Be cautious on ice, Public meeting on Franklin and Stevens reconstruction Tuesday, Announcements, and events

Hello neighbors,

If you are an ice enthusiast (fishing, skating, walking, etc.) please be aware that the ice on our lakes may not be sufficiently safe for activities, given the warmer temps and rain that have been with us this past week. The Clean Lakes Alliance Frozen Assets festival has moved events off the ice, and I’m expecting the UW to modify the Winter Carnival as well. We expect temps to climb into the 40s this next week, so further erosion of the ice is possible. Be safe out there!

Public Information Meetings & Sessions

• North Franklin Avenue and Stevens Street Resurfacing, Tuesday, January 30: A public information meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Jan. 30, 2024, via Zoom. Registration prior is required. This project will replace aging and deteriorating utilities in N Franklin Avenue and Stevens Street. In N Franklin Avenue sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and water main will be replaced. In Stevens Street sanitary main and laterals, and storm sewer main and inlets will be replaced. For both N Franklin Avenue and Stevens Street there will be a replacement of gravel base and asphalt with spot replacement of curb, sidewalk, and driveway aprons.
• I-39/90/94 Corridor Study, Tuesday, January 30 (VIRTUAL): The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) invites you to a public involvement meeting for the 67 mile I-39/90/94 Study in Dane, Columbia, Sauk and Juneau counties between Madison and Wisconsin Dells.
• I-39/90/94 Corridor Study, Wednesday, January 31 (In-Person): The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) invites you to a public involvement meeting for the 67 mile I-39/90/94 Study in Dane, Columbia, Sauk and Juneau counties between Madison and Wisconsin Dells. 5-7 p.m., Jan. 31, 2024, in-person meeting, Wisconsin Dells High School, (Art Gallery), HH Bennett Hall, 1501 Brew Farm Road, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965.
• Metro Transit - Downtown Construction Related to East-West BRT, Thursday, February 1 (VIRTUAL): Learn more about Metro’s bus rapid transit construction in the downtown area, including expected construction timelines and road closures.
• I-39/90/94 Corridor Study, Thursday, February 1 (In-Person): The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) invites you to a public involvement meeting for the 67 mile I-39/90/94 Study in Dane, Columbia, Sauk and Juneau counties between Madison and Wisconsin Dells. 5-7 p.m, Feb. 1, 2024, in-person meeting, Madison College – Truax Building, Conference Room D1630, 1701 Wright Street, Madison, WI 53704

Announcements & News Releases

• Affordable Connectivity Program – ACP Wind-down: In 2021, Congress established the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, appropriating $14.2 billion. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was tasked to develop and implement the ACP as well as ACP outreach and awareness activities. As of January 2024, over 22 million households are enrolled and receiving the ACP monthly benefit. Without additional funding from Congress, the allotted $14.2 billion to fund the ACP is projected to run out in April 2024 (this date is an estimate and may change). As a result, the FCC has begun taking steps to wind down. This includes:
  • ACP applications and enrollments will not be processed after February 7, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET. 
  • Households who have applied, been approved, and are receiving the monthly internet discount before February 8, 2024, will continue to receive their ACP benefit until ACP funds run out, as long as the household remains enrolled in the program.
  • After the ACP funds run out (projected in April 2024), households participating in the ACP will no longer receive the ACP discounts.
  • We’re hearing from community partners that some ISPs are telling customer the program isn’t running anymore; this is inaccurate—if households are enrolled (not just have applied) by February 7, they can still benefit until the funds run out.
• 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 a 8-week internship 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 at samantha@cwd.org or via phone at 608-220-8155. 
• Christmas Tree Collection Resumes Monday, January 29, 2024: Streets Division crews will be performing one final round of Christmas tree collection starting Monday, January 29, 2024. If you still need your Christmas tree collected, please have it out on the terrace or right of way area by 6:30am on Monday.
• MPD job shadow program sends officer to barbershop: The second set of participants in the Madison Proximity Project brought an officer to a barbershop on the city’s near east side. 
• City Clerk's Office begins mailing absentee ballots to voters with requests on file, Tuesday, January 30: Track the status of your absentee at My Vote.  Remember, there will be a primary on February 20 for Dane County Board Supervisor for District 13, which covers a portion of this Madison Alder District 5.
• Last day to register to vote online or via mail, Wednesday, January 31
• As part of public engagement for the Stormwater Vegetation Management Plan, we are issuing an online survey to better understand community concerns.  This survey will be available until February 23, 2024. Results from this survey will be used to gather input from technical experts on specific issues and concerns.
• The Tamara D. Grigsby Office for Equity and Inclusion (OEI), in partnership with the Dane County Food Council, is pleased to announce the annualPartners in Equity (PIE) Food Project Grants for Dane County organizations. The application period is now open and the deadline to apply is Monday,February 26, 2024. The PIE Food Project Grant program was created to encourage the development of projects that advance equity and access in local food systems across Dane County. In 2024, $40,000 is available for PIE Food Project Grants.

Events

• Storytime at Monroe Street Library has returned on Tuesdays from 10:30-11:15am for kiddos under 5.
• 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, February 2: 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. 

HEADS UP!

• Metro Transit Info Sessions: Learn how to get around the city with help from Metro Transit! Whether you're looking to navigate the bus system or find alternative options, these helpful information sessions led by Metro employees will connect you to the services that are right for you. Several sessions are planned in library locations between January and April 2024. Metro employees will be available for one-on-one conversations in English and Spanish. No registration required; all are welcome!
• February 8, 10am - 1pm | Central Library
• February 13, 3-5pm | Pinney Library
• March 14, 3-5pm | Alicia Ashman Library
• March 16, 10am - 12pm | Pinney Library
• April 23, 10am - 12pm | Lakeview Library

Be well,

Regina Vidaver