Updates & Week of August 17 Meetings of Interest for District 2

I will be away from Sunday, Aug. 16, to about Wednesday, Aug. 19. If you need to contact me this coming week, it may take several days to get a response.

____________________________

District 2 Updates and Meetings of Interest

City meetings remain online only with details listed in City Meetings of Interest below; all have virtual public participation options.

Stay in touch with your neighbors through either Capitol Neighborhoods, Inc. or Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Association.

Stay healthy, stay home, stay in touch, and please practice physical distancing whenever outside your home. Details on face mask requirements are below.
____________________________

There are four sections to this week's update:

1. Racial Equity & Policing
2. COVID-19 Resources & Information
3. Other District 2 Updates
4. City Meetings of Interest to District 2

____________________________

 

1. RACIAL EQUITY & POLICING

 

Several city meetings listed below include items that are related to racial equity, are being put forward in response to the protests, or are related to law enforcement. See the agenda listings below for

 

• Police and Fire Commission
• Common Council Executive Committee
• Economic Development Committee
• Downtown Coordinating Committee

____________________________

 

2. COVID-19 RESOURCES & INFORMATION

 

For information on Madison's responses visit the City's Coronavirus Website. There you will find 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.

 

Español: COVID-19 and Hmoob: COVID-19.

 

From Public Health Madison & Dane County: The latest data snapshot and a blog post with data notes. Our data and metrics page always includes our latest data.

 

From Public Health Madison & Dane County: Free COVID-19 Community Testing Site. Details on the online registration system.

 

Current Public Health Order Frequently Asked Questions

 

Mayor Rhodes-Conway's Letter to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission Requesting an Extension of the Moratorium on Utility Disconnections

 

From Metro Transit: Mask Up Madison - Face Coverings Required to Ride

 

From the City's Economic Development Division: Business & Non-profit Information Covid-19, including Streatery Program

 

From the City: Community Resources Section on the city's COVID website, including housing and eviction information

From the Downtown Madison Business Improvement District: Updates From Downtown Businesses  

WI Dept. of Health Services Cases by Neighborhood (Census Tract)

From Madison Public Library: Current Availability of Library Services

 

The Governor's Office compilation of all COVID-19 resources and information from state agencies, including the State Dept. Public Health.

 

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

 

Info on UW-Madison's response to the pandemic at this site.

 

____________________________

 

3. OTHER DISTRICT 2 UPDATES

 

 

Madison Moving Days: Special Collections and Other Details

 

On Saturday, August 15 the Madison Streets Division will begin collecting curbside items in the downtown area beginning at 5:00 a.m. Collections will continue at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 16.

Crews will be emptying refuse and recycling carts, and collecting large items, such as furniture.

Residents moving out of and into apartments downtown are strongly encouraged to follow the collection guidelines outlined on the Streets Division's moving days website. Following collection guidelines keeps City workers safe and makes collections faster.

Streets Division staff will continue monitoring the volume of material set to the curb in the downtown area. On Monday, August 17, depending on the volume to the curb, crews will be assigned downtown again to continue collection of refuse and recycling carts, and large items. For more information, visit the moving days website or call the Streets Division office at (608) 246-4532.

City of Madison Works to Stem Dangerous Driving on East Washington

As the temperatures have risen this summer, so have the weekend speeds on East Washington Avenue, creating dangerous situations for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. The loud noises and hazardous driving have also led to a reduced quality of life for residents and patrons of local businesses.

Madison Police have been working to educate and enforce the traffic laws on the road and have issued numerous citations for speeding and hazardous driving. Through their interaction with some of the involved motorists, they have learned that a number of the drivers are young and from area small communities, outside of the City of Madison.

City staff from the Police Department and Traffic Engineering are working in collaboration to adjust the roadway options and provide additional education and enforcement to motorists this weekend, beginning the evening of Friday, August 14 until the morning of Monday, August 17. More information on the components of this effort here.

From Mayor Rhodes-Conway - "Today the City Mourns"

Our community continues to face extraordinary times. Between the ongoing pandemic and steady increases in shots fired, the health and well being of all Madison residents are constantly front of my mind, especially today.

Today the City of Madison mourns the passing of Anisa Scott, a life taken too soon by senseless gun violence. We must work together to end gun violence in our city, our state, and our nation. Read more here.

