Forward Lookout on WORT 11/18/24

This week on Forward Lookout, Brenda Konkel and Rebecca Kemble preview a meeting-packed week ahead with 17 county meetings and 32 city meetings. Plus, affordable housing projects and an alder investigation.

7/29/24 Madison City Week Ahead

So it's been a while . . . but I'm back!  Short blog, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's are a 5th day of the week so less meetings than usual.  25% of agendas missing (4 of 12)

Madison City Week Ahead

Even with leap day there are plenty of meetings this week - finance, plan commission, udc, transportation and several committees that meet occasionally.

Dane County Week Ahead 2/19/24

Joint meeting of Public Protection and Judiciary and Health and Human Needs to look at Youth in the criminal justice system and other meetings this week.

Dane County Week Ahead 10/23/23

Only 9 meetings this week, 4 meetings cancelled (no meetings on Thursday), Personnel and Finance Committee (last stop before the board votes) takes up the budget!

Dane County Week Ahead 1/16/23

Couple cancelled meetings (Tree Board, Land Information Council), committee of the whole for County board on jail population, a declaration of emergency for Dec storm and one missing agenda!

DENIED! In favor of being more thoughtful.

Instead of authorizing $1,000 per county employee, new county board Personnel and Finance Committee votes against proposal in favor of more thoughtful exploration of county employee wages.

City Week Ahead 4/18/22

A few missing agendas but plenty happening this week, including a whopper of a long Council Agenda . . .the length of agenda has no impact on the length of the meeting.

City of Madison Week Ahead 2/28/21

This week's the City gets an F for public notice.  I think there are a record number of closed session portions of or entire meetings, lack of recommendations and missing agendas.  I'm seeing red.

Madison City Week Ahead 1/3/22

Only 10 meetings this week?  Or only 10 meetings that made it on the schedule?  I'd check the Konkel Daily Round Up (home page) for mo' meeting throughout the week.

Madison Week Ahead 7/12/21

Full week of meetings this week - war on/criminalizing people without homes heating up. (kicking out of Reindahl park, removing benches, banning alcohol in park, etc.)

Madison City Week Ahead 3/8/21

Finance committee has a full ageinda tonight, plan commission has a lighter agenda, Urban Design, Police & Fire Commisssion, Public Safety Review Committee and Executive Committee of Civilian Oversight Board all meet this week.

Madison City Council: What will they talk about tonight?

There were multiple updates this afternoon, I hope this is the final one!!!  But it can always change at the meeting when people show up to speak or a member fo the council pulls something off the agenda.

Week of 12/7/20

As it happens, a lot of closed sessions meetings this week. Forward Lookout's Brenda Konkel joins WORT's Dylan Brogan to preview local government meetings and agendas.

Police and Fire Commission Name 4 Finalists for Police Chief

It's so odd that as the chair of the city's Public Safety Review Committee we have zero role in this process, but I'm glad it's moving along and I'm looking forward to working with the new chief.

Week of 11/9/20

Big budget meetings this week in Dane County and Madison. Forward Lookout's Brenda Konkel and WORT's Dylan Brogan preview this week in local government.

Dane County Week Ahead 10/26/20

Budget amendments are being presented to Personnel and Finance Committee this week.  Now is the time for public input - Health and Human Needs and Public Protection and Judiciary are on Wednesday.

City Week Ahead – 10/26/20

4th week of the month so fewer meetings, but Finance Operating Budget meeting and special Plan Commission meeting this week, plus Council meets (no agenda) but it should be for replacement of Alder Donna Moreland who resigned.

Ending Temporary Encampment and Kicking People Out of the Parks

Everyone agrees, sleeping outside in a tent in Wisconsin winter is unacceptable.  But if you have no where else to go, no legal place to sleep . . . what are you supposed to do?

Homeless Services Needed before winter

The Education and Advocacy Committee of the Homeless Services Consortium wrote the following letters to Mayor Satya Rhodes Conway and County Executive Joe Parisi.

Capitol Neighborhorhoods urge police reform

I never thought I'd see the day where the large downtown neighborhood consortium would be urging police reform.  They call on the city to "reprioritize" the budget.

Amendments to Madison Capital Budget at Finance Committee Tonight

Affordable housing, a new homeless shelter, buying a hotel for temporary housing, mental health ambulance costs?  I wish . . . instead we got the following 12 amendments to the Mayor's budget.

Alders need better support to do their work, Skidmore needs to fess up (Updated)

I was an alder for 8 years.  It seemed like I was always running into a "no" - a brick wall.  There wasn't support to help you do what you wanted to do, just no.  no. and no.  This Alder Skidmore kerfluffle is just the latest example of the internal crap of being an alder.

More Timely, Improved Round Up

Ok - going old school, the way my round ups used to be.  Going to post more frequently with more news in here - things that could be their own posts if I had more time!

With the Common Council vote with BLM or to protect the status quo?

The Civilian Oversight Board and Independent Monitor are up for a vote at the common council tonight, when we get to find out if "Black Lives Matter" is rhetoric, or if we are ready for real reform.

Public Safety Review Committee has 28 items on its next agenda

From a sleepy committee that did nothing, to a committee with so many things to talk about it has to form subcommittees and schedule extra meetings . . . late to the game, will it make a difference?

COVID 19 and homelessness, what’s the plan?

So, in this new world we are living in, everything is constantly changing and plans made are reworked as change occurs.  Focusing on the big picture and long term is hard when we don't know what the long term will bring . . . but . . . . there is a train wreck coming.

Madison District Schools Week Ahead 8/3/20

2 meetings Monday, Instruction work group looking at Title IX and Restraints and Sedlusio Policy plus virtual learning.  Schools board in open session on Security Ad Hoc Committee and closed session on property purchase.

Madison City Week Ahead 8/3/20

Last Council Meeting until September, last?0 Civilian Oversight Committee meeting before council discusses, police chief hire, shorter plan commission meetings? and more.

Madison Metro Bus Route Changes for the Fall

There was a 25 minute presentation/discussion at the Transportation Commission on Tuesday, and here is what they decided and what you can expect for changes in August, including when fares might return.

With reduced jail populations, do we need a new jail?

Thursday the Health and Human Needs Committee voted in favor of halting the jail, jail populations are down at least 40%, Madison police are arresting less people, we have new leadership on the Criminal Justice Council, can we actually bring our ourselves to create real change in the criminal "justice" system?  Will any of this make real, meaningful change?

Madison Police Department budget memo

Unlike other departments, every year the police department puts out a memo on its operating budget request.  The requests were due on the 10th but won't be available to the public until next week.  Here's what they had to say.

Round Up Sun – Sun, July 5 – 12

A week's worth of dumps of information that you might find of use . . . alder rounds ups give you insight into just how much they are not kept in the loop of what is going on.

Madison School District Week Ahead

Superintendent contract being voted on without public input and isn't attached for review.  No public input on referendum questions vote. Student Senate virtual rally for youth input.

Madison Police: Rethinking the future, where to begin?

As chair of the Public Safety Review Committee I'm still struggling to figure out how to be effective in this moment.  There is so much to be done . . . and where can have the impact?

Madison City Week Ahead 7/6/20

7 meetings have no agenda including Common Council Executive Committee and the Finance Committee, so I'll probably have to do a major update throughout the week.  I've never seen the lack of agendas be so bad.

Alders, County Board Supervisors call for COVID-19 rebound metrics and more

Contract tracers, mandate masks in public, close bars and restaurants for in-person service and more. Plus serious questions about Chamber of Commerce roles in reopening plan when our elected officials were not asked for input.

Dane County Phase 2 COVID 19 numbers rising and why we aren’t required to wear masks

So, the Dane County numbers are going up, up and up (4 to 5 times more new cases) and the percentage of test coming back positive are like they were end of March and beginning of April.  But there's no going back . . .only forward.

Dane County Board Criminal Justice Reform Package

It's not enough until they decide not to spend $150M on a new jail and and figure out how to keep the jail population down 40% like it is now.  And the triage center has to be the number one priority, so there are options other than the jail.

Madison Police Reported “Use of Force” Incidents for 5/30 & 5/31 – Part 2

Yesterday I blogged about the officers who clearly wrote "use of force" incidents into their police reports provided to the council.  Here's some more that weren't immediately obvious when reading through all 100 pages of reports.

Madison Police Reported “Use of Force” Incidents for 5/30 & 5/31 – Part 1

In response to the alders requests about police response to initial George Floyd protests , this is what the police department released.  It's 100 pages, but my guess is there are some incidents missing.

Anonymous “Urgent” letter from State St. Businesses

19 demands . . . and while they say some of the right words, their safety section is the same old, same old and they are still trying to chase people without homes out of Peace Park because its become "undesireable".

What do all of our Madison police officers do?

In the police department 2020 budget they are allocated $86,783,406 and has 116.70 civilian positions and 482 sworn positions.  About 200 are patrol officers, what does everyone else do?

Madison City Week Ahead 6/22/20

Police budget, capital budget initial presentation of agency requests, business support programs, Oscar Mayer site plans, Vilas Park plan, many transit and other issues as committees begin to meet again.

Mega Round Up June 4 – 18

Well that got away from me.  I. Can't. Keep. Up.  Interesting times we're living in.  Here's some mostly City related items you might be interested in.  For up to date news, see the Konkel Round Up on the home page.  Updated multiple times per day.

Verona Patio Session 6/14/20 Seaside Zoo Lite

Last Sunday, I got another private concert with Seaside Zoo Lite (minus Jonas Pritzel) - it was great except for the lawnmowers and chain saws  . . . but even that wasn't so bad.

What will the Madison City Council talk about tonight – 6/16/20?

Remember, this agenda was amended about 24 hours ago, so there are additional items (surveillance cameras, letting committees meet).  And there are more changes here - including removing funding for police toys.

Madison Police Union words of advice to Madison Mayor

The Madison Professional Police Officers Association (MPPOA) "take a stand" and advise the mayor on how she should have written her press releases and suggests she educate herself.  They say she is "fueling the flames of discord and anger".

Madison PFC attorney misunderstands committee intent for Civilian Oversight

In response to the letter from the Police and Fire Commission (PFC) Attorney, former PFC member, ad hoc committee member and law school professor explains why PFC attorney is wrong in overlap of PFC and Civilian Oversight Board.

Madison (Police) Violence must stop

Council meets tonight, see you (virtually) there?  The horrific display of police violence towards protesters has to stop.  Police have to admit the role they played in the chaos and agree their violence must stop too.  The council should demand a full investigation.

Madison City Week Ahead

Council meeting, COVID 19 updates, retroactive permissions but no extension of the emergency powers past June 2?  And no change to the ordinance about committees meeting?

Dane County reopening plan not supported by science

This is the full email by Dr. Gregory Gelembiuk to city and county elected officials showing why reopening now is not a good idea.  It's politics and threats of legal battles vs. science yet again.

Madison City Week Ahead

UDC and Joint Campus Committee moving developments along, ALRC discussing separated alcohol licenses 2 nights this week and still lots of cancelled meetings!

Round Up May 13 – 18

Ya caught me slackin'.  Here's the various round ups and information that doesn't merit its own post (heads up - it's long!), plus a little bit of random musings from me.

Week of 5/18/20

Important meetings and agenda items this week in Madison, Dane County and the Madison school district. With Forward Lookout's Brenda Konkel and WORT's Dylan Brogan

Madison City Council to adopt new Historic Preservation Plan

The resolution includes "accepting" not "adopting" the Underrepresented Communities Intensive Survey Report as well, which includes a list of places to be considered as landmarks.

New Madison Stormwater Ordinance moving forward

While the rest of the city committee structure was shut down, this Madison Stormwater Ordinance moved forward and is on Plan Commission and Board of Public Works agendas this week.

Madison City Week Ahead 5/18/20

At least 13 meetings still cancelled - Council, Executive Committee, Plan Commission, Golf study committee, Board of Public Works, ALRC, and several smaller committees all meeting this week.

May 6 – 9 Round Up

One more week and I'm free from my consulting job and will have only one full-time job and Forward Lookout!  Then blogging can "return to normal"!

Dane County Board Week Ahead 5/11/20

County Board back in full swing!  Only one cancelled meeting.  They've figured it out, just make sure you register 30 minutes before the meeting if you want to participate.

Madison City Week Ahead 5/11/20

Keeping development rolling!  Also Police and Fire Commission, Transit Commission, Finance Committee, Parks Commission and Monona Terrace committees meeting this week.

Madison Mayor’s 2021 Capital Budget Instructions

Call me crazy, but this looks like just about any other year when it comes to the capital budget.  Mayor urges caution, justify your projects, nothing half-baked and everything will be closely scrutinized.

County Board a “rubber stamp” for $95M?

Tonight the Personnel and Finance Committee will meet to discuss several items but among them is spending FEMA emergency funds and $95M in CARES funding, but the decisions have already been made and the funding is already being spent.

Dane County Week Ahead

Retroactively approving $3,000,000 for food, homeless services contracts and small business loans.  Personnel & Finance, CDBG, Board of Health, County Board and more meeting this week.

Tues-Thursday Round Up

Finishing consulting jobs and having a new full time job is kicking my butt - so here's a whole bunch of things that could be their own post if I had more time.  Just a few more weeks and I'll only have one job and a blog!

Meet your new Madison City Council Executive Committee

It's not really what I expected.  Seems almost counter-intuitive and the conservative end of the council.  Will be interesting to see what they do.  Or don't do - three weeks from now. 

Nevermind, here’s the real Madison City Council budget schedule

There's nothing more annoying that reading materials for a meeting and then finding out they were discussing something entirely different that wasn't available to the public.  Bad. public. transparency.

Week of April 27th

Forward Lookout's Brenda Konkel and WORT host Dylan Brogan walk us through this week in (virtual) local government.  Development, development, development.

Madison City Week Ahead 4/27/20

DEVELOPMENT WEEK!! While everything else is shut down, development rolls on - 33 projects. 4 meetings and a yet to be noticed Common Council Executive Committee meeting?

Tuesday Round Up – 4/21/20

Alder daily round up, homeless services consortium updates and thank you to community, federal eviction moratorium, childcare for essential workers, demolitions and more.

Common Council Executive Committee Recap 4-21-20

Short 40 minute meeting, mayor's update, voting on Surveillance Cameras ordinance and report without PSRC recommendation, Konkel's response after the meeting and updates from the Council President after the last meeting.

What will the Madison City Council talk about tonight? (UPDATED)

This has 5 substitute pieces of legislation, an introduction item and one more missing substitute along with the consent calendar - voting for council president, looking at mayoral and council powers, following up on ad hoc police policy committee recommendatoins and more.

Madison Mayor didn’t need any emergency powers

Tonight the City Council votes on the 23 emergency orders the mayor had to make - but were any of them actually something that had to be done in an emergency?  No.  Not. one.

Monday Round Up – April 20

Konkel's random musings, council elects new leadership at tonight's meeting, or not? Alder updates, WHEDA looking for affordable housing input and more.

1st Quarter Madison Police Report

Shots fired down 35%, Robberies down 19%, Burglaries down 5.5%, Use of Force up 21%, African Americans 47% of arrests, 180 pages of policy changes, cops have adequate PPE and testing and more.

PSRC can meet? Or can’t? Yes? or No?

I can't make heads or tails of the answer from Council President Bidar about if PSRC can meet.  I think its a no.  Maybe?  Wait? Also, here's what it takes for committees to meet.

Round Up – Monday, 4/13/20

Alder round up, fire dept objects to closing streets, committee assignments for alders, help get masks to health care workers, Conservation Congress voting tips from League of Women Voters, stimulus checks for people who don't make enough money to file taxes and more.

Street Closures: “We shouldn’t waste a good crisis”

The mayor said "we shouldn't waste a good crisis" and here it is in action.  Does anyone actually we believe we have to close streets to protect the safety of residents so bikes and pedestrians can social distance? 

Round Up – Friday/Saturday, April 10 & 11

Konkel's observations, Alder, homeless services and bike updates, COVID-19 Wall of Shame, surveys, petitions, Conservation Congress voting, new judge appointment and more.

City Week Ahead 4/13/20

Plan Commission continues approving developments, Transportation approving bus routes and rubber stamping emergency actions taken, counting the votes from last Tuesday's election and more.

Round Up – Thursday, April 9th

Alder and homeless services updates, housing hotline, Dane County Parks open, any more mayoral orders?, city committees that are allowed to meet, bloopers and more.

Follow the (Coronavirus) money rolling in to Dane County

$95M is coming to the County, $24.4M for our bus system, $1.1M in CDBG funds, Small Businesses (including nonprofits) to get forgivable Payroll Protection loans, we've been declared a federal disaster area and more on the way?  Who decides where that money will go?

Dane County Budget and Coronavirus

On Monday, March 30th the Personnel and Finance Committee got an update on "Fiscal Impact of Coronavirus on Dane County."  The minutes are from March 9th, the recording doesn't seem to be available yet, and there are no attachments with this presentation.

City Week Ahead 4/6/20

Council President Shiva Bidar and Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway allow one meeting, Finance.  CDA and elections meetings also happening.  8 items to be decided/recommended.

Provide PPE to homeless medical shelter workers

How do people working in homeless medical shelters not have PPE?  I was thinking about this all night.  I'd volunteer to be in the shelters, but I have diabetes so I couldn't do it without proper protections in place.  However, the shelters don't have PPE like police and fire do, not even at the medical shelter.

Dane County Board Meeting Recap 4-2-20

1.5 hours of the county board doing committee work on the county board floor.  Good to see some actual discussion at one of these meetings! Allowing committee meetings virtually, extending board terms if election postponed, jail phone calls and visitation, counseling services for homeless in hotels, benefits fraud investigators and farewells from the 9 outgoing supervisors.

Common Council Executive Committee Recap 3-31-20

Items deemed essential to talk about are creating a body worn camera committee, MPD report on Ad Hoc Committee recommendations, discussion on surveillance camera policy is referred, Mayor briefs them on COVID-19 responses and council discusses their role in government during the pandemic.

Will Madison City Council abandon their responsibilities?

Tonight on the Executive Committee Agenda as well as the Council Agenda there are several items where the council will decide if they give their statutory responsibilities to the mayor during this pandemic and so far the mayor's orders are project to cost over $1M.

Will Madison City Council oppose F-35s tonight?

The Common Council asked the Airforce to reconsider Truax "until and unless the findings of the EIS are shown to misrepresent the significant environmental impacts to those living, working, and visiting the north and east sides of Madison"  The EIS is out, not much has changed, will the Council oppose the beddown of the F-35s tonight?

Madison Amazon facility, will the council let it go forward?

Tomorrow night, among the items on the City Council agenda is upholding the plan commission denial of the Amazon facility at 3630 Milwaukee Street.   It takes 2/3 vote to overturn and they would risk legal action if they don't.

City of Madison Housing Helpline

The City of Madison has set up a "housing hotline" for people to call with housing problems.  Here's the details I have on the City of Madison Housing Helpline.

Amid Pandemic: City, County and School Board take time off

After meetings this week, neither the City Council nor the County Board will meet until April 21st (3 weeks), School Board not meeting until the 27th (4 weeks)?  Each body will meet only once in April.  The mayor seems to be the only decision maker at the city at this point, with the council rubber stamping decisions. What roles should our alders, supervisors and school board members be playing in this pandemic?  How are they representing us in this crisis?

