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D6 Items of Interest Week of January 13, 2025

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At Plan Commission on Monday, Essen Haus/Come Back In/Up North are seeking a conditional use for outdoor events, music, and recreation in their parking lot as they have done for the last several years. With the development proposal that was approved earlier this year, the zoning was changed from PD to UMX but in general the same issues are on the table regarding the outdoor uses. I’ve copied a lot of the staff report below and support staff’s recommendations. 

At Council on Tuesday, the big issue will be the forgiveness of debt of the two Ice Arenas, in addition there may be public speakers about the allocation of additional funds to agencies for older adult services programming, and finally there will be a reconsideration of the paid parking in parks pilot.

Save the date: Monday February 10 from 6:30-8:30p for a virtual public meeting on the Request For Proposals for Block 113 (Brayton Lot). Brayton Lot is in District 6 but adjacent to District 2 and District 4 so all three alders have been meeting with staff to review and refine the draft RFP. I expect it to be posted on the Block 113/Brayton Lot Project Page soon. I will post a registration link and announcement once it is available.

Last Wednesday, I held an introductory meeting with Bear Development and First Settlement stakeholders regarding the proposed demolition of the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce building at 501 E Washington to construct a seven-story, 223-unit multifamily residential building with approximately 68 parking stalls using WHEDA 4% tax credits and potentially TID 53 affordable housing funds. The project would be 100% affordable with units ranging from 50-80% AMI, the average would be 60% AMI. The project is in Urban Design Dist. No. 4 and zoned UMX. The developer will go to Landmarks, UDC, and Plan. I will schedule a formal neighborhood meeting with postcards mailed out once the team has developed more refined plans. They presented a massing study to attendees and received feedback. The meeting can be viewed here.

Mayor Rhodes-Conway introduces ordinance changes to encourage housing growth: Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway is introducing a package of changes to the City’s zoning ordinances as part of an ongoing effort to support the creation of more housing of all types. [posted January 10, 2025]

According to the press release, the proposed changes focus “on increasing flexibility in how individual property owners can situate housing on their lots, and streamlining the review process for demolition permits.”  Here is the Zoning Text Memo. Let me know what you think.

Snow Plowing Update: Long duration snowstorm expected to start Saturday night and last all day Sunday. Streets Division plows will be on the salt routes.

The filing deadline for the Common Council was Tuesday January 7.  In case you missed the news, I am not seeking re-election, but I plan to stay involved in city politics. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the new D6. There was only one candidate who filed for candidacy for District 6 – Davy Mayer. He has a lot of neighborhood association experience with CNI and now SASY.  I have reached out to Davy and started to include him in conversations to get him up to speed by April 15. Congratulations Davy!

Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

  • Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 14, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include the restructuring of existing land contracts with Madison Ice Inc. and East Madison Ice Collective into forgivable loans and authorizing the sale of those properties for $1, as well as approving the allocation of City funds that are budgeted and designated to support older adult programming.

    Send Comments to allalders@cityofmadison.com

    10. 86528 Authorizing City of Madison Mayor and alders to encourage donations to the Abundant Life Christian School Emergency Fund.

    United Way has set up a special fund. Resources

    11. 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.

    ALRC has not taken this up and the motion is to re-refer.

    12. 86150 Change of Agent Mos Espa LLC • dba Woody and Annes • 2236 WInnebago St New Agent: Michael Randall Class B Combination Liquor & Beer (District 6)

    29. 86459 Authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute Amendment No. 3 to the existing Purchase of Services contract between the City of Madison and MSA Professional Services, Inc. for engineering services for the Near West Watershed Study. (District 2, District 4, District 5, District 8, and District 13)

    38. 86471 Approving plans and specifications and authorizing the Board of Public Works to advertise and receive bids for Safe Streets Madison 2025. (District 2, District 3, District 5, District 10, District 11, District 13, District 14, District 15, District 16, District 18)

    45. 86356 Awarding up to $4,160,497 in federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as allocated to the City of Madison by the American Rescue Plan Act (a/k/a HOME-ARP), to Housing Initiatives, Inc. to support the development of 16 units of affordable housing and supportive services; and authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to enter into agreements to implement the development project (District 12).

