Paid Parking Pilot and Censure Resolution

Three Introductions at November 26 Common Council Getting Attention

The Common Council meeting of November 26 is virtual. Three introductions (Referral to future meetings with no public comment, debate or vote on November 26) are generating a noticeable volume of alder email.

In this blog, I'll touch on the resolution to remove the pilot project for paid parking at certain parks and the resolution to censure Alder Charles Myadze. The third resolution is for the forgiveness of $1,613,365 owed by Madison Ice, Inc., a nonprofit operator of two indoor ice arenas. It's complicated, and I've addressed it in a separate blog.

Paid Parking Pilot

Alder Rummel has done a superb job of describing the issue, so let me quote her.

" . . . for introduction and referral, is a budget amendment to remove the paid parking pilot from the 2025 adopted Parks Division budget. Unfortunately, media reports about the paid parking pilot have left the impression that the proposal is a citywide plan to require paid parking in all parks which is not accurate and has, not surprisingly, created alarm among city residents. As I stated in last week’s blog: The goal of the budget amendment was NOT to start making residents who are utilizing our wonderful parks system pay for parking on daily basis throughout the entire system. I’m committed to Madison parks remaining gathering places that are free and accessible to the entire community.

If the amendment does not get rescinded, the Parks Division will develop implementation concepts to present to the Board of Park Commissioners (BPC) in early 2025 and seek their guidance for a more specific plan. The Parks Division would complete a more detailed implementation plan, equity analysis, and public engagement throughout the first quarter of 2025. The pilot would likely begin in mid-summer 2025 and go through the end of the year. The Parks Division would evaluate the program in early 2026 and present recommendations to BPC based on the evaluation.

The exact design of the pilot, including identification of potential parking lots, events, and parking rates, would be developed with input from BPC. The Parks Division anticipates it can meet the revenue target through a combination of permit parking, commuter parking, and event-based parking.

After the pilot program is completed, there will be a review and any further action would be brought to the Board of Park Commissioners for consideration and require approval from the Council.

Parks Division blog on parking in parks

If the amendment does get rescinded, I will pursue a policy review of the commuter use of Parks Division parking lots to look for revenue-generating opportunities where we know people are using free parking at city parks, but not always for park purposes.

The item will be on the December 10 Common Council agenda."

Censure Resolution

The resolution is titled "Censuring Ald. Charles Myadze for conduct unbecoming of an alder." It was brought forward by Alder MGR Govindarajan in the wake of allegations of sexual harassment and abuse by two women, a recent independent report under the Common Council's new ethics policy of three more recent complaints, and the subsequent statement of former police officer, deputy mayor, and candidate for mayor Gloria Reyes regarding three years of an abusive relationship. Alder Myadze has vigorously refuted all of the claims.

The resolution, when taken up by the Common Council on December 10, will not remove Alder Myadze from office. Under current law, an alder can only be removed by a recall election, or by losing a regular election. The resolution encourages Alder Myadze “to consider the impact of his continued presence on the Common Council to ongoing City priorities and processes”

It has been noted by the public, and in particular, by an investigative reporter at the Capital Times, that I did not move quickly to join the co-sponsors of the resolution. I was the fourteenth. Let me explain.

I am one of only a few and perhaps the only alder who has fired multiple persons for sexual harassment or assault. In my career, I have had the authority to hire and fire thousands of people. I have developed policies governing harassment of all kinds and then had the responsibility to carry out those policies. I take that kind of responsibility with the utmost seriousness. I have called in and sat with subordinates and then told them face-to-face that they are terminated and must not request a reference, their career possibly ruined.

What I have learned is that people accused of such actions deserve a cautious and thorough investigation of the claims against them. Likewise, the alleged victims need to be taken seriously and protected. No organization can function optimally if some have to endure unacceptable aggression. I have also learned that perpetrators of sexual aggression are almost always a mixture of good and evil. I have always tried to outline a path to redemption and success. My impression of Alder Myadze is that he has accomplished much for the good of District 18 and Madison.  

I know two of the accusers well enough to believe their reports are creditable. I have fired people for less.