Meetings and Updates Week of January 15th
posted- City Offices closed on January 15th in observance of MLK Jr Day
- Streets Division (snow plowing) Updates
- City Meetings
- Finance Committee 1/16
- Transportation Commission 1/17
- Alcohol License Review Committee 1/17
- Reminder: Galaxy Park Virtual Meeting 1/18 at 6pm
- Events & Announcements
City Offices are closed on January 15
Administrative offices are closed on Monday, January 15, 2024 for Martin Luther King Jr Day. Metro Transit service is reduced for the holiday. Emergency services will be open; please call 911. Use Report a Problem for non-emergencies.
Streets Division Updates
- Sidewalk Clearing Update: Posted Friday, January 12, 2024 – 9:58 am
- Winter Information: The City of Madison has a hub for all things winter from how to use salt correctly to winter recreation opportunities to free sand locations to snowplowing update email signups. All of that is available at www.cityofmadison.com/Winter
- Snow Plowing Update from the Streets Division:
“Cleanup and sanding operations will continue around the clock. Follow all posted parking restrictions in the days ahead – including on Monday – to help as we continue to dig out from all of the snow and contend with the deep freeze temperatures that will last all week, slowing commutes.
There was yet another snowstorm last night, and with temperatures too cold to apply salt at the maximum rate used by the Streets Division, crews applied sand where needed on the major thoroughfares. Throughout today, wind remains a concern as some moderate blowing and drifting issues may occur on the outlying areas of Madison along roads that border open fields. Streets crews will be monitoring these issues and working to keep the snow pushed back off and the roads open.
Also today (January 14) and continuing on through the holiday on Monday (January 15), crews will be sanding areas as needed, plowing back areas that were blocked during the initial citywide plow, addressing snow removal report-a-problem submissions. Work will also continue on clearing sidewalks and bus stops maintained by the Streets Division.
In the days ahead, the Streets Division will be using posted parking restrictions to widen streets, and this includes on Monday, January 15. Please follow all daytime parking rules in the days ahead as it greatly helps keep our roads passable so plows can push snow back to the curb and keep roads wide and safe for all travelers throughout the winter.
You will not have bare pavement on Madison streets in the days ahead, likely not for at least a week as temperatures will be far below the threshold to apply salt. Expect slow commutes through Madison with slick spots developing every day as well. Stay alert. Stay cautious. Leave for your destinations earlier than usual so you do not need to rush. In general, make good choices and drive slow.
Streets Division staff will be watching the roads and the weather. Operations will adjust as road and weather conditions require it.”
City Meetings
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 16, in virtual format at 4:30 p.m. Agenda items include the acquisition of property in Districts 12 and 13, approving contract amendments to complete work at the Royal Thai Pavilion in Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and providing Metro Transit with funding via Dane County for accessible transportation.
Transportation Commission
The Transportation Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 17, in virtual format at 5:00 p.m. Agenda items include entering into agreements with Dane County to provide Group Access Services, Volunteer Driver Escort Services, and accessible transportation services, as well as approving the application for a pedal-cab service operator license for Badger Bike Taxi Cab.
Alcohol License Review Committee
There’s one item on Wednesday’s ALRC agenda for a change to conditions for a license in District 3. The owner of the BP gas station at 3859 East Washington Ave requests to be allowed to sell beer in single bottles or cans, which would require a change to a condition currently on their alcohol license that limits singles sales. Public comments on this item can be emailed to: licensing@cityofmadison.com.
Reminder: Galaxy Park Virtual Public Information Meeting 1/18 at 6pm
Madison Parks is planning to make improvements to Galaxy Park, the neighborhood park in the North Grandview area, in 2024! The park currently offers a playground and sun shelter. Parks has prepared two plan options to add additional amenities. We want your input! Please consider joining us virtually on Thursday 1/18 at 6pm.
This will be a virtual Public Input Meeting via Zoom. Here's the link to register in advance!
Check out the Plan Options:
- Plan Option 1 (link): full-court basketball, a “gaga ball pit”, a managed meadow at the southern/uphill half of the park, retains the existing playground and shelter.
- Plan Option 2 (link): half basketball court, a mountain biking skills course (question from me: would residents prefer a paved “all wheels” course that accommodates road bikes instead of just mountain bikes?), a managed meadow at the southern/uphill half of the park, retains existing playground and shelter.
Events & Announcements
- Meet Zeke and Freddie: Badges presented to MPD's newest K-9 officers: MADISON, Wis. – The Madison Police Department is formally welcoming its two newest K-9 officers to the unit.K-9 Zeke and K-9 Freddie were awarded their badges Thursday during a special swearing-in ceremony.
- Thank You! 60th Anniversary of City’s Civil Rights Equal Opportunities Ordinance : The Department of Civil Rights would like to thank everyone who came to the 60th Anniversary of the City of Madison Equal Opportunities Ordinance Celebration. DCR would also like to express appreciation to everyone who supports the civil rights work.
- Five Resumes Received for the District 19 Common Council Vacancy : Council Executive Committee Will Meet on January 23rd to Recommend the District 19 Interim Alder.
- Cinesthesia Film Series Returns to Central Library January 17: Cinesthesia is back! This eclectic movie series hosted by cinephile Jason Fuhrman returns to Central Library for monthly screenings. Check out the lineup for 2024.
- Groove & Glide, Friday, January 19: Make the most of winter at a Groove and Glide event! Experience the fun and beauty of ice skating under the lights with fun music and games. All ages and experience levels are welcome. Grab your friends, a date, or the whole family, and come have some fun on the ice.
- Bird & Nature Adventures | Starkweather Creek Area, Saturday, January 20: Outings in the Starkweather Creek area vary each month - be sure to check the starting location. Adventures typically at 10:00am on the 3rd Saturday of the month, year-round, and frequently start at the Goodman Community Center, unless noted otherwise. Outings include nature walks, canoe/kayak adventures, bicycling tours, and more, and are sponsored by the Madison Friends of Urban Nature, Madison Parks, Badgerland Bird Alliance, Goodman Community Center, Madison Audubon Society, and Friends of Starkweather Creek. No registration is required. Pets are not allowed.
- Learn to Ice Fish, Sunday, January 21: Learn to Ice Fish with Madison Parks and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources! Participants will learn ice fishing techniques and how to properly, and safely ice fish. This is a free event offered during the Free Fishing Weekend and no fishing license is required. Advanced registration is required. 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.