    48. 85469 SUBSTITUTE: Approving the allocation of City funds that are budgeted and designated to support older adult programming among a group of agencies selected through a Request for Proposals process conducted by the Community Development Division, for use towards contracts covering eligible expenses incurred on or after January 1, 2025 (Citywide)

    12/4/24 COMMITTEE ON AGING Return to Lead with the Following Recommendation(s) to the FINANCE COMMITTEE The recommendations include allocating the additional $103,870 authorized by the Common Council to three organizations to support their provision of case management services to BIPOC clients, including $50,000 more to NewBridge Madison, $26,935 to The Hmong Institute, and $26,935 to Bridge Lake Point Waunona Neighborhood Center; and, that should any additional funds become available prior to the next Older Adult funding process that the funds be allocated in consultation with and subject to the review and approval of the Committee on Aging.

    Lots of public comments throughout the process. The Council was able to allocate additional funds and the Committee on Aging is making recommendations on how to disperse the funds.

    50. 86169Authorizing the eventual forgiveness of $1,613,365 of debt held by Madison Ice Inc. for the Madison Ice Arena (725 Forward Drive) and Hartmeyer Ice Arena (1810 and 1834 Commercial Avenue), authorizing the termination of existing land contracts for both ice arenas with Madison Ice Hartmeyer, LLC and Madison Ice MIA, LLC (Madison Ice, Inc.), authorizing the fee simple sale of Hartmeyer Ice Arena to East Madison Ice Collective and the fee simple sale of Madison Ice Arena to Madison Ice, Inc. for $1, authorizing a fundraising requirement of approximately $3 million by East Madison Ice Collective for capital improvements to Hartmeyer Ice Arena, and authorizing additional terms related to the renegotiation of the City’s relationship to the ice arenas (District 12 and District 19).

    1/6/25 FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL WITH THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS - REPORT OF OFFICER The Finance Committee discussed the recommendations from the Economic Development Committee (EDC) and made a separate recommendation for the resolution. Figueroa Cole made a motion, seconded by Evers, to adopt with an additional deed restriction that requires ownership to be maintained by a non-profit. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

    Alders have received lots of public comments in support and some pointed comments questioning whether the city should forgive the debt. Here is an info sheet provided by the city on the Ice Arenas. One key fact is that the City doesn’t own the ice arenas and doesn’t want to own or manage them. Currently there are no deed restrictions on the land contract. If EMIC, the new entity created to fundraise and manage the two facilities, is unable to raise $3 million over the next three years to replace the roof and do other needed repairs, under this new agreement the City can take back the properties. The adopted Oscar Mayer Special Area plan calls out the community importance of Hartmeyer and identifies the area as a sports and wellness destination.

    I support the debt forgiveness, terminating the land contracts, adding the deed restriction, and requiring the new entity to meet certain fundraising requirements in order to forgive the loan.

    56. 85327 Amending Section 5.20 of the Madison General Ordinances to modify the Police Civilian Oversight Board appointment process.

    12/19/24 POLICE CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT BOARD RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL TO RE-REFER - REPORT OF OFFICER Re-refer to Police Civilian Oversight Board - Policy and Procedure Subcommittee (2/27/25), Common Council (3/11/25)

    60. 86213 Amending Sections 10.056, 9.136, 38.07(8), and 33.27 of the Madison General Ordinances to eliminate the Street Use Staff Commission and assign their duties to relevant City staff.

    RECONSIDERATION of file 86251 is at the request of Alders Bennett, Rummel, and Tishler.

    63. 86251 SUBSTITUTE Amending the Parks Division 2025 Adopted Operating Budget to remove the paid parking pilot and associated revenues and expenditures

    I missed the last Council meeting in December and since there were not 15 votes to amend the operating budget to remove the paid parking pilot, the amendment failed. I asked for reconsideration as did the other two alders who were absent. Instead of a pilot in 2025 which caused much public consternation and included a degree of misunderstanding, the substitute was introduced from the floor that added a further resolved clause to require a study of Parks’ “parking assets” but it did not have the votes to pass. I can live with the substitute and the study; it keeps us moving to get more data.

