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D6 Items of Interest Week of February 24, 2025

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Statement Regarding Metro Bus Service Disruptions : Many Madison Metro bus routes experienced service disruptions Thursday February 20 due to a high number of driver absences and driver refusal of overtime work. 

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. 

  • Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 25, at 6:30 p.m. in hybrid format. Agenda items include changes to the Zoning Code to bring more flexibility for homeowners seeking to build or modify single-family homes and Accessory Dwelling Units and facilitate small residential infill projects where already allowed. (See item 6 for the amendment passed at PC to allow additional height). 
  1. 87286 Celebrating March 8, 2025, as International Women's Day in the City of Madison 

5. 86649 SUBSTITUTE: 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. 

Here is the letter I sent to the Plan Commission (PC) last week. I also testified. The PC thanked the public for showing up, but they were clearly done improving the ordinance.  The Substitute introduced on Friday was approved without any changes at their meeting on Monday.  Several commissioners explained they thought the new ordinance would reduce the mental gymnastics required to determine if demolition standards were met or in some cases if demolition could be denied. They were satisfied with how the ordinance had been “simplified” in the effort to streamline the review process. 

The Plan Commission was not interested in responding to the public’s concerns whether the standards of approval should  include expert proof if deteriorated condition of the building or economic infeasibility of repair was claimed by the applicant,  whether mitigation in the form of an interpretive sign or salvage of historic materials was sufficient to outweigh the public interest in historic preservation, whether they should make a finding based on the Preservation Planner and Landmarks Commission report, whether they should make a finding on whether the redevelopment of the property (future use) aids in implementation of adopted plans, or whether they should remove mitigation as a standard of approval and make it a condition of approval if the demolition standard was met as suggested in public testimony. I hope the sponsors can explain their thinking. 

A glass half full person could say that as a result of concerns raised by the public at the February 3rd Landmarks Commission, the Mayor and eventually the alders who co-sponsored the original version, supported the changes staff recommended in the Substitute.  The glass half full side of me knows I helped improve the ordinance along with all the rest of the public's comment.  Staff Report on changes in the Substitute and  Staff Presentation on Demolition Code changes   

I support allowing administrative review of Category C demolitions (no known historic value). Getting rid of the administrative  “check box” standards in the existing ordinance make sense to me: the City Forester will still issue a report on impact to street trees, Landmarks must still approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for structures that are landmarked or in historic districts, the applicant must still file a reuse and recycling plan and explain efforts to relocate the building, and demolitions in Campus-Institutional districts are still excluded from PC review.  

But I remain concerned with what I see as weakening the standards of approval especially if salvage of some historic materials or putting up an interpretive installation is sufficient to outweigh preservation.  

According to the staff presentation, the Plan Commission has approved 96% of all demolition requests (2021-2024). According to the staff presentation, 74% of these 143 applications were Category C (no known historic value), 18% were Category B (some historic value), and 9% were Category A (significant historic value). Last year the PC denied 5 demolition requests in two projects. I don’t believe the public interest in preservation has hindered new construction of housing in any meaningful way. 

Under the proposed ordinance changes to Ch 41.28, the Landmarks Commission will still review all buildings for demolition, except buildings in imminent danger to the public, assign categories A-C and share their findings with Building Inspection and the Plan Commission.  In Ch 28.185, the Plan Commission will only review Category A and B buildings that have some or significant historic value.  

I wonder will the Plan Commission find that any Category B buildings should be retained given how easy it will be to outweigh the public interest in historic preservation with the push to accommodate growth? Landmarks Commission will make a finding that Category B buildings have “historic value related to the vernacular context of Madison’s built environment, cultural practices, or as the work/product of an architect of note, but the building itself is not historically, architecturally or culturally significant” in Ch 41.28(1)(b). The fact that these structures are also likely to be more affordable than new buildings is not a factor the PC or Council can consider. When we demolish this older more affordable housing stock, we displace residents who can’t afford new market rate rents. The new standards will more strongly favor demolition of these properties.   