115th Figher Wing (WANG/Truax) out of compliance with DNR orders

The 115th Fighter Wing out of compliance with DNR orders continues to pollute and discharge PFAS.  Wisconsin Air National Guard (WANG) didn't comply with its deadlines of doing an investigation and submitting a work plan.

Round Up Saturday 3/28/20

This is mostly updates to alders.  Daily Round up, elections, emergency orders, schedule of allowed committee meetings, response to metro drivers and more.

City Week Ahead 3/30/20

Governing in time of crisis - test city council meeting, Transportation Policy and Planning Board, Common Council Executive Committee, last Council meeting until April 21st (3 weeks) and Board of Public Works and that's it!  Everything else cancelled.

Governor’s Orders: Landlord Entry and Evictions Prohibited

The governor issued orders today halting eviction actions (except to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking) until May 26th.  But you still will be responsible for paying your rent.

Madison Mayor’s 23 emergency actions

I can't believe these things couldn't wait 5 days for the council to meet.  The mayor is definitely doing all she can for the business community, I haven't seen much for the average worker/renter/democracy in Madison.

Madison Mayor Declared a State of Emergency

Did you notice?  It was several days ago that the Madison Mayor declared a state of emergency and I never heard about, can't find the order and it wasn't in the news.

Round Up – Wednesday 3/25/19

Alder, elections and Homeless Services Consortium Round Ups, Metro Driver with COVID-19, police stations close, democratic process shut down concerns, housing and homeless updates and much more. 

And still, the homeless shelters wait . . .

The shelters need more space for people to be able to appropriately "social distance" and to meet basic needs, people without homes are being forced to risk their health.

Madison Police Chief hire should wait

The City of Madison Government public participation process is for all intents and purposes shut down, now is not the time to move forward with the police chief hire.

Updates on Madison/Dane County homeless services amid COVID-19

Homeless services are not subject to the state and Madison/Dane County Public Health orders limited gathering to 10 or more people, instead, homeless people are being forced to congregate to get life sustaining needs met - food, shelter, etc.

Q&A with Madison alders in time of crisis

I asked a series of questions about the role of an Madison alder in time of crisis, and some of the Madison alders spent time answering the questions, here's what they had to say.

Why aren’t Madison alders helping to set city priorities?

This isn't a knock on the alders - this is a problem with all the committees being shut down and everything being controlled by the mayor's office and the EOC and maybe, to a much lesser extent, if any, council president.

County Board Cuts off Public Input on Health Care of Jail Inmates

Several residents of Dane County tried to bring their concerns to their elected officials on Thursday and were denied.  And the Public Protection and Judiciary meeting is cancelled this week. How do residents communicate with their elected officials in the world of coronavirus?

How’d that Virtual Dane County Board Meeting Go?

Dane County Board had a 46 minute virtual meeting where they have a 10 minute roll call, cut off members of the public for not being germane, allow virtual committee meetings and delay seizures of properties for not paying taxes.

City of Madison Week Ahead – 3/23/20

Here's the items that the Mayor and Council President deemed important enough to allow the committees to meet or bodies that have enough independence they can't stop them from meeting.

Round Up – 3/17/20 ( EXTREMELY UPDATED!)

Things are flying at me so quickly and there are so many things to report, much of it is getting dumped here if it is not included in the basic needs guide or the Konkel Round Up news aggregation.  Both those resources are being updated as quickly as I can!  See end of the post for actions you can take from home!

Week of March 16, 2020

The longer version than what you will you on WORT - Many government meetings are cancelled due to the coronavirus response. WORT's Dylan Brogan gets the latest from Brenda Konkel on what meetings are still conveying and what comes next.

Open Letter regarding Public Safety and Community Services

The Mayor and Council leadership are proposing to prohibit committees from meeting, while development and alcohol licenses might be important for the economy, what about services to low income people and public safety?

Dane County Board to Meet Remotely Thursday

County Board staff sent out an email with the following instructions for committees as well as notification that they will test the use of "go to meeting" to be used for the county board meeting on Thursday.

Coronavirus: Meeting Basic Needs in Dane County

Being homeless, one paycheck away from being evicted or not being able to put food on the table in good times is hard in Dane County.  Coronavirus is shutting down programs and suspending supports for those in need.

Madison Area Schools Week Ahead – 3/16/20

At the press conference on Friday, School Board President Gloria Reyes said they still plan to meet on Monday because they have important things to do, but I don't see it on the legal notice.

City of Madison Week Ahead? – 3/16/20 (Updated)

At the moment there are at least 6 cancelled meetings.  I'd expect more by next week.  One one meeting noticed with people appearing by phone.  Conoronavirus update and Council meeting plus so much more.

How does Madison function with 20% of our police at Milwaukee DNC?

During the Democratic National Convention people will be staying in Madison because the hotels are all full in Milwaukee and surrounding areas, bar time could be 4:00am and yet will we be down 100 police officers here in Madison.  How does that work?

County & Coronavirus: Skype and Fully Remote Meetings?

Just 10 minutes after I posted about coronavirus and putting local government engagement plans on steroids, County Board Analeise Eicher sent out the County Board's current plans.

City of Madison Finance Committee Recap 3/9/20

Items discussed in this 3/9/20 Finance Committee recap include managerial pay, rainbow murals, senior services and sending 100 police officers to Milwaukee for the Democratic National Convention.

Airport Consultants Lobbying for F-35s

Mead and Hunt aren't only the consultants on the Jail Project, they are consultants for the PFAS contamination at the airport as well.  And, seem to be lobbying in support of F-35s.  Does that seem right to you?

Feedback on Madison Metro Bus Route Changes

If you ride the bus have you checked for Madison Metro route changes that might impact you?  Feedback mostly seems to be about the UW Campus Route, Route 3, bus stops and Route 35.  Hearing on Wednesday!  Send you comments in today!

What’s going on with the Madison Police Chief hire?

It's been over 5 months and the Police and Fire Commission has had a dozen meetings since Chief Koval resigned and still no plan for the hiring process has been announced, no search firm has been hired, there hasn't even been an call for applications (RFP or Request for Proposals.)

Dane County to start audio recording meetings!

What a difference leadership makes at the county board level!  For years leadership fought efforts to record meetings.  Now, standing committees on the county board will be!  Transparency and accountability!

City of Madison Week Ahead – 3/9/20

Lots of development projects at Plan and Urban Design, Historic Preservation Plan, Metro Route Changes, sending 100 cops to Milwaukee, surveillance report, decriminalization of homelessness and several committees talking (affordable) housing.

Another Madison Alder, Another Alder Ethics Violation

It seems like the city is dropping the ball on training our elected officials about ethics.  Regardless, Alders need to take responsibility for understanding the rules so we don't have yet another alder ethics violation.

City of Madison Mayor’s Schedule Week of 3/2/20

Mayor's meeting schedule this week includes Chamber of Commerce, Urban Land Interests, Wisconsin State Treasurer, several community events now listed and tons of meetings with city staff.

Alder Sheri Carter’s Undisclosed Conflict of Interest

Alder Carter has voted for over a quarter of a million dollars, that I could verify, for the non-profit where she is the president of the board.  Alder Carter clearly has a conflict of interest she should have disclosed.

“Informal” City-County Homeless Shelter Committee Exposed

This morning Dean Mosiman from the State Journal had an excellent article about the "barely humane" men's homeless shelter.  But did it expose illegal meetings by the "informal" city-county homeless shelter committee?  And what exactly is this committee doing?  Here's what I found out.

Large Property Owners to Sue City of Madison for $1.4M

Large property owners are again challenging their assessments and threatening to sue the City of Madison for $1.4M.  Can you imagine what the city could do with that money?  Or what they will do without it?

Does Dane County Census Office need more workers?

Elected officials keep talking about the census jobs they need to fill.  Question is, do they need more people to apply, or do they just need to process the applications they have?

Changes to Madison’s Bike Registration Program?

TPPB will consider if the program should be repealed or if Madison's bike registration program will enhance outreach and enforcement.  Or will it just continue as is?

City of Madison Week Ahead – 3/2/20

Another council meeting this week, affordable housing fund review, dogs in parks, golf public input meeting, SSM Health, Judge Doyle Square and Public Market developments, Canopy liquor license, flood mitigation, Air BnB ordinance and more messed up agendas.

Rep. Chris Tayor and Community Response to Final EIS on F-35s

At 10:30 today there was a press conference where Rep. Chris Taylor and community leaders spoke about the final Envionrmental Impact Statement on the F-35s and what is said, or didn't say!

Local Government Ignores the Basics of Resident Engagement

This week the City of Madison agendas are a mess, the county only posts some agendas on-line, School Board meets in closed session more often than open and doesn't have minutes for months, and the School Board, City and County have been posting meeting a day or two before the meeting.

Dane County Redistricting is Coming!

I wrote about redistricting knowing that it is coming up "soon", then meetings got cancelled and it wasn't on the agenda for the next meeting to follow up.  Here's what was discussed that was not in the minutes from the January meetings.  

City of Madison Week Ahead 2/24/20

Council meeting this week (AirBnB, Dogs referred) but robot delivery and transit study RFP for approval, downtown alcohol meeting of ALRC, public market and Judge Doyle Square at Plan Commission and more.

Media Fail: EIS on F-35s is a decision making tool, not a decision

Reading local headlines one would be led to believe that the EIS was some sort of determination that Madison is still the number one choice for F-35s.  That is not what an EIS is . . .

Final EIS for F35s is out – How did Madison Rank?

This is a quick look at the final Environmental Impact Statement released today by the Air National Guard.  It contains their analysis of how they will impact our community or 4 others.

Week of February 17, 2020

The extended/unedited version . . . Dane County quietly moving forward with redevelopment of the Alliant Energy Center and Madison is up to its knees in BRT. With hosts Brenda Konkel and WORT's Dylan Brogan.

City of Madison Mayor’s Schedule Week of 2/17/20

Items the mayor is meeting about this week, Performance Excellence, Public Market, Complete count, public health, water utility finances, Freedom Inc, Benjamin Olneck-Brown, police and more  . . .

Second Denial of County Board Open Records Request

Who decided what is in the final Dane County budget package that is presented and passed WITHOUT DISCUSSION? I'm going to find out, one way or the other.  Looks like I'm gonna need lawyers, guns and money. (ok, no guns.)

City of Madison Week Ahead – 2/17/20

Where should Downtown BRT go?, special Plan Commission meeting on policies, Surveillance report, poisons used in public housing, Visions and Canopy alcohol licenses, future of municipal golf and more.

Madison: Armed Guards in Public Housing on Agenda Tonight

Tonight the City of Madison's CDA (Community Development Authority) will decide if they will continue to have armed security guards patrolling their public housing units.  Why do the security guards need guns?

City of Madison Finance Committee Recap 2/10/20

The committee asks questions about the Bus Rapid Transit Bus Route Study, Judge Doyle Square Consultant, Cross-fit Games closing Olin Boat launch and the 5-year Community Development plan.

City of Madison Mayor’s Schedule Week of 2/10/20

Digital Inclusion Summit, Team City Employee recognition, County Executive Joe Parisi, MMSD Interim Superintendent Jane Belore, "Human Services Team", Bloomburg Harvard class, Mayors  Institute on City Design meeting and more.

First look at where our City of Madison wheel tax is going

During the budget discussion on the wheel tax, they kept talking about all the studies that would  be done for BRT.  Here's a look at the what is expected from the study about changing our bus routes to complement BRT.

Madison City Week Ahead 2/10/20

Madison Metro Network Study RFP, more consulting for Judge Doyle Square, Surveillance Report, Electric Vehicle Charging and AirBnB ordinances, Public Market, Judge Doyle Square and Hub II at Urban Design, dogs in parks, PFAS at Sewerage District, armed security guards at CDA housing, Education Committee meets and more!

Still waiting for open records request regarding County Board Budget

Who decides what is in the Dane County Budget amendment that takes all the county board supervisor amendments to the budget, and some news ones and decides what is in, what is out and what gets modified?  Don't you want to know?

MG&E wants “up to” $45M but can’t tell the Madison City Council why

So, the Madison City Council tried to get the answers out of Larry, Darryl and Darryl to no avail.  The best answer is, they will tell us later when they figure it out.  Here's the details!  Or lack thereof.

What will the Madison City Council talk about tonight? (Updated)

Koval and Bus Rapid Transit resolutions will be withdrawn.  Plastic straw ordinance, approving City Engineer and Director of Planning, Community and Economic Development, Performance Excellence presentation and more.

Week of February 3

This week in local government: The Dane County boards support a union for UW nurses. Madison takes aim at robots on sidewalks. And the Madison school district puts pen to paper on a contract for its new superintendent.

City of Madison Mayor’s Schedule Week of 2/3/20

Lots of meetings with staff, meetings with former alder Barbara Vedder, Greater Madison Convention and Visitor's Bureau's Deb Archer and transportation, planning, engineering, fianance, sustainability and fire staff.

Superintendent Contract Already Signed, So Why Vote Tonight?

Did Gloria Reyes, School Board President (1/24) and Nicki VanderMuelen, School Board Clerk (1/27) have authority to sign the employment agreement with the new School Board Superintendent Dr. Matthew Gutierrez?

City of Madison Week Ahead 2/3/20

Public Safety Review Committee figuring out its role, prohibiting personal delivery devices on city sidewalks, borrowing $65M for MG&E, AirBnb ordinance and more.

City of Madison Finance Committee Recap 1/27/20

Moving formerly confidential staff into the same job classifications as other staff now that there is no collective bargaining, workplans required in department and division head contracts and stormwater rates increasing 13%, not 10% as passed in the budget and how they will prioritize stormwater/flooding projects.

Week of January 27th, 2020

Dane County will get the latest design plans for the new jail. The city of Madison considers hiring new department heads and a lot of new housing units. And the Madison school board meets in closed session again, this time to discuss expected litigation.

City of Madison Mayor’s Schedule Week of 1/27/20

Lots of meetings with staff, meetings with the YWCA and Catholic Charities.  Meeting with Joe Parisi (County Executive). A couple transportation meetings plus parks, engineering, public health, senior center, community development and more.  Oh, and don't forget Terrace Town!

City of Madison to ticket and tow Monday and Tuesday!

If you live in one of those areas where parking is restricted on one side of the street for a couple hours every week - you've been warned.  While they sporadically ticket, and they hardly ever tow, that will not be the case this week!

Pierre Sprey on the F-35 Boondoggle (Video)

F-35s blow up if they get hit by lightening?  They can't fly if the sun is out and its too hot?  They won't be a defense for the midwest, they can only fly short distances without being refueled and more.

Dane County Week Ahead – 1/27/20

Purchasing more land, Alliant Energy Center agreements, purchasing property in Fitchburg for County Emergency Management, Jail Design Presentation, Human Services Board presentation to Health and Human Needs, Health Department Intergovernmental agreement and more.

City of Madison Week Ahead – 1/27/20

Eliminating the Committee on the Environment, Borrowing for MG&E, new Planning, Community and Economic Director, Historic Preservation Plan, Board of Health Intergovernmental Agreement, busy Urban Design Agenda, golf and more!

Round Up 1/23/20

Didja miss me?  3 trips to the ER and 2 admissions, but I'm back!  Here's a round up of a bunch of random that I didn't cover in the past week.

Homeless? No Dane County services for you!

Ugh.  Well, some services yes, some no.  Finally, the CCS program is going to do a one-year trial and will not require a "place of fixed habitation" to be able to get case management and substance abuse services.

What will the Madison City Council talk about tonight? (Updated)

Truly you never know!  But, this is what they have picked out in advance - Ad Hoc Police Policy and Urban Forestry Report.  They will also likely talk about items people show up to speak about.

Dane County Week Ahead – Committee Agendas

A look on what's on the Dane County committee agendas this week!  PFAS updates at Lakes and Watershed meeting, jail deflection and diversion report, county board meeting and more.

City of Madison Week Ahead – Committee Agendas

What's next with the Structure of City Government report, 2021 budget process, AirBnB ordinance, Ad hoc Police Policy, employee survey and Urban Forestry reports at council meeting, plastic straw ordinance and more this week.

Take Action: Trump trying to undo Fair Housing laws

Comment due to the federal government by March 16 - see below from the National Low Income Housing Coalition to get more info and submit comments.  Consider commenting today.

Round Up

Hello world!  Here's a little round up of things that have come up in the last week you may be interested in - all local government or community related.

Denied: Where did the final county budget package come from?

So, after waiting 64 days for a response I was informed that my open records request was denied.  So I wrote a new one!  I'm determined to find out who makes the final budget approved with little to no discussion or debate.

Madison Area Schools Week Ahead 1/13/20

Big Week - the candidates who are finalists for the Superintendent are in town and there are public meetings Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, nearly everything else is behind closed doors.

Dane County Week Ahead 1/13/20

Lame duck session in effect, last week the full county board cancelled their meeting, this week Public Protection and Judiciary and no agenda for Health and Human Needs.

City of Madison Week Ahead 1/13/20

Highlights for this week include Public Market Financing Update, Truman Olson Update, Urban Design (Exact Sciences, LaFollette H.S, & Children's Museum, ALRC (Visions, Garver, Canopy) and the future of golf.

Engage Dane: #irony

More illegal meetings? Some county board members, not a committee with open meetings, but a group appointed by Chair Sharon Corrigan came up with a report on how to increase public engagement, without engaging the public.  Or the rest of the county board.  Who even knows about the report?

No response from Dane County to my open records requests

So, I'm trying to figure out how the Personnel and Finance Committee hears a whole bunch of information about all kinds of budget amendments then goes away and comes back with a tidy package exactly balanced and has no discussion.  Where is that discussion happening?

What Does the Dane County Zoo Commission Do?

I bet they were really busy during this time that the County Executive and the Zoological Society were fighting over $8 million dollars and the sheriff was investigating the theft!  Not.  So who does make decisions about the Zoo?

County Board vs. County Executive spat

Why does the county board need to hire an outside expert? The county board is planning to hire Pines Bach LLP as a consultant for $15,000 and if things can't be solved they will go to the Wisconsin Attorney General as a "neutral arbiter."

City Towing Policy? Or retaliation?

Ok - so when cars on Willy Street are towed because they parked in the overflow lane the city tows their car around the block.  Yesterday, my car was towed (long story) and they towed it 1.5 miles from Wilson St. by the Municipal Building to Park St. & W. Wash.  Is that normal?

Meet the Local Government Spring Candidates (Updated x 2)

1 person on the ballot for City Alder District 8 6 school board candidates vying for 3 seats with 1 unopposed and 2 seats contested, including a primary 24 current county board supervisors unopposed, 8 new supervisors will walk on without having to win a contested election, 3 of the 11 vacated seats have races and 2 incumbents are opposed.

What will the Madison City Council talk about tonight?

The Madison City Council is expected to pass everything as noted on the agenda in one big "consent agenda" motion, except for items noted below, anything an alder separates at the meeting or items the public shows up to speak on.

Week of January 6th, 2020

Dane County is getting feedback on how it provides mental health services, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway is talking transit and the search for a new superintendent for the Madison public schools continues.

Dane County meetings you won’t find on line

Sigh.  There is a huge problem with the way I do the "county week ahead".  I only include meetings available electronically on-line . . . but there is a whole other set of meetings that don't show up unless you drive to the city-county building and look at the bulletin board.

Mayor Rhodes Conway: MetroForward

Monday night at the Transportation Planning and Policy Board, the agenda said that they mayor would be doing a presentation on Metro Forward - but she started off by saying that she wasn't doing a presentation and that she wasn't only going to speak to Metro Forward.  Here's what she had to say - spoiler alert - its all over the place and not much about MetroForward.

