Winter updates, Public information meetings, Announcements, and Events

Hello neighbors,

Well, this weekend’s snow was a good illustration of why leaf pickup had to end when it did. The same equipment and people are used for leaf pickup as for snow removal, and snow – once it appears – takes precedence for removal. If you haven’t had your leaves picked up, you may mulch or compost them on your property, or take them to the drop off location.

Winter Updates: As we approach the upcoming winter months, please learn more about what happens when the City of Madison declares a snow emergency. Don't let the snow lead to a ticket or a tow! Sign up to get notified via Text Messaging.

Public Information Meetings & Sessions

• Stormwater Utility Vegetation Management Plan Listening Session, Tuesday, November 28 (VIRTUAL): Join the Stormwater Utility for a public listening session as part of development of the Stormwater Vegetation Management Plan. These listening sessions are intended to solicit feedback on big picture questions regarding vegetation goals and maintenance on existing stormwater utility land. These sessions will be interactive, with live polling on big picture questions, image mapping, and opportunities to identify what is working well, in addition to hearing any concerns you might have. Registration is required prior to the Zoom meeting, please register for the Zoom meeting using this link: Nov. 28, 2023 Public Information Virtual Meeting Registration
• Public Input Meeting - Olbrich Park Nature Play, Tuesday, November 28 (VIRTUAL): Madison Parks is installing a nature play area in Olbrich Park. Earlier in 2023, Parks crews removed the playground at Olbrich Park near Lakeland Ave. The typical lifespan of post and platform playground equipment is 20-30 years, and this playground was past the standard expected lifespan. The community is invited to attend a public input meeting, where Parks staff will present concept plans for review and input. Tuesday, November 28 at 6:00pm via Zoom - REGISTER IN ADVANCE
• Knutson Drive Reconstruction, Wednesday, November 29 (VIRTUAL): The City is planning to reconstruct Knutson Drive (Green Avenue to Northport Drive). The project includes a new street design with curb and gutter, sidewalk, and driveway aprons. The asphalt pavement and gravel base will be replaced. The sanitary sewer and water main will remain. The project will add storm sewer and stormwater features for controlling surface water runoff. A public information meeting  has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Nov. 29, 2023, via Zoom. Registration prior is required. Nov. 29, 2023 Public Information Meeting Registration . A survey is now available. Please take the survey before 5 p.m., Dec. 7, 2023. Knutson Drive Reconstruction- Green Avenue- Northport Drive Survey
• Community Invitation to Upcoming Community Listening Session, November 29, 6-8pm, Madison Municipal Building: The Madison community is invited to participate in the first of several upcoming Community Listening Sessions to be held by the Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM). 
• November 30, 6pm, Sequoya Library: Public engagement meeting on a proposed redevelopment of 3802 and 3814 Mineral Point Road (Moore’s Towing). Please note this meeting will not have a virtual option, and will not be recorded. I will provide a summary afterwards, and there are likely to be one or more additional public meetings after the developers submit plans to the City. 
• December 5, 5pm: A public meeting to present the Draft Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) for the proposed College of Engineering Building Replacement construction project. Please submit your comments in advance.

Announcements & News Releases

• Winter is Coming, Collect New Free Snow Machine Baseball Cards: The City of Madison is ready for winter with its new collectable snow machine baseball cards, now available for free at all Madison Public Library branches, both City of Madison Streets Division offices and other locations across the City. The four…
• Salt Routes Reduced for Winter of 2023-2024: Over 50 miles of roads were removed from the salt routes for this upcoming winter. In an average winter, this will save around 270 tons of salt from being spread on our roads and entering our waterways.

Events

• Yoga Core, Tuesdays & Fridays, October 6 through December 15, 2023: Want to build your strength and increase body awareness? Yoga Core is great way to do it! This class incorporates a wide variety of seated, standing, balancing, and mat-based yoga poses focusing on strength, stability, and mobility. Core-based practices can help enhance balance and stability and prevent falls and injuries as we age. All levels are welcome! * No Class: October 10, 20, 27 and November 7 and 24
• HolidayFest Arts & Crafts Fair, Saturday, December 2: Join us for the 24th annual HolidayFest Arts & Crafts Fair held the first Saturday in December each year. Over 80 vendors from the Midwest will be participating. 
• Bird & Nature Adventures at Tenney Park, Saturday, December 2: Nature-expert guided walks in Tenney Park along Lake Mendota and the Yahara River Parkway bike path through the Madison Isthmus are free, family-friendly and held the first Saturday of each month, from 2:30-4pm. The walk begins at the Tenney Beach parking lot, 1330 Sherman Avenue. No registration is required. No pets are allowed. Co-sponsored by Madison FUN Friends of Urban Nature, Madison Parks, Madison Audubon Society, Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Association  and Friends of the Yahara River Parkway.
• December 2, 8:30am-3:30pm: FREE HOMEBUYER EDUCATION CLASS (IN PERSON)The City of Madison, in partnership with the Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County and Consumer Credit Counseling Service, want to share with you the next Homebuyer Education workshop! This is the last class available for the year. Be on the lookout for the posting of 2024 classes in December.
• Student Loan Forgiveness Workshop, December 6, 5:30pm, online. 

Stay warm,

Regina Vidaver