City Highlights Week of June 3, 2024

E Mifflin Bike Boulevard Virtual Public Input Meeting, Monday, June 3: Please join me and Traffic Engineering staff at a virtual meeting to review potential improvements to the E Mifflin St bike boulevard, offer input into what would help improve the corridor and ask questions. Virtual Meeting: Mon, June 3 at 6:30p  Register for the Zoom meeting 

Northside Budget Engagement Event, Wednesday, June 5: I will be joining Alders Amani Latimer Burris and Charles Myadze at the northside budget session. This is the final session organized by the Council. We will be at Black Hawk Middle School to discuss the 2025 budget outlook. This in-person event is your chance to have your voice heard and share your thoughts on what should be prioritized in our community. The Council is collecting your feedback. The link to registration is in the title. Doors open at 5:45p, the conversation starts at 6p. 

Madison F35 Community Connection - Community Collaboration, Thursday June 6, 6:00p - 7:30p & Saturday June 8, 2024 9:30a - 11:00a. So far in this project, the 115th Fighter Wing has hosted three online discussion boards, three Community Listening Sessions, and Neighborhood Sessions. These set the stage for deeper discussions moving forward, incorporating as many community members as possible. (This mean you/us! I plan to attend Saturday morning.) The Community Collaboration Sessions will be held at the Madison College Health Science Building, room 308/311, 1701 Wright St. A panel of 115th Fighter Wing experts and community stakeholders will discuss topics pulled from previous community discussions and current survey responses.

Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of June 3, 2024 Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

Note: This is not a complete list of meetings for this upcoming week. All meetings and their details can be found at the Meeting Schedule page. City Highlights prepared by Council staff, with some additions by me in lieu of a separate blog post this week (the weekend got away from me!)

• Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 4, in hybrid format at 6:30 p.m. Agenda items include recognizing June as Pride Month, amending Madison General Ordinances to make it easier to declare a Chronic Nuisance Premises when the nuisance activity involves firearms and/or serious bodily injury or death, and adopting the recommendations for the Bus Rapid Transit North-South corridor.
• There will be a Presentation by Streets, Urban Forestry, Engineering and Parks on Managing trees and urban green space at the beginning of the meeting. 
• There are quite a few D6 alcohol licenses (and change of licensed premises applications) on the agenda including Lone Girl Brewing Co, Tacos and Tequila, The Atwood Fest, The Deliciouser, Prost! and the Madison Elks Lodge. Funding and grant applications for Phase 1 of the Lake Monona Waterfront Project moves forward.
• For introduction and referral is 83632 Amending Section 10.18 and 1.08(3)(a), and creating Section 27.05(2)(dd) of the Madison General Ordinances to update the City’s large item collection and electronic waste recycling ordinances, and to update the bond schedule accordingly and 83669 Amending Section 38.05(9)(a) and creating 38.05(b) and (c) of the Madison General Ordinances related to Class A and Class “A” alcohol beverage licenses to impose geographic limitations on “Class A” and Class “A” license applications considered by the Common Council after adoption of this ordinance for purposes of regulating density of such alcohol beverage licenses.. 

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for Public Comment 
• Watch Online

Public Information Meetings

• Olin-Turville Ct and E. Lakeside Street Resurfacing, Monday, June 3: The purpose of this street project is to resurface the pavement and replace some underground utilities on Olin-Turville Ct from John Nolen Dr to E. Lakeside St and E. Lakeside St from John Nolen Dr to Olin-Turville Ct.  Work includes replacing approximately 0.41-miles of asphalt pavement, replacing concrete curb and gutter, sidewalk, and curb ramps as needed, replacing sanitary sewer main as needed, and storm culvert replacements.  The existing street widths on all streets will remain the same. A public information meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., June 3, 2024, via Zoom. Registration prior is required.
• Draft West Area Plan - In Person Public Meeting-Land Use, Housing, Zoning, Monday, June 3: City staff have announced highlights of proposed changes to the Draft West Area Plan. For more details, check the project webpage. There will be additional changes released by May 10. City staff will join Common Council members representing the West Area to host a series of five additional public meetings where people can further review and discuss the Draft West Area Plan.
• E. Mifflin St. Bike Boulevard Virtual Public Input Meeting, Monday, June 3: The City of Madison is looking at making additional safety and other improvements along the E. Mifflin St. Bike Boulevard to enhance biking and walking along this corridor. The public is invited to come learn more about potential improvements, offer input into what would help improve the corridor and ask questions.
• Draft West Area Plan - In Person Public Meeting-Transportation, Thursday, June 6: City staff have announced highlights of proposed changes to the Draft West Area Plan. For more details, check the project webpage. There will be additional changes released by May 10. City staff will join Common Council members representing the West Area to host a series of five additional public meetings where people can further review and discuss the Draft West Area Plan.