Note: On Wednesday, I attended a press conference at Penn Park on Madison's southside. Council President Sheri Carter and Alder Barbara Harrington-McKinney hosted the press conference and several other alders were in attendance; all to decry the outbreak of gun violence and the shooting of Anisa Scott, and to support the many Black leaders, activists, and the many others who are working to stop the violence. Many of those folks spoke powerfully about the need for the city, the county, and the community to step up. As Mayor Rhodes-Conway and many others have said, there are complex systemic issues at play, many that are manifestations of the aspects of our economic and criminal justice system that are rooted in racism and help to create the climate for gun violence to persist and to increase. Regardless, the murder of an 11-year old is a wakeup call to us all. The violence must stop now; we must push harder for sensible gun control; we must address the root causes by providing opportunities and education for all young people and tackling the many disparities that exist for BIPOC in Madison.

Madison's 5th Annual Black Restaurant Week takes place August 16-23

From the Black Chamber of Commerce

This year's event pays tribute to Ms. Milele Chikasa Anana, who dedicated her life to championing positive Black news, building community and helping young people realize their potential. Inspired by the excellence of the local cuisine and believing in the impact of Black-owned businesses, she created the first Madison Black Restaurant Week in 2016.

 

You can celebrate her legacy and experience original, authentic recipes from dozens of Black-owned restaurants, food carts, caterers, dessert destinations and specialty shops all week long. More details here.

 

 

Yahara Watershed Study Public Information Meeting - August 26, 6-8pm

 

Join the City of Madison to discuss the East Isthmus and Yahara River Watershed Study. The presentation from this virtual meeting will be recorded and posted on the project website. You must register in advance for the meeting via the project website.

 

The watershed study will identify causes of existing flooding and then look at potential solutions to try to reduce flooding. The study will use computer models to assist with the evaluations. For more information please see the Flash Flooding Story Map.

 

E. Gorham Street Sewer Replacement Project Underway

As many have noticed, the construction for this sewer replacement project has started. The project spans E. Gorham Street between N. Butler and N. Livingston Streets. The parking lane has been converted to a driving lane because the main sanitary sewer line being replaced is in the middle of Gorham. The bike lane is also closed, so bikes can "take the lane", although due to aggressive and rude vehicle driving on Gorham, this is a daunting proposition for many, including me. I suggest using the marked bike detour that follows the E. Mifflin bike boulevard. City Traffic Engineering has been working with the contractor to supplement signage for cyclists and to adjust sign placement to make the situation clearer and safer. This project will last at least three months, but as always, that is dependent on the weather. See project information and contacts.

Madison Public Library Eliminates Overdue Fines

Effective immediately, Madison Public Library will no longer charge overdue fines on library materials.

"Madison Public Library is proud to support our commitment to equity and literacy. By eliminating nearly all overdue fines and ceasing to use a collections agency, we want to encourage even more Madisonians to use the library by removing those barriers to library services," said Library Director Greg Mickells. "Especially now, we need to make our libraries more accessible." Read more here.

E. Dayton Street Reconstruction Starting Week of Aug. 17

This major reconstruction project is on the two blocks of E. Dayton between N. Blair and N. Livingston Streets. The project includes asphalt pavement resurfacing, spot repairs of curb and gutter, sidewalk, and driveway aprons and utility replacements of storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main facilities. Visit the project's webpage that will be updated throughout the construction, where you can also signup to receive emails about the project and find contact information. Like the Gorham Street project, the reconstruction will last until as late as November, depending on the weather.

2020 Census – 30,000 Madison households still need to respond

 

As of July 31, an estimated 30,000 Madison households still needed to respond to the 2020 Census according to the Census Bureau. The city's 2020 self-response rate (72.4%) was lagging the final 2010 self-response rate (77.2%) by 4.8 percentage points. In addition to tracking citywide response figures, Madison is tracking response rates within individual Census tracts by the percentage PDF  and estimated number PDF  of households that have yet to respond. Response rates are lagging in Census tracts around UW-Madison along with portions of Madison's northeast, south, and west sides.

 

The City of Madison's Complete Count Committee is asking households that have not yet responded to take 10 minutes to complete the Census at my2020census.gov , by phone , or by mail . Census Bureau employees will start visiting households that have not yet responded on August 11.

 

Draft 2021-2025 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Available

From the Madison Area Transportation Planning Board

The Draft 2021-2025 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the Madison Metropolitan Area & Dane County is now available for review and comment.  The TIP lists major transportation improvements and studies anticipated to be undertaken during the next five-year period. 