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 2025 Parks Division Operating Budget is amended to direct staff to provide a report on Parks Parking Assets, including potential revenue generation from these assets, to the Common Council and Board of Park Commissioners by April 1, 2026; and,

INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS FOR REFERRAL WITHOUT DEBATE

66. 86649 Repealing and recreating Section 28.185 and creating Section 41.28 of the Madison General Ordinances related to demolition of buildings to update the approval processes.

Sponsors: Satya V. Rhodes-Conway, Derek Field, John P. Guequierre And Regina M. Vidaver Attachments: Zoning Text Memo 2-17-25 Housing Package & Non-Historic Demolition.pdf Legislative History 1/8/25 Attorney's Office Referred for Introduction Plan Commission (2/17/25), Landmarks Commission (2/10/25), Common Council (2/25/25)

Zoning Text Memo

67. 86650 Amending Sections in Chapter 28 of the Madison General Ordinances related to single-family homes, accessory dwelling units, and small residential infill projects. Sponsors: Satya V. Rhodes-Conway, Derek Field, John P. Guequierre And Regina M. Vidaver

69. 86178 Authorizing the City Attorney, in consultation with the Mayor, to join the City as amicus in any cases related to environmental sustainability, environmental justice, or climate change which promote or impact Madison's policy of being an environmentally sustainable and resilient community where all Madisonians can thrive now and in the future. Sponsors: Satya V. Rhodes-Conway, MGR Govindarajan And Michael E. Verveer

78. 86587 Mourning the loss of life and injuries suffered from gun violence and urging the Wisconsin State Legislature to enact common sense gun control.

84. 86627Approving temporary construction work with associated noise impacts between the hours of 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM for work associated with City of Madison cured in place sewer main lining project #14487. (District 6) Sponsors: Marsha A. Rummel

89. 86656 Accepting the report titled “2025 Progress Update - City of Madison Comprehensive Plan

2025 Comp Plan Progress Report

Send comments to pccomments@cityofmadison.com

4. 86416908 E Main Street (District 6): Consideration of a conditional use in the Traditional Employment (TE) District for an arts, technical, or trade school to allow a cosmetology and esthiology school in a multi-tenant commercial building.

Staff Report: The applicant proposes to operate a cosmetology school in a portion of a multi-tenant commercial building at 908 East Main Street. The proposed use is considered an arts, technical, or trade school. It is a conditional use in the Traditional Employment (TE) District. The school offers training in cosmetology, esthiology, manicuring, and massage therapy. Services are also available to the public. Hours of operation would be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Alder- This sounds fun. I like the idea that the cosmetology school will provide a retail amenity for east side residents and Cap East employees.

5. 86417 506-518 E Wilson Street and 132-150 S Blair Street (District 6): Consideration of a conditional use in the Urban Mixed-Use (UMX) District for two adjacent restaurant-nightclubs; consideration of a conditional use in the UMX District for an outdoor eating area open after 9:00 PM to be shared by three adjacent restaurant-nightclubs; consideration of a conditional use in the UMX district for an outdoor eating area with amplified sound for three adjacent restaurant-nightclubs; and consideration of a conditional use in the UMX district for outdoor recreation, all to allow an outdoor eating area to be shared by three adjacent restaurant-nightclubs to operate after 9:00 PM with live music and outdoor recreation (sand volleyball).

Letter of Intent and Project Plans

Staff Report On January 22, 2024, the Plan Commission approved an alteration to an approved Planned Development–Specific Implementation Plan (PD-SIP) to allow outdoor recreation, weekly outdoor events, and special seasonal events in the parking lot for the adjacent restaurant-taverns at 506-518 E Wilson Street and 134-148 S Blair Street. More information on the 2023 PD(SIP) alteration request may be found at this link: ID 81267. This approval was only good for calendar year 2024, and any future use of the parking lot for any of these uses after December 31, 2024 required approval by the Plan Commission. The applicant met the conditions of approval and operated under the 2024 conditions insofar as staff is aware.

On June 18, 2024, the Common Council approved a request to rezone 506-518 E Wilson Street and 134-148 S Blair Street from PD (Planned Development District) to UMX (Urban Mixed-Use District) and approved a Certified Survey Map (CSM) to create two lots for the proposed mixed-use development.

