Water your trees, Bike Week, Pride Month, Metro redesign takes effect June 11, Emergency detention transports, meetings, events, & announcements

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Hello neighbors,

It’s been warm, and we haven’t had much rain. That means our trees might need a little TLC, particularly younger trees, many of which have been planted on our terraces. Please water judiciously!

Madison Bike Week

What do brownies, brats, and bagels have in common? They’re all part of Madison’s Bike Week celebrations! I hope you’ll be able to enjoy some of the festivities around town.

Pride Month

June is Pride Month, which began in response to the Stonewall uprising. I had the privilege of visiting the Stonewall site this spring, and was incredibly moved by the national park across the way memorializing the conditions of the times. There are numerous Pride events at our libraries, at Hilldale mall, Dane Buy Local, and others. While you’re celebrating our families and neighbors, consider viewing the PBS documentary on the rich history of the contributions of Wisconsin’s LGBTQ+ people to the state.

Metro Redesign takes effect Sunday, June 11

All Metro routes are changing this Sunday. Bus stops will be updated, transfer points will close, and park and rides will change. There are multiple opportunities to get more information, including meetings with Metro staff, contacting Metro’s customer service center at (608) 266-4466, or mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com, or engaging with Ride Guides, who are out and about at many bus stops and riding buses, and noticeable in their yellow vests. Plan your new trip now on Google Maps, the Transit App or at mymetrobus.com.

Pilot program for emergency detention transports implemented

When I first decided to run for office, I spoke with a friend on the Madison Police Department (MPD), to understand, from a field officer perspective, what the big issues were. One of the things he described was how emergency detentions for people experiencing extreme mental health distress were occurring. Once Mendota Mental Health Institute closed to local detentions, the only option for emergency detentions was at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute, which is in Oshkosh. This meant that two officers had to drive someone in extreme distress in a squad car for two hours, and then drive back to Madison after the individual was admitted. This process not only was a severe under-use of highly trained individuals, but also significantly contributed to challenges in staffing our already stretched MPD. I am very pleased that REDI Transports will be partnering with MPD to transport people to Winnebago, and look forward to seeing how this pilot improves the experience of both people in need of emergency detentions, as well as the MPD.

Meetings

Events

Announcements

  • Please remember to use the large item pickup work order system for all the larger items you’re getting rid of through your spring and summer cleaning. Large items can also be taken to a drop-off site. What about that neighbor with a pile of stuff out for a long time? You have two options if speaking with the neighbor is not possible:

    • Contact Building Inspection at 608-266-4551.
    • Create a work order for your neighbor. While this means your neighbor may not learn about the work order system, it does guarantee that they would be on the schedule for pickup.

Best wishes,

Regina Vidaver

Category: Public Information Meeting, Street and Traffic Updates

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