400 Block E. Washington Proposal Updates and Meetings
The James Madison Park District steering committee that is reviewing the LZ Ventures redevelopment proposal for the north side of 400 block of E. Washington Ave held a virtual meeting on the evening of May 7. Another committee meeting is likely for the week of May 18 when committee input to the city will be formed. If you'd like to participate and/or stay informed contact Eli at
president@capitolneighborhoods.org or Joe at
jmartino@isi360.com. The developer's application to the city can be found
here.
Proposal at Urban Design Commission on May 27
The proposal is expected to be formally considered by the Urban Design Commission at their May 27 virtual meeting. I will publish UDC meeting participation details in my Alder Updates when available, as well as how to email input to UDC. The proposal could move to Plan Commission as soon as June 8 if approved by UDC.
Landmarks Commission Findings
The proposed demolitions of the existing homes and commercial buildings on the site were reviewed by the Landmarks Commission at their May 4 meeting. In its advisory recommendation to Plan Commission, Landmarks found that
"... the building(s) has historic value related to the vernacular context of Madison's built environment, or as the work/product of an architect of note, but the building itself is not historically, architecturally or culturally significant."
Landmarks findings related to proposed demolitions are limited to one of three possible findings: (1) the buildings have no historical value, (2) as above, or (3) that the building(s) has historic value based on architectural significance, cultural significance, historic significance, as the work/product of an architect of note, its status as a contributing structure in a National Register Historic District, and/or as an intact or rare example of a certain architectural style or method of construction.
As interpreted by Landmarks, a consultant hired by the developer and the city's preservation planner did not make the case that any of the buildings would fall into finding (3) and Landmarks unanimously supported finding (2), but these decisions are often a combination of objective and subjective considerations. Local preservationist Gary Tipler, on the other hand, reported that several of the buildings are historically significant and/or could be the work of an architect of note. All that said, Landmarks' finding that (2) applied may or may not carry weight in subsequent city staff reports on the proposal and/or when Plan Commission considers the proposed demolitions. Note that Plan Commission will also consider various other requested approvals needed for the proposal to move forward.
Complete the 2020 Census ASAP!
Census data determines how more than $675 billion in federal funds are distributed to communities across the country for healthcare, affordable housing, childcare, education, transportation, and more. That's over $2,000 per person for Madison and Dane County every year. In fact, public health experts, government officials, and first responders all rely on population data to make critical decisions in crises like the one we are currently experiencing.
Madison residents can fill out the census over the phone, by mail or online at my2020census.gov.

Dine Downtown Bingo
Dine Downtown BINGO is a special program to encourage the community to actively support restaurants and specialty food businesses in downtown Madison. This promotion will run for the month of May and will be a restaurant "bingo-style" game with prizes available to participants. There will be 4 sets of 3 cards issued, one set each Friday for the month of May. Each set of cards will feature 20-30 open businesses.
This project is a fun, safe, and easy way for the community to support and enjoy downtown Madison restaurants. Card sets, participating locations, and details here.

Only Half of Spring Tree Plantings Will Occur Due to COVID-19
The Streets Division's Urban Forestry section's spring tree planting season is underway. Due to the pandemic and social distancing guidelines, the number trees planted this spring will be half of what crews would plant during a normal spring season. Many residents who are expecting a tree to be planted on the city right-of-way terrace in front of their home this spring may instead receive the tree during the fall planting season. More details here.
Food Scrap Recycling Starts at Drop-Off Sites
For the first time in Madison, food scraps recycling will be available at all three of the Streets Division drop-off sites. This is a special voluntary recycling program available only at the drop-off sites and is scheduled to last until October 31, 2020. Residents who wish to participate should follow the rules outlined on the food scraps recycling guide PDF available at the Streets Division's website and available for pickup at the Streets Division's drop-off sites. More details here.
Curbside Collection of Yard Waste Has Ended
On May 4, Streets Division collection crews completed the spring yard waste collection rounds. Residents should not place yard waste to the curb at this time. Rather than placing yard waste to the curb, residents can take the material to one of the Streets Division drop-off sites. Residents may also want to try composting or mulching grass clippings into their lawn. More details here.