News Releases & Announcements

• 2024 Vision Zero Safe Streets and Speed Management Projects: Since 2020, Vision Zero Madison has implemented safety improvement and speed management projects every year to enhance safe travel on City streets. [posted May 31, 2024, by Traffic Engineering]
• MPD recruits work on team-building during first week of training academy: MADISON, Wis. – Over the next six months, the Madison Police Department will recap each week of its in-house training academy. There are 32 recruits in this year’s class. [posted May 31, 2024, by Police]
• City of Madison Launches the First Year of the Building Energy Savings Program (BESP) : The City of Madison has launched the first year of the new Building Energy Savings Program (BESP). The program, adopted by the Common Council in 2023, requires large commercial buildings to benchmark their energy use annually and tune up building’s… [posted May 30, 2024, Mayor's Office]
• Public Health Launches New Rapid Beach Water Testing this Summer: This week, Public Health Madison & Dane County kicked off its annual beach monitoring season. During the summer months each year, Public Health monitors conditions and tests the water at local beaches to make sure it is safe for swimming. [posted May 30, 2024, by Public Health Madison & Dane County]
• Lane closure on West Washington Avenue: Starting at 7:00 am on Monday, June 3rd, Integrity Grading and Excavating will begin construction on W Washington Ave, between Broom St and Fairchild St. Two-way traffic, one lane in each direction, will be maintained on W Washington Ave throughout… [posted May 29, 2024, by Traffic Engineerin]

• MPD sergeant honored for work with people affected by mental illness: MADISON, Wis. — A sergeant with the Madison Police Department has been honored for his efforts to improve the quality of life of people affected by mental illness. NAMI Dane County awarded Sergeant Jared Prado the CIT Officer of the Year Award. The… [posted May 29, 2024, by Police]
• Free Fun Weekend in Madison Parks: Enjoy permit-free days in City of Madison and Dane County parks, on Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2, 2024. No permit is required to try out a disc golf course, bring your dog to a park or access the lakes. DISC GOLFA daily or annual permit is… [posted May 29, 2024, by Parks]
• Author of Northwoods, Amy Pease, to Speak at 24th Annual Book Club Café event at Madison Public Library: Local author Amy Pease will headline the 24th Annual Book Club Café hosted by the Friends of Madison Public Library on June 27 at Central Library. Pease will discuss her debut mystery novel Northwoods–which is set in Northern Wisconsin–and was described by People magazine as “a riveting debut by a nurse practitioner with an insider's view of the opioid epidemic." [posted May 28, 2024, by Madison Public Library]
• Welcome to MPD: Training underway for new class of police recruits: The Madison Police Department welcomed its 70th academy class during a special ceremony Tuesday morning. [posted May 28, 2024, by Police]
• Several opportunities for public feedback on DRAFT West, Northeast Area Plans this week: A series of public feedback events will be held for both the DRAFT West Area Plan and DRAFT Northeast Area Plan this week as City staff continues to take feedback. [posted May 28, 2024, by Planning & Community & Economic Development]
• Madison Hosts Nature Everywhere Day and Conference : The Nature Everywhere Conference at Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, brings together leaders from around the world to advance programs, practices, and policies for advancing equitable access to nature. [posted May 28, 2024, by Olbrich Botanical Gardens]
• Resources for Homebuyers and Property Owners: Are you a current homeowner or looking to own your first home? The City of Madison’s Community Development Division (CDD) is excited to share with you upcoming homeownership related events hosted by our community partners! When you go to www.cityofmadison.com/homeloans you will be able to find the homeownership event’s calendar and other CDD resources available to homeowners and homebuyers to achieve and maintain homeownership. 

