Update on snow-covered streets; Public Information Meeting on Franklin and Stevens reconstruction; Announcements and Events

Hello neighbors, 

It is obvious our streets are not in the condition we have come to expect from our Streets Division. This was certainly a “perfect storm” type of event, with a lot of snow and quickly falling temperatures that prevented salt from working, and the continuation of those very cold temperatures into this whole week. Alder Field has put together a comprehensive blog post on this topic, which I will refer you to, rather than reiterating. I do believe this is an opportunity for our Streets Division to undertake a quality improvement analysis and approach as we plan for future events of this nature. 

There has been communication today about what to expect in the next several days. Crews will be out salting and plowing to prevent worsening conditions as we anticipate more snow and potentially rain this week. As always, please drive with caution.

Public Information Meetings

• Northeast Area Plan - Art Workshop, Wednesday, January 24: In collaboration with the City Arts Administrator Kairn Wolf, the Northeast Area Planning (NEAP) team is hosting an upcoming art workshop on January 24, 6-8pm at the Fleet Service Facility located at 4151 Nakoosa Trail, Madison, WI 53714. The primary goal of the workshop is to gather feedback and insights regarding potential art projects within the NEAP area. Your participation would be instrumental in shaping the artistic vision of this community.
• North Franklin Street and Stevens Street Reconstruction, Tuesday, January 30, 5:30pm. A public information meeting on this project will be held via Zoom. Please register in advance. A questionnaire has been created for anyone impacted by this project. Please complete the questionnaire by 5 p.m., Feb. 6. 
• Thanks to everyone who came out for the Public Information Meeting on the proposed “road diet” for Mineral Point Road. It was a productive discussion, where many people identified plusses and minuses for the proposal. The presentation was a repeat from the December Zoom meeting, which has not yet been posted to the City’s website. I will provide that link when it is available. This project has been delayed until 2025, thus there will be continued data collection during 2024, and additional public meetings as we near the 2025 planning period. Stay tuned!

Announcements & News Releases

• Common Wealth Development is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2024 Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program!: The 2024 Wanda Fullmore Youth Internship Program is an 8-week internship that provides Madison youth with the space to build valuable connections, learn about the City of Madison, and gain crucial professional development skills, all with supportive mentorship. Interns will work, on average, 16 hours per week and wages start at $15.50/hour for this internship opportunity. For more information, please visit Common Wealth’s website. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Sam Heim via email or phone at 608-220-8155. 
• Spring Primary Media Kit Now Available: As the February 20 Spring Primary approaches, the Madison City Clerk's Office is releasing a media kit to provide accurate and timely information to the media and the public. Please note: the District 13 County Board Supervisor race WILL have a primary election on February 20. This County Board District covers a portion of the City’s District 5.
• Next Passenger Rail Meetings for Madison Station Location: The City of Madison invites the community to join us and share your feedback at one of two upcoming public meetings to see the draft results of the corridor evaluation for passenger rail, and learn more about several potential station sites under consideration.
• City of Madison Earns 2023 Leadership Circle Recognition with National Monarch Pledge: The City of Madison is proud to continue its dedication to the Monarch butterfly community and pollinator conservation in southcentral Wisconsin as a part of the National Wildlife Federation Mayors’ Monarch Pledge Team. 

Events

• ENJOY A FREE FUN WEEKEND IN YOUR LOCAL PARKS: Activity Permit Fees are Waived January 20 and 21 in Dane County and City of Madison Parks  Madison Parks and Dane County Parks are offering a permit-free weekend on Saturday and Sunday, January 20 and 21, 2024. 
• Storytime at Monroe Street Library has returned on Tuesdays from 10:30-11:15am for kiddos under 5.
• Urban League of Greater Madison is offering Budgeting for the New Year on January 23, 6-7:30pm. Learn to create a spending plan, prioritize savings and paying of debt, and receive customizable budgeting templates and tools. Please register in advance.
• Meditation At Monona Terrace, Thursday, January 25 (This event occurs on multiple dates): Life can be stressful, meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace, and balance that benefits both your emotional well-being and your overall health. All experience levels and drop-ins welcome. Thursdays, January 11 through May 16, from 12 noon – 12:45pm. Virtually on Zoom (advance registration required) & FREE to participate.
• Groove & Glide, Friday, January 26: 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 | Edna Taylor, Saturday, January 27: Join a naturalist for an easy family-friendly walk from Aldo Leopold Nature Center into beautiful Edna Taylor Conservation Park and enjoy a bit of nature education along the way. Walk will begin at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, 330 Femrite Drive. Meet outside at the Children's Shack. Co-sponsored by Madison Parks, Badgerland Bird Alliance, and Aldo Leopold Nature Center . No registration is required. No pets are allowed.
• Family Winter Prom, Saturday, January 27: Celebrate the magic of winter at the Family Winter Prom! Join us for a night of frosty fun and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Enjoy music, dancing, crafts, and refreshments. Dress up and celebrate this special night!

Stay safe,

Regina Vidaver