City Allows Delay of Property Tax Payments Without Penalty Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Dane County has announced that they will give local units of government the flexibility to delay the due date for property taxes to October 1, 2020. Recent state legislation authorized the ability for counties and their communities to take this step in an attempt to offer payment flexibility for individuals and families who may be struggling to keep up with expenses during this difficult time.
Last week Common Council approved a resolution that implements such a provision for Madison residents. Dane County must still formally approve its Resolution 60350 on May 21, which will then allow Madison and other municipalities to enact these provisions. In Madison, property tax installment payments will be due in full on May 31 and July 31 as usual, but if not paid until as late as Sep. 30, 2020, no penalties or interest will accrue.
East Gorham St. Sanitary Sewer Project
The Engineering Division hosted a May 7 virtual public information meeting focusing on planned sanitary sewer improvements for East Gorham Street between N. Livingston and N. Blair Streets. This project will involve some temporary lane closures on E. Gorham during the anticipated construction period of mid-July to late October, Visit the project's webpage that will be updated throughout the construction and has a recording of the public information meeting. You can also signup to receive emails about the project on that page.
May 21 Public Information Meeting for East Dayton Street Reconstruction
A virtual public information meeting will be held on May 21 at 5:30pm to discuss an upcoming E. Dayton Street reconstruction project. City Engineering is estimating an August project to reconstruct the two blocks of E. Dayton Street between N. Blair and N. Livingston Streets. This 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 signup to receive emails about the project and register for the public information meeting. You must register in advance in order to participate.
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3. CITY MEETINGS OF INTEREST TO DISTRICT 2
Below are some pertinent agenda items from the two city committees that are meeting this week. If you click on a meeting agenda below, then click on an agenda item of interest, you will see all documents that have been submitted on that item.
The city meeting agenda items are open for testimony from the public should you be interested in weighing in via teleconferencing or email (details included on agendas). Committees also have an opportunity at the beginning of each agenda for Public Comment on items not on the agenda. I also appreciate hearing from you on any items on which you have a particular interest or concern.
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5:30pm, Monday, May 11, 2020
Virtual Meeting
The City of Madison is holding this Plan Commission meeting virtually to help protect our community from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Note: Virtual attendance instructions in the agenda linked above.
PUBLIC HEARING-5:45 p.m.
Zoning Map Amendments & Related Requests
Note: Items 2 and 3 are related and should considered together. The Landmarks Commission reviewed the proposed demolition at its May 4, 2020 meeting. A report from the Landmarks Commission meeting and additional information from the State Historic Preservation Office are attached to ID 59810.
Agenda Item 2
Creating Section 28.022 -- 00419 of the Madison General Ordinances to change the zoning of property located at 935 West Johnson Street, 8th Aldermanic District, from TR-U2 Traditional Residential - Urban District 2) District to CI (Campus Institutional) District.
Agenda Item 3
935 W Johnson Street, 8th Ald. Dist.: Consideration of a demolition permit to demolish a single-family residence to accommodate a future University of Wisconsin-Madison academic building.
Conditional Use & Demolition Permits
Agenda Item 14
601 Bay View, 13th Ald. Dist.: Consideration of a demolition permit to demolish a community center and five residential buildings containing 102 dwelling units; consideration of a conditional use in the Traditional Residential-Urban 1 (TR-U1) District for a multi-family dwelling with greater than (8) units; consideration of a conditional use in the TR-U1 District for a residential building complex, and; consideration of a conditional use in the TR-U1 District for a recreational/ community/ neighborhood center, all to allow construction of a residential building complex with 57 townhouse units in eight buildings, two apartment buildings containing 73 total units, and a new community center.
From the staff report: The Bayview Foundation and Horizon Development request demolition and conditional use approval to redevelop the Bay View development with 130 new apartment units and a new 12,000 sf community center. The improvements will be phased in order to avoid displacement of current residents. As noted in the Letter of Intent, the proposed development will remain an affordable housing development, and has received funding commitments from the City's Affordable Housing Fund and Tax Credits from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. The development team has indicated that the proposed design is the result of a significant internal design-process among Bay View residents.
