Updates & Week of August 24 Meetings of Interest for District 2

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.
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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

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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

 

• Public Safety Review Committee Budget Subcommittee
• Public Safety Review Committee
• Body-Worn Camera Feasibility Review Committee:
• Common Council Executive Committee

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2. COVID-19 RESOURCES & INFORMATION

 

From Public Health Madison & Dane County: The Alliant Energy Center testing site may be closing on Aug. 31, but the Public Health WIC Clinic at Village on Park testing site will be open at least through Dec. 30. More testing sites and info here, including free testing for UW students and employees.

 

New PHM&DC Order requires all county schools to begin the school year virtually for students in grades 3-12. Grades K-2 may have in-person pupil instruction, with precautions outlined in the Order.

 

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.

 

Current Public Health Order Frequently Asked Questions

 

From Mayor Rhodes-Conway: Housing and Homelessness in the World of COVID-19

 

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.

 

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3. OTHER DISTRICT 2 UPDATES

 

 

N. Ingersoll St. to Close 8/25 to 9/11 for Street Work

 

Beginning Tuesday, August 25, at 7:00 a.m., Stevens Construction will fully close N. Ingersoll Street between East Washington Ave. and Curtis Court for street work related to the Arden Apartment building construction at 1050 East Washington Avenue. The work includes installing a new left turn lane onto E. Washington. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks--until Friday, September 11, at 5:00 p.m. More information here.

 

 

Starting Sunday, August 23, Metro Service Changes

Metro will be adding service to accommodate more riders beginning August 23. Service will be increased to better serve low-income riders and people of color. Capacity is also being added in the downtown area and core sections of the system, with buses running more frequently to allow people more options to travel during rush hour times. More details here.

Fare Collection Starts Sept. 1

Starting on Tuesday, September 1, Metro will resume collecting fares on all buses. Passengers will need to present a cash fare or valid pass to ride. 

 

Board Buses at the Front Door
Also starting on September 1, passengers are directed to board at the front of the bus to access the farebox. A plexiglass shield has been installed to help prevent virus spread between the driver and passengers when boarding.

Bus Capacity Remains at 20
To help prevent virus spread, Metro continues its riding rule of only 20 passengers allowed on each bus.

Masks Required to Ride
As according to existing public health orders, all riders must continue to wear a mask when on the bus.

For more information, contact Metro's customer service center at (608) 266-4466 or mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com. Complete information available here.

City Continues Efforts to Stop Dangerous Driving on East Washington

It appears that last weekend's actions by the Police Department and Traffic Engineering substantially reduced the illegal driving and noise along E. Washington Ave. This past Friday night was not as pleasant from what I heard and saw, but it was still an improvement. City staff will continue to work in collaboration to adjust the roadway options, provide additional education, and conduct enforcement. Note that these actions at various times will be in place from I-90 to Capitol Square. Some Traffic Engineering actions include:

• Single lane closures
• Electronic message boards 
• Install turning restrictions at strategic locations to disrupt observed racing patterns.
• Observe the racing behaviors and identify locations for potential traffic signal operation changes to further disrupt the racing activities.

As most realize, this is a long term problem that has become worse since the COVID-19 pandemic has apparently given these drivers fewer options for occupying their time. MPD believes most come from surrounding areas, so changing the streets so that they less compatible with racing, as well as more enforcement by MPD, will hopefully send them back to where they came from. I do not believe that enforcement alone will solve the problem, nor is it feasible from an MPD budget and staffing perspective, so Traffic Engineering plans to explore and switch-up their approaches. Also important will be keeping an eye on other nearby streets to make sure the rude and illegal driving is not just displaced. The racial inequities associated with traffic enforcement should also be a concern for us all. 

Updates on Voting in the November Election

The City Clerk's Office will mail ballots to all voters with requests on file by September 17. It may take up to one week for a ballot to reach a voter through the mail. Voters may request an absentee ballot and track the status of their ballot at https://MyVote.wi.gov.

Additionally, here's some Recent news releases from the Clerks Office:

• Moved? Update Your Voter Registration

• Options for Returning Absentee Ballots

Voters are encouraged to return their absentee ballots to the Clerk's Office without delay. Beginning September 22, The Clerk's Office will have poll workers stationed throughout the city for curbside ballot drop-off (locations and hours coming soon)

From Mayor Rhodes-Conway: Overcoming Federal Election Subversion

Madison Water Utility Board to Review Fluoridation Policy

The Madison Water Utility Board will be reviewing Madison's drinking water fluoridation policy at its upcoming August 25th meeting. The policy was last reviewed in 2014. Tuesday's Water Utility Board Meeting will be held via Zoom at 4:30 p.m. and will be live streamed. Public comment will be enabled and is welcome. More details and participation instructions are here.

Dane County Regional Airport Creates PFAS Informational Web Page

Citizens Can Submit Their Questions About PFAS at the Airport

The Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA) has developed an informational web page regarding PFAS at the airport. The web page contains a presentation about steps being taken by the airport, a question submission form, and additional resources.

