Common Council

PFAS in Fish, Dogs in Parks - D15 Update 2/10/20

Last Week

• Plastic straws - On Tuesday, the Common Council passed a resolution that prohibits bars and restaurants from distributing plastic straws unless a customer wants one. It's a very small action for a very big problem, but I was happy to be a cosponsor on this legislation and feel tremendous urgency to address plastic pollution. Plastic pollution is similar to that of PFAS in that it is very persistent in the environment. Microplastics are ingested through drinking water and in our food. Elimination of single-use plastic should be a priority at the state and federal levels and is of tremendous global concern. 
• Dogs in Parks - A proposed ordinance was introduced for referral at Tuesday's meeting that would update several city policies related to dogs. This follows months of public engagement in 2019 and a recommendation by the Parks Long Range Planning Subcommittee to allow dogs on-leash in the majority of our city parks. You can read the guidelines here that include establishing some dog-free parks for enjoyment by those who want to avoid dogs completely. Here's a link to a presentation that includes additional detail.
• Silk Exotic License - The Common Council also confirmed the recommendation of ALRC to deny the liquor license request by Silk Exotic Nightclub. Visions is temporarily closed through the end of March, but retains its license to operate.
• 3930 Milwaukee, Amazon Hub Proposal - On Thursday, the law firm representing Leo Ritter & Co. filed an appeal with the city, challenging the Plan Commission decision that denied permits for the project. Leo Ritter & Co. owns the 3950 Milwaukee Street property (formerly Swiss Colony) and planned to acquire the 3930 property in order to lease both to Amazon for a proposed distribution center. You can read more background on this issue and find links to the Plan Commission hearing here. Click here to access the new legislative file for the appeal.The appeal will be introduced to the Common Council at an upcoming meeting, with a public hearing to follow at a later date. As always, you can send me your thoughts or questions at district15@cityofmadison.com. Anyone interested in sharing their opinion directly with the common council will have 5 minutes to speak during the public hearing. I'll share more details as they become available.

• PFAS - Two weeks ago, the Madison Water Utility presented information on PFAS contamination in our drinking water. You can see a copy of the presentation here and a link to additional information on the Water Utility's PFAS page here. This past Saturday, Public Health staff presented information on the updated fish consumption guidelines for fish caught in Starkweather Creek and Lake Monona. Here is a link to Public Health's webpage on PFAS including detailed information related to exposure and heath effects. The short version of the new guidance is to limit consumption of blue gill from this area to no more than 1 meal per week and to limit consumption of other species to no more than 1 per month. Exposure through contact with the surface water is not believed to be significant as compared to exposure through ingestion. Anyone who swims in the water should avoid drinking the lake water and dog owners should work to prevent their dogs from ingesting it as well. Public Health is hosting another public meeting on the same topic on Wednesday at the East Madison Community Center (details below).

This Week

• On Monday, Danez Smith Presents "Homie" as part of the Wisconsin Book Festival and the Madison Area Cooperative Housing Alliance (MACHA) will host a visioning meeting - help them decide how MACHA will move forward by sharing your ideas, hopes, and dreams.
• On Tuesday, there will be a Public Information Meeting for the Anderson Street resurfacing project and the ECA (Eastmorland Community Association) will hold it's monthly meeting to hear about the proposed Woodman's project and to hear from a group that is looking at community-based development of the Voit property.
• On Wednesday, the Transportation Commission will receive a report from Metro on proposed route/stop changes to implement in August. A public hearing will be set for a future meeting for those interested in providing comment.
• Friday, Madison Bikes is sponsoring two commuter stations with free coffee and treats to celebrate Bike Winter Anywhere Day.
• On Saturday, join the Friends of Starkweather Creek for a work party or stop by Olbrich Botanical Gardens for the 2020 Pour'n Yer Heart Out Community Iron Pour Event.
• Interim Pinney Library will close at 5p on Sunday in preparation for the big move to New Pinney! Details on the move and how to use the library system while Pinney is closed can be found here.
• And save the dates for Office Hours with me and Supervisor Audet at Java Cat on Sunday, February 23rd & for a Public Safety forum co-hosted by me and Alder Lemmer at Sennett MS on Wednesday, February 19th. You can reserve a space to the public safety forum by clicking here.

City of Madison News Releases

Madison Commons Media Digest

• F-35s: Easements could lock homeowners out of noise reduction programs, Chris Hubbuch, Wisconsin State Journal, Feb. 7.
• Check to see if the the state Elections Commission thinks you may have moved, WSJ, Feb. 7.
• Madison City Council moves to prevent 'involuntary' use of plastic straws in restaurants, Abigail Becker, Capital Times, Feb. 6.
• MUM's Linda Ketcham says listening, avoiding 'white fragility' important for nonprofit work, Emily Hamer, WSJ, Feb. 8.
• Madison School Board candidates make their pitch at first forum, Scott Girard, CT, Feb. 5.
• Madison School District suspensions still disproportionately given to black students, those with disabilities, Scott Girard, CT, Feb. 4.
• Metro Transit seeks public hearing for service changes impacting many routes, Dean Mosiman, WSJ, Feb. 8.
• Opening of parking garage, bike center at Judge Doyle Square pushed back to June, Dean Mosiman, WSJ, Feb. 4.

District 15 Calendar

Click on 'details' in the events below for links to additional details and meeting agendas. You can find a full list of city meetings here.