On June 10, 2024, the Plan Commission approved a demolition permit to demolish five commercial buildings located at 506-518 E Wilson Street and approved conditional uses in UMX zoning to allow construction of a six-story, 100-room hotel on E Wilson Street and eight-story, 178-unit apartment building and structured parking on S Blair Street. Final approvals of the demolition permit, conditional uses, and CSM for the June 2024-approved redevelopment project are pending. As with any zoning map amendment, however, the zoning of the property changes once a rezoning ordinance is approved by the Common Council and published in the City’s paper of record (the Wisconsin State Journal) and without regard for whether any other elements of the land use approval requested are implemented.

Alder: From what I understand the applicant put a hold on the development project after hearing community distress at the closing of their establishments. As staff notes, the final approvals for the development project are pending. I do not know the status of the development proposal beyond what staff reports.

During its review of the PD(SIP) alterations in 2023 and 2024, the Plan Commission approved fewer outdoor events/festivals than requested due to concerns about uncertainty surrounding some of those events (the timing when the unspecified events would occur and the noticing of neighboring properties) and limited the number of nights that the applicant could have live music to two compared to the three nights requested by the applicant. Staff feels that a similar measured approach may be appropriate when considering these uses as conditional uses to ensure that the establishment, maintenance, or operation of the conditional uses will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that the uses, values, and enjoyment and normal and orderly development of surrounding properties are not adversely impacted consistent with the conditional use standards.

Consistent with the previous approvals, staff also recommends that the number of evenings when live music occurs in the parking lot be limited – at least initially. The applicant is requesting to hold live music events from 4:00–9:00 PM on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday, but only Sunday and Monday were approved by the Plan Commission in 2023 and 2024. Staff believes that a similar measured approach may be appropriate when considering the conditional use for amplified sound and will note that the number of nights live music is allowed could be expanded in the future through the conditional use alteration process.

Staff also recommends that the Plan Commission establish hours of operation for the outdoor recreation similar to the ones approved in 2024 and well as establish hours for the outdoor eating area fully within the zoning approval. The Plan Commission’s approval for sand volleyball/outdoor recreation in 2024 limited that use to 5:30- 9:00 PM Monday–Friday and from 12:00-9:00 PM on Sunday compared to the applicant’s request for weeknight hours for the volleyball until 10:30 PM. Given the proximity of residential uses to the site, staff feels that 9:00 PM is an appropriate ending time for the outdoor recreation absent a compelling reason why a later hour should be approved.

Also, while the applicant proposes to end the live music events and outdoor events/festivals at 9:00 PM, no such limitations on the service of food and beverage within the rest of the outdoor eating area was included in the most recent approvals granted by the Plan Commission. However, the Common Council approved a 12:00 AM midnight closing time for outdoor dining with its most recent approvals for the entertainment licenses for the restaurant-nightclubs in May 2024, which staff feels at a minimum should also be enshrined in the conditional use approvals for the 112-seat outdoor eating area outlined in the Seasonal Summer Layout Plan (the outdoor events/festivals would end at 9:00 PM as indicated).

Finally, the capacity of the outdoor eating area should be stated on the final plans and should be synchronized between the zoning and entertainment/alcohol licensing approvals for the establishments under MGO Chapter 38 regarding the regulation of alcohol beverages. The last approvals for the three establishments (Come Back Inn, Essen Haus, and Up North) approved by the Common Council following review by the Alcohol License Review Committee established a maximum outdoor capacity of 150 for the Essen Haus, with no (0) outdoor capacity for the Come Back In or Up North. However, the six outdoor events/festivals would have a seated capacity of 382 and the potential for greater capacity if standing guests are allowed. Maximum occupancy /capacity for outdoor eating areas is established by the Building Inspection Division; the maximum occupancy of the outdoor eating area shall be determined by Building Inspection, the approved number(s) stated on the final plans, and that number and the number allowed under the establishment’s entertainment/alcohol licenses rectified prior to final approval of the conditional use requests.