 

Current public health safety guidelines do not allow for an in-person public information meeting, so DCRA created the web page to provide information and updates to the public on PFAS at the airport. The question submission form, which will be turned into an extensive FAQ section, will be open to the public through Sept. 2.

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST  
The Madison Parks 2021 Calendar photography contest is happening! Submit your best Madison parks photos now through Monday, September 7. A cell phone camera image typically will work. Just be sure to turn your phone for a horizontal image. Review photo criteria and submit your photos by email. LEARN MORE

GOODMAN POOL 2020 SEASON ENDING SUNDAY 
The pool will be open, weather permitting, through Sunday, August 23. Remember to #MaskUpMadison. See website for hours, prices and updates. LEARN MORE

OFF-ROAD BIKING TRAIL  
Try the temporary trail at Aldo Leopold Park. The quarter-mile course, adjacent to the Cannonball Path, gives kids, families and beginning riders a glimpse of the possibilities for the Madison Biking Adventure Trail. Ride this temporary trail and give us your feedback at madbat@cityofmadison.com. LEARN MORE

COMING SOON – POP UP CYCLOCROSS 
We've partnered with Capital Off-Road Pathfinders to bring you Pop Up Cyclocross courses later this summer and fall. Look for more information coming soon on courses at Olbrich, Olin, Hill Creek, Reindahl, Aldo Leopold and Marshall parks. BOOKMARK BIKING

HIKING 
So many parks. So many trails. Find a park and take a walk. LEARN MORE

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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 August 26 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.

 

 

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 have started visiting households that have not responded.

Finally, the Census Bureau has moved the deadline for responding – either via self-response or nonresponse followup – from October 31 to September 30. City staff has concerns that this will decrease responses from traditionally undercounted people, such as populations of color, renters, and immigrants. A complete count is critical for equal representation in elections and to receive our fair share of federal funding for the next 10 years for transportation, healthcare, COVID recovery, affordable housing, and more. 

Draft 2021-2025 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Available

From the Madison Area Transportation Planning Board (MPO)

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 email comments to MATPB staff at mpo@cityofmadison.com. by Sept. 18.

A Sept. 2 Public Hearing on the TIP also 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.]

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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 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.

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Sustainable Madison Committee: Details

4:30pm, Monday, August 24, 2020
 

NEW BUSINESS ITEMS

 

Agenda Item 2

Regional and Madison Sustainable Transportation Planning and Programs

 

Agenda Item 4

Working Group Updates 

 

CLOSED SESSION 

 

Agenda Item 5

Update: RESJI / Equity Lens for 100% Renewable Energy Plan

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Water Quality Technical Advisory Committee: Details

5:00pm, Monday, August 24, 2020

 

NEW BUSINESS

Agenda Item 1

Radium Study Results – Well 19

 

Agenda Item 2

PFAS Testing Options & Results

 

Agenda Item 3

COVID-19 Impacts on Utility Operations

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Plan Commission: Details

5:30pm, Monday, August 24, 2020
 

Conditional Use & Demolition Permits

 

Agenda Item 12

849 E Washington Avenue; 6th Ald. Dist.: Consideration of a conditional use in the Traditional Employment (TE) District to convert a tavern into a nightclub; and consideration of a conditional use in the TE District to construct an outdoor eating area for a nightclub.

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Public Safety Review Committee Budget Subcommittee: Details

2:00pm, Tuesday, August 25, 2020

 

PRESENTATION

 

Agenda Item 1

Presentation from Teague Mawer, Laura Larsen, and Assistant Chief Patterson 

 

NEW BUSINESS/DISCUSSION ITEMS

 

Agenda Item 2

Discussion on Community Policing Team data - specifically on foot patrol time, traffic enforcement time, coffee with a cop, etc. (A suggested pre-read could be the Etico staffing study on the MPD website)
 

Agenda Item 3

Discussion on cost of services or quantitative data in attrition

 

Agenda Item 4

Discussion of the drafted report and next steps for finalizing the compilation to bring to PSRC

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Water Utility Board: Details

4:30pm, Tuesday, August 25, 2020

 

Agenda Item 2

Reviewing the Water Utility Board's Water Fluoridation Policy (GUIDE 4)

The Water Utility Board governs Madison Water Utility by developing and monitoring compliance with a set of policies. The complete policy book is available on their webpage: http://www.cityofmadison.com/water/education-outreach/water-utility-boa…

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Parks Long Range Planning Subcommittee: Details

3:00pm, Wednesday, August 19, 2020
 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

Agenda Item 5

Public Art in Parks

 

Agenda Item 6

Bird and Bat Houses in Parks 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Agenda Item 7
Reviewing Neighborhood Plans/Special Area Plans

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Transportation Commission: Details

5:00pm, Wednesday, August 26, 2020

 

ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED

 

Agenda Item 2

Approving proposed locations and certain parking spaces for the removal of parking meters

15 mins

Note: This item includes the proposed conversion of parking meters to time-limited parking spaces in two District 2 locations: (1) 2 spaces on the 500 block of E. Washington, northside, and (2) 9 spaces on the 200 block of Wisconsin Ave, eastside. They are proposed for removal due to the cost to operate them being less than the revenue they bring in, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parking meters could be reinstalled in the future if demand should increase.

