Week of October 26, 2026

posted 

District Niners,

 

The loss of decency and shameful behavior (on full display) that occurred during the October 20, 2026, City Council meeting for nearly 12 hours was embarrassing, disappointing and very sad from a variety of perspectives. The vitriol spewed by non-profit community leaders and those who have not yet learned how to disagree without personalizing and degrading others was shameful.  Absent one ten-minute recess, there was an on-going abusive and verbal race by speakers and attendees to get to the bottom of the sewer.  Afterwards, the decision was made to terminate the OIM.  And yes, we do have a problem right here in River City because too many of us have not yet learned how to agree to disagree.  I will leave it go at that.  But lastly, I, nor should anyone else, be subjected to or tolerate a cell phone pushed within inches of one's face by someone who disagrees with your decision.  We can and we must do better.

 

Updates and Notices

  • It's election time!  In-person voting (at Alisha Ashman Library) began on October 20th and there are no excuses for NOT voting.
  •  If you requested an absentee ballot, complete it and mail it today.  The City of Madison Clerk's Office strongly recommends mailing back your absentee ballot today to ensure it arrives before the November 3 election. YOU GOTTA VOTE!
  • Fall Leaf Season is Underway with many leaves being racked three or four times.  Yep, blame it on the wind. Get the exact date when you should set out your leaves for pickup from the yard waste website. 
  • Drop-off Sites Reminder – Don't Get Surprised by Winter Hours Changes: Yard waste, electronics, and many other items are accepted at the Streets Division drop-off sites. And remember, the hours at the drop-off sites change for the winter months. Get the drop-off site information from the Streets Division website.

Boards, Commissions & Committee Meetings

  • Finance Committee: The Finance Committee will continue its 2027 Executive Operating budget deliberations on Monday, October 26, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. 
  • President's Workgroup on Madison Police Department Use of Deadly Force, De-Escalation and Body-Worn Cameras Policies and Procedures: The President's Workgroup on Madison Police Department Use of Deadly Force, De-Escalation and Body-Worn Cameras Policies and Procedures meeting will take place on Friday, October 30, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include an examination of the Milwaukee Police Department's Body-Worn Cameras policy.

Public Information Meeting (PIM's)

  • Many, if not most, share concerns about the uptick in Data Centers. Learn more.  There is a Draft Data Center Regulation Framework Public Information Meeting, Tuesday, October 27: The City of Madison's Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development will hold a public information meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, to update community members on a draft framework for proposed zoning regulations for data centers within city limits. 
  • Transportation Commission Meeting – Public Hearing, Wednesday, October 28: On Wednesday, October 28, Metro Transit and the City of Madison Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. to review and discuss proposed increases to the paratransit agency fare and contract rates for the Commute Card and the Unlimited Ride Pass programs.
  • Public Listening Session on Body-Worn Cameras continues on Thursday, October 29:  The President's Workgroup on Madison Police Department Use of Deadly Force, De-Escalation and Body-Worn Cameras Policies and Procedures is hosting a public listening session regarding Body-Worn Cameras. This public listening session will be hosted virtually via Zoom at 4:30 PM on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Announcements & News Releases

  • Statement from PCOB Chair Devon Snyder: The Future of Independent Civilian Oversight in Madison: The Common Council's decision to remove Independent Monitor Meeka Glass has created significant uncertainty about the future of Madison's civilian oversight system and the Office of the Independent Monitor.
  • No questions asked: Drug Take Back Day offers free medication disposal in Madison and Dane County: It's time to check your cabinets or wherever you keep or store prescriptive or OTC medicinal products that have expired or no longer needed.  Do NOT FLUSH or place in sink disposal units.  The Madison Police Department is encouraging you to safely dispose of unneeded and unused prescription drugs during the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Convenient sites include Elver and Warner Park or visit the Wisconsin Department Health Services website for other collection sites.

  • Madison Public Library's Period Party Series Returns November 2-21, 2026: MADISON, WI – Madison Public Library is hosting the annual Period Party series in partnership with Public Health of Madison and Dane County and University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Yes folks, this is a naturally occurring phenomenon.  The series is designed to allow kids and families to ask questions and reduce stigma associated with menstruation and puberty.  Visit the Madison Public Library site for dates and additional information.

     

Your well-being

Each day, count the day lost if you do not learn something new.  On Tuesday/Wednesday of last week, I learned, and I know now, that you can hold strong boundaries and soft feelings at the same time.

Until next time,

Be safe and be well.

Joann

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