Agenda Item 16
2219 Monroe Street, 13th Ald. Dist.: Consideration of a conditional use in a Campus-Institutional (CI) District without a campus master plan for the establishment, improvement, or modification of a secondary use occurring outside of an enclosed building, to allow installation of lights for the stadium at Edgewood High School ("Goodman Athletic Complex").
Note: Item 16 has generated a significant number of public comments related to the request, which may be found under the "Public Comments" files attached to this file. The Plan Commission should review those comments prior to the meeting.
BUSINESS BY MEMBERS
SECRETARY'S REPORT
- Upcoming Matters - May 18, 2020
Note: This item includes:
- Revised MGO Chapter 37, Stormwater Management System and Erosion Control Ordinance
- 126 Langdon Street - Demolition Permit-Final Plan Approval and Conditional Use - Construct seven-story, 107-unit apartment building (Revised request)
- Upcoming Matters - June 8, 2020
Note: This item includes:
- 825 E Washington Avenue - Demolition Permit and Conditional Use - Demolish two commercial buildings to construct an eight-story, 151-room hotel with two restaurant-taverns and outdoor eating areas In Urban Design Dist. 8
- 402-414 E Washington Avenue, 8-12 N Franklin Street, and 9 N Hancock Street - Demolition Permit and Conditional Use - Demolish six residential buildings and a commercial building to construct a ten-story mixed-use building with 3,300 square feet of commercial space and 156 apartments in Urban Design Dist. 4
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Police and Fire Commission: Agenda
5:30pm, Monday, May 11, 2020
Virtual Meeting
The meeting will be conducted by teleconference. Some or all of the members of the body may participate by teleconference.
Note: Virtual attendance instructions in the agenda linked above.
FIRE DEPARTMENT DISCUSSION ITEMS
Agenda Item 1
Update on the 2020 Fire Department Hiring Process
POLICE DEPARTMENT DISCUSSION ITEMS
Agenda Item 4
Update on the Hiring Status of the 2020 Police Department Academy
Agenda Item 7
General status report on Police Department discipline
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4:30pm, Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Virtual Meeting
The City of Madison is holding the Finance Committee meeting virtually to help protect our community from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Note: Virtual attendance instructions in the agenda linked above.
ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED
Agenda Item 1
Confirming the reappointment of Janel Heinrich to the position of Director of Public Health Madison-Dane County subject to the execution of an Employment Services Agreement with Dane County.
Recent Legislative History
5/5/20 COMMON COUNCIL Refer to the FINANCE COMMITTEE
Agenda Item 3
Authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to enter into an agreement with Dane County to provide Volunteer Driver Escort Services for the City of Madison for the calendar year 2020.
Recent Legislative History
5/5/20 TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Referred to the FINANCE COMMITTEE
Fiscal Note
This agreement would allow Dane County to use the State 85.20 funding for a portion of the Volunteer Driver Escort Services service cost borne by Dane County. Dane County's total anticipated cost of Volunteer Escort services within the Metro Transit service area is $179,651 (net). Dane County will provide $108,651 (net) of the County General Purpose Revenue and other funds while Metro will provide no more than $71,000 in State Operating Assistance. Funding is included in Metro Transit's 2020 Operating Budget.
Note: The City and the County plan to maintain cooperative funding for this program, the purpose of which is to transport elderly and disabled individuals who are unable to use existing transportation or for whom no transportation resource is available.
Agenda Item 4
Authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to enter into an agreement with Dane County to provide Group Access Service for the City of Madison for the calendar year 2020.
Recent Legislative History
5/5/20 COMMON COUNCIL Refer to the FINANCE COMMITTEE
Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the agreement between Metro Transit and Dane County to use State 85.20 transit funding received by Metro Transit for the provision of the portion of Group Access Service located in the City of Madison. Dane County will provide an amount not to exceed $180,134 of Highway Department funds, and Metro Transit will provide an amount not to exceed $154,356 of State 85.20 Operating Assistance funding. Funding for 2020 is included in Metro Transit's Operating Budget. No additional appropriation is required.
