Common Council

Fleet opening, electronics recycling & large item pick up, clean lakes survey

Hello neighbors,

Here are a few updates that may interest you:

1) The new Fleet Services building is opening tomorrow, with an open house from 3:30-8pm. Why is this of such interest, you might ask? Well, our City Fleet is working towards reaching our goals of reducing Madison's carbon footprint. This building has been engineered with multiple sustainable features, and this is your chance to see it in person. This family-friendly event will also feature the first-ever electric fire engine in North America, an all-electric bus, new electric cars, bikes, mopeds and motorcycles, food carts from local entrepreneurs, and live music performances. This really promises to be a fun and informative event.

2) Student move-out dates are on the horizon. Please remember that any electronics, including TVs, computer monitors, etc. MUST be recycled. You can purchase a recycling sticker through the large item work order system, and then bring it to a drop-off site at 1501 W. Badger Rd. or 4602 Sycamore Ave. If one of these items is left at the curb, it will be collected, and there will be an additional $30 administrative fee assessed to the property owner. Also, please note that all large items in need of collection (e.g., mattresses, couches, desks, etc.) must now be pre-arranged through the work order system. During student move-out, refuse trucks will be clearing items left on curbs, but otherwise they will not be rounding neighborhoods in the absence of a pre-arranged work order. This new work order system greatly reduces the city's carbon emissions (no trucks circling looking for stuff), and saves staff costs as well.

3) The Clean Lakes Alliance is seeking community input to develop a community action plan to improve lake and water quality within the Yahara Watershed. Our lakes are a huge asset to our community, but they are failing to meet minimum federal water quality and usability standards due to climate impacts and other factors. Please take the Yahara CLEAN Compact Community Survey today!

4) Did you know the city has new bee hives? They are located near Nesbitt Road and Maple Grove Drive. The bee hives are one of the many things the City is doing to promote healthy pollinator habitats as a Bee City USA.

Be well,

Regina Vidaver