Agenda Item 3
Operational and COVID Related Updates from Parking, Metro Transit and Traffic Engineering

15 mins

 

Agenda Item 4

Presentation on Redevelopment RFP for the State Street Campus Parking Ramp on Lake Street

15 mins

 

Agenda Item 8

Ped/Bike Enhancement List Review

Note: This item includes the proposed installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at Butler St. and E. Washington to make pedestrian crossings of E. Washington safer. It also includes several green bike boxes and other markings painted to facilitate bike turns/movements on E. Johnson and E. Washington.

30 mins

 

Agenda Item 9

Update on Traffic Calming Subcommittee.

5 mins

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Public Safety Review Committee: Details

5:00pm, Wednesday, August 26, 2020
 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS/DISCUSSION

 

Agenda Item 1

Amending the 2020 Operating Budget, creating the Office of the Independent Police Monitor and creating of the position of Independent Police Monitor as a 1.0 FTE position in CG21, Range 18, and other positions, providing funding for a Police Civilian Oversight Board, and establishing funding support for individuals bringing complaints before the Police and Fire Commission in response to the recommendations of the Madison Police Department Policy and Procedure Review Ad Hoc Committee.

Note: Agenda Items 1-4 are all related to the formation of an Office of the Independent Police Monitor, the creation of the Monitor position itself, the creation of the Police Civilian Oversight Board, and the associated funding, processes, and policies that are required.

 

Agenda Item 2

Adopting the Final Report of the Alder Workgroup to Develop Logistics & Operational Details for Madison Police Department Independent Civilian Oversight.

 

Agenda Item 3

An Ordinance creating Sections 5.19 and 5.20 of the Madison General Ordinances establishing the Office of the Independent Police Monitor and the Police Civilian Oversight Board.

 

Agenda Item 4

Amending MGO 3.54(9)(b) to add the position of Independent Police Monitor as a Compensation Group 21 level employee.

 

PRESENTATIONS

 

Agenda Item 5

Presentation on Fire Department Operating and Capital Budget requests for 2021

 

Agenda Item 6

Mental Health Ambulances presentation on costs and recent discussions

 

Agenda Item 7

Emergency Operations Center presentation and debrief. Is there a need for an office of Emergency Management? 

 

REPORTS

Agenda Item 8
Report from the Fire Department 

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Housing Strategy Committee: Details

4:30pm, Thursday, August 27, 2020
 

PRESENTATION(S)

 

Agenda Item 2

Madison Area Cooperative Housing Alliance (MACHA) Presentation

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Body-Worn Camera Feasibility Review Committee: Details

5:30pm, Thursday, August 27, 2020

 

DISCUSSION ITEMS

 

Agenda Item 2

Discussion with community organizations regarding body-worn cameras

Presenters:

Urban Triage

Freedom Inc

Operation Fresh Start

Anesis Therapy

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Common Council Executive Committee: Details

4:30pm, Friday, August 28, 2020

 

REFERRALS FROM THE COMMON COUNCIL

 

Agenda Item 4

Adopting the Final Report of the Alder Workgroup to Develop Logistics & Operational Details for Madison Police Department Independent Civilian Oversight.

Finance Committee Recommended Approval (8/10/20)

Equal Opportunities Commission Recommended Approval (8/13/20)

Public Safety Review Committee Recommendation Pending (Meeting 8/26/20)

Note: Agenda Items 4-7 are all related to the formation of an Office of the Independent Police Monitor, the creation of the Monitor position itself, the creation of the Police Civilian Oversight Board, and the associated funding, processes, and policies that are required.

 

Agenda Item 5

An Ordinance creating Sections 5.19 and 5.20 of the Madison General Ordinances establishing the Office of the Independent Police Monitor and the Police Civilian Oversight Board.

Finance Committee Recommended Approval (8/10/20)

Equal Opportunities Commission Recommended Approval (8/13/20)

Public Safety Review Committee Recommendation Pending (Meeting 8/26/20)

Agenda Item 6
Amending MGO 3.54(9)(b) to add the position of Independent Police Monitor as a Compensation Group 21 level employee.

Finance Committee Recommended Approval (8/10/20)

Equal Opportunities Commission Recommended Approval (8/13/20)

Public Safety Review Committee Recommendation Pending (Meeting 8/26/20)

 

Agenda Item 7

Amending the 2020 Operating Budget, creating the Office of the Independent Police Monitor and creating of the position of Independent Police Monitor as a 1.0 FTE position in CG21, Range 18, and other positions, providing funding for a Police Civilian Oversight Board, and establishing funding support for individuals bringing complaints before the Police and Fire Commission in response to the recommendations of the Madison Police Department Policy and Procedure Review Ad Hoc Committee.
Finance Committee Recommended Approval (8/10/20)
Equal Opportunities Commission Recommended Approval (8/13/20)
Public Safety Review Committee Recommendation Pending (Meeting 8/26/20)

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