Note: The City of Madison and Dane County cooperate on the funding of several special transportation programs, including Group Access Service for older adults and individuals with disabilities for group transportation such as congregate meals, group shopping and adult daycare, in the Metro Transit service area.
Agenda Item 5
Authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to enter into an agreement with Dane County for the purpose of providing Metro Transit with State 85.21 funding given to Dane County for the provision of accessible transportation for eligible persons within Metro Transit's service area in the calendar year 2020.
Recent Legislative History
5/5/20 COMMON COUNCIL Refer to the FINANCE COMMITTEE
Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes Dane County to provide State 85.21 funding in an amount not to exceed $267,907 to Metro Transit for the transportation of seniors and persons with physical disabilities. Funding for the program is included in Metro Transit's 2020 Operation Budget.
Agenda Item 8
Directing $80,000 of the Municipal Art Fund towards Art in Public Places projects.
Recent Legislative History
5/5/20 COMMON COUNCIL Refer to the FINANCE COMMITTEE
Agenda Item 9
Approving the 2020-2021 Arts Grants awards funding as recommended by the Madison Arts Commission.
Recent Legislative History
5/5/20 COMMON COUNCIL Refer to the FINANCE COMMITTEE
Agenda Item 13
SUBSTITUTE - Authorizing the execution of a two-year Lease Agreement between the City of Madison and Watson Smith LLC for the City's lease of the property located at 4502 Milwaukee Street for temporary shelter purposes, with the option to purchase the property at the end of the two-year lease.
Recent Legislative History
4/28/20 FINANCE COMMITTEE Refer to the FINANCE COMMITTEE
Agenda Item 14
Amending the 2020 Operating Budgets of the Police Department; and accepting a U.S Department of Justice Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) grant award of $279,128 to fund unbudgeted COVID-19 response supplies and equipment.
Recent Legislative History
5/5/20 COMMON COUNCIL Refer to the FINANCE COMMITTEE
Agenda Item 15
SUBSTITUTE - Amending the Public Health Madison Dane County Operating Budget to appropriate $700,000 to Increase Staff Due to the COVID-19 Health Emergency and Add Funding to Assist Persons Who Are Required to Quarantine Due to a Positive COVID-19 Test.
Recent Legislative History
5/6/20 BOARD OF HEALTH FOR MADISON AND DANE COUNTY RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL TO ADOPT - REPORT OF OFFICER
Agenda Item 16
SUBSTITUTE-Amending the 2020 Adopted Operating budget to transfer $350,000 from the City's Contingent Reserve to the Clerk's Office for Supplies and to transfer $355,000 within Direct Appropriations from the Contingent Reserve to Supplies for COVID-19 related costs.
Recent Legislative History
5/5/20 COMMON COUNCIL Refer to the FINANCE COMMITTEE
Agenda Item 17
Emergency Orders Update: Status of Approved Budget Amendments
Agenda Item 18
COVID-19: Economic Impact Update
Agenda Item 19
Operating Budget: 2020 1st Quarter Projections & 2021 Preliminary Outlook
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Transportation Commission: Agenda
5:00pm, Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Virtual Meeting
The City of Madison is holding the Transportation Commission meeting virtually to help protect our community from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Note: Virtual attendance instructions in the agenda linked above.
ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED
Agenda Item 2
Opening Comments - Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway Preliminary Metro Plan; Vision Zero Advance Projects; TIP Review
15 mins
Agenda Item 3
Introduction of New Transit General Manager - Justin Stuehrenberg
10 mins
Agenda Item 4
Preliminary Metro service restoration plan after COVID-19 emergency
45 mins
Agenda Item 5
Preliminary Parking Division Recovery Plan after COVID-19 emergency
30 mins
Agenda Item 6
Review and Approval of operational change related to multi-space parking meters
20 mins
Agenda Item 7
To Ratify any actions taken by the Transportation Department during COVID-19 emergency
20 mins
Agenda Item 8
Authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to enter into an agreement with Dane County to provide Volunteer Driver Escort Services for the City of Madison for the calendar year 2020.
