District 12 Notes & Updates; Meeting & Event Highlights for the Week of February 19, 2024
postedDistrict 12 Notes & Updates
Amtrak: The Federal Government has made funds available to study the potential for a local passenger rail site. Several local sites (in District 12-(Near East & Near North) have made the preliminary cut in review of a potential Amtrak site. Vote, give input and feedback by Thursday, February 29, 2024 here Amtrak Feedback. Read more about what’s what here: Amtrak FAQs. This process is in partnership between the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Amtrak and several railroad companies and the City of Madison.
Fireworks: The Mallards have been approved to conduct six fireworks events. We are going to have a group meeting around this as the Mallards are hoping to add two additional shows. Your input is wanted, heard and appreciated. Stay tuned for the meeting date which will be in March.
The Budget: Without going into a whole dissertation on the budget, and in my own words, you should get involved and be in the know around the budget because ultimately “it’s coming out of your pocketbook,” as my mama would say.
Currently, the budget bottom line is this: we don’t have the money we need as our spending is outpacing our revenue.
When all things are said and done, we are currently facing a 27-million-dollar shortfall that is projected to grow (as much as four-fold) over the next 5 years.
Because of this unprecedented “structural deficit” (aka budget shortfall), the city is now holding a series of educational presentations on the budget; wanting to engage with us (alders and the public — this year, early on in the process) as the city figures out what programs, positions, services or other costs to chop and where and how to get more money (and/or a combination of both).
The next City Council presentation will be on March 5, 2024. You can read more about the budget crisis here Budget Info.
FYI, at the end of our last presentation (at the City Council Meeting on February 13, 2024), I introduced a resolution to suggest that we look at exploring/studying a local metro or sales tax to fund what we don’t have but need.
Yes, it’s complicated. Yes, we would have to seek an amendment ( to the rules of engagement as it would have to be approved by the State Legislature as was done most recently for Milwaukee). And yes, we might fail but can try, explore and ask questions, right?
I know, I know, some of you don’t like that I ask questions.
That said, your questions, comments, inquiries, suggestions can be emailed to:
Finance@CityofMadison.com The Finance Department is the department, the people who, under the direction of the executive office, work the numbers, provide professional analysis and suggest potential solutions that are viable under the Wisconsin Statutes (aka WI State Law)
Mayor@CityofMadison.com Under the direction of the Mayor, the Executive Office, directs the city departments around the budget, asks for input and ultimately is responsible for creating the executive budget (Operating & Capital Budget).
Traditionally, in November, the city council gets briefed on this and votes on it which acts as the final authorization to find, spend and tax, as they say.
Per the city rules, a balanced budget must be submitted and passed by December of the year it’s suggested.
AllAlders@CityofMadison.com We as city council members, receive your input and give voice to your values (and to what we as a community can support). Generally, after the budget has been proposed, laid out and balanced, we are briefed on the budget and asked to vote for it. There is a small window of time where we can suggest changes to the budget or its funding. Learn more here Budget Info
There is always more to report but that’s that for now. Hope things are going well.
In sum, here’s what else is going on…
Meeting & Event Highlights for the Week of February 19, 2024
As always, thank you to Lorissa R. Bañuelos, our Community Engagement Strategist (aka our City Council Office Public Information Officer/ publicist/PR agent) who takes the time to put this together for all of each week! For consideration contact lbanuelos@cityofmadison.com
CITY MEETINGS (open for public input)
Note: This is not a complete list of meetings for this upcoming week. All meetings and their details can be found at the Meeting Schedule page
Board of Public Works:
The Board of Public Works (think roads, bridges, sewers) )meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 21, in virtual format at 4:30 p.m.
Agenda items include creating the City of Madison Honorary Street Name program, updating the street naming policy, and items involving Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, and 20
Economic Development Committee:
The Economic Development Committee meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 21, in virtual format at 5:00 p.m. Agenda items include amending the Land Banking Fund Policy to add urban agriculture as an appropriate secondary use for properties acquired through the fund, a discussion about the 2025 budget, and the selection of the Madison Region Economic Partnership to administer the City of Madison's BizReady Program.
Madison Food Policy Council:
The Madison Food Policy Council meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 21, in virtual format at 5:30 p.m. Agenda items include amending the Land Banking Fund Policy to add urban agriculture as an appropriate secondary use for properties acquired through the fund, revising City of Madison leases on lands being used for row crop agriculture, and reports from the chair, staff, and regular business.
PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS & SESSIONS
Public Input Meeting - Meadowood Park, Tuesday, February 20, 2024 (IN-PERSON):
The City of Madison Parks Division is improving the playground at Meadowood Park and we want your input. An earlier online workshop included a larger group discussion, providing an opportunity for neighborhoods to learn and share ideas, then moved into smaller individual online break-out ‘rooms’ to address design considerations specific to each park.
Public Input Meeting - Kestrel Park, Thursday, February 22 (VIRTUAL):
A Park Development Plan for Kestrel Park was completed and approved by the Board of Park Commissioners on June 14, 2023. Madison Parks is now beginning to implement the plan, with construction anticipated in 2024. Construction will include a new playground and community patio space. Work will also be done to establish the ground cover vegetation as noted in the plan.
