Common Council

Hello neighbors,

Well, I definitely shouldn’t have wished you happy spring last week, considering the snow we’re now getting. But, it won’t last long, and we’ll get back to more spring like temps soon.

But, in a sure sign of spring, the new Common Council will be sworn in on Tuesday, April 18. We have 7 new members, and one returning Alder. You may peruse the agenda for Tuesday’s meeting here. Items directly affecting our district include:

• Approving plans for Harvey Street and Schmitt Place improvements.
• Introduction of the new sewer, stormwater, and landfill rates (citywide – introduction only, no public comment). Note the average costs will increase about 2.5%, or $13.40 per year, if approved by the Finance Committee, Board of Public Works, and Common Council. These costs are eligible for the MadCAP assistance fund.

Meetings

• April 20, 6pm: Public Information Meeting regarding the next phase of construction for the BRT system, including work in the general area between University Bay Dr. and Blair St. Attend the public information meeting to learn about road work, construction schedule, and expected lane closures. Please register in advance for this online meeting.
• May 10, 6:30-8:30pm: West Area Plan Open House, Lussier Community Education Center, 55 S. Gammon Rd. Community members are encouraged to drop in to hear short City agency presentations on projects spanning land use planning, transportation, stormwater management, water quality protection, parks and open space, and more. Residents will have the chance to talk with staff to learn more, including how these projects may affect them and how they can be involved. Visit the West Area Plan webpage to learn more, and sign up for the email list to receive regular West Area Plan updates.

Events

• April 20, 10-11am: Voices of Color, welcoming Lourdes Shanjani, a bicultural public health professional driven by a passion for centering Health Equity and advancing Social Justice. She has been with Public Health Madison & Dane County for almost 3 years, and she has over 15 years of extensive experience working with diverse populations in both the United States and the Dominican Republic.
• April 20, 1-3pm: RSVP Open House, in honor of national volunteer week. 6501 Watts Rd, Ste 250.
• April 21, 5-9:30pm: Friday Night Hoops, Warner Park Recreation Center. 3 Point Contests, referee apprenticeship, and leadership development!
  • 3 games Middle School (Ages 11-13): 5:00pm, 5:45pm, and 6:30p
  • 3 games High School (Ages14-18): 7:15pm, 8:00pm, and 8:45p
  • On-site Registration day of event.
• April 21, 5:30-7:30pm: Library Takeover Event for parents and their school-aged kids, Pinney Library.
• April 22, 10am-noon: Madison Parks Earth Day Challenge. Sign up for one of more than 900 volunteer spots to assist in trash pickup, raking, weeding, and more.
• April 22, 8:30am-3:30pm: Free HUD-approved Homebuyer Class – Atrium at Villager Mall, 2300 S Park St.
• April 22 and 29, 9am-12pm: Free HUD-approved Homebuyer Class, 2 part series, virtual and in person.
• April 22, 8am-2pm: Mad City Ultras - 50 kilometer running races (5 laps around Lake Wingra). There is a competitive 50 kilometer race for solo runners, and non-competitive 50 kilometer relay race fun run. 
• April 22, 7:15pm and April 23, 2:45pm: Madison Bach Musicians lectures and concerts, First Unitarian Society Atrium Auditorium, 900 University Bay Drive.
• April 23, 12-4pm: Bird & Nature Festival, Warner Park - a free, family-friendly event celebrating Madison Bird City, Arbor Day, and Earth Day. See live birds by Open Door Bird Sanctuary and visit nature displays throughout the day. Plan 30-45 minutes for your visit anytime between 12 and 4 pm, during this ongoing event. 
• April 23, 1-2pm: Habitat Homebuyer Program Information Meeting, Clarion Suites, 2110 Rimrock Rd. Learn how you could own an affordable home through Habitat of Humanity of Dane County.
• April 27, 7:30-11am: Schools Made Madison Summit, Thermo Fisher Scientific
  5225-1 Verona Rd, Fitchburg. Join this morning focused on creating systems of support and opportunity for our MMSD students. You will hear from educators, and business and community leaders on the significance of K12 public schools to our community and regional economy, and from current Adopt-a-School partners about the difference they’re making through their involvement with our schools and students. You will leave with a better understanding of how you can become a partner for progress in our schools.

Announcements

• White House Boosts John Nolen Drive Bridge Reconstruction with $15M Funding: The City of Madison is the latest recipient of a $15 million federal grant to put toward John Nolen Drive Bridge Reconstruction, a generational project with historic funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 
• Nominations for Diversability’s 4th annual D-30 Disability Impact List are now OPEN!: Anyone who identifies as disabled is eligible to be nominated (including chronic illnesses & mental health conditions), and nominators do not need to identify as disabled. Self-nominations are not accepted to celebrate the spirit of community and interdependence. You are welcome to submit more than one nomination. Deadline: Monday, May 15
• Public Health Madison & Dane County 2022 Annual Report: The Public Health Madison & Dane County is proud to present their 2022 Annual Report!

Take care,

Regina Vidaver