Power surge/outage, "Family Definition" update, events and announcements

Hello neighbors,

I am so sorry to hear how many of you were impacted by the surge and power outage that occurred as a result of a driver hitting MG&E equipment on Friday. I know there has been significant damage to many people’s furnaces and appliances, particularly those that were not plugged into surge protectors.

I have received the following information from MG&E:

Under state law, MG&E is not responsible for household equipment damaged during an outage that’s beyond our control, which, in this case, resulted from a vehicle crash into MG&E infrastructure.

Customers are encouraged to contact their renter’s or homeowner’s insurance company to determine if their losses are covered under their policy. (If you believe your insurer is denying your claim inappropriately, you may contact the Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance.)

Customers do have the right to submit a claim to MG&E. MG&E will investigate and respond appropriately. To make a claim against MG&E, customers need to provide the following information and submit it to MG&E’s Legal Department:

• Details regarding the circumstances of what occurred;

• Date of incident;

• Location of incident;

• Description of incident;

• Damages incurred due to such circumstances; and

• An itemization of such damages.

Madison Gas and Electric Co.

Attn MGE Legal Department

PO Box 1231

Madison WI 53701-1231

“Family Definition” revision

The City has released a webpage to describe the proposal that is coming before the Plan Commission on February 13 that would allow up to 5 unrelated individuals to live in any housing unit in the city. The webpage provides the same information that was given during the December 19 public information meeting. There will be two additional public information meetings prior to the Plan Commission meeting:

• Thursday, February 2 from noon-2 pm. Please register in advance.
•  Monday, February 6 from 6 pm-8 pm. Please register in advance.

Events

• Make a sock monster at the Monroe Street Library Saturday February 4, 10am-noon.
• Celebrate Black History Month at Madison Public Library: February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of the achievements by African Americans and a time to honor the central role of black Americans throughout history and in the present day. For a full list of events, displays and activities, visit the Madison Public Library’s Black History Month? page.
• Learn About the Northeast and West Area Plans: Planning efforts are underway by the City of Madison to help shape the future of our West and Northeast neighborhoods. The Northeast Area Plan and West Area Plan will be the first under this new Planning Framework that will ultimately cover the entire city. Guided by overarching City policies and feedback from stakeholders, these Area Plans will guide physical changes that occur over time in our community, such as land use, housing, transit, streets, bike paths, and other community facilities.
• West Area Plan Public Meetings:
  • Virtual Meeting: Monday, February 6 at 12:00 p.m. Registration is required and can be completed on the project webpage.
  • In-Person Meeting: Thursday, February 9 at 6:00 p.m. at Vel Phillips Memorial High School, 201 S. Gammon Rd. Enter front doors and look for directional signs. This meeting will have interpretation, childcare and food.
  • Virtual Meeting: Monday, February 13 at 6:00 p.m. Registration is required and can be completed on the project webpage.
• The City of Madison, in partnership with the Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County and Consumer Credit Counseling Service, is offering the next HUD-Approved Homebuyer Education class on February 9 and 16 (2-part class). Check out the 2023 class schedule!
• The next public information meeting regarding reconstruction of John Nolen Drive will be February 23 at 6:30pm. Please register in advance.

Announcements

• The video of the first Mayoral forum is available:
  • YouTube: https://youtu.be/p8DJ4G0ZS1g
  • Audio Only: Download MP3 Audio (82.7
• Community support: Resources available following release of video in Tyre Nichols' case: The Madison Police Department is sharing a list of community support available following the release of police video in the Tyre Nichols’ case.
• Plow Name Election Ends February, 3, 2023: The City of Madison Streets and Engineering Divisions and Wisconsin Salt Wise’s contest to name four pieces of the City’s snowplowing fleet ends at 8:00pm on Friday, February 3.
• Madison Area Sports Commission (MASC) Youth Grants available: these grants provide financial assistance to serve youth in need, connecting them to sports activities that can provide lifelong enjoyment and health benefits. Deadline: Friday, February 10, 5pm.
• Call for Artists: Our Town Everywhere Self-Portraits Project with The Bubbler at Madison Public Library: The Bubbler at Madison Public Library is looking for artists to help facilitate an exciting new project called Our Town Everywhere: A Self-Portrait of Madison.
• 2023 Spring Primary Election: Sample ballots will be available for viewing by address on the MyVote Wisconsin website at least 21 days prior to Election Day.
• The City’s Community Development Division (CDD) is excited to announce that CDD’s Major Rehabilitation Loan Program, for single family properties, is now operated through Project Home, Inc. This program provides long term deferred loans (up to $24,999) to low-to-moderate income homeowners in need of repairs or improvements to their housing.
• Madison Arts Email List: Want to stay in touch about calls for art, grant opportunities, project and event announcements? Subscribe to the Madison Arts Email List!
• Dane County Community Housing Survey: Let’s take the next step together! Take this 10-minute Community Housing Survey to share your thoughts on housing and affordability for our community. All participants will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 gift card.
• Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge project webpage: The Lake Monona Waterfront master plans are now available on the Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge project webpage
• New South Madison Tax Incremental Financing District Proposed: The City of Madison is seeking approval of a new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district (TID 51) that will provide an estimated $115 million in financial support, including $99 million in TIF funding, for South Madison.
• Madison Food Policy Council Announces 2023 SEED Grants Cycle: SEED Grants are small grants designed to support new and recently emerging projects or programs that support access to healthy food in our community.

Be well,

Regina Vidaver