The City is planning on replacing the lighting system that currently provides lighting to vehicle traffic on John Nolen Dr. for the Monona Terrace Tunnel with non-corrosive materials and light emitting diode (LED) fixtures. In addition to tunnel lighting and controls, potential infrastructure for aesthetic lighting will be evaluated for future installation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS & NEWS RELEASES
Officer dishes up service, spaghetti during job shadow program:
MADSON, Wis. – For one community center on the south side, Fridays are for food and friendship. The latest round of the Madison Proximity Project, a job shadow program started by the Madison Police Department earlier this year, took place at the… (more)
State Street--Bus Rapid Transit Station Construction:
The two State Street Bus Rapid Transit stations will begin construction starting Monday, February 19, between W Gorham Street and W Dayton Street. A single, westbound traffic lane will remain available for delivery vehicle access. Construction… (more)
Street Closures--Southbound N Lake Street (posted February 16, 2024)
Starting 7:00 a.m. on Monday, February 19, the southbound direction of traffic on North Lake Street will be closed between State Street and University Avenue for installation of temporary communication poles and overhead lines. The work and closure…(more)
The Bubbler at Madison Public Library welcomes artist Grace Olson as the new Artist-in-Residence at Central Library
City Breaks Ground on New Bus Storage, Maintenance Facility to Support Electric Fleet:
MADISON, WI – For the first time in a decade, the Cityis able to expand its Metro Transit bus services thanks to federal funding for a major $16M remodel project to support the City’s new electric bus fleet.
Hospitalized Absentee Ballot Process: Now in process. Hospitalized voters can get help getting through the process to get assistance to appoint an agent to retrieve, deliver, and return of their absentee ballot. This process is available until 5 p.m. on Election Day. Hospitalized voters can initiate the process by appointing an…(more)
Mail It Back Monday: As of today, the City Clerk’s Office has issued 615 absentee ballots for the February Primary, with 123 returned to be counted. The Clerk’s Office strongly encourages absentee voters to mail back their absentee ballots today, if possible. By mailing…(more)
EVENTS
Spring Primary Election Day, Tuesday, February 20, 2024: Polling places open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
Gentle Yoga, Tuesday, February 20: Yoga improves balance, range of motion and flexibility, which are all important, especially as we age. Yoga Accessible for All (YAFA) teachers dedicate themselves to making yoga safe and inviting for anyone who is interested in gaining the benefits (yafayoga.org).
Yoga Core, Tuesday, February 20: Yoga Core is a great class to help build strength and body awareness. This class incorporates a wide variety of seated, standing, balancing, and mat-based yoga poses focusing on strength, stability, and mobility. Core-based practices can help enhance balance and stability and prevent falls and injuries as we age. All levels are welcome. Participants will need to be able to get up and down off the floor. Chairs or walls may be used for balance assistance.
Knowing and Understanding Your Rights, Wednesday, February 21:
This meeting aims to inform community members about their constitutional rights during traffic stops.Madison Police Department officers will also share crime prevention tips to protect people from becoming a victim of identity theft.
Meditation At Monona Terrace, Thursday, February 20:
Mindfulness Meditation will be led by Sarah Moore M.D., a mind-body practitioner, therapist, and physician. Sarah has been practicing meditation for more than 20+ years and teaching meditation to groups and individuals for the past 15 years. Her personal practice has brought her much peace, joy and stability, and she is excited to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
Learn How to Ride Metro at Sequoya Library, Friday, February 23, 2024:
Learn how to use Metro Transit’s fixed route city bus service. Topics include using Google Maps, the Transit app, and other digital options; paper schedules and phone service; and discounted fare options. Metro employees will answer your questions about bus travel and provide one-on-one assistance in English and Spanish.
Yoga Core, Friday, February 23:
Yoga Core is a great class to help build strength and body awareness. This class incorporates a wide variety of seated, standing, balancing, and mat-based yoga poses focusing on strength, stability, and mobility. Core-based practices can help enhance balance and stability and prevent falls and injuries as we age. All levels are welcome. Participants will need to be able to get up and down off the floor. Chairs or walls may be used for balance assistance.
Bird & Nature Adventures | Edna Taylor, Saturday, February 24:
Join a naturalist for an easy family-friendly walk from Aldo Leopold Nature Center into beautiful Edna Taylor Conservation Park and enjoy a bit of nature education along the way. Walk will begin at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, 330 Femrite Drive. Meet outside at the Children's Shack. Co-sponsored by Madison Parks, Badgerland Bird Alliance, and Aldo Leopold Nature Center . No registration is required. No pets are allowed.
Thanks for all you do.
Stay engaged,
Alder Amani
Amani Latimer Burris, District 12 Alder (Near East/Near North)
Email: District12@cityofmadison.com
Council Email: Council@cityofmadison.com
Text/Cell: 608/345-8747 (Preferred)
City Council Office: 608/266-4071
Add yourself to this blog list: District 12 Blog
Alder Amani Latimer Burris
District 12
Contact Alder Latimer Burris