Absurd Fiscal Note on Government Reform

I hope the $3M price tag assigned to the Task Force on Government Structure Report  doesn't prevent the easy and doable things from happening, and soon!  

How Does Madison Rank in Criminalizing Homelessness?

Well, according to the Housing Not Handcuff's report - not good, not the worst. However, I believe they missed a few of our ordinances and we rank worse than the report shows. The City-County Homeless Committee will be reviewing this report tonight.

City Week Ahead 1/6/20

Back to reality! A couple dozen meetings this week including council meeting (Edgewood), Mayor talking about MetroForward, criminalization of homelessness, analyzing city crash reports, park master plans and more.

Local Government Guide is Back!

This work was initially done by myself, Brenda Konkel, for Progressive Dane about 3 years ago.  Technical difficulties happened and over the past three years I continued some of the work here at Forward Lookout.  I'm in the process of merging the work and expanding the guide.  Let me know what you think!

How Much is in Candidate Campaign Warchests?

I took a look at what people had in their campaign accounts coming in to the 2020 Spring Elections for Madison City Council, Madison School Board and Dane County Board of Supervisors - for those who had campaign accounts in 2019.  Here's what I found.

Madison/Dane County/School Board Hide Behind Open Meetings Laws?

So, nothing is worse than when public officials use open meetings laws to thwart public information.  I was reminded about how they did that with the Cap Times during the F-35s debate.  See what I found in my open records request.

17 Illegal Dane County Board Meetings in 2019?

Command central of the county board meets in a "Pre-Board Meeting Chairs Meeting" on Thursday's at 3:30 a week before each board meeting. I'm told there are no agendas or minutes of these meetings.  So, what do they talk about?

Madison Area Round Up

A round up of things you may be missing around the holidays.  Not much going on with local Madison, Dane County and School Board government, but here's a few things that may be of interest.

Catching Up: Madison Use of Surveillance Technology

For nearly 2 years a committee has been quietly working on new rules for the City of Madison's use of tools to watch and gather data about you.  What have they come up with?

Dane County Board Recap

From Thursday night - the brief, final meeting of the year where they approve an additional $11M for jail consulting services, allow refugees in Dane County, mental health access center and more.

Dane County Jail Consultants to get 197% Increase in Contracts

Madison, WI - $11M increase.  Extended project timeline, revisions to plans, different sub-consultants added to the cost.  A parting gift from 11 (or more?) outgoing supervisors.

Process to Review Madison Police Operating Procedures

In September the Madison Police Department started posting policies for review on their website.  Now they have posted a policy on how procedures will be reviewed annually, every other year or every three years. 

Mapping Prejudice in Dane County?

Madison, WI - Tonight the County's Zoning and Land Regulation is going to be looking at if Dane County (including Madison) could do a project similar to what Hennepin County is doing - mapping structural racism in housing through deed restrictions.  Check out what they found!

Madison Area Schools Week Ahead

Madison, WI - Meetings for the MMSD that is mostly Madison, but the school district boundaries are different than city boundaries.  8 meetings!  Interviewing superintendent candidates, purchasing property, employee discipline matters, personalized pathways report, school naming and more.

Dane County Week Ahead

Madison, WI - Dane County meetings about mapping prejudice, racial disparities in the criminal justice system, gaps in the behavioral health system, consent to receive refugees in Dane County, Universal Access Call Center and more.

Madison City Week Ahead

Madison, WI - Arts and Rallies in Madison Parks, Visions/Silk Exotic East Gentleman's Club licenses, final (?) Historic Preservation and Urban Forestry Plans, Housing Snapshot presentation and meaty Tenant-Landlord agenda (if they meet).

CDA to “Dispose” of 32 units of Scattered Site Public Housing

CDA has big plans for scattered site public housing, Straubel Court and the Triangle.  They are starting with the Scattered Site housing with a resolution on their agenda today.

Armed Security Guards in Madison Public Housing?

On Thursday, CDA will consider authorizing armed security guards in Madison's Public Housing.  Would you want armed security guards roaming the hallways of your home?

Will TIF Solve Financial Issues with Annexation of the Town of Madison?

Thursday the TIF Review Committee is meeting and they will be hearing a presentation from staff about how TIF could be used in South Madison to solve challenges with the annexation of the Town of Madison.

Brief Madison Plan Commission Recap

Edgewood campus master plan repeal denied, Park St. grocery lot rezoned, Reach Dane Daycare approved, Oscar Mayer Land division, alcohol zoning overlay ordinance approved and more.

No one running for some seats on School Board and County Board

41 seats up for elections, 2 are contested and 9 have no one filing anything.  2 people officially on the ballot so far.  Papers due January 7th - 29 more days.  Media silence, so who even knows they should be thinking about running?

Week of December 9th

Dylan and Brenda talk crap.  Literally.  Thanks to Dylan for hosting, editing when necessary and generally making me sound good!  Listen in to find out about the week ahead.

Trumps Appointment of Robert Marbut will destroy US Homeless Policies

Madison, WI - Good grief!  Our policies around homelessness were already in need of reform, but appointing this man who wants to hide homeless people, ban feeding them and criminalize homelessness to lead the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness is a nightmare.  See what you can do ASAP.

What should the Madison Education Committee work on?

Officially, this is the City of Madison Committee, but it has Alders, Dane County Board Supervisors and School Board members along with Mayor and School Superintendent reps.  It could be an impactful group!  They voted to change the name to City, County, Schools Collaborative Committee (CCSCC).  They were almost convinced to disband, but were re-energized with new members after the elections last spring and are discussing what they should be working on.

Companies Doing Business with Madison Failed to File Affirmative Action Reports

There's 30 companies doing $???? business with the City of Madison that were served Cure Default Notices for failing to submit approved Affirmative Action Plans.  Some of them should surprise you

Which Madison Police Officers Are Getting Promotions?

Look who's getting promoted where - every year there is a shuffle as police get the Madison police staff get different assignments, but this year, it seems like a lot more changes going on.

Madison Area Schools Week Ahead

Madison, WI - Superintendent search announcement and closed session meeting, purchasing properties (Regent St, Holtzman Rd), TIF guidance, Naming Committee for Glendale Elementary, City committee meeting mission and priorities and more.

Dane County Week Ahead

Dane County committee meetings this week include discussions about equity plans, dredging, behavioral health call center and the Criminal Justice Council meeting.

Madison City Week Ahead

Madison, WI city council committee meetings this week.  Madison Equitable Workforce Plan, Edgewood, rezoning 1402 S. Park St (future grocery), Overture contract, stormwater ordinance revisions, campus building heights, design of new jail, Public Safety Review Committee and Education Committee priorities, South Madison TIF, Orchard Ridge Park Master plan, CDA repositioning public housing and armed security guards, surveillance committee report and much more.

Madison Public Market Updates

Madison, WI - This is the update for the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2019.  It goes into detail on the capital financing plan, ownership structure, design, bidding and construction process and land use and construction approvals.  It's getting closer to being real after all these years!  But there is a lot to be done before March 2020.

Common Council Recap

A LOT happened on this agenda, but there was virtually no discussion of any substantive issues in the 1 hour and 10 minute meeting.  Many lobbyists attended and registered to support their items.

Urban Forestry Task Force Recommendations

Seems like this report has been going on forever and bouncing around from agenda to agenda. Today at noon they will continue discussing. Here's what they're looking at now.

Transportation Policy and Planning Board Recap

No to ordinance to save Green Cab $4,000 to avoid reapplying for license, wheel tax revocation if RTAs are again allowed and beltline shoulder usage. Complete streets discussion, BRT, a parking study the staff team turned into a Transportation Demand Management study and more.

Cats and Dogs Oh My!

Do you register your cat, or dog?  Or bike for that matter?  Cat fees going up, "dog license tax" going up!  Fees and taxes going up, up, up as the city tries to stay under the state imposed levy limits.

Forward Lookout on WORT

The impact of F-35s on affordable housing, Urban Forestry fee going up and Madison elementary name change, all these agenda items and more with Forward Lookout's Brenda Konkel and Dylan Brogan.

Beltline Shoulder Usage a Racial Equity Issue? (Updated)

Here's the city staff report on Beltline shoulder usage that will be discussed at the Transportation Policy and Planning Board tonight at 5:00.  I was surprised by the staff spin on the issue.

Catching Up: What Happens When Town of Madison Goes Away

In October 2022, how will Madison and Fitchburg split the Town of Madison's assets? What will happen to their employees? How does this work with redistricting? Are the town's properties under assessed and what happens with the city's higher tax rates? How will we give Town residents the same level of service when we won't get levy increases sufficient to do the work?  So many questions!

Time to Start Circulating Nomination Papers!

Today is the day that candidates for County Board (37 Seats!), School Board (3 seats) and City Council (1 seat) can start circulating nomination papers . . . but shockingly few have filed paperwork to allow them to begin!

Round Up Saturday 11/30/19

Looks like its time to clean out my inbox!  Here's some things you might find of use!  Parks, Bikes, Buses, Events, MPD survey, downtown neighborhood news and more.

Video from No F-35s Black Friday Protest at Capitol

Music (Mary Gaines and Chris Wagoner), great speakers (Vicki Berenson, Brian Benford, Angela Jenkins, Jesse Pycha-Holst, Brandi Grayson and Rebecca Kemble) and more music (Lou and Peter Berryman)! 

City Week Ahead

Repealing the Wheel Tax if RTA can be created, Beltline proposal, complete streets, downtown BRT, F-35s impact on housing, stormwater ordinance changes, Council Meeting (Salvation Army and Judge Doyle Square Affordable Housing funds, Judge Doyle Square agreement, Truman Olson developer chosen, Tree Tax, appeal of demolition by neglect at 121 Langdon, plastic straws ordinance, water utility bonds and Visions liquor license) and more!

Thankful: A Tiny Step Towards Housing (formerly) Homeless Individuals

Recently Occupy Madison held a 5 year anniversary party for the Occupy Madison Tiny House Village - and it was a reminder that the hard work and perseverance was so worth it.  Here's a brief look at the event and how you can help.

Plan Commission Recap

MMSD projects requiring Plan Commission approval if referenda passes and capital view height discussions.  Edgewood, rezoning Truman Olson and 636 W. Wash at 12/9 meeting.

Finance Committee Recap

Beyond the headlines.  New opioid grant and Addiction Resource Police Officer position, Urban Forestry Special Charge (Tree Tax), continued leaf pick up until the weather prevents them from collecting leaves, year end budget adjustments ($2M to Fire, $1M to Police), Judge Doyle Square agreement (land use application in Jan and should sail through the neighborhood, garage opens 2/1, construction starts 6/1) and Truman Olson developer chosen.  About a half a dozen paid lobbyists showed up along with union workers and people seeking affordable housing and other community priorities in the Truman Olson development.

Dane County Mental Health Report

Only the State Journal reported on this special meeting of the Dane County Board where they heard the results of the mental health study.  Here's the rest of the details of that meeting including recommendations and exploring what those recommendations mean for Dane County.

Which City Departments Stuck with their Budgets?

Every year there are "year end adjustments" to the City budget.  And they spend the last of the "contingent reserve" which is usually a little over $1M that they set aside for unbudgeted emergencies.  Lets see who went over budget this year and why . . . (psst, police ($1M) and fire ($2M) get more money as per usual)

Tree Tax Going Up, Up, Up

With state imposed levy limits local governments are forced to find new ways to raise taxes. This year's debate was about the Wheel Tax, but look what's been happening with the Tree Tax.

City Week Ahead

5 meetings.  Or?  More?  Funding for affordable housing (Judge Doyle Square & Salvation Army), negotiating team for Truman Olson, Judge Doyle Square agreement and more.

What is the Council Talking About . . . Right Now?

Ugh, I'm hopelessly behind with my latest computer woes (my home computer won't be back until Saturday) making everything twice as difficult at the moment . . . but here's the consent agenda for tonight!  For the meeting that started already. 

County Executive Signs Budget, Vetoes What?

On November 15th the County Executive sent out a press release saying he signed the 2020 Budget.  However, the County Board Agenda is being amended to include a veto over-ride.  Say what?

City Week Ahead

Sorry this is late. Technology is awesome, until it isn't.  4 meetings are over, but don't worry, there are 31 more left for this week, including a council meeting tonight.

Council Budget Meeting Recap – Night 2 Capital Budget (Amdmts 7 – 12)

This is the last amendments to the Capital Budget (Reindahl Library, Hartmeyer property, Vision Zero, traffic signal), the vote on the entire capital budget and the setting the levy with lots of thank you.

Common Council Budget Recap – Night One, Part Two

This is the police officer discussion and the approximately last 2 hours of the meeting.  Fear and perception vs. fact and we need data people can use to decide how many police we need.

Homeless Bills Stalled in Legislature til January

Here is the update from the Wisconsin Coalition Against Homelessness.  This is an initiative both the city and county have given a couple thousands of dollars a year to.

Finance Committee Recap

Beyond the headlines.  Housing Initiates job going away, city to negotiate removing concrete barriers blocking bike path, Judge Doyle Square discussion and 3rd Quarter Budget updates, which departments are going over their budget and why?

Big Dane County Budget Night Meeting!

County Board budget night lasted less than an hour . . . no discussion on the capital budget.  Limited discussion on two amendments to the operating budget totalling $2,480.  No public input.  But plenty of speecifying.

Let’s Make Data Driven Decisions on Police

Do we really need more officers?  Or do we need police officers to stick with policing activities and find resources for other needed services?  Greg Gelembuik spells it out for us, with data!

Feedback on $315M Capital and $36M Operating School Referenda

So far there is either limited feedback or support according to the staff report.  It would raise taxes by an average of $69/year for a homeowner for Capital and $66/year for Operating Budget.

No Public Input on Edgewood at Plan Commission?

Wow.  They haven't had public input since August but the public hearing has been closed.  It's unconscionable that Plan Commission wouldn't re-open the public hearing and allow public input.

Final Negotiation on Judge Doyle Square Housing?

On Monday, the Finance Committee will go into closed session to determine if they will accept the final negotiations of the staff team.  Here's the information that is avaialble to the public.

County Week Ahead

County Budget scheduled for three nights, but it takes about an hour.  Jail presentation at Public Works and Transportation, Journey Mental Health Update at Health and Human Needs, fines for illegal stormwater discharge and more.

City Week Ahead

Council budget week - will they get done in one night?  Edgewood College and Salvation Army at Plan Commission, Judge Doyle Square final negotiations?, PFC set timeline for hiring chief?, repositioning public housing and more.

Dane County Board Recap

A little discussion on if county board chairs should get paid $100 more a month, some technical corrections and a spat about what gets referred to committees.  Lots of absences!

12 City Operating Budget Amendments to Finance Committee Budget Package (Updated)

Adding ambulance and police, cutting police auditor, community building and outreach, Warner Teen Specialist and Gym Monitor, Olbrich staffing, digital equity, staff pay raises, BRT studies funding and more!

City Finance Budget Amendments (21-25)

City Council budget amendments come out at noon and I never finished the 4 part series on the Finance Committee meetings, so here it is.  Snow and Ice, traffic safety, policing and wheel tax.

2 County Board Supervisors Already Declared Not Running in the Spring

Nomination papers to run for county board can officially start being circulated on December 1st (about 3 weeks!)  Rumors of multiple incumbents not running are circulating.  Will you run for county board?

Marquette Neighborhood Association in Crisis

Good grief.  For that last week or so I've been watching the email list recount a deceptive if not illegal board election followed by tales of retaliation for calling out the deception.  If the neighborhood association doesn't have a democratically elected board, what would that mean?

City Council Recap

New alder seated, discussion on Meadowlands apartment project (density, affordable housing, city services), not one registered to speak on the city operating budget, interim police chief blows off common council and climate change coalition. 

Wheel Tax Vote Violated City Rules?

There were many questions about the wheel tax meeting where several alders were first notified as being absent and then at some point the day of the meeting, it was decided that they would appear by phone.  So, I looked into the city rules and here's what I could find.

County Board Budget “Uber Amendment” is out

Let's take a look at what magically appeared in what must have been discussions held behind closed doors between last Wednesday and tomorrow night when the Personnel and Finance Committee meets and likely unanimously approves this package with little public discussion.

County Week Ahead

Tuesday is the night when the Personnel and Finance Committee votes on their final recommendation to the budget, see what they are proposing later today.  County Board meets Thursday.

3 Nights of County Board Budget Meetings

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the Personnel and Finance Committee heard presentation on amendments that passed committees and was the public's last chance to speak on the county budget.  Very few non-county employees showed up to testify.  The committee votes on their recommendation next Tuesday, 11/5 and County Board votes less than a week later on Monday, 11/11. Let's see what's still on the table!

Jail Project Updates

Tuesday night the "Jail Consolidation Committee" and Public Protection and Judiciary Committee had a meeting where they got a presentation on the jail progress.  Wednesday night the jail project was presented to the Urban Design Commission.

$35 Wheel Tax?

Alder Grant Foster has a proposal to lower the Wheel Tax to $35.  Think it will fly?  Will anyone else have such a proposal?  Council meets tonight, we'll see!

County Board Pay Raises

On the 18 page Personnel and Finance agenda you will find that county board members are proposing giving supervisors (previous 33% increase) and the county board chair  (previous 40% increase) more raises and paying committee chairs an additional $100/mo.

City Week Ahead

This covers meetings Sunday - Saturday, special council meeting on the wheel tax, more recommendations by Task force on City Government, no Edgewater or Salvation Army on Plan Commission meeting, East Towne and West Towne appealing their assessments, Dane County Jail and Judge Doyle Square at UDC, more committees weighing in on F-35s, Visions Alcohol License Revocation, golf course tours, Mayor's Neighborhood Round Table, elected officials weigh in on School Superintendent and more.

Special Council Meeting on Wheel Tax!

The date has been set! And of course, they are starting at 4:30. Possibly to deter public comment? I don't know if it's intentional, but that is the impact.

City Finance Committee Budget Amendments (11 – 15)

Part 2 of a 3 or 4? part series of an over 8 hour long meeting!  29 amendments were offered.  Many did not pass.  This is community services funding, removing transit workers, removing independent police monitor and removing staff 3.25% increase.  Spoiler alert:  none pass.

Familiar Faces?

A.k.a. "frequent flyers"  . . . people with mental illness and substance abuse issues that are in and out of jail on a regular basis.  (335 people with more than 10 stays in 3 years)  What does the Criminal Justice Council think should be done?

Who Wants to Fill the Vacant District 8 Alder Seat?

There are 5 people who want to step up and serve in the role of alder for District 8 until there is an elections next spring.  Let's take a look!  Common Council Executive Committee will meet tonight to interview and make a recommendation (if they have quorum!).

Where is the Affordable Housing in Judge Doyle Square?

Depends upon your definition of affordable, I guess. But this is usually not what most people think about - affordable rental housing for people making $42,180 and up. And apartments starting at $1,055.

When a committee makes a recommendation, does it make a sound?

As a newly elected chair of a City Committee, I received no training. Meetings were only set up on my initiative. And, if I hadn't been an alder for 8 years and look at legistar (city legislation tracking software) nearly every single day, I wouldn't have realized that our recent recommendations don't appear in legistar. And therefore, when Finance Committee votes on Monday, they don't know what our committee did.

