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D6 Items of Interest Week of August 26, 2024

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Last week the Council held a special meeting to adopt the resolution to authorize the $22M referendum to exceed the property tax levy limit in the City's 2025 Operating Budget. The resolution passed 17-2. I voted for it and will make the case for what is at stake in the next several months.

As the city prepares for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to launch on September 22, the Madison Department of Transportation wants to make sure drivers understand how to navigate new dedicated bus lanes. Indicated by segments of red pavement, “BUS ONLY” lane markings, lane striping, and signage these dedicated lanes will not only improve reliability for buses but will contribute to smoother traffic flow and improve safety for all users of our streets. Check out the video. As the video highlights, only buses, emergency vehicles, and—in some locations—bicycles should continuously use bus lanes. Where there are white dashed lines, drivers can cross into or through a bus lane to make a turn.

Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Monday, August 26, in virtual format at 4:30 p.m. Agenda items include amending the 2024 Resource Recovery Special Charge, as well as accepting a donation of Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and educational posters for overdose prevention.

10. 84617 Amending the 2024 Resource Recovery Special Charge. From Finance staff: Regarding agenda item 10 – this item was referred to Finance Committee at the 8/6 Common Council meeting. The Streets Division has found a solution to adjust customer bills by providing a rebate on the Municipal Services Bill in lieu of a rate change. RRSC ratepayers will receive a rebate of $9.55. As such, staff are recommending this resolution to be placed on file. Charlie Romines will be available at the meeting to answer any questions.

  • Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, August 26, in virtual format at 5:30 p.m. Agenda items include approving housing recommendations that serve to strengthen efforts to expand rental, homeowner and student developments that were prepared by the Housing Strategy Committee, as well as adopting the Northeast Area Plan 84379 and the West Area Plan 84377.

2.84612 Authorizing the City’s execution of a Maintenance Agreement with Common Wealth Development, Inc. for the use of the E. Main Street right-of-way with two existing patios and associated patio improvements to support two outdoor cafés adjacent to the property located at 931 E. Main Street, as well as the City’s acceptance of ownership of said improvements in exchange for the perpetual maintenance of them by Common Wealth Development. (District 6)

3. 84643 Approving housing recommendations that serve to strengthen efforts to expand rental, homeowner and student developments, prepared by the Housing Strategy Committee (Citywide). HSC Housing Report 08.06.24 draft

5. 84626 Amending Section 28.071(2)(a)2. of the Madison General Ordinances related to Downtown Height Requirements to allow affordable student housing to exceed the maximum number of stories. (District 2, District 4, District 6)

DRAFTER’S ANALYSIS: This proposed ordinance amends MGO Sec. 28.071 to allow for buildings in the downtown and urban districts to exceed the maximum number of stories if the property owner voluntarily enters into a contractual agreement with the City of Madison. The contractual agreement must demonstrate that the property owner has agreed to comply with provisions of a memorandum of understanding between the City and one or more postsecondary educational institution(s) to provide bedrooms rented below market rate to eligible students from low- or moderate-income households.

11. 78634 139 W Wilson Street (District 4): Consideration of a demolition permit to demolish a four-story apartment building

12. 78635 139 W Wilson Street (District 4): Consideration of a conditional use in the UMX (Urban Mixed-Use) District for a multi-family dwelling with greater than eight (8) dwelling units; consideration of a conditional use in the UMX District for a new building greater than 20,000 square feet and more than four stories; and consideration of a conditional use pursuant to MGO Section 28.134(3) for projections into the Capitol View Preservation Limit; to construct 16-story apartment building with 320 units

Staff Report : “the Planning Division recommends that the Plan Commission find that that Conditional Use standard of approval 8 is not met and refer the proposal to a future Plan Commission meeting with direction to the applicant to address recommended conditions of approval 1-5 found on page 10 of this report. In the alternative, should the Plan Commission find that not all standards for conditional uses, specifically standard 8, are met, the Plan Commission can place the conditional use request on file without prejudice. If the Plan Commission does so, it should identify the reasons standard 8 and/or any other standards are not found to be met.”

UDC also denied the proposal in January in its advisory recommendation to the PC.

15. 84379 Adopting the Northeast Area Plan, adopting an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and archiving underlying plans.

Items 15 and 16 are related and will be considered as one public hearing. The proposed area plan is being adopted as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and is following the process outlined in Wisconsin Statutes Section 66.1001. Item 15 is the ordinance on which the Plan Commission is required to make a recommendation to the Common Council; Item 16 is the resolution that the Plan Commission is required to adopt by Statute. Following the public hearing, the Plan Commission shall make separate findings and motions on each agenda item.

The new process for creating sub area plans includes archiving previously adopted plans. The 84379-Comprehensive Plan Amendment covers the plans affected. District 6 has quite a few plans that will no longer be used as a guide once the Near East area plan is completed (2029-2030). The comp plan amendment link above includes the list of all city plans and provides this explanation: 

“Prior to the City’s adoption of a planning framework in 2022, the City lacked a system for reviewing and archiving previously adopted sub-area plans. The City has dozens of sub-area plans, some of which date back to the 1980s. In many cases, multiple sub-area plans overlap the same geographic area, which can result in differing recommendations for the same area or recommendations inconsistent with this Plan, current City policy, or current conditions. Other recommendations have either been implemented or are for things the City has little influence over. As part of the Area Plan processes the City will review underlying plans for recommendations that are still relevant given current City policy and the scope of Area Plans. Those recommendations will be absorbed into the Area Plan. As part of the Area Plan adoption process, the Plan Commission and Common Council will consider archiving underlying plans. Archived plans are previously adopted plans that generally address the same area as more recently adopted Area Plans. Archived plans are no longer used to guide development proposals, infrastructure investment, or other City actions. They are made available as historical resources, but no longer influence the City’s planning and decision-making processes."

17.  84377 Adopting the West Area Plan, adopting an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan and archiving underlying plans. Items 17 and 18 are related and will be considered as one public hearing. 

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.

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

Announcements and News Releases

Events

  • Lunch Time LIVE! Yid Vicious, Tuesday, August 27: On Tuesdays - June through August - a FREE outdoor concert series will take place from noon-1pm on the King Street walkway of the Wisconsin State Capitol. Chairs will be available, and blankets and lawn chairs are welcome on the lawn nearby. And don't forget to grab 'to-go' lunch at dozens of downtown restaurants.
  • Capitol View Farmers' Market, Wednesday, August 28: 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!
  • Dane Dances: Aniba & the Sol Starz / Rebulu Group, Friday, August 30: Dane Dances is a free, family-friendly event held every Friday evening in August on the beautiful Monona Terrace rooftop. The much-anticipated summer music series promotes inclusivity for all ages and is a great way to get down and dance with your friends, family, or coworkers. FREE! NO TICKETS NEEDED OR REQUIRED

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