Alder: For 2025, as a one-year conditional approval:

  1. I support extending the 2024 conditions of approval that allow live music on Sunday and Monday only (two nights a week not three nights as requested).
  2. I support extending the 2024 conditions of approval that allow sand volleyball/outdoor recreation until 9p (not 10:30p M-F as requested).
  3. The Plan Commission in 2024 approved a condition that there should be one outdoor stage that serves all the establishments and I believe that is what is shown in the submitted project plans. I support only one stage.
  4. I support the six special events for 2025 as described in the letter of intent.
  5. In addition, per the staff report, I will recommend to the Plan Commission that they establish a 12a closing time for outdoor dining area as a conditional use, consistent with Common Council policy regarding restaurant-nightclubs adopted in 2024.
  6. Finally, per the staff report, I will recommend that the Plan Commission should require as a condition of approval the establishment of an official capacity for the outdoor eating areas that is synchronized between zoning and entertainment/alcohol licensing as determined by Building Inspection.
  7. If the approved development proposal is formally abandoned by the applicant and developer, the Plan Commission can take up more permanent approvals for the outdoor uses in 2026/future years.

7.86419 2121 Jefferson Street and 1007 Edgewood Avenue (District 13): Consideration of a demolition permit to demolish two single-family residences.

Staff Report: On September 23, 2024, the Plan Commission found that the request for approval of a demolition permit to demolish two single-family residences at 2121 Jefferson Street and 1007 Edgewood Avenue (Legistar File ID 84825) did not meet the standards for approval and denied the request.

Specifically, the Plan Commission found that the demolition permit request did not meet standard #7: "The Plan Commission shall consider the factors and information specified in items 1-6 and find that the proposed demolition or removal is consistent with the statement of purpose of this section and with the health, prosperity, safety, and welfare of the City of Madison." In finding that the standard was not met, members cited the report provided by the City’s historic preservation planner and Landmarks Commission regarding the buildings as contributing structures in the Wingra Park Historic District and their adjacency to many other structures in the historic district and the Edgewood campus as well as the condition of the buildings as the basis for denying the demolition permit.

I don’t believe anything has really changed and the Plan Commission’s findings from September that the demolition standards were not met should stand. Check legistar for lots of public comments.

22. 86633 Discussion of transfer of Urban Forestry responsibilities to Board of Public Works. Memo to BCCs 12.23.24  INFORMATIONAL ITEM

From memo: Urban Forestry moved from Parks Division to Streets Division in 2020. Staff suggested committee move. • Urban Foresters do more work in the right of way with street trees, which requires significant coordination with Engineering, Traffic Engineering, Stormwater, Sewer, and Water Utility that are more closely associated with the Board of Public Works than with Parks. • Habitat Stewardship Subcommittee only meets quarterly which can cause delays in work. • Staff can still attend Board of Park Commission or Habitat Stewardship Subcommittee meetings when tree work is in City parks.

  • Economic Development Committee: The Economic Development Committee meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 15, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include an update on the City of Madison Economic Development Plan, as well as a discussion regarding "Means Testing" for Economic Development Division financial assistance programs.

    3. 86658 Discussion Regarding Merger of the Economic Development Committee and Vending Oversight Committee Memo to BCCs 12.23.24. EDC recommendation is not required for this item

    From memo:  Streamlines staffing between two committees • Enhances the holistic, broader view of all small business perspectives in decision-making • Timeline for implementation may need to reflect current project activities.

  • Meeting Details

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 (PIM’s)