TFOGS Additional Recommendations for City Government

They had a 3+ hour long meeting Wednesday night.  I recorded it while I was in another meeting.  Lets take a look at what happened and they other recommendations the committee has made about boards, committees and commissions!

City Council Recap

The meeting was about an hour, not much on the agenda.  I would have skipped it, but the honoring resolutions and neightborhood indicators presentation seemed important.  Here's the details (a day late!), CCEC covered more topics this time!

Common Council Executive Committee Recap

What happened in that secret meeting, PFAS resolution placed on file/killed but new information, affordable housing presentation (which are also in separate posts) and many updates including campus district vacancy.

Great Homeless Services and Housing Overview

This is an excellent overview of the city and to some extent county homeless services system, some challenges and how they are approaching the housing needs at this moment, after Rethke and Tree Lane.  And why.

City’s Next Steps on PFAS

The Common Council Executive Committee decided not to do a city-county task force on PFAS, but have asked for a memo about what the City-County Public Health Department is doing and a new website, regular legal updates from the City Attorney about the from the DNR naming the City as a possible contributor and they will consider next steps after that.

UPDATED: What will the council talk about tonight?

This is currently what is planned, there are no items requested by alders for separation, so it could be a short meeting.  However, it can also change at the meeting.  This is an amended agenda with an additional item and one correction.

County Board Budget Debate Heating Up!

I'm late to the party here, Executive Budget has been out for two weeks - public hearing tomorrow night in front of the entire county board and amendments will be flying through committees soon.  Here's the info you need to know!

Police and Fire Commission Statement on Appointment of Vic Wahl

The Police and Fire Commission met last night and made it official that Vic Wahl will be the acting police chief while they go through their process. Here's their statement and audio of Wahl's testimony.  He will not run for the permanent chief position because he doesn't want to move to Madison.

Reconsidering Recommendations for Full Time Council etc.

I recently blogged about the Task Force on the Structure of City Government recommendations to reduce the council 10 members, go to full time, have 4 year terms and several other items.  They meet again on Wednesday and will be reconsidering their decisions.  The time to speak up is now!

City Attorney’s Advice Has Chilling Impact on Public Information

Cap Times reporter Abby Becker did a great story on where elected officials stood on F-35s. But the City Attorney advised alders not to respond.  Why?  He also issued a formal opinion on "negative" and "walking" quorum.  

Not Publicly Noticed?

Last night the alders were all invited to a meeting by the mayor's office - but the public wasn't! Well, the "business community" was invited, but the meeting wasn't publicly noticed for the general public.

City Operating Budget Presentations, Night 1, Part 2

These are the presentations from Monona Terrace, Library, Administration Agencies (Assessor, Attorney, Civil Rights, Clerk, Employee Assistance Program, Human Resources, IT and Finance) 

Will the Presidential Debate including Affordable Housing Issues?

Well . . . maybe. Here's something easy you can do TODAY! to help make it happen and further the fight for affordable housing.  Post content is shamelessly stolen from the National Low Income Housing Coalition because it has such good information in addition to the call to action!

City Operating Budget Presentations – Night One, Part 1

An overview, room tax commission and public testimony which is primarily about parking enforcement officers moving from police department to Parking Utility and praise for 3.25% wage increase for city workers to have equity with police and fire.

Public Input to the Task Force on Government Structure

The other day I blogged about radical changes recommended by the City Task Force on Government Structure for future city councils (4 year terms, full time, reduce the council to half the size, term limits). At the time, they didn't have information available about the input at the two open houses for the public to look at. Lets see if the public input made any difference?

Dane County Board Budget Process

Shamelessly stolen from Dane County Board Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner's email to neighborhoods she represents.  I haven't seen this detail of summary any where else.

County Week Ahead

One week after Parisi released his budget, several committees already have budget amendments (not attached) on their agendas. F-35s discussed by EOC and Equity and Inclusion. Listening session on homeless budget.

Are we ending homelessness in Dane County?

So hard to tell.  Based on the point-in-time count (one of several measurements) compared to 5 years ago family homelessness is down by 37%, singles and chronic homelessness are about the same, and veterans increased by 4 persons.

Friday Round Up! (10/4/19)

This one is heavy on city information, very little schools or Dane County . . . you'd hardly know there was a county board meeting last night by looking at the news and they don't have/use the same communications tools the city does, so there is just little information.

Quarterly Police Complaint Results

Every quarter the results of the "Madison Police Department Professional Standards and Internal Affairs Discipline Summary" comes out.  Here's a look at the latest and the past couple years.

Big Changes Recommended for Council

10 full-time alders that run every four years with term limits. Zoinks! The Task Force on the Structure of City Government voted on their recommendations last night!

City’s Version of Rain/Flooding Updates

Yesterday I gave you the "nothing to see here" county version. Here's the City's report. Seems like they could just get together and do one report, but I guess not.  City warns of flash flooding and not to park cars on the streets in low lying areas.

What’s in Joe Parisi’s County Budget

Well, who knows, its hard to wade through quickly (1024 pages).  Here's what he wants you to know!  i.e. propaganda.  We will hear more throughout the next few weeks as supervisors and members of the public dig in.

City Week Ahead

No meetings Monday or Tuesday until 7:00 due to Rosh Hashanah, council meeting starts half hour later, dogs in parks policy, cameras in libraries and more.

Madison being sued for $2.8M for Police Beating

A "notice of claim" is being served today based on the Madison Police punching a teen in the head multiple times when they were responding to a call about a mental health situation.

Madison City Council Member Resigns

It's only been 5 months . . . and already someone is resigning.  Here's the announcement. I can't imagine a council with 4 years terms given the resignations in the past few years.

F35 Comment Period Deadline Friday

Comments to the National Guard matter!  That was the message from elected officials on Monday night at Hawthorne Elementary School (video included if you missed it) and the public did speak out!  Excellent overview from Retired Colonel Rosanne Greco from S. Burlington VT.  Updates from Safe Skies Clean Water Coalition included.

Decarcerate Dane! Panel Discussion Tonight

6:30 Central Library - M Adams (Freedom Inc, Black Lives Matter), Janie Ocejo (Madison Urban Ministry), Pam Oliver (scholar on racial disparities in criminal justice) and County Board Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner!

County Week Ahead

How much should County Board Supervisors and their Chair get paid, Zoo Budget, should they release report on why we can't add floors to the Dane County Jail, several reports and updates on criminal justice system matters, CDBG funding decisions and more.

City Week Ahead

Capital Budget, Judge Doyle Square, Snow Emergency Zone changes, Water Utility position on F-35s, Government Structure Open Housing,  Visions alcohol license revocation hearing, Dogs in Parks,  relocating Intercity Bus Stop (Memorial Union -> Lake Street), Equitable Development report, banning plastic straws and more!

Ask County Board Supervisors to Sign F-35 letter

I've heard of about 8 supervisors that are willing to sign on to the letter against F-35s. Other's are predicting 15 of the 37. Will your county board supervisor sign the letter tonight?

Feeling Duped by the Mayor?

So . . . people are getting angry. Feeling like they have been betrayed by what was supposed to be a radical, feminist, lefty, LGBTQ mayor that truly cares about equity and does all the things. Instead, she's become a mouthpiece for the Chamber of Commerce/business interests. Hmmmm.

F35s: What Actually Passed the Council?

So I'm skipping 3/4 of the meeting and jumping to the council discussion, motions and voting. What happened after we all went to bed? Check to see what your alder did, or didn't, have to say!

County Board Letter Against F35s

Hmmm, a letter, but not a resolution I wonder who will all sign on? Sounds like they don't want to bring an action before the board and be forced to listen to people impacted by this.

What Will The Council Talk About Tonight

F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s . . . F-35s, F-35s, F-35s, F-35s.

Original vs. Alternate F-35 Resolution

So what's the difference? The West Side Alders essentially inputted the Chamber of Commerce talking points and then didn't say they "oppose" but request the Air Force to take the many pages of adverse impact into account.  Mayor ducks and covers.  Here's what we know about who is voting how!

Congressman Mark Pocan Calls for Further Noise Testing of F-35s

"Today, I formally request the Air Force in coordination with the 115th Fighter Wing test the F-35 flight pattern at Truax Air National Guard Base. Specifically, the Air Force should conduct a take-off and landing of the F-16 and the F-35 planes so community members will have a more accurate understanding of the noise impact from the F-35 mission."  

Round Up: Tuesday, 9/17/19 & Mo’ Meetings

Here's the news and other things of interest since I posted yesterday! 4 meetings, news, Alliant Energy Center, South Madison Plan, Front-End Justice Conversations and more.

WORT: Updates on F-35 Fighter Jets in Madison

Here's the podcast from the show I hosted today with Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner and Alders Rebecca Kemble and Grant Foster.  And, all the links and additional information that I rattled off!

Rep. Chris Taylor: F-35 military jets pushed by Corporate Interests

She compares efforts to bring F-35s to Madison to ALEC in how "big corporate special interests, through they wealth and power, often dominate policy making, to the great detriment of actual people." It's time to speak up!

City Capital Budget – Agency Presentations (Day 1, Part 1)

This is the first night (from last Monday night) where we hear about the Mayor's Capital Budget. Staff will be presenting and alders will be asking questions. Finance committee budget amendments will be due Wednesday at noon, public hearing on Tuesday at the Council meeting. If you have input you might want to talk to your alder ASAP.

City Week Ahead

Council will (or won't) oppose F-35s, possible gas-powered lawnmower rebate, Town of Madison inventory, re-booting the pest management committee and more.

Alders Sponsor Resolution Against F-35s

"...the adverse impacts described in the Draft EIS will substantially reduce the quality and quantity of current affordable housing stock, decrease the value of the property tax base, reduce opportunities for Transit-Oriented Development, disproportionately affect children and families of color, and are contrary to the City of Madison’s values of equity, sustainability, health ..."

Quick Notes from Airport Meeting on Noise

Thanks to Mary Jo Walters who attended the Airport meeting and took these notes and photos! Airport paid homeowners $2,000 for easements years ago saying they are ok with the noise . . . end of story?

“Neighborhood” Concerns About Salvation Army?

This neighbor, from a block and a half away has this concern - they need more space to serve everyone in need, no one should be forced to have sex to have a place to stay or sleep in their car or on the streets. It's not safe. But . . . I don't think that is what these neighbors have in mind . . . meeting tonight!

No issues with schools and youth in Madison?

Imagine if there was a committee where school board members, county board supervisors, city alderpersons and the community came together to discuss how to improve the lives of young people in Madison and Dane County. How powerful could that be? And why did former Mayor Paul Soglin and former School Superintendent Jen Cheatam, along with now School Board President Gloria Reyes keep trying to reign in that committee? Now that they are free . . . what could they be?

City’s Analysis of F-35s Impact on Madison

Here's the city staff's analysis of how F-35s will impact Madison, including more maps. The deadline for providing comments is Friday, September 27th. The full 1000-page draft EIS is available at http://www.angf35eis.com/Documents.aspx; the 40-page Executive Summary can be found here http://www.angf35eis.com/Resources/Documents/Draft_F-35A_EIS_Executive_Summary_August_2019.pdf. Everyone should provide comments!!!

Tenant Resource Center Welcomes Robin Sereno and an Apology!

Nearly a year after I was forced out of my 27 year career with the Tenant Resource Center (23 years as Executive Director), they have hired a new Executive Director! And, I got an apology.

PFC Agenda Mystery Solved

I get really annoyed with so many stupid barriers to access city government information. One is when there is a city committee agenda and a link to see the materials, and then there is nothing in the link. The Police and Fire Commission (PFC) meets today and it took me a bit, but I solved the mystery of two of the items on their agenda today, but it wasn't easy. Take a quick, albeit absurd, journey with me!

County Week Ahead

Budget, sweet budget! Public Hearings Wednesday and Thursday! Also, airport noise, suing over not being able to build on top of the jail, affordable housing fund decisions and more.

City Week Ahead

So many agendas with no attached supporting information that it's making my head spin. Capital budget presentations by department and division heads, Education Committee is meeting!, Room Tax budget decisions (but no information available) and more!

Capital Budget, Axed and Added!

Here's the info on what changed since last year and a comparison of the agency requests and what made it into Mayor Rhodes-Conway's budget. Let's see what the priorities are!

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Edgewood referred, items it looks like they will discuss include 3840 Maple Grove Drive and . . . nothing else? Seems unlikely. No discussion on Judge Doyle Square? Or anything else?

Agency Capital Budget Requests

So, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway will be revealing her first Capital Budget tomorrow. Here's a quick look at what the agencies requested, their memos and priorities. Tomorrow we can compare and see what got in, what didn't and what our new Mayor added as her priorities.

City Week Ahead

Summer is over, capital budget comes out Tuesday, time to get serious again! 23 meetings packed into 3 days, including a council meeting where they choose the affordable housing for Judge Doyle Square plus committees will be discussing Mifflandia Neighborhood Plan, Urban Forestry report, Dog Parks, PFAS, library fines, Affordable Housing fund applications and plans for the Public Market.

County Week Ahead

Community Justice Center discussion, long Zoning agenda including Tyrol Basin, equity plans, Specialized Transportation budget, Kassel Sister City and more.

City Week Ahead

Waaaay more meetings than I expected this week. I thought everyone would be in "end of summer" mode. Judge Doyle Negotiations, Urban Forestry Report, Mifflandia Neighborhood Plan, Neighborhood Center and Youth Programming funding, Edgewood, PFAS, Fair Housing Complaints in jeopardy from Trump administration, Task Force on Structure of City Government Open House, role of transportation committees, room tax committee, surveillance camera report and more!

Round Up!

It's been a while! Here's a few things that landed in front of me in the past week you might be interested in!  Alder community meetings, city updates, community events, free trainings, surveys, focus groups and open houses to give your local government input, etc.

County Week Ahead

Of interest, Department Equity Plans, questionable contract extensions, "Familiar Faces" presentation on frequent users of county services and the quarterly lake levels management report.

City Week Ahead

Items of interest this week: Disciplinary matter for Visions Alcohol License, Equitable Development report, historic preservation plan and ordinance, city use of pesticides and herbicides, capital square cafes, plastic straws and Mifflandia neighborhood plan.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Based on the weekly legal notice . . . one meeting. Do you really believe that? Given that if any two board members are meeting, they are negative quorum and it should be noticed.

Recycling Mea Culpa

Yesterday I wrongfully maligned the streets department! Since its student move out and I live downtown I was looking forward to getting rid of a mountain of cardboard in my basement, and I was dismayed when I wrongfully thought the city was just throwing my hard work into the garbage. I was wrong and here's a GREAT explanation if you are wondering about the state of recycling in the city! It's actually good news. (Right, so half of stopped reading, right?)

What Will The Council Talk About Tonight?

Reddy, Rummel, Evers and Abbas are listed as absences for the meeting, they only have two items separated for discussion? A presentation from the Chamber of Commerce and the police committee recommendations for civilian oversight/independent monitoring plus Comprehensive Internal Review and Root-Cause Analysis of Critical Incidents.

Affordable Housing Action Alliance Ideas on Affordable Housing

Last week I blogged about the Impediments to Fair Housing Report and the recommendations in that report as well as the Equal Opportunities Commission Housing Report recommendations. Those were more focused on fair housing. Today, the Affordable Housing Action Alliance recommendations on what needs to be done

Equal Opportunities Ideas about Ending Housing Discrimination

Yesterday I blogged about the city report on the Impediments to Fair Housing and the Housing Strategy Committee strategies. Today, lets take a look at the City Equal Opportunities Report from June that has its own policy recommendations. Will this get us closer to ending racism and all the other ism's in housing in Madison?

Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Report

Say what? It's a fancy HUD title for a report that HUD requires the city to do every 5 years that shows, once again, just how racist and all the other 'ists Dane County is. This one is particularly focused on housing. If you've been following along, there are no surprises here. The big question is, will this report lead to action that actually impacts the people impacted by all the 'isms. The CDBG commission will be considering this tomorrow night. Particularly they will be discussing the priority of the strategies.

Time to Clean Out the Basement!

Yay! I love this time of year (considering where I live) and that I no longer work at the Tenant Resource Center! Student move out means I can get rid of all my extra recycling and garbage! Here's all the additional rules and services the city puts out this time of year.

City Week Ahead

The Clerk's Schedule only had 7 meetings, there were 15 in Legistar and 16 meetings total.  I'm guessing the MG&E fire and sending people home for the day is impacting the schedule. PFAS, Urban Forestry Task Force Report, Dogs in Parks, 2020 Budget Schedule, Syd Boyum Sculptures, reconsideration of speed humps on Spaight St. and more.

About that School Board Ethics Complaint

So, the board is meeting tonight but there is no public input. Andy Olsen wrote a great piece that is essentially what I would say if given the opportunity, so I thought I'd share it with you all. I'll blog more tomorrow about all the crap going on in the background . . .

County Week Ahead

Focus group for Dane County Human Services consumers, forging ahead with Alliant Energy Center, disparities in entertainment, presentations on Juvenile Detention expansion and Child Protective Services (CPS), Lakes and Watershed budget recommendations and more.

City Week Ahead

Council meets this week. Top of State St., PFAS Committee, Office of Resident Engagement, Independent Auditor for police, Salt Usage, Salvation Army Redevelopment/Shelter and more.

City Week Ahead

Impediments to Fair Housing Report, Edgewood Zoning Appeal, Government East Demolition and Capitol Height View Limit Exception, Sid Boyum sculptures placed on the bike path and more!

Tenant Resource Center Gains New Board of Directors in Historic Election

This press release was sent out at 6am this morning, but I don't think one single reporter called.  I don't know what to make of that.  I guess its not sexy enough, not like when someone gets fired.

School Board Members Don’t File Statement of Interest Forms?

City Council Candidates, County Board Candidates, resident members of City Committees and even "citizen members" of School Board Committee have to fill out Statement of Interest forms . . . but school board members do not?  They sure hate transparency in the Madison School District.

City Week Ahead

Several cancelled meetings, City Attorney 5 year contract, Police in Schools Contract, Judge Doyle Square and Public Market at Urban Design, dogs in parks policy and much more.

Ethics Complaint Filed Against School Board President

Today, three former elected officials filed an ethics complaint against School Board President Gloria Reyes because she had a conflict of interest when she voted for the police in schools.

Dane County’s priorities are all messed up

County Executive Joe Parisi likes to talk about Dane County values. And politicians like to say that a budget is a reflection of those values. Given recent events, what exactly are Dane County's values?

County Week Ahead

Very short county board meeting, but three new supervisors being sworn in. Alliant Energy Redevelopment committee meets to regroup on its funding, and Executive Committee will be discussing the size of the county board.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Here's the actual agenda for tonight's meeting, pending changes if people from the public show up to speak or an alder pulls something more than this for discussion.

School Board Recap

This is disturbing on so many levels . . . primarily from an open government perspective, but also to see the first all female school board act just like any other school board without regard for community is just sad. I can't believe they announced announced the agreement on Friday and called a special meeting to approve it on Monday with little time for the community to react.  OR READ THE LANGUAGE (spoiler alert, they skipped an important detail in the description of the contract)  I'm not surprised, especially with Gloria's disdain for the public, I'm just disappointed.  And not one school board member had a word to say?

Did Chief Koval violate the City Ethics Laws?

David Ahrens recently sponsored an ordinance amendment saying that city staff could not use city resources engage in, organize or conduct a grass-roots campaign to lobby elected officials . . . that would include city blogs, right?