The draft document has been posted on the TIP page of the MPO's website at this link.  A summary listing and maps of the major programmed projects along with a table with the approved Surface Transportation Block Grant Program priority project listings has also been posted at this link.

If you have comments or concerns regarding the federally funded projects or any of the other listed projects, the Madison Area Transportation Planning Board (MATPB) will accept all input. Please submit them in writing by Friday, Sept. 18. Please address written comments to the MATPB office or email them to MATPB staff at mpo@cityofmadison.com.

A Sept. 2 Public Hearing on the TIP provides an opportunity to provide oral comments to the board:

TIP Public Hearing

Wednesday, September 2 at 6:30 p.m.

Virtual Meeting via Zoom

[Note: See agenda when posted here for link and info on how to register to speak.]

____________________________

4. CITY MEETINGS OF INTEREST TO DISTRICT 2

 

Below are some pertinent agenda items from city committees that are meeting this week. If you click on meeting "Details" below, you will find participation and viewing options, and a link to the full meeting agenda. If you click on a item of interest from within an agenda, you will see all documents that relate to that item.

 

I appreciate hearing from you on any items on which you have a particular interest or concern.

____________________________

 

Police and Fire Commission: Details

12:00pm, Monday, August 17, 2020
 

Special Meeting - Virtual Working Session

POLICE CHIEF APPOINTMENT PROCESS Registered groups/organizations will have up to 20 minutes to share their thoughts with the PFC regarding the police chief search. If the organizations scheduled to speak do not take the full 20 minutes, the next group may be asked to speak prior to its anticipated start time, if present.

 

Agenda Item 1

Discussion of tentative timeline, process, scheduling, and methods for community and stakeholder input.

 

Agenda Item 2

Input from City of Madison Employee Association Local 6000

 

Agenda Item 3

Input from Our Wisconsin Revolution

 

Agenda Item 4

Input from Association of Madison Police Supervisors

 

Agenda Item 5

Additional Input from Community Organization(s)

 

POSSIBLE PFC RULE CHANGE

 

Agenda Item 6

Consideration and possible action regarding amending Board Rule 2.a. to revise the current City residency requirement for the position of chief to within 15 miles of the jurisdictional boundaries of the City.

____________________________

 

Public Market Development Committee: Details

4:00pm, Monday, August 17, 2020

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Agenda Item 1 Public Market Discussion

Funding update

*2021 capital budget

*TIF funding

*New Market Tax Credits

* EDA application status

* Private fundraising

MarketReady update

* Status of the Market Ready program and expenditures

Public Market Design

* Current status of Fleet Service Building

* Update on design progress & contract with MSR

____________________________

 

Landmarks Commission: Details

5:00pm, Monday, August 17, 2020
 

REGULAR BUSINESS

 

Agenda Item 9

Buildings Proposed for Demolition - 2020

-522 S Gammon Road

-5 N Pinckney Street

-7-11 N Pinckney Street

-15 N Pinckney Street

-19 N Pinckney Street

-22 N Webster Street

-116, 118, 120 E Washington Avenue

-1022 Reinke Drive

-5010 Milwaukee Street

Note: The N. Pinckney, N. Webster, and E. Washington demolitions are part of Urban Land Interests' proposed redevelopment of much of one block of the Square.

____________________________

 

Madison Food Policy Council - Food Relief Work Group: Details

12:00pm, Tuesday, August 18, 2020

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS

 

Agenda Item 1

Discuss Potential Merger with "Pandemic Food Access Work Group" 

 

Agenda Item 2

Discuss and Finalize Work Group Charter

 

Agenda Item 3

Appointment and Confirmation of Chair/Co-Chair

 

Agenda Item 4

Discuss Potential Work Group Project Ideas

____________________________

 

Common Council Executive Committee: Details

4:30pm, Tuesday, August 18, 2020
 

REFERRALS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL

 

Agenda Item 7

ALTERNATE - Creating Section 5.18 of the Madison General Ordinances to establish procedures for the Madison Police Department to obtain property from the Defense Logistics Agency under the 1033 Program.

Public Safety Review Committee (Lead Referral), Equal Opportunities Commission (additional referral), Finance Committee recommended approval of the ALTERNATE on 8/10/20

 

Agenda Item 8

Prohibiting the use of tear gas as of November 17, 2020 and requesting a study of alternatives by the Madison Police Department.