You will be able to find events related to homebuyer education and homeowner maintenance. Other resources include down payment assistance for first time homebuyers, property tax assistance for seniors (65+), and information about major and minor rehabilitation programs.

If you have any questions, please contact the City of Madison at email: homeloans@cityofmadison.com or call 608-266-6520.

Events

• Go By Metro! Tuesday, June 4 (This event occurs on multiple dates): Get the latest scoop on BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) and basics for how to use the local bus service. Get one-on-one time with a Metro employee in English or Spanish!
• Financial Wellness Workshop (#1-4), Tuesday, June 4: This session provides an overview of credit reports and scores. It will cover building credit and repairing and improving credit.
• Capitol View Farmers' Market, Wednesday, June 5 (This event occurs on multiple dates): The Capitol View Farmers' Market is held weekly on Wednesdays (3:00-7:00pm) from late May through mid-October. Join us each week for great local vendors, live music, food carts, and special activities from week to week. Visit our website and follow us on social media for the most up-to date information and schedules! (Location: far Eastside of Madison, near the Great Dane Eastside, 5901 Sharpsburg Dr.)
• Northside Budget Engagement Event, Wednesday, June 5: Attention Northsiders! Join us at Black Hawk Middle School for an interactive session where we discuss the 2025 budget outlook. This in-person event is your chance to have your voice heard and share your thoughts on what should be prioritized in our community. Join us for an exciting opportunity to have your voice heard on matters that affect our community. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. 
• Goodman Pool Opening Day, Friday, June 7: Join us on opening day at the Goodman Pool! Weather permitting, we'll open the Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Pool for the 2024 season. Goodman Pool is for everyone! Thanks to the Madison Parks Foundation, admission scholarships are available! Apply online. 
• Safety Saturday, Saturday, June 8: Safety Saturday is an event that educates parents, children and the public on ways to make safe decisions, prevent injuries, and to encourage the use of safety devices such as seat belts, bike helmets, and smoke alarms. See event website for more information.
• Conservation Volunteer Workday | Shift A, Saturday, June 8: Join us for a meaningful day of conservation efforts as we work together to protect and enhance our local conservation park! Your participation is crucial in safeguarding the biodiversity and natural habitats that make our park a haven for wildlife and a treasure for our community.
• Conservation Volunteer Workday | Shift B, Saturday, June 8: Join us for a meaningful day of conservation efforts as we work together to protect and enhance our local conservation park! Your participation is crucial in safeguarding the biodiversity and natural habitats that make our park a haven for wildlife and a treasure for our community.
• Marquette Waterfront Festival, Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 (This event occurs on multiple dates): Marquette Waterfront Festival kicks off the summer on the east side with two stages featuring some of the very best local bands and national touring acts, along with vendors from favorite local restaurants, craft beer and wine, kids’ games, craft vendors and the Fools’ Flotilla.

• Bird & Nature Adventures | Owen, Saturday, June 8: 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. Co-sponsored by Madison Parks, Badgerland Bird Alliance, Madison Audubon Society,  and the Friends of Owen Conservation Park . Free, family-friendly guided nature walks at Owen Conservation Park are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month, year-round 2:30-4pm. No registration is required. No pets are allowed.
• Bird & Nature Adventures | Turville Point, Sunday, June 9: Follow rolling hiking paths through the Turville Point Conservation Park woodlands and prairie with beautiful vistas of Lake Monona and Monona Bay. Walks at Turville Point held on the 2nd Sunday every month are co-sponsored by Madison Bird City FUN partners, Madison Parks, Badgerland Bird Alliance, Friends of Olin Turville, and Madison Audubon Society. Meet at the Turville Point parking lot, entrance at the E. Olin Ave. stoplight from John Nolen Drive at the railroad tracks, south of Olin Park (not at the boat launch). No registration is required. No pets are allowed.