County Week Ahead

$225M or $1,000 for an average property tax payer for the jail, $10M for Pheasant Ridge property the largest decisions that the county has every made . . . and 40,000 residents won't have representation on Thursday . . . the three new county board supervisors elected on Tuesday won't be seated in time to vote on these items.

City Week Ahead

Election this week for county board seats, approval of construction noise that impacts downtown residents, police policy committee discussing public oversight committee, fair housing report and more!

Local Government News Round Up

I'm catching up from taking a break from email for a long weekend, so I've missed a bit and I'm behind, so I thought I'd share because I'm guessing others are in my boat!  This is last week and the holiday weekend local government news updates.

City Week Ahead

I haven't seen this in a while, but 11 of 13 meetings start before 5pm. 7 of the meetings at 8:00, 8:30, 10:00, noon or 3:00, 4 start at 4:30. Not very worker friendly.

The City Should Issue an Apology

Everyone who has been paying attention knows that Dr. Gregory Gelembuik has greatly influenced the Ad Hoc Police Policy and Procedure Committee.  The council spent much of the last two meetings discussing his appointment to this committee so the committee can have quorum and finish their work.  He's been to all the meetings, he'll help with quorum and he's highly effective, principled and helpful. And therein lies the problem - at least for some!

Where is Dane County Getting All Its Money?

$150M jail, $10M for the largest land purchase in Dane County's history, $90M for the Alliant Energy Center.  In the past 10 years the entire capital budget averaged only $36M per year.  Just one of these projects is a significant increase in county spending.

County Week Ahead

Who's going to pay for the Alliant Energy Center, 2 committees vote on the $150M jail, who sits on the County Zoo Board, purchasing land, Criminal Justice Council meets and more.

City Week Ahead

A very short council agenda (they just met last week), Neighborhood Center's report, missing ALRC and Housing Committee agendas, Taco Bell Settlement, bus route changes and more.

The Afforable Housing Crisis in Madison and Dane County

Brenda Konkel filling in on WORT-FM 89.9 Community Radio on A Public Affair with guests Olivia Parry from Dane County Planning and Development and Linette Rhodes, Community Development Supervisor with the City of Madison.

Jail Update – Flying By Quickly!

The resolution to double the price of the $76M jail to $150M will be introduced tonight and voted on in three weeks - while 37,200 - 45,000 Dane County residents have no representation on the County Board.

Round Up

This one is jam packed cuz it's been a while.  I was more interested in getting perennials for Occupy Madison and completing my balcony gardening project at my house then blogging . . . so I was slacking!  This is only done through Friday afternoon . . . 

Local Government News Round Up

This is a bit late, I got into a gardening project or two last week and abandoned all thoughts of blogging, but it was half done, so I finished it!  Here's the round up of last week's news in case you had your own gardening project or other distraction and didn't pay attention!

City Week Ahead

A LOT going on. Bus Rapid Transit and Urban Forestry Meetings to get public input, alcohol licenses renewal time, new staff for the Police and Fire Commission, Council meeting, 1st Common Council Executive Committee meeting - Mayor will be there to talk about shared priorities and the budget and so much more!

Dane County Board Jail Presentation

Last week the press started telling us the details of the 4 jail options. Thursday the County Board met in as a "Committee of the Whole" an hour before the County Board meeting to hear a presentation from Mead and Hunt (this blog post is primarily that meeting). Tonight, two county board committees are deciding which alternatives they want. Slam bam thank you mam and public input and racial equity analysis be damned.

Round Up

A smattering of things from all kinds of email lists and alerts that I have that may be of interest to you. Tends to be local government, neighborhood or gardening related.

City Week Ahead

28 meetings, 4 cancelled, 3 don't have agendas. Tour the public market, more Judge Doyle Square discussions, Essen Haus redevelopment, Ho-Chunk development, Truman Olson property/South Grocery store, flooring solutions and studies, bus service to Sun Prairie and more.

Round Up

This round up is the bi-weekly round up of emails and info that reaches my email inbox that I think you might be interested in.  This one seems REALLY city heavy.

Weekly Local News Round Up

My "round ups" have seen various formats and content over the years.  Here's what I hope to become a weekly round up of local government news from the past week.  Things I don't have time to blog about, but that should be on your radar screen.

Dane County Board Recap

This is the meeting after the meeting about the jail.  The County Board's regularly scheduled business meeting.  Usually consisting primarily of announcements and rubber stamping the committee recommendations, so I usually haven't been blogging it.

Jail Alternatives Workgroup Recommendations Progress

Ah, the jail. How long have we been talking about it? Remember those work groups that were formed in 2015 that made tons of recommendations? Let's take a peek at the progress being made on those recommendations over the past nearly 4 years!

Common Council Recap

A day late, sorry. For all the talk about how the city council meetings go sooooo long, when is the last time one went past 10:00? Last night it was 1 hour and 16 minutes according to the video.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight? (Corrected, Updated)

Everything on tonight's agenda will be passed with the recommendations noted on the agenda in one motion except the items people show up to talk about, things alders might pull off the consent agenda at the last minute and the following:

City and County Affordable Housing Fund Debates Thursday

This is it!  The new alders all ran for office saying they wanted to work on affordable housing.  This is our big opportunity, $11 million dollars will be spent.  Will it make a huge difference, or be more of the same old, same old?  Will we see big radical meaningful changes?

Putting a $150,000,000 jail in perspective!

So, if you look at the 2008-2017 before the jail was in the the county capital budget, the capital budget averaged $35,851,962 per year.  Now, they want one project to cost 4-5 times the amount of all capital costs. What will that do to our taxes? I haven't seen the answer to that question.

City Week Ahead

Includes a meeting tomorrow (Saturday), at least two missing agendas (Solid Waste, Police Ad Hoc), Council meeting this week, liquor license non-renewals and more.

Mayor’s Capital Budget Message

Sounds a bit familiar, but a bit of a twist. The mayor's capital budget does the typical "no new projects" but there is more talk of climate change, equity, planning, priorities and ranking and more narrative justifications.

1st (New) Finance Committee

A quick 40 minute meeting, mostly an opportunity for education. The new members of the committee are Keith Furman, Rebecca Kemble, Mayor Rhodes-Conway, Shiva Bidar, Mike Verveer, Barbara McKinney and Donna Hurd.

City Week Ahead

Here's what we have - but expect changes to be made all week long. This will be the first look at the new alder assignments. New alders on Finance Committee, Plan Commission, Water Utility Board, Transportation Commission and more.

Immigration Resources With Links

I got this through one of the list serves from the Children's Hospital, but thought it might be of interest.  It came with this note "This is not a comprehensive list but it’s a tool we created to use with our team and clients. It might be helpful to direct service staff."

Madison PFAS data withheld cuz public “wouldn’t understand”

Here is a great example of the games played with agendas, legistar and lack of minutes and handouts at meetings. Thank you to Maria and Jim Powell for their continued work with the Midwest Environmental Justice Organization (MEJO) and this fantastic blog post.

Public Hearing on Bus Route Changes Next Wednesday

On Wednesday, April 24, Metro Transit and the City of Madison Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. to discuss potential service updates proposed to go into effect in August.

Round Up

Almost 20 different things in my email inbox I think readers of this blog might be interested in!  Cuz I can't make 20 more blogs than the ones I already do . . . 

1st Meeting of the New Council

Ok, I skipped the first 3 hours and 10 minutes of the thanking the outgoing alders and mayor - which was the final meeting of the outgoing council. This is only the first meeting of the new council where they elect the new president and vice president. You can watch here starting at about 3:10. The meeting lasts about 35 minutes.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Well, we'll see. But here's the items they pulled off in advance. They will pass the entire agenda with the recommended actions in one motion except things people show up to talk about, things alders might pull off at the meeting and these items.

D.I.Y.: How to Find City of Madison Committee Agendas

I was explaining this to new alders the other day. It made me realize just how complicated it actually is to find City of Madison agendas. I thought I should share so you can d.i.y.

Round Up and Mo’ Meetings

Late noticed City meetings and a random sampling of things I found to be of interest, hopefully you do too! West Wilson St. and E Johnson St. road reconstructions, watershed study public meetings, Bernie's coming to town (will you be able to find him?), jumping worms and more.

County Board Week Ahead

County Board meets this week - Zoo is probably the biggest agenda item, but they are also adopting their legislative agenda, hiring or extending contracts for several staff people and more.

Round Up & Mo’ Meetings

This is truly random and quickly done over a couple days . . . it's been a crazy week that included a trip to Atlanta, a death in the family and the elections . . . so, this is what I have!

Don’t Forget to Vote Today

Seems as tho my readers don't need this reminder . . . but it seems like every election day, someone tells me they almost forgot until . . . so just in case! Here's my choices, free rides, resources if you need more info plus election parties.

County Week Ahead

New Zoo budget and concessions operator, Lake Levels Task Force final Recommendations at EANR Committee, 2 county board supervisors appointed last summer up for elections (no one running against them - 3 recently vacated seats would be elected June 4), Buckeye Road and more.

City Week Ahead

Election Day Tuesday, but the Police and Fire Commission will be meeting anyways. Final Urban Forestry Report to be approved, Street Tree Removal on W. Dayton, Health Board discussing PFAS, 5 year Transportation Improvement Plan (i.e. road construction plans), ethics complaint against Mayor Soglin and more.

An Elephant In Reformers Clothing

As we get closer and closer to the spring elections, more and more information about the candidates is emerging.  I already wrote an endorsement...

More Money for George Austin for Judge Doyle Square

It's a good job if you can get it! Tonight the Finance Committee is planning to fork over more money to George Austin for the Judge Doyle Square debacle. After that, the Finance Committee will go into closed session to talk about the legal troubles. Just how much money has George Austin been paid throughout this, uh, journey of what feels like forever?

County Week Ahead

Meetings on only Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Presentation to Health and Human Needs and Public Protection and Judiciary on the Mental Health Study, employee handbook meetings, Henry Vilas Zoo and more.

City Week Ahead

Judge Doyle Square Legal issues (in closed session), Archipeligo Village (11 Story building on E Wash), PFAS committee, SSM Health building, Task Force on Structure of City Government to make recommendations, Housing Strategy committee actually meeting! and once again, no agenda for the Police Policy & Procedure Review Committee . . . and more.

Does she, Cheatham and How!

Anyone in the Madison area, paying attention or not, knows that there are some serious races in the upcoming Spring elections, from the Mayoral...

Candidates Solutions for Affordable Housing

The Affordable Housing Action Alliance was formed in 1998 and has been working on Affordable Housing issues ever since. It's a small group of dedicated people trying to move the needle. They recently asked the the Mayor and alder candidates 6 questions and school board candidates 2 questions - here are the answers! (Note: Many chose not to answer, including Soglin.) Just how important is affordable housing to the candidates - beyond the campaign . . .

3 County Board Seats Open – Circulate Papers Friday

If the resolution passes the County Board on Thursday, candidates for three open seats will have less than a month to circulate nomination papers. Circulation starts Friday and papers are due April 9th - only 18 days!

Lake Levels Recommendations

The Yahara Chain of Lakes – Lake Levels Task Force meets tonight at 5:00 City-County Building – Room 354 to discuss Draft Task Force Recommendations Here's what they will be discussing tonight.

County Week Ahead

Lake Levels Committee has draft recommendations, annual employee handbook reviews, Lynn Green (Human Service Director) retiring, finally choosing the vendor for the mental health gaps study, setting dates of elections to fill seats vacated by Supervisors Kolar Kolar, Jeff Pertl and Jenni Dye and more.

City Week Ahead

Council meeting this week, several committee nearing end of their work and creating reports (Urban Forestry, Surveillance), Street Tree Speces list, a new Police and Fire Commission Attorney to be hired soon and so much more.

City Wide Parking Changes Coming!

If you don't like moving your car for alternate side parking in the winter in Madison, or if you are confused by all the snow emergency parking restrictions, you might want to read this. Changes are coming!

Government Re-structure Recommendations Discussion

Tonight the Task Force on Government Structure is finally going to be making some recommendations - maybe. They are at least intending to try. The two committees that looked at Boards Committees and Commissions and the Common Council have finished their reports and the full committee will be reviewing them tonight at 6pm.

City Week Ahead

Task Force on the Structure on City Government is starting to talk about their recommendations, a meeting on snow emergency zones downtown, the Water Utility having a meeting on Well 15 and more.

What are city lobbyists up to these days?

Quite frankly, it's quite hard to tell. It's quite the mess and there is more information missing than available. There is very little information about who paid whom and how much to lobby for which matters.

What will the Common Council Talk About Tonight?

Right now it lookalike only a presentation from the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau and reconsideration of funding for Tree Lane Apartments security. Prepare to see the Mayor at his worst. Oh, and the meeting is NOT cancelled.

County Week Ahead

Not many meetings this week. Racial disparities for homeless persons, public hearing on lake flooding, and county board to study more jail options, purchase park land and more.

City Week Ahead

Ordinance on Festival Fatigue at a couple meetings, Council meeting (reconsideration of security for Tree Lane, air conditioning ordinance, dogs in the city-county building, what will go in at the Truman Olson site and more.

Brandi Grayson Response to Jen Cheatham’s Open Letter

What follows is an op-ed by Brandi Grayson, responding to Jen Cheatham's open letter to the community more than a week after the incident at Whitehorse Middle School where an 11 year old black girl was physically attacked by a school administrator.

Soglin’s “Off Season” Campaign Contributions

Because of the Ethics Complaint saying that commercial real estate owners met with the mayor and they were campaign contributors, I started digging into Soglin's campaign contributions on the off season and I found some curious things.

Implication of Complaint Go Beyond Ethics

The Ethics Committee meeting to consider an Ethics Compaint against Mayor Soglin was cancelled yesterday. Honestly, I'm expecting the ethics complaint by a former assistant city assessor to get thrown. That is because they don't have "jurisdiction". i.e. it's filed in the wrong place. And when they do that, they don't get to the merits of the complaint. Based on a technicality, they don't look at the underlying problem. If this complaint is true tho, consider the implications!

Homeless Funding in Evers Budget

I went through the plan to see what Governor Evers saying he'd fully fund the recommendation of the Interagency Council on Homelessness really means. Here's what I found. This is no longer a report, its an actual action plan!

When Will the County Board Fill 3 Empty Seats?

Also, did you know there are two county board supervisors running for election this spring? I know they plan to hold a special election to fill the three empty seats (Mary Kolar - District 1, Jeff Pertl District 17, Jenni Dye District 33), but when?

Personnel and Finance OK Study of More Dane County Jail Options

Barely quorum, less than 10 minutes of discussion. Shoving it on through . . . even tho almost everyone seems to think that what they are studying won't answer their questions or result in any better options for the Dane County Jail. Activists don't need to derail the jail, the politicians seem to be doing it for us, since 2002.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

4 meetings. School board meeting tonight, full of "security" issues (you might want to look at the full agenda), contract for police at school events and BEP. Note that Badger Rock Middle School Governance Meetings are publicly noticed, where are the One City or IMA governance meetings published?

County Week Ahead

Many routine items, Personnel and Finance will be discussion the jail, Criminal Justice Council gets report on Community Restorative Court and Council on Climate Change meets - the last two are during the day and you'll likely miss the meetings.

City Week Ahead

31 meetings this week! 18 start before 5:00. Highlights include a council meeting talking about Judge Doyle Square (without affordable housing?), Tree Lane Services and Security, Task for on Equity in Music and Entertainment Report and Hmong Services plus Size and budget of mayor's office, TIF for Jobs, Water Utility discusses PFAs, Historic Preservation Plan Open House, Ethics Complaint against the mayor, full size food trucks, library fees going up(?) and more . . .

Why So Many City Committee Vacancies?

I don't think its for lack of people applying. It's because the mayor doesn't appoint people who have applied. One of the things the Task Force on City Government is looking at is reducing the number of committees. Unfortunately, they thing that is a solution partially because of all the city committee vacancies.

Video Tsunami – Part 2

Here's another video dump for those who have seen me at meeting with my camera and wonder where they go. They are also all on my youtube channel for now - until I get my livestreaming fixed again.

Wasted Jail Study Money

On election night, two influential county board committees met to decide what direction to go on the jail. Well, they claim that's not what they were doing, but lets face it, that is what they are doing. They are having the consultant study some more options. However, they couldn't change which options were studied. So only the one's that were "dictated" by the County Executive, the County Board Chair and the Chairs chose could be considered. Resulting in more wasted jail study money. The committee members repeatedly pointed out why at least the greenfield option was a non-starter. Here's the full video and the some videos of the highlights. Or lowlights.

6 of 6! All Progressive Dane Candidate with Primaries Move On!

So, many of my blog readers know that I am the co-chair of Progressive Dane and the chair of their elections committee. Normally, when there isn't a county board meeting about the jail, I'd be posting election results as they come in. Today, I'm way far behind, but for the record, it went well!

Dane County Jail Switcheroo

So, initially, when the Dane County Jail was only going to cost $76 million, it was the most expensive public works project the county every had. Now, it could cost $150 million. So they are looking for another option. Tonight, election night, at 7:00 the Public Protection and Judiciary Committee will be talking about this "change order". But what happened to the mental health study and a restoration center?

Mo’ Meetings

3 meetings added, 1 cancelled. ADDED Meeting: Madison Food Policy Council - Pollinator Protection Work Group Date: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 1:30pm Location: Central Library 201 W Mifflin St Room...

Who would I vote for? (Brenda Konkel)

I'm one of those people who like to wait for the last minute to decide who I would vote for. I like to see the campaign finance reports to see who's really supporting people and see what last minute "news" comes out of the campaigns. I also like to make sure there aren't last minute shinanigans. So, its about 50 hours before the polls close and here's my choices for the upcoming primaries.

Madison School Board Pre-Primary Campaign Finance Reports (Updated)

Well - they are finally on-line from the clerks office. Got an email from the clerks office at 2:00 today saying "Yup, some were sent in electronically. Please check the sites for some updates." Some? I have no idea if the missing reports are due to lack of filing or still waiting for more updates?

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Student Behavioral Plan, 2019/20 Budget projections, Safety Policy Revisions, "considering negotiation strategies for entering into an intergovernmental agreement where bargaining reasons require a closed session" (Police in schools contract?) and more.

County Week Ahead

This week they will be talking about Lake Levels, the Jail changes, Engage Dane and forming the Committee to work on Alliant Energy Center massive overhaul.

City Week Ahead

3 meetings are being held in violation of Madison General Ordinance 33.01(10)(b). Other meetings I'm interested in this week is the Integrated Pest Management (pesticides and herbicide usage) Task Force, the Task Force on City Government talking about the Mayor's Office and the Festival Fatigue Discussion at the Downtown Coordinating Committee. You might be interested in the ALRC discussing Alcohol on Campus and the costs to the City or something else, take a look!

Dane County Homeless Outreach Services

At least once a week someone asks me about a person experiencing homelessness they are concerned about. Most of them are not in the shelters for whatever reason. Sadly, most of the time, the answers are not what people want to hear. Here's the official answer about Dane County Homeless Outreach Services.

Missing City of Madison Campaign Finance Reports?

What Special Interests Gave Money to School Board and Alder Candidates? I wish I knew. I went to the clerk's office to find out. I was told I was handed "everything" but clearly I was not. Where are these missing City of Madison Campaign Finance Reports? Apparently, candidates turned in their reports, but I couldn't get access to them. Deadline was Monday, today is Thursday and I still don't have access to the information, 5 days before the primary election.