Announcements and News Releases

  • Updated Dates: Temporary Lane Closures for Tree Removal: On Wednesday, January 15 and Thursday, January 16, City Forestry crews will close Manitou Way, between Tumalo Trail and Iroquois Drive, to remove three median trees.  The work and closure will occur between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm each day, with… [posted January 10, 2025]
  • OIM Community Listening Session: The Office of the Independent Monitor invites members of the public to a virtual community listening session on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 1 pm. This will be an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions and provide feedback on several… [posted January 10, 2025]
  • Family Winter Prom: A Night of Frosty Fun for the Whole Family!: Embrace the wonder of winter at the Family Winter Prom! Join us for a sparkling evening of frosty fun and family connection on Saturday, February 1, from 5:30-8:30 pm at Monona Terrace. This fun and enchanting event is just $5 per family (ages 4-13) and offers an unforgettable night of music, dancing, crafts, and refreshments. Dress to impress and make cherished memories with your loved ones in a cozy winter wonderland! [posted January 10, 2025]
  • Understanding Your Water Utility: D7 Virtual Lunch and Learn with Water Utility General Manager Krishna Kumar: Alder Nasra Wehelie will kick off the 2025 new year by hosting a virtual lunch and learn featuring Water Utility General Manager Krishna Kumar on Thursday, January 23, from 12 to 1 p.m. Kumar will discuss the Madison Customer Assistance Program… [posted January 10, 2025]
  • Temporary Lane Closures for Tree Removal: On Tuesday, January 14 and Wednesday, January 15, City Forestry crews will close Manitou Way, between Tumalo Trail and Iroquois Drive, to remove three median trees.  The work and closure will occur between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm each day, with the… [posted January 8, 2025]
  • Protect Your Health: Test Your Home For Radon (link is external): Testing your home for radon is an important way to protect your health. [posted January 8, 2025]
  • Candidate Filing Deadline Extended for Two Offices: The deadline to file papers to run for Alder in City of Madison District 18 has been extended to 5:00 pm Friday, Jan. 10. The filing deadline for the Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education - Seat 3 is also extended to 5:00 pm Friday… [posted January 7, 2025]
  • City of Madison Receives $20 Million to Improve Housing Affordability Through Energy Upgrades : The City of Madison’s Sustainability Program has been awarded a $20 million grant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Community Change Grants program. [posted January 7, 2025]
  • Fire Station 6 Closes to Prepare for Redevelopment: Firefighters and Paramedics Move to Fish Hatchery RoadEffective Thursday, January 9, Madison Fire Station 6 located at 825 W. Badger Road will close its doors to make way for redevelopment. Emergency response personnel formerly housed on W. Badger… [posted January 7, 2025]
  • It’s Time to Name Some Plows!: The City of Madison Parks and Streets Divisions, and Wisconsin Salt Wise, are asking for your help.There are five vehicles in the City's snowplowing fleet (one from Parks, and four from Streets) that need names.And you can help by submitting names,… [posted January 6, 2025]

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

  • Groove & Glide, Friday, January 17: Make the most of winter at a Groove and Glide event! Experience the fun and beauty of ice skating under the lights with fun music and games.  All ages and experience levels are welcome. Grab your friends, a date, or family, and have fun on the ice. 
  • Bird & Nature Adventures | Starkweather Creek Area, Saturday, January 18: Otter Go Sledding Party ~ Join Naturalist Paul Noeldner and Friends of Starkweather Creek for a free family friendly sledding party and nature walk or go sledding on your own to embrace the joy of winter!  Some sleds will be provided, please bring a sled if you have one. Dress warm and enjoy a campfire with hot chocolate and smores!  Did you know Wisconsin River Otters are expert sledders?  They love to slide on snow and can swim long distances under water while holding their breath.  Their extremely dense fur coats have thousands of tiny hairs per square inch that help shed water and keep them comfortably warm. Pretend you are an Otter and see how far you can slide in the snow!
  • Candlelight Hike, Saturday, January 18: In partnership, Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Madison Parks presents this wonderful hiking event! Hundreds of softly glowing lights illuminate the trails through Aldo Leopold Nature Center and Edna Taylor Conservation Park. Take a walk through the parks and then enjoy a roaring bonfire outside. All ages are welcome. See Map(opens in a new window) for more information.
  • Learn to Ice Fish, Sunday, January 19, 2025 (this event occurs on multiple dates): Join Madison Parks, Access Ability Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin DNR for a free ice fishing event during Free Fishing Weekend - no license required! Learn ice fishing techniques safely. Open to ages 7 and up; children must be supervised. Advanced registration is necessary, and waivers will be signed on-site.

  • Bird & Nature Adventures | Warner Park, Sunday, January 19: Enjoying Winter's Art ~ Join Wild Warner Naturalist Kathlean Wolf for a free guided walk or take a walk on your own to enjoy contrasts in the landscape, fallen leaves exposing the shapes of trees, dried summer plants creating snow-capped sculptures and ice and frost forming fantastic scenes. We'll go in search of the snow-sculptures made by the cold North Wind; the rainbows tucked inside ice crystals, and the bubble-art beneath the pond's surface. Bring your camera, your sketchbook, or just bundle up warmly and bring your love of Nature!  We may have hot cocoa and a campfire with smores after the walk.

     

Additional upcoming events can also be found on the City events calendar.

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District 6 - Alder Rummel

Alder Marsha Rummel

Alder Marsha A. Rummel

District 6
Contact Alder Rummel