Up until 2021, the statement of purpose in the demolition ordinance included language that addressed affordable housing: "It is hereby declared a matter of public policy that the good maintenance and rehabilitation of existing buildings, the preservation of safe and sanitary housing available at reasonable prices, and the careful consideration and planning of changes in the urban landscape are a public necessity and are required in the interest of the health, prosperity, safety, and welfare of the people." The language was removed in 2021 and the Plan Commission discussed adding new language that would allow them to consider the impact of demolition on naturally occurring affordable housing (legistar 67074) but could not resolve concerns about inconsistent application of the standard. 

I question why the sponsors now want to remove current language that suggests that one of the purposes of the section is to ensure the preservation of historic buildings and replace it with a balancing test that weighs the public interest in preserving buildings with historic interest with the public interest in accommodating the growth of its population and built environment. Why not keep the existing standard of approval in 28.185(9)4.a. that allows the Plan Commission to “consider how demolition and redevelopment of the property relates to the implementation of the City’s adopted plans.” This standard allows the PC to consider future use on a case by case basis.  

In my review of Chapter 28, a balancing test has been added to the statement of purpose in cases where we are balancing the State’s power and authority (siting of cell and radio towers, zoning in campus-institutional districts) with the City’s ability to have oversight of public health and safety and the exercise of our police powers. We are generally not balancing our sometimes conflicting goals and values as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan and other adopted plans in the Statement of Purpose sections in the zoning code, it seems unprecedented to me.  

I support administrative review of Category C buildings and removing the administrative checkboxes from the standards of approval but I hope my colleagues will take another look at the issues I have raised. We already approve the vast majority of demolitions, I'm not sure what problem is being solved with the changes beyond allowing administrative review of Category C buildings and removing the administrative check boxes. I hope the sponsors can explain their thinking.

6. 86650 Amending Sections in Chapter 28 of the Madison General Ordinances related to single-family homes, accessory dwelling units, and small residential infill projects. 

On a motion by Ald. Guequierre, seconded by Ald. Duncan, the Plan Commission recommended approval of the zoning text amendment ordinance to the Common Council with the following amendment:  that the maximum allowable height for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) be increased from 25 to 30 feet. The motion to amend passed by voice vote/other. The recommendation to approve the ordinance as amended passed by voice vote/ other 

24. 87065 Approving plans and specifications for public improvements necessary for the project known as 320 S. Brearly Street CSM and authorizing construction to be undertaken by the Developer, Private Contract No. 9629 (District 6) Sponsors: BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS 

30. 87291 Authorizing the City Attorney, in consultation with the Mayor, to join the City as amicus in any cases related to the continuation of federal funding which supports or affects the City of Madison, its residents, businesses, nonprofit organization, or cultural or educational institutions located in the City. 

35. 86954 Authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a non-competitive Purchase of Services Contract with The Welch Group for government affairs and strategic advocacy services for one year with the option of two one-year renewals. 

42. 87067 Authorizing the City of Madison to apply to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for a Ready for Reuse Brownfields Cleanup zero-interest loan in an amount not to exceed $329,000 for the purpose of assisting in the remediation of contaminated soil at Huxley Yards (2007 Roth Street). (District 12) Sponsors: Amani Latimer Burris 

43. 87158 Authorizing amendments to the term sheet authorized by Legistar File No. 86170 regarding a Tax Incremental Finance Loan to EC Residential LLC, or its assigns, and a grant to the CDA related to the construction of affordable housing at 5546 Element Way in the University Research Park and Tax Incremental District (TID) 46 (District 19). Sponsors: John P. Guequierre 

44. 85966 Chief of Police 4th Quarter Report: Interim Chief John Patterson, Madison Police Department 

51. 86923 Amending various portions of Section 29.40 of the Madison General Ordinances to update language and requirements of the Building Energy Savings Code. Sponsors: Satya V. Rhodes-Conway And Nasra Wehelie 

INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS FOR REFERRAL WITHOUT DEBATE 

57. 87288 BY TITLE ONLY: Creating Section 2.37 of the Madison General Ordinances related to procedures to remove an alder from Common Council. Sponsors: Yannette Figueroa Cole 