One more night of Downtown Madison Parking Headaches

Seriously. A third night of Snow Emergency. Here's a real life story about what this means to park downtown in Madison. Exhibit A, if you will, on why living and parking downtown is such a headache. People who hate cars and think I shouldn't drive one, please don't read. Or don't complain.

Which Special Interests are Supporting Which Mayoral Candidates?

Here's what I found when looking at Conduit reports and campaign committee campaign finance reports. Which special interests are trying to influence the Madison mayor's race and who are they trying to influence?

Mayoral Pre-Primary Finance Reports Are In!

Here's the totals and their "war chests". Tomorrow - who giving money to whom . . . another $119,249 raised by the candidates during this reporting period (Jan 1 - Feb 4). $181,956 spent.

Services Not Police At Tree Lane

The incident at the Finance Committee last night should be Exhibit A about why the city should spend money on services, and not more police and security at Tree Lane (Housing First Apartment Project for formerly homeless families). Issues can be dealt with without police/security, and the resulting trauma and escalation. Issues should be addressed with services and community.

Added and Cancelled Meetings (Updated)

The City sends out notices when they cancel meetings - I don't know how to get notified when the county and school board do, but here's what I can figure out at the moment. City cancelled 4 meetings, added three.

Salt For Everyone!

You get some salt, and you get some salt, and you get some salt . . . that's right, the city is going to Salt on every single street! "Extraordinary", they say . . . "election season" a.k.a. "silly season, I say. Lakes be damned!

County Week Ahead

Most interesting things this week . . . Lake Levels Task Force meeting tonight, a vegitative roof for the city-county building and . . . manure . . . ? Lots of routine items, but 23 meetings, look to see if something might be interesting to you.

City Week Ahead

Will the Education Committee disband? What will go in at Judge Doyle Square? Will James Madison Park Master Plan get approved? A new campus Hotel and expansion of Ho Chunk and more . . .

City At Odds With Itself on Affordable Housing

On the one hand, the city is using the chronic nuisance ordinance and giving Heartland $165,000 to increase security, but on the other hand . . . the one you should be watching and will make the real difference, they are doing this! Where's the press release and news articles about this good work?

Q&A on PFAs

Several Alders are posting this information . . . Madison Water Utility has received many questions related to PFAS detected in water at two wells. If you have any questions you'd like answered, please let them know at water@madisonwater.org, or call the Water Quality Dept. at (608) 266-4654. If you have questions releated to PFAS and Public Health, you can call Public Health Madison Dane County's Environmental Health Dept. at (608) 262-6515.

“The City” Is A Horrible Affordable Housing Partner!

Send a former police detective (Gloria Reyes) to do a Social Services Job - and you get what a police officer would do. Not what is needed. The City should not be pursuing an action against its community partner when there has been so much progress.

Video Tsunami (Part 1)

So, I've had a Facebook Live tragedy of some sort that I temporarily stopped trying to fix, so I've gone old school and am just video taping and uploading to YouTube.  But then, I had another problem in that I ran out of hard drive space . . . so I got behind (Bought 8 more Terabytes so I should be good for a while!).  And since I didn't timely upload the videos, many people are asking where they went.  To simplify things, here's the first wave .  . . more to come . . .

Common Council Recap

It was only 2.5 hours long . . . I'm kinda impressed. Seems like 3rd time was a charm! After the first hour of logistics and honoring resolutions, they spent time talking about planning issues, public market, Tree Lane, 4th Quarter Police Report, Public Market and Oscar Mayer.

Round Up (and one more city meeting!)

A few things going on around town you should know about . . . extra city meeting, mayoral forum, cops in schools, Venezuela, lake levels, free tax help, overture call for artists and help needs to pass state expungement laws!

City’s Efforts Around Flooding Issues

This is the update the alders got yesterday.  It includes a 30 minute video and "story map" presentation that seem somewhat useful. They talk about how they are going to spend the $775,000 in the budget on consultants, what solutions they might have and have tips for property owners at the end.

Dogs in the City-County Building? Yes. Homeless People? No.

The very same committee responsible for removing the seats in the City-County Building and kicking homeless people off the front "porch", now are allowing dogs into the City-County Building?  Same champion of both causes, Enis Ragland, from Mayor Paul Soglin's Office. Tho, I hear this isn't over, and the Common Council will be taking up some portion of this through a resolution or ordinance proposal. And I see that it requires an ordinance change so people in violation of the proposal can get ticket.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight (Updated, Twice)

Possible Absence: Mayor Soglin. (Update!  He will be in attendance) So says the notice. I'm laughing cuz I'm wondering if they cancel for the 3rd time in a row because of the ice storm?

Catching Up with the Task Force on Equity in Music and Entertainment

The Common Council Executive Committee is considering the Task Force on Equity in Music and Entertainment report today, the last stop before it goes to the council. This has already gone to the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), Alcohol License Review Committee (ALRC), Transportation Policy and Planning Board (TPPB), Public Safety Review Committee (PSRC) and the Madison Arts Commission (MAC). In the past month and a half they all have recommended to either accept or adopt the report. Accept means they receive it and don't commit to actually doing it, adopt means it becomes policy. The title says accept, the resolution says adopt so I think there might be some confusion. Anyways, here's their 31 Recommendations!

Mo Meetings and Round Up

So irritating that before 9am there are already new city meetings posted that weren't there Friday afternoon . . . and a smattering of other things going on around town . . .

Catching Up with Flooding Issues (County)

So, on Monday (today) there will be a meeting of the Yahara Chain of Lakes - Lake Levels Task Force and they have two reports they will be looking at - one is a report from the technical work group (Feb. 1, 2019). The other is recommendations of the Stormwater Technical Advisory Committee of the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission and the Capital Area Regional Planning (May 4, 2017). So, what are the solutions? Here's a summary of my very un-expert view of the over 100 pages of reports.

City Week Ahead

Last week I think only 2 committees met - this week it looks like 23 at the moment - of course that will change. The Common Council will try again to meet - for the third time. Water Utility will be talking PFAS, and more . ..

Round Up

Now that everything is done being closed, where do wild creatures go when it's cold out, grace period to pay your property taxes, school board forum and more.

Towing on Some City Streets Tomorrow

You know how the city says they are going to tow for snow removal, then they don't. And all the people downtown stop listening when they say the are going to tow because they called wolf too many times . . . well, looks like they are serious this time, they even have a list of streets. So, its for reals this time.

Snow Emergency Not Extended

I'm so confused about when to expect there will be a snow emergency. I thought the rule was that if there was more than 3 inches of snow and it had stopped snowing, there would be a snow emergency that night and the following night and that the snow emergency would be called by 6pm. But apparently, this year, we're just making it up as we go along . . . which is going to lead to confusion and more tickets for my neighbors.

Mo’ Meetings

Mostly cancellations, but not all. Yesterday most of the City Meetings still went on, seem like today they are too, but Wednesday and Thursday has a couple cancellations each.

12 minute Finance Committee Recap

Item 2 (Anesis Center funding for mental health case management and community programming for Southeast Asision elders and individuals with mental health needs) was referred to the next meeting, more time was spent getting the mayor a pen (he had his tire gauge instead) than anything else.

City Week Ahead

Here's what we know now . . . likely to change many times throughout the week . . . watch for Mo' Meetings. This week we have the rescheduled Council Meeting. It's the last week of the month with several "5th" days of the month, so it's a little light - only 14 meetings - because regularly scheduled meetings often skip the "5th"s.

Now the Mayor Considers Homeless “friends and neighbors”?

Get me a bucket. This press release does have some additional helpful information for dealing with the cold weather particularly about transfer point buses and the library hours. But really, does he think we don't all know what he really thinks about homeless people? Does he think we've forgotten everything he's tried to do? And he expects us to suddenly think he's being cooperative with . . . .well, anyone? Election year antics.

So . . . What Did the Mayoral Candidates Spend that Money on?

Gone are the days of a grassroots campaign where you bought the voter file from the state, your friends come up with your logo, designed your lit, stuffed envelopes, did data entry, knocked on doors and dropped lit, baked some cookies and a Wisconsin casserole (hope you caught the Wis/Minn accent der) . . . these mayoral candidates are paying for staff, consultants, videos, photography, event space and food and credit card and banking fees and more . . .

WTF – Night THREE? of a Snow Emergency

Ok - now I think the city is just screwing with us . . . and by us, I mean those of us who live downtown. I wouldn't mind the snow emergency, if it actually meant the streets were cleared. As soon as my videos and pictures are done uploading and I'm done with my meetings - prepare for a serious rant! For now - here's the update . . .

Progressive Dane’s 2019 Slate of Candidates

I've spent quite a bit of the last month arranging interviews, reading questionnaires, interviewing over 20 candidates and arranging the General Membership meeting which I also chaired last night. It's was a lot of effort to get to this point . . . but it was worth it! Here's Progressive Dane's choices for the upcoming spring elections!

Tenants Rights During the Government Shutdown

This is for tenants that live in federally assisted housing (may include locally assisted housing too) or that get a federal subsidy. Affordable housing funding is incredibly difficult to figure out - but hopefully you know if you are in Project-Based Section 8 housing.

Catching Up with Oscar Mayer Area Strategic Assessment Report

The City of Madison Common council is about to adopt the report - meaning this will become city policy and directives, so what are they adopting? Here's a summary of the action taken and the summary of the 48 page report. It also includes a great appendix about Equitable Economic Development - which I think is the most interesting part of the report.

City Week Ahead

Only 11 meetings, but I know there are some missing - like the Task Force on City Government Subcommittee (oh, the irony) that meets on Friday at 2. There are also three other meetings in legistar with no agenda. So at least 25% of the meetings aren't yet noticed. Council meeting this week and I guess we'll see what else - look for Mo' Meetings!

Yikes! Check out Who’s Buying the Mayor’s Race!

It ain't Madison! With record numbers of money raised for the mayor's race, I was curious where the money was coming from . . . there's a ton of money coming in from outside of Madison and outside of the state!

Catching Up with the Task Force on Government Structure

I video recorded the last meetings of the Task Force on Government Structure and their two subcommittees on Boards Committees and Commission and the subcommittee on the Common Council. Both subcommittees reported back to the main committee and have written reports on their identification of which issues they think should be looked at and what alternatives they might have. So I've included those reports as well. The subcommittees meet again today and tomorrow to continue their work.

Finance Committee Recap

They had a huge agenda, 38 items, but the meeting was only an hour and a half. And 12 minutes of that was waiting for it to get started. They discussed 6 of the 38 agenda items - personnel changes, the merger of the Treasurer's Office and Finance, leasing equipment from the Navy for the police department, the Public Market, EOP funding and Tree Lane.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

After doing School Board Candidate interviews yesterday, I'm just frustrated all over again about how the MMSD is just not transparent in any way, shape or form.

County Week Ahead

Meetings at noon, 2pm, 8:30pm, 3:45pm, 7am, 9am and most of the rest are on Thursday night before the board meeting and most of the Board agenda is on the Personnel and Finance Committee agenda 45 minutes before the board meeting.

City Week Ahead

Sorry I'm late this morning - I had 20+ hours of candidate interviews over the weekend! Gotta say . . . I'm kinda impressed . . . looking forward to this new council (and hopefully new mayor). This week doesn't have any showstoppers - but lots and lots of meetings, you'll have to take a look.

Blaska For Imperiled Schools

Dave Blaska, Right wing Republican blogger, is running for the Madison School Board Seat 4. David is running against Laila Borokhim, Albert Bryan and...

Another Alder Down!

3rd District might have a new alder between 2-6-19 and when the new council gets sworn in the 3rd Tuesday in April. I have a new question for all candidates I consider endorsing - will you serve you whole term? Imagine what would happen if the council moves to 4 year terms for alders!!!

Round Up and Mo’ Meetings

I've combined the two for now . . . they will likely become their own features in the future . . . for those of you who might not remember "Round Up" is a smattering of community announcements that I think will be of interest to Forwardlookout.com readers

Common Council Recap

It's supposed to be a short meeting, but it's still 2 hours and 15 minutes. The main event is Judge Doyle Square, with little else on the agenda.

What will the Council Talk About Tonight?

This is what was sent out - sometimes it changes between the first time it gets sent out and the meeting, and it can change at the meeting as well . . . Amanda Hall is notified as being absent tonight.

Don’t Change my Government Structure, Change the Small Things First!

Here's 10 things city hall could change that I witnessed in less than 2 hours!  Good grief. I was interested in going to three different meetings yesterday. Government officials and committee members are wondering how to get more people to participate in local government - based on my experiences yesterday, I can name a few.  

Madison Schools Week Ahead

2 meetings, one today (summer school and Behavior Education Plan Revisions), one Wednesday (dissolving the City of Madison Education Committee).  Can I just ask...

County Week Ahead

16 meetings, 4 cancelled, meetings at inaccessible times like 2:30, 3:45, 7am, 8:15am, 9am and 3 pm.  Routine week, initial borrowing resolution includes $20M...

City Week Ahead

34 meetings, 2 without agendas, 3 cancelled and I'm sure several changes throughout the week.  Meetings at inaccessible times like 3pm, 10am, 11am, 3:30pm,...

2019 Spring Candidates with Campaign Information

Here's your final Mayor, City of Madison Alders and School Board candidates with their websites, facebook, twitter, instagram, emails, etc.  I'll update these as...

City, County and Schools Week Ahead

4 city meetings, 1 county, 0 Schools

City, County and School Board Week Ahead

Only the city has meetings this week . . . and only has 3 meetings, or maybe 2 or maybe 1, not sure. No county or MMSD school meetings.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

School Officer Contract! Tonight - on the consent agenda?

County Week Ahead

22 meetings - several are joint meetings, so really there are only 18 meetings.

City Week Ahead

Still going strong before the holidays - 27 meetings - 3 are cancelled and of course the Police Policy Review Committee agenda is never available on Monday for their Thursday meeting. Only 3 of the meetings are before 4:00, which is also quite unusual!

Round Up! And Mo’ Meetings!

Good grief, its been years since I've done one of these (round up blog post), but here's what I've got! For those of you who don't even know what it is, its snipets of things going on around town - events, announcements, meetings, etc. Most items are just dug out of my flurry of emails I get every day! It can be a little random! Mostly items that aren't worthy of a full blog post unless I posted 10 times a day . . .

Council Recap

The council was done in a little over an hour, many sick alders in attendance. Bonds, a liquor license, alcohol moratorium, Jeff Erlanger Award and a moment of silence for democracy.

What will the Council talk about Tonight?

Only two items? We'll see . . .

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Wow, the School Board has more meetings than the county board!! I've never seen that!

County Week Ahead

Only 3 meetings with agendas . . . only one meeting not during the traditional work day.

City Week Ahead

All messed up as usual, 30 meetings - 2 meetings in legistar not on clerk's calendar, 2 meetings without agendas, meetings at 10am, 12:15, 10:30, noon, noon, 2:30, 11:00, noon, 1:00 when the public really can't attend.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

4:30 today, Police in the Schools recommendations . . . and three other meetings this week, including the full school board at 6pm

County Week Ahead

Only 9 meetings, one of them is the county board!

City Week Ahead

21 meetings on the clerks agenda, 4 in legistar without an agenda and more meetings likely to pop up in the next few days. Only 9 meetings start at 5pm or later. Meetings at non-public friendly times such as 3pm, 1:30pm, 8am, 12:30pm and 2 pm. Public hearing on bus route changes for routes 37 & 38, Water Utility in debt an additional $2 million and more!

Firing Documentation – Part 3

The first two posts are largely documentation of what occurred. Documenting the process and the first 4 sets of allegations against me. Now, the...

Firing Documentation – Part 2

So, part one was all the way up to actually getting notified that I was fired, part two is what happened afterwards.

Here’s the documentation about why I’ve been fired . . . part 1

Since the gloves are off and the board has gone to the press and issued a press release . . . and it's up to the membership or the courts now . . . and the court of public opinion! Here you go . . . all the details I have documented.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

2 meetings today . . .

County Week Ahead

8 meetings in two days . . .

City Week Ahead

18 meetings crammed into this short week . . . Council meets this week.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

4 meetings - including a discussion about public input . . .

County Week Ahead

Lots of meetings this week, County Board is doing their budget - they have scheduled Monday, Wednesday and Thursday for meetings, but they will likely be done tonight - in less than 2 hours, probably less than an hour.

City Week Ahead

Cancelled meetings not showing up here are Historic Preservation Plan Advisory Committee (tonight), Early Childhood Care and Education Committee (Wednesday), Council Meeting (Thursday). There are so many odd things going on with this weeks schedule - its a mess. Most important thing to know is Council meets on Judge Doyle Square and the Budget on Tuesday - Wednesday if needed.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

2 meetings . . .

County Week Ahead

Vote Tuesday! No meetings. Final budget meeting for Personnel and Finance - uber amendment out on Tuesday!

City Week Ahead

Tuesday is election day! Don't forget to vote, if you didn't already vote early!

What will the council talk about tonight

This, and items people show up to talk about - like the budget and the Police Policy Report writer.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Two meetings today - in just a few hours . . .

County Week Ahead

Last chance to speak on the budget . . .

City Week Ahead

Late . . . was a little distracted this morning! 🙂

Madison – The Sleepiest Woke City Around

Madison, WI is usually ranked as one of the top cities to live in the country.   Why not, right?  Two lakes, the State Capitol,...

County Week Ahead

Budget, budget, budget and more budget meetings.

City Week Ahead

This looks kinda messed up - I see 6 meetings in legistar that aren't on the weekly schedule and no indication that they are being cancelled. That's more than usual, in addition to the 4-10 "late" meetings that usually pop up - so, stay tuned! Tonight is budget night at the finance committee!

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Only one meeting.

County Week Ahead

Wednesday night public hearing on the county budget, a few committees starting to discuss amendments and a very short (even for the county board) agenda for Thursday night.

City Week Ahead

Alcohol issues on several agendas, public hearing on the operating budget at the council meeting, special presentation on "New Americans in Madison and Dane County", action about the flooding and the city asking to have a joint city/county committee on flooding . . . and more!

Madison Schools Week Ahead

EROs (Cops in Schools) to be discussed tonight.

County Week Ahead

Budget, budget, budget but meetings still at 1pm, 2:30pm, 3:45pm, 8:15, 8am and 9am

City Week Ahead

This is somewhat of a mess, 2 cancelled meetings, 5 meetings listed in legistar with no agenda's, meetings listed on the weekly meeting schedule without access to agendas and one meeting with no agenda and two different times and locations listed. Plus meetings at 2pm, 1pm, 8:30am, 11am, 9 am, 12pm, 12pm, 2:30pm and 12pm.

City Week Ahead

Sorry - first meetings start in 1.5 hours . . .

Madison Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings - 1st one starts in 3 hours!

County Week Ahead

Sorry this is late!!! Tenant Resource Center is nearly all moved and nearly all our computers are working -- kinda . . . and now after working 30 hours in two days, I'm able to do "fun" stuff!! A couple meetings on the jail and county board meeting includes lake levels committee.

School Board Week Ahead

Also very late . . . too busy campaigning this weekend.

County Week Ahead

Sorry its late! Busy campaign weekend!

City Week Ahead

It's a week where if you care about city government and attend meetings you'll have to be in three places at once, especially tonight.

Mo’ Meetings!

Well, this is irritating. The finance committee agenda for tonight no longer contains the capital budget, and the Policy Policy Committee has added and agenda - so this is amore thorough Mo' meetings than usual! These are two very important changes . . .

