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Rudi the Pig, Lake Monona Waterfront, Drive-thru Starbucks on S. Park

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Rudi the Pig

I thought I'd start of this week's blog post with everyone's favorite topic -- Rudi the Pig. 

Miniature pigs were introduced in the U.S. in the 1980s and are increasingly bred as companion animals and pets. Many cities have updated their ordinances to accommodate miniature pigs as pets. Madison is one of those cities that has not updated its ordinances in this regard. Instead, our ordinances treat all pigs as farm animals and livestock, and therefore disallow miniature pigs within city limits. While I don’t know the history of our ordinances forbidding pigs, my guess is they were put into place before the miniature pig was introduced to the U.S.

District 5 Alder Regina Vidaver and I are working with city staff from Public Health, Zoning and the City Attorney’s office to update our ordinance so that Rudi doesn’t have to leave his home along the SW Bike Path. Miniature pigs like Rudi weigh between 75 and 150 pounds, about the size of a large dog. In contrast, domestic hogs raised for livestock can weigh over 800 lbs.

I think it is reasonable to amend our ordinance so that an exception can be made for miniature pigs kept as pets, provided they are neutered, micro-chipped with a permanent identification, vaccinated against rabies and species-specific diseases, and contained within a fence or on a leash.

Some will suggest there are many more important things for an alder to be working on. Of course, that’s true. But it’s also true that Rudi brings a tremendous amount of joy to young and old alike, and in these trying times, that’s no small thing.

Now on with the rest of the updates.

Lake Monona Waterfront – Master Plan Update, Monday, July 24

The community is invited to join Madison Parks for an update on the Lake Monona Waterfront planning initiative at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, Lecture Hall on Monday, July 24. Representatives from the Sasaki design team will present proposed revisions to their plan for the lakeshore based on the community input received during the first phase of the design challenge. The team is working closely with the Lake Monona Waterfront Ad-hoc Committee to prepare an updated plan for Common Council consideration this fall.

Drive-thru Starbucks on S. Park at Urban Design Commission - Wednesday, July 26 

1609 S. Park Street -- Renovation of an Existing Building in Urban Design District 7

Arby's closed last year at this site and the owner of the property is seeking approval to convert the structure into a drive-thru Starbucks. Some residents in South Madison have raised concerns that such a development would not be consistent with the recently adopted South Madison Plan, particularly its stated emphasis on community wealth-building as opposed to corporate franchises.. Others have noted Starbucks's problematic anti-union track record and the irony of this site being across the street from the Labor Temple. However, after looking into this further, it's not evident this project can be opposed on any of those grounds.

I do think there is merit to the those who have expressed concern about the drive-thru only design, with a stated preference for a full-service coffee shop that cars can drive-thru combined with one that residents could walk to and gather inside. While that is more a matter for Plan Commission, I'm assuming the developer will be taking note of resident concerns at Wednesday's UDC meeting.

Events

  • Urban League of Greater Madison: Financial Empowerment Workshop Series #1, Tuesday, July 25, 2023: Do you have financial goals you are working to attain? Maybe you'd like to purchase a home, start your own business, or plan for retirement? The Urban League's free Financial Empowerment series of workshops can help you build the budget to achieve those goals, understand and build your credit score, learn about other community resources that can help support your goals, and much more!
  • Concerts on the Square, Wednesday, July 26, 2023: The Capitol Square comes alive for six consecutive Wednesdays during the summer months with music from the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. FREE and open to the public, grab a blanket, a picnic basket, and your family and friends for this Madison tradition!
  • Learn to Fish with WI DNR, Wednesday, July 26, 2023: Learn to Fish with Madison Parks and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources! There is no cost to attend (advanced registration is required), however, anglers ages 16 and older will need a Wisconsin fishing license, which can be purchased online at Go Wild . For first-time license buyers, the cost is just $5 for an annual permit. See license options . Wisconsin DNR's Fishmobile will be onsite with all the fishing equipment needed to participate. This event is open to adults and children and is ideal for persons aged 7 years and older. Children must be supervised by a parent or adult guardian. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver for themselves and their children, upon arrival.
  • All-City Swim Meet, Thursday, July 27 - 29: Watch the Goodman Waves Swim Team compete at the All-City Swim Meet at the Goodman Pool! Spectators are welcome! The All-City Swim Meet is a three-day event hosting more than 2,000 swimmers and 6,000 spectators and is one of the nation’s largest outdoor amateur swim meets. Each area pool in the Madison area league hosts the Meet once every 13 years, and this is Goodman Pool's first time hosting.
  • Live at The Glen | Vince Sweeney, Friday, July 28, 2023: Live at The Glen featuring Vince Sweeny! Enjoy the relaxing music of acoustic guitarist and singer Vince Sweeney, a native Madisonian whose expansive song list spans decades. From Neil Young to The Beatles, from the Eagles to Dylan, Springsteen, Petty and many more, Sweeney strings together great cover songs that add up to an enjoyable evening of free live music on the patio at The Glen Golf Park.
  • Summer Nights at Segoe, Friday, July 28, 2023: Carts in Parks: The City of Madison Carts in Parks program continues in 2022 and will be regularly featured at parks around Madison! Food carts are scheduled at a variety of parks and community events through the summer. Many of the food carts accept credit for payment, but not all. Please plan accordingly. The exact food cart(s) and the schedule are subject to change. Weather may impact or cancel vending activities.
  • Mad Lit: Where Arts and Culture Shine, Friday, July 28, 2023: Mad Lit is a free, outdoor concert series featuring live music and highlighting local musicians, artists, and businesses owners of color. The series runs every other Friday from June through September from 8-11pm at the top of State Street in Madison and includes live music, dance, pop-up shops, and visual exhibits.
  • Night Moth Walk, Friday, July 28, 2023: Join naturalist Jeff Steele on this new night walk to see and learn about moths and other night-flying insects. We'll walk to different viewing spots to view insects under ultraviolet light. Be prepared for mosquitoes. A flashlight may be helpful for walking. Sponsored by the Friends of Cherokee Marsh and Madison Parks.
  • Food Cart Pop-up, Saturday, July 29, 2023: Pop over to your neighborhood park for a Food Cart Pop-up! Scheduled at various times and in parks across the city, food carts and trucks, offering desserts, coffee, dinner and more, add to the fun of your favorite City of Madison parks.
  • Food Cart Pop-up, Sunday, July 30, 2023: Pop over to your neighborhood park for a Food Cart Pop-up! Scheduled at various times and in parks across the city, food carts and trucks, offering desserts, coffee, dinner and more, add to the fun of your favorite City of Madison parks.
  • Disability Pride Festival, Saturday, July 29, 2023: Art, music, exhibitors, pontoon boat rides and more by people with disabilities for our friends and beloved community. Come join us in celebrating the Americans with Disabilities Act, and pushing for greater access for all.

Announcements

That's all for now.

Take care and stay safe.

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District 13 - Alder Evers

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