58. 87106 Approving a loan of up to $100,000 to CEOs of Tomorrow, Inc. from the Community Facilities Loan Program to help finance the buildout of its leased commercial space at the Black Business Hub located at 2352 South Park Street, Suite 324; and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign an agreement for that purpose. (District 14) Sponsors: Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford, John P. Guequierre And Nikki Conklin 

61. 87159 Approving a landmark nomination of the property located at 633 E Johnson Street as the Benjamin and Amy Butts House (District 2) Sponsors: Juliana R. Bennett. Landmarks Commission (3/10/25), Common Council (3/25/25) 

The historic Butts House is in District 6, not District 2. I have informed planning staff and asked to be added as a sponsor. 

64. 87209 Authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to amend and extend an existing competitively selected service contract with Mead and Hunt for architectural and engineering services for the Metro Transit Maintenance Facility (1 S Ingersoll St; formally 1101 E Washington Ave) Facility Upgrade, Phase 3B. (District 6) Sponsors: Marsha A. Rummel 

71. 87269 Authorizing the City’s execution of a 5-year lease agreement with Rooted WI, Inc, with one 5-year renewal option, related to 17 community gardens located on City-owned land across the city (District 4, District 6, District 10, District 11, District 12, District 13, District 14, District 15, District 16, District 20). Sponsors: Tag Evers, Marsha A. Rummel, Amani Latimer Burris, Yannette Figueroa Cole And Michael E. Verveer 

74. 87293 Adopting the City of Madison's required Five-Year (2025-2029) Consolidated Plan and the first-year (2025) Annual Action Plan (AAP) incorporated therein; approving submission of the Plan(s) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and accepting the associated Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice report (AI). (Citywide). Sponsors: Nikki Conklin, John P. Guequierre And Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford 

  • Board of Public Works: The Board of Public Works meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 26, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include the disposal of City-owned vacant land located at 4937 Femrite Drive in District 16. 

12.* 87209 Authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to amend and extend an existing competitively selected service contract with Mead and Hunt for architectural and engineering services for the Metro Transit Maintenance Facility (1 S Ingersoll St; formally 1101 E Washington Ave) Facility Upgrade, Phase 3B. (District 6) Sponsors: Marsha A. Rummel  

Mead and Hunt has successfully completed design services for prior work on this facility and is familiar with this property and facility. This contract amendment is in the amount of $606,167 for additional architectural and engineering services at this facility to meet the needs of Metro including: Full LEED Certification, WELL Certification, Full design of the roof, Full design for façade changes to support an art project, a new elevator, a new exterior patio space/landscaping, replacement of failed sanitary piping and a small addition to the maintenance bay. 

24. 87320 Updates to Complete Green Streets Guide Pertaining to Trees and Distributed  

REPORT BY TRAFFIC ENGINEERING RECOMMEND TO ADOPT 

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Public Information Meetings (PIM’s) 

Announcements and News Releases 

  • Metro Transit Service Disruptions: Due to an extreme number of driver absences, Metro is expecting service disruptions today. Passengers are encouraged to check their trip using Metro's real-time information. Check Metro's Bus TrackerMetro apologizes for the inconvenience that this…[posted February 20, 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 

  • District 11 Book Club: The Art of Community, Wednesday, February 26: Please consider attending the next District 11 Book Club event on February 26th at 7:00 PM in the main meeting room at the Sequoya Library. Together with area residents and community leaders, we will discuss Charles H. Vogl's 2016 book, The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging. A limited number of copies will be available at the "Ask Desk" on a first-come, first-served basis. This casual, public event is open to all, and even if you haven't finished the book, you're encouraged to attend and join the conversation!  
  • Dig into Rain Gardens- 1:1 Coaching Sessions with the Experts, Sunday, March 2: Participants will meet individually with a rain garden expert to look at their specific site using an online mapping application, determine drainage patterns and select an optimal location for a rain garden. Experts will also assist participants with sizing, plant selection and provide resources on site preparation and installation. The event is $20, but Madison residents receive a reimbursement of up to $50 for native plants purchased through the Plant Dane Native Plant Program and planted in their rain garden. 

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