School Board Week Ahead

One meeting, today.

County Week Ahead

Also having public hearings on the budgets - 10 meetings, 3 cancelled.

City Week Ahead

Rosh Hashana is today, so the schedules look a little unusual as they juggle to avoid meetings today and scheduling meetings during finance committee meetings on the budget.

What will the council talk about tonight?

Here's what they think they're going to talk about tonight . . . and they'll likely talk about anything people show up to testify about.

County Week Ahead

Only one meeting on Tuesday, none on Wednesday. County Board meets this week.

City Week Ahead

5 missing agendas, 4 cancelled meetings and meetings held at 3:00, 10am, 3:30pm, noon and 12:30. Council votes on wheel tax, water utility managers contract, drones and deckless scooters. Room Tax Commission meets to decide how to spend millions of dollars.

Report your flooding damage

Passing along an update on how you can report flooding damage, why its important to report and what might happen if you do report it.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Two meetings today . . . 450 more security cameras in schools and many policy changes along with the superintendent evaluation.

County Week Ahead

A dozen meetings . . . Human Services priorities, presentation on the annual audit, who needs to fill out a statement of economic interests, law enforcement grants and which parks fees are going up this year?

City Week Ahead

13 meetings, 7 today, 4 on Thursday. Meetings at inaccessible times such as 1:00, 8am, 11am, and 1pm. Landmarks with a full agenda (confederate markers, Quisling Towers, MATC Downtown), making deckless motorized scooters illegal, allowing full sized food trucks and more . . .

Madison Schools Week Ahead

One meeting. Wednesday.

County Week Ahead

10 meetings, 4 after 4:00, the rest are at 10am, 3pm, 9am, 3:45pm, 9am, and 11am.

City Week Ahead

Only 6 meetings after 5:00 this week, 2 at 4:30, the rest are at such accessible times as 12:15, 10, 11, 1:30, 2:30, 12:30, 1:30 and 11:30. 3 meetings in legistar not on the clerk's schedule, 2 missing agendas. Task for on Music and Equity is talking about policing, Room Tax Commission is looking at 2019 budget, Transportation Committee reviewing 122 State St. Hotel, Triangle Neighborhood Meeting and Police Policy Review Committee continues making recommentations.

Vote! Today!

Polls open at 7am, close at 8pm, you have plenty of time . . . its a partisan primary, so you have to choose which party you are voting for and only vote for that party's ballot - you can't vote for a few of each.

County Week Ahead

County Board meeting will be held in Cross Plains this week. Meetings at such times at 12pm, 11am, 9am and 12:30 am.

City Week Ahead

Finance Committee will be talking wheel tax, Economic Development Committee will be talking TIF. Police getting nearly $1,000,000 added to their budget and body cameras. Meetings at such accessible times at 10am, 8:30 am, 8am, 1pm and 3pm. 3 meetings in legistar not on the weekly schedule.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Three meetings today . . . starting at 3:30 . . .

Madison Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings . . . including police in the schools.

County Week Ahead

12 meetings, 2 cancelled, meetings at times like 10am, 2:30pm, 3:45pm and 1pm.

City Week Ahead

28 meetings on the clerk's agenda - 4 cancelled. Doesn't include Police Policy committee (and probably more) that still has no agenda. Meetings at such times as 9am, 10am, 11am, 11am, 1:30pm, 12:30 and 2:30. Items of interest this week include choosing who will replace Ald. Sarah Eskrich, 2 new alders being sworn in, passing the comprehensive plan for the city, downtown alcohol policies and wheel tax.

Government Structure Meeting?

Yesterday I went to the Government Structure meeting and they spent most of the time talking about housing and transportation - and other basic needs that people need met before they are going to participate in government.

Additional City Meetings

I stopped doing these cuz they make me mad . . . the "week ahead" is a farce. There are typically 4 - 10 additional meetings that pop up during the week and you have to do these daily to keep up. Here's the 4 meetings that showed up yesterday, there will likely be more this week.

Madison School Week Ahead

2 meetings tonight, press conference tomorrow.

County Week Ahead

Only 4 meetings this week. 3 of them at 3pm, 8:15am and noon. None on Monday or Tuesday.

City Week Ahead

Of interest this week: Buckeye/Cottage Grove Rd deal, adopting the Comprehensive Plan?, Government Structure Committee meeting at a normal time for a change (not during the day or a Friday night), 1st meeting of the two new Transportation Committees, tour the Cross Fit Games, Oscar Mayer Open House and more! Meetings at 10am, 12pm, 1pm, 8:30am - who attends these meetings? - most alders at work, many interested public members are too. 20 meetings this week, 4 are notices of possible quorum. 3 meetings in legistar not on clerks agenda, watch for those and others to appear throughout the week.

What Will (or did?) the Common Council Talk about Tonight

I'm posting this just when the council meeting is started . . . forgot it was Tuesday and got caught up in other things!...

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Hmmm . . .the legal notice has no content? I could only find two meetings, no clue if this is correct.

County Week Ahead

11 meetings, none today, some at 9am, 12pm, 12:15pm and 12:15pm.

City Week Ahead

19 meetings, 3 others in legistar (1 cancelled, 2 no agendas), 2 meetings cancelled, some at some great times as 9am, 10am, 10am, 2:30pm, 8am, 12:30pm and 10am. Council meets this week as well as the Police Policy Review Committee and they will be picking the alder to replace Mark Clear tonight and finalizing the one to replace Denise DeMarb on Tuesday.

How to get involved with the Konkel for Madison Campaign

I won't be doing much campaigning here, but until people get connected to the campaign and get used to the new contacts and social media I may post a few things here. Here's all the contact information and how to get involved.

Recommendations made tonight to fill Denise DeMarb’s Position

The Common Council Executive Committee will meet tonight (6pm, Room 354 in city-county building) to choose their recommendation out of the 5 men running to replace Denise DeMarb to represent the 16th district on the City Council.

George Gillis’ Replacement = Huong Nguyen-Hilfiger

This is old news from last week, but I thought I'd share since I'm not sure if people saw it or not, I know I didn't but I was distracted. She was confirmed by the county board, here's the background on the other two candidates and the memo and press release about the appointment.

Changes to City Week Ahead

They just never stop . . . I stopped doing them for a while, but I should probably resume . . . 3 more meetings not on the weekly schedule last Friday, plus the 3rd cancellation I noted in the original post.  The three meetings are scheduled at 8:30am, 1:30 and 1:30.  2 of them not technically 24 hours notice.

Draft Report on Police In Schools

To be discussed Wednesday.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings, 2 today - Police in Schools in Wednesday.

County Week Ahead

Wow, hard to find a meeting that is not during the day this week. 13 meetings at such accessible times as 10am, 2pm, 3pm, 8:30am, 9am, 3:45pm and 9 am.

City Week Ahead

21 meetings, 2 cancelled, 2 in legistar with no agendas and some are at such exciting times as 3:00pm, 12:15 pm, 11:30am, and Friday at 6pm - two of those meetings are about government structure. Ahem, I have a suggestion.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight? (Updated)

The following . . . and anything that people show up to talk about . . .

County Week Ahead

15 meetings with meetings at such lovely times as 3:45, 7am, 1pm, 3pm, 9am, 1pm. Convenient for the public and county board supervisors with day jobs

City Week Ahead

30 meetings this week, 13 of them are on Wednesday. Some are at such lovely times as 11am, 10am, 11am, 1:30, 3:30, 8am and 12:30. I'm guessing they don't intend for the public (or alder with day jobs) to actually attend.

County Week Ahead

Only two meetings, both Monday, 1 cancelled.

City Week Ahead

3 of the 11 meetings this week are cancelled, so only 8 meetings

Another City Council Alder Resigns

Another vacancy starting August 8th, no election. Will be appointed by the council.

“The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”

I finally watched "The Post" recently and this quote from the Supreme Court Ruling allowing the Post (and others) to publish the leaked Pentagon...

Madison Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings, the one in closed session you can tell what it's about! School board will be passing its preliminary budget that came out on Friday in its final form.

County Week Ahead

15 meetings this week, only 3 before 4pm? Wow.

City Week Ahead

A mess, as per usual - 25 meetings, 4 meetings in legistar without agendas (only 1 appears on clerk's weekly schedule), 4 meetings cancelled, 6 meetings start before 4pm, one is listed twice (well, actually, three times)? and who knows how many more will pop up this week.

What the Council is Talkin’ ‘Bout (right now)

Ack, work got in the way . . .

MMSD Continues With Ilegal Meeting, Will Fix Issues Later?

Gloria Reyes tells us why she thinks the school board was meeting, despite staff saying that the reason couldn't be told to the public because that would harm the reputation of those involved. Her statements make the illegal meeting seem even less properly noticed. However, I'm not sure the school board members even knew why they were meeting. TJ Mertz and Nicki Vander Muelen vote not to go into closed session. Dean Loumos and James Howard agree the notice was not appropriate but feel its urgent to meet so ignore the open meetings issues and think it can be fixed later . . . here's the video.

Why Vacancies in Local Offices Happen in June

Seems interesting that both Alder Denise DeMarb and County Board Supervisor George Gillis announced their resignations at about the same time. Here's a little lesson in why . . . [spoiler alert - if you believe in the power of democracy and electing your elected officials, you're not going to like it!]. Also, here's how the appointments are likely to happen.

66 vacancies on city committees

Whew! You should think about applying! I can't get appointed, but you should try!

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Just two meetings - but one is the committee looking at police in the schools and the small groups will be finishing their review of the recommendations.

County Week Ahead

12 meetings - some at such accessible times at 10am, 3pm, 8:30am, 3:45pm, 10am, 12:15pm . . . when only those who are paid to go to these meetings can attend.

City Week Ahead

22 meetings, 3 don't have agendas, 1 isn't on the clerk's list of meetings, 2 are cancelled and 4 are held during the day when its likely only people paid to be there can attend (12:15, 8:30, 2:00 and 12:00) and ?? changes throughout the week.

Opening on the County Board – George Gillis resigning.

Know anyone in this district . . . the purple horizontal line is McKenna, the top boarder is Balsam.

Mayor Soglin’s Budget Info for 2019

Here's the email to the council about the $17 wheel tax ordinance (or, as the policians prefer it be called, the vehicle registration fee or vrf), the budget message, overview slides and the one0pager on the budget outlook.

Gassing Geese in Madison?

What?

Madison Schools Week Ahead

4 meetings, 3 of them are tonight!

County Week Ahead

8 more meetings before 4pm . . . 12pm, 1:00, 2:00, 8:15, 8:30, 9 - you available to go to any of those "public meetings?

City Week Ahead (Updated)

10 meetings before 4pm - do you know folks who an attend "public meetings" at 3:30pm, 8:30am, 1:30 pm, 10am, 8am, 12:30pm or 2:30pm? Can our alders attend during those times?

County Executive Appoints Supervisors to Committees

This will require confirmation by the County Board. Committees are where the public has the best chance of seeing what the county board is doing.

Alder Denise DeMarb Resigns

Effective June 30th. Common Council will choose and interim alder.

Want to Know what the Plans for the Alliant Energy Center Are?

They are finally having a meeting that is not at 3pm - and this is the first I saw this level of details about the meeting . . .

Water Utility Board “Requests”

So, this is what Water Board President Lauren Cnare had to say about this little $6M snafu. If Denise DeMarb had not been asked, the powerpoint slides about what the water utility board thinks would not have been presented. What they have to say and what she explains sounds different than what I blogged about yesterday and the memo that the council got from the Water Utilty Manager Tom Heikkenen.

Council Executive Committee Priorities for 2018-2019

So, not much has changed on the list, but here it is. It is followed by an interesting conversation about what power the committee has. Turns out the guys that wanted the government structure discussion because the executive (mayor) has too much power, also thinks the Council Executive Committee shouldn't have more power either. I don't get it.

What will the council talk about tonight?

Nothing? What are the odds of that? 700 block of E Johnson is being referred due to an error in notification, Reconsideration of the Judge Doyle Square is being withdrawn and apparently the liquor licenses are all worked out?

Water Utility Plans for $6M Deficit

Sigh . . . how the hell did we get here? The Water Utility "became aware" of a cash flow deficit during their audit and their solution is to sell a bunch of property and raise rates to cover the $6 million? This seems a little strange to me. The the water utility director is "surprised"? The council will be getting a briefing tonight.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

And finally . . . now work!

County Week Ahead

Here you go! Again, sorry I was so slow this morning!

City Week Ahead

Here is, a little slow this morning . . .

Madison Schools Week Ahead

5 meetings this week.

County Week Ahead

One meeting a day that they must have decided the public doesn't need to attend. Meetings at 10am, noon, 9am and 12:15. 15 meetings this week.

City Week Ahead

Half of this week's meetings are today. Starting at 9:30am. And 1/3 of the meetings are at silly times like 9:30, 10:30, 1:00, 8:30, 9:00, 2:30. There are three meetings (1/6) in legistar that are not on the weekly calendar.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

5 meetings this week . . .

County Week Ahead

6 of 16 meetings held during the day, again, not "lunch time" meetings. 8:30, 2:30, 3:45, 7am, 9:00, 9:00. And 4 of the major county committees all meet at essentially the same time on Tuesday night.

City Week Ahead

11 meetings held during the day of 27 and not at times where you can just "go to lunch" to attend the meetings . . . 11:00. 1:00, 1:30, 12:30, 11:00, 12:00, 1:30, 1:30, 9:30, 10:00 & 2:00. Your inclusive and inviting government scheduled while you work. Also, the comprehensive plan (will guide development for the next 10 years . . .) is being approved at 7 meetings this week.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

2 meetings on Monday . . .

County Week Ahead

Hmmm . . . they cancelled their county board meeting. Only 7 meetings this week.

City Week Ahead

Shitshow as per usual. Hard to tell what is going on - 5 committees missing agendas, 2 in legistar not on weekly schedule . . . do any of our elected officials care that the public can't tell what the hell is going on unless they are an insider? Do the insiders even know? It's absurd you have to look in 2 places to put together one week's worth of agendas and the info is all so confusing and incomplete. Please ask them to be more transparent and fix this! allalders@cityofmadison.com and mayor@cityofmadison.com

Madison Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings this week.

County Week Ahead

13 meetings, and new committee assignments came out on Friday - we'll be finding out who is the chair of various committees in the upcoming weeks, tho they are likely the first one's listed for each committee.

City Week Ahead

A mess as usual, I interpreted the two schedules the best I could.

Council Discussion on F-35s

The Chamber of Commerce was just one vote away from from preventing the City of Madison from giving input on about the F-35s. Luckily, reason prevailed. And please note, if you think all liberals are the same - that's not true, there are big differences. Some liberals stand up for the Chamber of Commerce, some stand up for the people of Madison, particularly low-income neighborhoods that are impacted by decisions like bringing F-35s to Madison. This is what happens when people aren't paying attention (i.e. not election time, , media doesn't cover things.) And wow, this is either "much ado about nothing" or it IS about something. And I don't think alders would be fighting this hard to not do something unless it somehow mattered.

What will the council talk about tonight?

They are elections a new council President (Samba Baldeh?) and Vice President (Sheri Carter) and thanking outgoing President Marsha Rummel. They will be hearing from the police chief on his quarterly report and I'd be surprised if they didn't talk about F-35s . . . but I've been surprised before!

UPDATE: Council Feedback on F-35s

Which is really your feedback. It is 40 pages long . . . here's the main recommendations at this point- it may or may not be what gets passed tonight, I'm not clear as I think there is another substitute resolution coming. Good news is that if you have input, its a SHORT agenda for tonight. Will the council bend to the will of the Chamber of Commerce or will they vote for the people of Madison who are most impacted by this decision and the environment? 🙁 I hope I'm wrong about my prediction.

How Will the County Board Operate for the Next Two Years?

Will they allow us to speak on budget night? They should. They might, if you tell them that is what you want! Your help is needed to make Dane County Government more open, accessible and transparent! Email you county board supervisors today!

Madison Schools Week Ahead

5 meetings on 3 different days!

County Week Ahead

New county board leadership and setting their rules of procedure for the next two years on TUESDAY (not Thursday)- possible exciting changes such as - letting the public testify at their budget meeting! Should be a no-brainer . . .

City Week Ahead

Agendas continue to be messed up, expect changes. Council to elect new all people of color leadership on Tuesday, likely Samba Baldeh for President and Sheri Carter for Vice President.

What will the council talk about tonight?

Public hearings, things people show up for, anything they pull off the agenda at the meeting and the following (Confederate Monuments, planting beds around the square, 2018 Sewer, Stormwater and Landfill Rates, and F-35s):

Homeless Issues Update

There was a jam packed agenda on last night for the Homeless Issues Committee - there was an update on the Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, an update on the Zero Initiative to end chronic and veteran homelessness, an update on the gaps in the system, updates on the Beacon, Messners and so much more. 2.5 hours - you can watch it all here - but I wanted to highlight the section about the gaps and how little progress has been made in the past 6 years.

Beacon Rules!

So, I went to the meeting about the Beacon the other day. Neighbors are upset about police calls, police say its getting better, the Beacon staff did their best to say very little and get people out of there as quickly as possible. During the meeting and on the news they said that they patterned their rules after the library - so what are their rules? Let's take a look.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

1 meeting

County Week Ahead

Last week, 2 meetings, this week . . . 21. Meetings at such accessible times as 8:15, noon, 2:30, 3:45, 8:15, 9:00, 3:00, 8:00 and 1:00.

City Week Ahead

21 (or 23?) meetings this week that we know of, more will likely get added. Some of them at such popular times at 2pm (parks and open space plan), 11am (Multicultural Affairs), 8am, 12:30, 2:30 (Early Childhood Care and Education), and noon (Surveillance Committee). Who has time to show up at those odd hours?

Mo’ Meetings

Fixing yesterdays mess . . . sort of, its a start.

Don’t Forget to Vote Today

If you haven't already . . . and then there are the election night parties . . .

Madison Schools Week Ahead

4 meetings.

County Week Ahead

2 meetings?

City Week Ahead

Holy (whatever), this is one huge mess this week. There are 4 meetings in legistar without agendas, 2 committees show up in legistar and aren't on the weekly schedule and of the meetings that are scheduled 5 are in the middle of the day. No meeting on Tuesday for the election. Don't forget to vote!

County Week Ahead

Only 4 meetings this week . . .

City Week Ahead

Committee on Again, Community Services Committee and Long Range Transportation Committee are cancelled this week. Of the 14 remaining meetings - 8 of them start before 5:00. Spring break and 4th week of the month so light week.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight? (Updated)

Very little . . . dark stores, Breese Stevens Field improvements and fines and tickets relating to failure to comply with orders from the Fire Department.

Task Force on Government Structure

Ugh. I'm so frustrated. Live-ish blogged, with comments. This is the first meeting I've made it to and the city attorney did an overview of his version of our government structure. I was already annoyed when I looked at the description of the organizational chart and it went downhill from there. Here's the video link citychannel had this one, so I didn't live stream but its so much less interactive. And here's the city attorney powerpoint presentation.

County Week Ahead

Only 4 meetings before 4:00? Would have been 6 but two were cancelled. Monday 3/19/18 3:00 PM Alliant Energy Center Comprehensive Master Plan Oversight Committee Alliant Energy...

City Week Ahead

So. many. meetings. I hope to be at several of them this week, but that all depends upon work. No too many daytime meetings or screw ups - relatively speaking . . .

