more readily if the rain that falls is intense.  More rain will only make the Yahara River and the Madison lakes rise further.  Residents should avoid parking in low lying areas.  The City is making sand and sand bags available for residents and business owners to fill and use to protect their property.  The City is taking measures to protect City Facilities as well.

SANDBAGS

If you live in a low lying area, the city is able to provide sand and bags for residents. Bring your own shovel to any of the sites listed here to get them: http://www.cityofmadison.com/engineering/sandbags.cfm

Odds and Ends Items

The following is information from Dane County's Emergency Management Office:

"FEMA money" - There is a complicated but defined process to determine eligibility for federal assistance programs.  The programs themselves vary from unemployment and food assistance to low interest loans (the most prevalent form of individual assistance) to the highly prized grant monies.  Individuals seeking individual assistance from the government will have to invest time and effort to be eligible for that assistance.  

Insurance -  Many people have lost lots of personal items varying from family heirlooms to 72" flat screen TVs.  Furnaces, hot water heaters, water softeners, and other household elements will also be damaged. The vast majority of insurance policies do not cover flooding damages (from either storm or sewer).  If citizen's insurance does cover flooding, it is generally because they have purchased specific riders for flooding or sewer back-up. The big problem is that most citizens don't know their insurance doesn't cover flood damage until after they file their first claim for flood damage.

####

Documenting Flood Damage

August 23, 2018 2:04 PM

Documenting the damage caused by this week's floods can help the City plan for future events, and make changes to our stormwater management. If it is possible, residents can document any property damage caused by the storm. This includes taking photos, videos, etc of debris lines on your homes to show how high the water got, noting water in basements and garages or other structural damage. This is especially important in areas where the street flooded and that is how water got into the house.

Engineering is also acutely interested in noting sanitary sewer backups, areas where vehicles have stalled, roadways that are/were impassable and of course large damage such as the damage that was caused by the overflow in drainage ditchs that runs to ponds.

This information will help with planning and prioritizng needs across the city. Engineering has already planned future projects within the drainage basin, but identifying and gathering information early helps them immensely.

Information can be shared with JSchmidt@cityofmadison.com. Please include your address.

###

Dear Neighbor:

Please share these updates. I have been posting on Nextdoor, however, the official updates from the City will now be posted by Alders on their District website. Encourage neighbors to sign up for these district updates. They are free to remove their email address at anytime. 

August 23, 2018

Mayor Soglin / Alders, 

Dane County Lake management is forced to increase the amount of water coming out of Lake Mendota at the Tenney Dam and that is taking place now. In addition, they intend to open the locks channel to release more water this afternoon. At this point, Dane County staff is estimating that the Yahara River through the isthmus will go up another 3" to 6" over the next 24 hours. Yesterday it went up about 5 inches. A three inch rise is expected for Lake Monona over the next 24 hours.  

The level of the water in Lake Mendota has to be brought down to provide room for the rains that are predicted Friday and into next week. If this isn't done, the dam at Tenney would almost certainly be compromised. A failure of the dam would cause devastating flooding along the Yahara River, in the isthmus and the lands surrounding Lake Monona. 

Certain low lying areas of the isthmus are now at the same elevation as the elevation of the Yahara River. What that means is that the puddles in the streets are a back water of the Yahara River. The storm inlets and pipes are the only way to drain the street. When it rains, instead of water draining into a dry pipe, the water entering the pipe has to push water out of the pipe. This makes the storm sewer much less efficient. The rain predicted for Madison on Friday and into next week is a significant concern. Urban flash flooding will occur more readily if the rain that falls is intense. More rain will only make the Yahara River and the Madison lakes rise further. Residents should avoid parking in low lying areas. The City is making sand and sand bags available for residents and business owners to fill and use to protect their property. The City is taking measures to protect City Facilities as well.

East Johnson St is closed at Tenney Park. Lane closures on East Washington Ave are going to be necessary. Full closure is a possibility. 

More information will follow in our press releases today. 

Robert Phillips, P.E.

City of Madison,City Engineer

rphillips@cityofmadison.com

608.266.4090

###

City of Madison Prepares for Rising Lake Levels and Isthmus Road Closures

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 - 7:15pm

With the unprecedented amount of rain that fell this week in Dane County, lake levels are rising and will continue to do so. There is additional rain in the forecast for Friday. City staff are working on alternative traffic plans as the Isthmus travel options are limited.