5 mins
Agenda Item 9
Authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to enter into an agreement with Dane County to provide Group Access Service for the City of Madison for the calendar year 2020.
5 mins
Agenda Item 10
Authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to enter into an agreement with Dane County for the purpose of providing Metro Transit with State 85.21 funding given to Dane County for the provision of accessible transportation for eligible persons within Metro Transit's service area in the calendar year 2020.
5 mins
Agenda Item 13
Approving plans and specifications and authorizing the Board of Public Works to advertise and receive bids for Local Road Traffic Calming & Arterial Pedestrian Enhancements-2020 (Citywide)
15 mins
Agenda Item 14
Vision Zero Advance Projects Review
15 mins
Agenda Item 15
Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) Review
30 mins
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Board of Park Commissioners: Agenda
6:30pm, Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Virtual Meeting
The City of Madison is holding the Board of Park Commissioners meeting virtually to help protect our community from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Note: Virtual attendance instructions in the agenda linked above.
Agenda Item 10
May 2020 Parks Division Superintendent's Report
RECOMMEND ACCEPTANCE OF THE REPORT
Agenda Item 11
NEW BUSINESS
At this time, a consent agenda will be moved with the recommended action listed for each item EXCEPT: 1) items which have registrants wishing to speak. 2) items which require an extraordinary (roll call) vote and are not included on the consent agenda by unanimous consent. 3) items which Board Members have separated out for discussion/debate purposes. Those numbers with an asterisk are consent agenda items.
Agenda Item 12*
Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2020.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Agenda Item 13*
Proclaiming the week of April 26 through May 2, 2020 as Arbor Week in the City of Madison.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Agenda Item 14*
Proclaiming Sunday, June 28, 2020 as World Migratory Bird Day in the City of Madison.
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Agenda Item 17
Authorizing the Park Superintendent and the Facilities, Programs and Fees Subcommittee to Approve Certain Park Event Permits - Temporary Change Due to COVID Restrictions on Meetings
RECOMMEND APPROVAL
Agenda Item 18
Breese Stevens Field informational reports regarding the 2020 Fan Access Plan and Neighborhood Impact Plan.
RECOMMEND ACCEPTANCE OF THE REPORT
Agenda Item 19
Request from Big Top Events for a pyrotechnic display at Breese Stevens Field prior to May 1, 2021
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION
Note: Item 19 is related to the previously publicized possibility of an event at Breese Stevens over the July 4th holiday that would include a fireworks display. TLNA Council supported the event concept for the July 4th holiday. Given that the July 4th event is increasingly unlikely to be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Big Top is considering holding a similar event sometime before May 1, 2021, subject to all Public Health concerns. The fireworks I have heard about are estimated to be half as loud as traditional explosive fireworks, go at most 300 feet into the air, leave no debris, and would be fountain-style rather than explosive. The fireworks component of a show would be estimated to last at most 15 minutes and be similar to those you might see in a large indoor arena or at an outdoor arena. The pyrotechnics are anticipated to part of a family-friendly music and entertainment event that is only a concept with ttendance numbers would likely be similar to a smaller concert or soccer match. Details are very much to be determined and subject to approval by several city departments.
Agenda Item 22
Adopting the Oscar Mayer Special Area Plan as a Supplement to the City of Madison Comprehensive Plan. RETURN TO LEAD WITH THE RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL TO THE PLAN COMMISSION
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Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center Board: Finance Subcommittee: Agenda
4:00pm, Thursday, May 14, 2020
Virtual Meeting
The City of Madison is holding the Monona Terrace Board of Directors Finance Subcommittee meeting virtually to help protect our community from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Note: Virtual attendance instructions in the agenda linked above.
NEW BUSINESS ITEMS
Agenda Item 1
Financial Update: David Schmiedicke, Finance Director
Agenda Item 2
Monona Terrace Budget Forecast Update
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