Sponsors: Patrick W. Heck, Shiva Bidar, Keith Furman and Marsha A. Rummel

Public Safety Review Committee (Lead Referral), Equal Opportunities Commission (additional referral)

____________________________

 

Board of Public Works: Details

4:30pm, Wednesday, August 19, 2020
 

ITEMS REFERRED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL

 

Agenda Item 6

Approving roadway geometry for the reconstruction of S. Blair St. from John Nolen Dr. to E. Washington Ave., including the intersection of S. Blair St., John Nolen Dr., Williamson St. and E. Wilson St. (2nd, 4th and 6th AD)

REPORT BY CITY ENGINEERING

RECOMMEND TO ADOPT

Note: This 2021 project will include reconstruction of the intersection of Blair/John Nolen/Williamson/Wilson along with pavement replacement on S. Blair St. and E. Washington Avenue between Blair and Blount Streets.

 

PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT - PUBLIC CONTRACTS

 

Agenda Item 22*

Assessing Benefits - East Johnson Street Assessment District - 2019. (2nd and 12th AD)

This item is on the meeting's consent agenda, so no discussion will take place unless a committee member asks to have it removed from the consent agenda or a member of the public registers to speak on the item.

Note: This item is accepting the final assessments for last year's reconstruction of E. Johnson Street.

 

APPROVAL OF BIDS OPENED BY CITY ENGINEERING

 

Agenda Item 33

Awarding Public Works Contract No. 8879, Tenney Park Pavilion Acoustical Plaster Ceiling. (2nd AD)

RECOMMEND AWARD TO BERGLUND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Note: This item is a proposed acceptance of a contractor's bid for the Tenney Park Pavilion Acoustical Plaster Ceiling. A sound absorbing acoustical plaster system will be installed on the existing gypsum board ceiling at the Tenney Park Pavilion meeting room.

____________________________

 

Economic Development Committee: Details

5:00pm, Wednesday, August 12, 2020
 

Agenda Item 1

Requesting the Wisconsin State Legislature pass a bill to create a refundable tax credit for home improvements to residents near Truax Field necessitated by the placement of F-35 fighter wing aircrafts.

 

Agenda Item 2

Amending the 2020 Adopted Capital Budget of the Economic Development Division to appropriate $750,000 for a Small Business Equity and Recovery Program (SBER).

 

Agenda Item 3

Equitable Economic Response and Recovery

1) City efforts underway

2) Economy and Culture Recovery Team

3) Open discussion regarding Economic Development Committee and Economic Development Division related goals and work

 

____________________________

 

Madison Food Policy Council: Details

5:00pm, Wednesday, August 19, 2020
 

DISCUSSION ON CURRENT STRUCTURE AND CHANGES

 

Agenda Item 2

Discussion on COVID-19 Structure - Discuss and Approve Work Group Charters (MFPC-DCFC) MFPC-DCFC 

 

REGULAR BUSINESS REPORTS

 

Agenda Item 9

Public Market Development Committee August 2020

____________________________

 

Alcohol License Review Committee: Details

5:30pm, Wednesday, August 19, 2020
 

Changes of Agent

 

Agenda Item 5

Change of Agent Bell

Great Lakes • dba Taco Bell • 534 State St.

New Agent: Sofia Avella-Salas

Class B Combination Liquor & Beer

Aldermanic District 2 (Alder Heck )

 

Streatery Extension of Licensed Premise

 

Agenda Item 32

Streatery Extension of Licensed Premise

Samba Grill, LLC • dba Samba Brazilian Grill

Current Capacity (in/out): 84/42 • Proposed Capacity (in/out): 84/36

240 W Gilman St. • Agent: Matt Bents

Class B Combination Liquor & Beer • 15% alcohol, 85% food

Aldermanic District 2 (Alder Heck ) • Police Sector 403

____________________________

 

Landlord and Tenant Issues Committee: Details

5:00pm, Thursday, August 20, 2020

 

Note: The Agenda, virtual attendance and viewing instructions will be in Details linked above, but were not available as of publication.

____________________________

 

Downtown Coordinating Committee: Details

5:30pm, Thursday, August 20, 2020

 

Agenda Item 3
Downtown Recovery Discussion

Brainstorming session on ideas for Downtown recovery:

a. COVID-19 Recovery, and Post-COVID re-opening plans

b. Equitable Recovery

c. Staff updates on recovery efforts

____________________________

 

Task Force on Structure of City Final Report Implementation Work Group: Details

2:30pm, Friday, August 21, 2020

 

Note: The Agenda, virtual attendance and viewing instructions will be in Details linked above, but were not available as of publication.

____________________________