Water is currently covering portions of East Johnson, Main Street near the Yahara River, and Mifflin near Livingston, and barricades are being erected. As water is released from Lake Mendota into the Yahara River and subsequently to Lake Monona, it has little place to go aside from up from storm sewers, and over the banks of the river and lake.

There are concerns that East Washington Avenue may be flooded early next week. If so, Williamson will become the alternate route for motorists traveling into and out of the downtown and Isthmus area, and parking restrictions will be necessary. As changes develop, updated information will be available at cityofmadison.com/flooding.

City stormwater engineers are working closely with their counterparts at Dane County and the Department of Natural Resources to monitor the levels and be prepared. Motorists, residents, and businesses will all be affected. The recent rains are creating numerous hardships and understanding and cooperation of residents, motorists, and others is appreciated.

City officials will hold a press conference to discuss the lake levels, the planned traffic patterns, and precautionary measures such as available sandbags on Thursday.

Press Conference Information:
Date: Thursday, August 23, 2018
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location:
Madison, Water Utility Conference Room
119 East Olin, Avenue

###
News & Updates
Council President Baldeh Issues Statement on Flood Event

Council President Baldeh Issues Statement on Flood Event

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 - 3:58pm

Common Council President Samba Baldeh, on behalf of the entire Common Council, expresses their sincere condolences for the loss of life and damage to properties because of Monday night's record-breaking thunderstorm that overwhelmed storm water drains.

The Governor and the County Executive have issued a state of emergency for Dane County and City staff continue to triage traffic and flooding issues across the City and assessing damages to public and private properties. Some streets will likely need to be reconstructed and it is anticipated that there will be more flooding over the next several days as lake levels, particularly Lake Mendota, are expected to rise another 3-6 inches.

FLOOD INFORMATION

Madison Metro
Madison Metro routes are running as safely as they can without major disruptions. Please check Metro's website at mymetrobus.com for regular updates.

Lake Levels
Dane County Emergency Management is coordinating flood preparedness efforts for communities expected to be impacted by these rising lake levels. The City has added East Johnson Street lane restrictions due to impending lake levels rising.

Road & Park Closures
For a list of updated City of Madison road and park closures, please visit: http://www.cityofmadison.com/live-work/extreme-weather/flooding

Water Damaged Items & Collection
Residents in flood-impacted areas throughout Madison are encouraged to notify the Streets Division when water damaged items have been placed to the curb for collection. Residents should also follow collection guidelines for large items and the collection carts outlined below to make pickup efficient and safe. Streets Division crews will begin flood-related collection of large items and other refuse on Friday, August 24.

Crews will return to the flood damaged areas on Monday, August 27 to continue collecting water damaged material. Streets Division staff will monitor the volume of material set to the curb in these areas, and collection crews will remain in flooded areas after August 27 if the need remains.

When residents have removed items such as carpet or furniture from areas impacted by the flood, they should contact the Streets Division office that services their home.
Reports of flood-damaged items should be made online. Go to www.cityofmadison.com/reportaproblem and choose the Refuse Collection option. Please choose "Request for Information" or "Missed Pickup" in the Request Type field of the contact form.

Residents without internet access can call the Street Division offices. Residents east of South Park Street, which includes the isthmus, should call 608-246-4532. Residents west of South Park Street should call 608-266-4681. If you call the offices after normal business hours, please leave a message on these lines with the location of the flood-damaged items so crews can be dispatched later.

Contamination
Testing for bacterial contamination should be done after wells are disinfected and the chlorine has been flushed from the system. The Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) Lab performs water testing. Call (608) 243-0357 for a consultation on what is needed.

If you are a facility licensed by PHMDC (Restaurant, Grocery Store, Swimming Pool, Hotel, etc.), and are impacted by flooding, please call (608) 242-6515 if you have questions about proper clean-up or would like to speak to a Public Health Sanitarian.

211 - Property Owners with Flood Damage
Private property owners with damage are being asked to call 211.

Public Works Emergency Contact Information (see PDF linked to this press release)

Again the Council's hearts go out to those affected by the floods. This has been a very dangerous and damaging storm. The loss of property is dwarfed by the loss of a life. 

Council Leadership and members of the Common Council also thank all of the city and county agencies and individuals who assisted residents and neighbors and saved lives during this flooding event. Their efforts are greatly appreciated and they are considered heroes by the Common Council.

For additional information, please contact your district alderperson.

Contacts

Council President Samba Baldeh(608) 501-1424district17@cityofmadison.com
Council Vice President Sheri Carter(608) 698-6027district14@cityofmadison.com
Council Chief of Staff Kwasi Obeng(608) 266-4071kobeng@cityofmadison