Week of October 06, 2025
postedDistrict Niners, et.al,
The business of the Madison City Council on September 2nd and 16th, 2025 related to the Dairy Drive encampment was challenging at best, along with the receipt of numerous emails requesting (and some demanding) that the doors should remain open for homeless residents of Dairy Drive who would otherwise again be homeless. Protesting is the bedrock or our democracy. However, it was the events along with the demands included in the countless emails after the September 28, 2025, City Council meeting that I found troubling and understood Alder Govindarajan's fear and concern during his encounter. In many ways, it was akin to being in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and not knowing which direction to swim. I, too, had an encounter (after the meeting) with the group. For me, it deteriorated to racial overtones and epithets echoed from my past. And yes, I've heard that language before and felt threatened before. Yet, there was something that felt a little more sinister this time as I slowly walked back to the ramp to my car. Later that evening, a fellow protester (from the group) emailed me an apology. So, protest, yes? However, do take some time to think about your words. I'll leave it there.
Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings
- Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 7, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include approving the employment of John Patterson as City of Madison Police Chief, reducing minimum lot width and lot area within certain zoning districts, updating the existing step-down rules for larger buildings when adjacent to a residential district, and allowing detached Accessory Dwelling Units to have two units.
- Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, October 6, at 5:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include reducing minimum lot width and lot area within certain zoning districts, updating the existing step-down rules for larger buildings when adjacent to a residential district, and allowing detached Accessory Dwelling Units to have two units.
- Board of Park Commissioners: The Board of Park Commissioners meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the Parks Lakeside Offices at 330 E Lakeside St. Agenda items include an informational presentation on the Parks Division 2026 Executive Operating Budget, as well as approving a number of 2026 proposed fees.
If you would like more information about becoming a member of a City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.
Public Information Meetings (PIMs)
- Public Information Meeting - Warner Park (Pickle Ball Enthusiasts) – Thursday, October 9: With much anticipation, new, dedicated pickleball courts are planned for Madison's northside at Warner Park! The community is invited to attend a virtual public input meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Staff will provide an overview of the proposed plan, schedule and potential impacts to the park. Attendees will have an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions. Located between the existing shelter and tennis courts in the southeast area of Warner Park, 8 pickleball courts will be constructed along with associated fencing and seating. Advanced registration is required.
- Public Information Meeting – Wingra Proper Watershed Study – Thursday, October 9: A public information meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Oct. 9, 2025, via Zoom. Registration prior is required.
Announcements and News Releases
- Fall Leaf Collection Begins Week of October 5; Get Your Home’s Set Out Dates from Yard Waste Website: For some neighborhoods, the Streets Division’s fall leaf and yard waste pickup begins the week of October 5, 2025. Different neighborhoods have different set-out dates. You need to check the yard waste website to learn the set-out dates for your home.
- Brush Collection Over for 2025; All Brush Set-out Dates Have Passed: All brush collection set out dates for City of Madison residents have passed. Do not set out brush for pickup after your set out date. There are no more guaranteed brush collection opportunities this year.
- Dane County Transportation Challenge Shows Big Impact: Hundreds of Dane County residents took part in a free transportation challenge this September—collectively saving more than $12,000 and avoiding more than 17 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
- Meet the Finalists Selected for Public Art at the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park: The City of Madison has invited four finalists to propose designs for the public art planned for the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park, and you have a chance to meet them.
- Well Woman Program Enrollment Increases: More women than ever are getting connected to life-saving breast cancer screenings through the Wisconsin Well Woman Program. Please encourage each and every woman in your life to get screened.
- Parking Division to Test New Meter Payment Equipment: Beginning October 2, the City of Madison Parking Division will test new parking space signage and payment equipment on the blocks of 300 N Henry and 200 W Gorham. These new features, installed earlier in the week, will test new payment kiosks.
- Mayor Rhodes-Conway Investing in Imagination Center: Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced funding for the new Imagination Center at Reindahl Park. raging everyone—especially decision-makers—to experience life without driving for a week, a day, or even just one trip.
- Alicia Ashman Library to Celebrate 25 Years of Service On October 11.
Please visit the City news webpage to find additional news and announcements and to subscribe to receive notification of news releases as they are posted.
Events
- Financial Empowerment Series Part 1 of 3 – Tuesday, October 7: Do you have financial goals you are working to attain? Maybe you’d like to purchase a home, start your own business, or plan for retirement? The Urban League’s free Financial Empowerment series can help you build the budget to achieve those goals, understand and build your credit score, learn about other community resources that can help support your goals, and much more! For more information, call (608) 729-1222.
- Conservation Park Tour – Wednesday, October 8: Conservation Park Tours are educational staff-guided walks held at various conservation parks on the 2nd Wednesday, May - October. Topics vary and include highlights of the past, present and future of the land. This tour will be held at Turville Point Conservation Park from 5:00 – 6:30 PM on Wednesday, October 8.
- School Vaccination Clinics at Holtzman Learning Center – Saturday, October 11: In partnership with SSM Health, GHC, UW-Health, and Madison Metropolitan School District Public Health Madison & Dane County is offering vaccines at clinics. The vaccines are free and for school aged kids 5 and older. Appointments are strongly recommended. Roll up your sleeves and get it done!
- Bird & Nature Adventures | Owen – Saturday, October 11: Finding Fall Colors ~ Let's look beyond the leaves! Join Friends of Owen Park volunteer naturalists Noelle Chambers, Sandy Geier and Jane Nelson Worel to seek out all the fall colors that abound in nature this time of year...in flowers, berries, insects, birds and more. A fun and engaging activity for kids as well as adults. See the Friends of Owen Park Facebook page for more information and find out what's happening at Owen Park! Explore Owen Conservation Park on gentle trails through historic oak openings on a hillside with an Ice Age kettle and along restored prairies with beautiful vistas on this high point overlooking the west side of Madison.
Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.
Shout Out!
To the UW Women's Volleyball team for recognizing those with hearing disabilities. Imagine a game (a "set" in volleyball) without applauses from over 8,000 fans.
Your Well-being,
Utter a kind word to someone, activate your smile, roll up your sleeve for your flu shot, RSV or whatever vaccine you need to protect yourself and others.
Until next time,
Be safe and be well.
Joann