What will the council talk about tonight.

Nothing? Unless something changes between what they have on paper and what they do, the only discussion items is an item that only an absent person wants to discuss because its a moot point.

All Streets to be Plowed – No Snow Emergency.

Now that's an oxymoron . . . . downtown streets aren't truly plowed if there is no snow emergency declared . . . duh. I'm guessing they're hoping it melts quickly and they don't care about the people who live downtown, its just students you know, or rich people who can afford underground parking. Not.

City and County Mo’ Meetings

This is so absurd - both bodies have rules (ordinances and APMs) that say the meeting notices are supposed to be in by Friday at noon . . . but I guess that's more of a suggestion? Sould we all start treating ordinances like suggestions?

Madison Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings, 2 today.

County Week Ahead

Wow - 17 meetings, 2 cancelled, 2 missing agendas and meetings at 2:30, 7am, 7:30am, 2:00, 3:00, 3:30, 9:00, 9:00, noon and 1:00 -...

City Week Ahead

Ugh - meetings at 3:30, 10:00, 3:30, 3:30, 10:15, 12:30 & noon. 22 meetings, 2 cancelled, 4 with missing agendas, one with a missing date and time. You have to look here and here to see all the meeting and put the pieces of the puzzle together.

Report to Council on Surveillance

A few alders were more than a little surprised to hear the news that items are being purchased and used without their knowledge and that might not be allowed to know what they are. Surveillance Committee meets again tonight at 5:00.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

The Mayor and Alder Palm will be absent . . . this list seems a bit decieving as they are only excluding the language access plan, but they will likely spend time on development and alcohol issues.

County Week Ahead

1:30?, 9:00?, 11:30? noon?, 11:30?, 3:00? Are these times you have available during the week to participate in your local government processes? By the time things get to the county board, its too late.

City Week Ahead

18 meetings, 7 on Monday, and meetings scheduled at such public friendly times as 11:00, 1:30, 2:30 and 1:00. 4 meetings are missing if you only look at the "official" city meeting schedule. If you want to know when the meetings are you have to look at the official schedule, in legistar and to be safe, the wall outside the clerks office . . .

Public Protection and Judiciary

Did you know that if the Sheriff's Office raises money, they can spend it however they want without oversight from the county board or the public? (about 12 minutes in) And, did you know that some communities aren't paying their share of costs for the radio communications system (DaneCom) - they wouldn't say on camera which one's. (that's about a half hour in) That will be privately emailed to the committee members.

Mo’ Meetings

Last week it was the police policy and procedure committee, this week it is the first meeting of the Government Structure workgroup (and a few others).

Madison Schools Week Ahead

4 meetings this week.

County Week Ahead

18 meeting, some at such lovely times as 3:00, 3:45, 8am, noon, 9 and 12:15 . . . public friendly?

City Week Ahead

17 meetings, 4 cancelled, no meetings on Tuesday because its election day. Meetings at 10, 11:30, 12:15, 11:00 and 5 meetings at 4 or 4:30.

Human Services Board + PW&T + P&F

I attended the Human Services Board last night to get a peek at the new tool that they are going to be recommending for making budget funding decisions. However, there was a scheduling snafu and they had to cut their meeting short after an 45 minutes so that the Public Works and Transportation committee could meet, and 15 minutes after that the Personnel & Finance Committee met - so I just let the camera roll so you could see how the county conducts it's business. You might be a little surprised. No discussion, rubber stamp and move on.

Public Safety Review Committee

I attended this meeting yesterday which was nearly cancelled, the person who was quorum walking in at exactly 5:15 . . . seconds later and they would have had to cancel.

Room Tax Commission

I attended this meeting on Tuesday because there was no information in legistar and they do control millions of dollars. It is one of only 5 meetings they will have this year and it lasted only 25 minutes.

City Purchasing Leaning Toward Less Bidding for City Purchases?

In the city language they use "sole source" purchases when they want to avoid a bidding process. This used to be highly unique . . . but it seems to be becoming less and less unique. So, a blog about sweetheart deals in honor of Valentines Day. Where does this slippery slope end?

Oops, they missed a meeting

Grrr. I haven't been posting when the city adds meetings, and now I'm realizing I'm not longer getting the notices, not since January 16th??? Here's one that is noteworthy. Sigh . . . looks like I've gotten about 80 notices of late meeting in 4 months. About 20/month.

What Is the City Watching Us With? And Why?

Don't worry, not even the mayor knows? Things have changes since I was on the council and worked on a committee about surveillance cameras (2004?, 2005?). Seems as tho the staff have developed an almost hostile attitude about even telling the alders what they are doing. I was just curious, but stumbled into this.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

No actual MMSD meetings - 2 quasi MMSD meetings.

County Week Ahead

13 meetings, some at such publicly accessible times at noon, 8:15, 2:30 and 2:30 again. And of course, most items don't have links to the information provided to the committees.

City Week Ahead

Yikes, some meetings on the official calendar, others in legistar (if you just look at the first link you wouldn't know Public Safety Review Committee is meeting this week) and many without proper links to the items they will be voting on so you'll have to show up to see what they are talking about . . .

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testing 1 2 3 testidy, test test

Today’s exercise in stupidity . . .

I'll be in court tomorrow, but I wanted to get this in writing in case I'm not allowed to speak.

What will the council talk about tonight?

VETOES - more mayoral vetoes.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

4 meetings, 3 tonight

County Week Ahead

5 of the 11 meetings cancelled . . .

City Week Ahead

Meetings at 9am, 10am, 3:30pm, 8am, & 2:30? sigh . . .

County Board Recap

27 people here - 10 absences. Just imagine if people ran for office and actually showed up.

OIR Report Responses Are Out!

Haven't had time to read them - but here they are: Madison Police Department Response - 78 Pages OIRresponse police City Attorney Response to OIR report -...

Madison Schools Week Ahead

1 meeting plus and action alert - take action today!

County Week Ahead

7 meetings, none on Tuesday or Wednesday.

City Week Ahead

Busy week for a 5th Monday, 5th Tuesday and 5th Wednesday - 23 meetings - some at ridiculous times - 9am, 1pm, 11am, 12:30pm, 12pm. Clearly not intending the public to be there.

Progressive Dane Endorsement Decisions

I worked hard on this email today . . . so I'm cross posting . . . among the other things I do, I'm co-chair of Progressive Dane, chair of the elections committee and active on the . . . policy committee!!!! Did I mention policy committee?

Voices Against the Jail

The meeting last Thursday at the County Board had some powerful testimony against the borrowing for the jail. Take a listen, particularly to Wanda Smith . . .

What we now know about the Veterans Housing on E. Washington Ave.

It sounds good to have housing for veterans - it does. But will veterans actually end up living there? They have a preference, but if no veterans apply, the housing will go to others. And, in reality, no homeless people will live there. Is that how we want to be using our tax dollars? ($2M of county funds, plus city funds?, plus other tax dollars?)

School Board Week Ahead

3 meetings

County Week Ahead

Meetings at 3:00, noon, 2:00, 9am, 11am and 12:15? Seriously.

City Week Ahead

Meetings at 9am, 2pm, 2:30pm, 2pm, 8am, 1pm???

Listen as the Alders Explain Why They Voted for 8 More Police

It ain't pretty. So many of them were waffling more than I have ever seen, most of them listed all the reasons why they should vote no (it won't make us safer), then they voted yes. Check out how your alder did here and then email them and let them know what you think . . .

Don’t Borrow $75M for the Jail

It was supposed to be a short meeting . . . but the community isn't giving up on derailing the jail. They had to use the overflow room again - there were people in the hallway that wouldn't fit into the room again at the beginning of the meeting. The meeting was disrupted a few times and ended with more voting with thumbs up or down.

City Council Meeting (Livish)

I'm super tired and I can't guarantee that my fingers don't just do their own thing, but I'll do my best.

What will the Council talk about tonight?

Taco Bell and cops . . . northside polling places and online alcohol sales . . . .for what its worth, this is the official notice of what they may be talking about . .. . plus anything the public shows up to speak on is separated, the rest is passed in one big motion at 6:45ish.

MPD’s Constant Need for More Officers – Why I’d vote no tonight.

It seems the police are constantly shifting the ground under the policy makers about why they need more officers. And because the elected officials change all the time, they don't see the tactics that have taken place over time. Let this old timer explain . . . I've been fighting "more police" since 2001 and during that time they have added 94 more sworn officers. We've gone from 1.6 officers per 1000 in 1994 to 1.9 officers per 1000 in 2016. The budget has grown from about $35,000,000 to $70,000,000 in that time. When will it stop? There is always an excuse or a reason usually based on fear - let me run them down for you.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

2 meetings - Wednesday is the Police in the Schools Committee.

County Week Ahead

Real meeting times this week - 7am, 8:30am, 3:45, 1pm, 7:45 am, 9am, 2:30pm and 8:45. You can't make this shit up . . . that's about half the meetings during this short week. Zero regard for the public.

City Week Ahead

Short but busy week . . . back in the swing of things after the holidays!

Snow Emergency Tonight

That means alternate side parking for the downtown . . . and big tickets if you don't park correctly.

OIR Report on Policing in Madison (live-ish – final)

This is a summary of what I heard, but I recommend reviewing the powerpoint and watching it for yourself for the pieces I glossed over.

Messners – Are we targeting the right population?

So many questions about this project. And so few answers. The lack of county transparency once again is alarming.

Finance recommends 8 more officers – final vote on Tuesday

This is a brief recap - not very detailed. I'd suggest watching the video starting at 1:05 for public testimony and 1:28 for discussion - its about 50 minutes long if you watch just the discussion. Koval is combative as usual, particularly with Rummel but also in his atrocious use of language.

ACTION NEEDED: Messner Property Use for Affordable Housing (UPDATED)

What happened?!?!? The county's process for making decisions about who gets the RFPs really needs review. You've heard me say it before, but this time its insane! The county board passed a resolution (2016 RES-497) about a process - the process wasn't followed - including leaving out the alder and county board supervisor from the project area. There were 7 applicants, but we can't see their proposals (I'm working on it, but I don't even know who they all are) and again, it was announced as if its a done deal with no public input and as if it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. It's the county tho, so its not really a surprise.

ACTION NEEDED: 8 More Police Officers?

Dang - the city CAN move quickly if it wants to ram something through the process! Vote Tonight!

Madison Schools Week Ahead (Updated)

No legal notice posted for this week, its not attached . . . so I'm probably missing some meetings, but here are the bigger ones. Update: A school board member got me a draft document and gave me a link, but that link doesn't work for me, so I added the Nuestro Mundo, School Forest Advisory Board and the Advanced Learning Advisory Council - but they were marked DRAFT.

County Week Ahead

Meetings they don't want the public to attend at 2:30, 3:45, noon, 9am . . . seriously?

City Week Ahead

Something is not right again, the weekly schedule and legistar have different information and I had to put the pieces together again. And again, probably the biggest thing this week, the OIR report on the police joint presentation on Thursday doesn't have an available agenda.

Oh, and at 10:00 today . . .

There's a mockery of a public hearing at the state capital today on the bill that will further erode tenants rights . . . for the first time in 6 years . . . I decided not to go today, that my efforts were better spent elsewhere.

Dumpster Diving For a Good Cause

To right several wrongs. To save precious memorabilia, to save donors having to buy more sleeping bags, back packs, etc., to save volunteers from having to redistribute these items. To save the planet. Because its the right thing to do.

Progressive Dane’s County Board Platform

Every two years we revise our county board platform which we expect our elected officials to adhere to as closely as possible in their policy votes - some do better than others. This year there were pretty siginficant updates. Haters . . . 1, 2, 3, GO!

What will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Taco Bell Veto Override and Bus Rapid Transit . . .

Who’s Running for School Board?

A former Madison police officer . . . someone many of us know . . .

What will our new County Board Look Like?

There are several retirements and tomorrow is the filing deadline for candidates. At the moment is looks like . . .

No School Board Meetings this week

They haven't posted a legal notice since December 18th . . . enjoy the break.

County Week Ahead

Heads up - the county board meeting for this week has been cancelled. (I've don't think I've seen that in the last 20ish years . . . )

City Week Ahead a.k.a Open Meetings Laws Take a Holiday

Whoa . . .the weekly schedule (5 meetings, 1 cancelled) appears seriously messed up - it doesn't even have the city council meeting on it. Here's what I was able to piece together between the weekly meeting schedule and legistar (11 meetings, 8 with agendas). I wish just one of our elected officials cared enough out the public having access to accurate information about their meeting to take it on and champion it. It takes just one . . .

The Longest Night

For people who live on the streets, they can expect to have a lower life expectancy and many will die on the streets. On the longest night of the year, Madison-area Urban Ministry pulls together faith communities from Madison to remember and honor those who have died while homeless.

Tenant’s Rights Once Again Eroded by State Legislature

^^ That should say "proposed to be" . . . but not much changes between the proposals and what passes. What became SB639 on Friday afternoon has a hearing today at 10am, notice came out yesterday morning at 5:12am for the hearing. Please stop by and register against if you have time today - its likely to drag out. Here's the details!

Madison Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings . . .

County Week Ahead

Only one day this week to meetings start after 5pm and that's today, the rest of the meetings are at 7:30, noon, 8:15, 3:45, 9:30, 8am and 12:15 . . . seems like a new low 3 of 10 of the meetings held after 4pm.

City Week Ahead

Usually this is more the county's thing but they have meetings starting at 9:30, 11:00, 2:00, 8:00 and 12:30 - in addition to their 4:30 and 4:45 start times. 9 out of 21 start before 5:00.

Everything will be passed in one big motion except for the following unless it changes at the meeting or someone shows up to speak. Looks like they plan to talk about youth and adult employment programs (Bidar-Sielaff), 134 Fair Oaks TIF (Ahrens) and Public Market Foundation (Rummel).

Pre-view of the City Council Meeting

Often there are over 50-100 items the city council votes on in one motion on the council floor unless an alder pulls it off the agenda to discuss - or a member of the public shows up to speak on it. And even when members of the public speak, they hear what they have to say then pass the items without comment. Here's and overview of the meeting and a brief summary of what they probably won't talk about tonight, but we'll find out when the consent calendar comes out later today - I usually post them as "Things the Council with Talk About" or similarly labeled blog posts. So much gets done with almost no comment at this point.

City and County Housing and Homelessness Updates

Last night the Homeless Issues Committee met - and they got updates and presentations on the County Affordable Housing Fund, the City Affordable Housing Fund, the Street Outreach Program as well as City and County Budgets, the homeless day resource center, Messner's site proposals for affordable housing, and the proposal to place a portapotty downtown for people sleeping outside - plus they talked about their priorities for the upcoming year.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings . . .

County Week Ahead

Also several cancelled meeting . . .

City Week Ahead

Lots of cancellations and missing agendas - its that time of year . . .

Random Things . . .

So hard to keep up with everything going on, so here's some things on my mind!

Madison Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings . . .

County Week Ahead

4 of the 9 meetings are before 5pm. 3:00, 12:00, 1:00, 11:30? Are these times for an open and transparent government to be meeting? And on the Alliant Energy Center, Criminal Justice Council and Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board??

City Week Ahead

20 meetings, 5 before 4:00 . . . 9 before 5:00 . . .

County Board – Is the Jail Derailed?

So, I started blogging and it wasn't going well because I missed a few things . . . but turns out, no matter how hard I tried, I would have missed that last hour of the meeting because it was shouted down. The board kept going, voting with a thumbs up or thumbs down with staff yelling to them what they were voting on. Conservative superiors were upset they didn't get to debate and in the end were threatening to look into legal ways to declare the meeting invalid . . . and in effect, derail the jail.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

1 meeting. Monday, November 20 6:30 p.m. Special Board of Education Meeting in Open Session -- WORKSHOP - Doyle Administration Bldg. 545 W. Dayton Street...

County Week Ahead

BUDGET!

City Week Ahead

Short week, but still plenty going on.

Fitchburg Follies

Things are rotten in Fitchburg and it is time the people there demand more. A few weeks ago, the Mayor of Fitchburg, Jason Gonzalez, considered...

Madison Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings.

County Week Ahead

Their final Personnel and Finance Committee meetings on the budget are Wednesday and Thursday nights.

City Week Ahead

Budget meeting tonight and possibly tomorrow night.

County Budget Recap

Here's the info on the meetings I attended regarding this year's county board budget. I'll be live streaming the Personnel and Finance meeting again tonight . . . and hopefully both nights next week.

Last Chance: County Board Budget Amendments

Tonight and Wednesday is your last chance to publicly testify on county board budget amendments. After that, its emails and phone calls if you want to have your voice heard - including on the final "uber-amendment" that passes finance and the final county board meeting on November 20th - no testimony. Here's what they have to be considered tonight, and "the disappeared" for tonight. I'll be livestreaming tonight on Facebook.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

2 meetings . . .

County Week Ahead

Meetings at 2:30, 3:45, 7am, 1pm, 9am - apparently not really for the public. Budget continues . . .

City Week Ahead

Meetings at 2:00, 3:00, 1:00, 10:00, 11:00, 8:00 - who do they think are going to attend these meetings? And OMG - why does it have to be such a puzzle to figure out what the meetings are -this week 3 meetings are in legistar that are not in the weekly schedule. Looks like 2 more are scheduled but don't have agendas yet and you just know there will be meetings that pop up throughout the week (I haven't been doing a good job of pointing that out, but I better go back to doing that.)

What Will The Council Talk About Tonight? (updated)

Here it is, in all its glory!

WED: Support County Board Budget Amendments!

7 great amendments! Not much notice but the agenda just came out late yesterday!

The JAIL is going to BREAK Us.

Tonight there will be a rally at the rally at the city - county board meeting at 4:30 PM to oppose the massive remodeling of...

Madison Schools Week Ahead

1 meeting Monday, October 30 6:00 p.m. Regular Board of Education Meeting (Open Session) Doyle Administration Bldg. 545 W. Dayton Street Madison, WI 53703...

County Week Ahead

Budget, budget and budget again . . .

City Week Ahead

Council meeting, public hearing on the operating budget, historic preservation planning meetings and more.

Monday: Supervisor Willett Motion to Add $36M more for the jail

If you look at the county board budget page, it doesn't appear there is a meeting on Monday 10/30 . . . but there is! And there is a whopper amendment - well, 2 - adding $36M plus interest over 20 years to the $108,000 we're already being asked to pay for!

Health and Human Needs Budget Amendments

They have one more meeting, there could be more amendments coming, but here is what they did last night. County board amendments shitshow, part 2.

The Difference Between Elected Officials

Courage to do the right thing. Check out the stark differences . . . COURAGE NOT COURAGE

Morlino Goes Rogue

I have written before why I left the Catholic church. When Bishop Morlino fawns after hate talk radio host Vicki Mckenna, that defies the...

County Board Budget Amendments (So Far)

The county board budget process is much harder to follow than the city's, but here's what I can figure out at the moment . . . it seems to be constantly changing, so stay tuned. Tonight they consider removing the jail from the budget, tomorrow night they consider planning for a restoration center and Thursday they consider videotaping their committee meetings!

City Finance Committee Operating Budget Amendments

Wow, don't show up 10 minutes late on budget night! I walked in during amendment one, they had already finished the other 7 agenda items. This is kinda quick and dirty, mostly unedited but spellchecked! 🙂

Madison Schools Week Ahead

6 meetings!

County Week Ahead

Budget season!! I wish I could tell you what the budget amendments will be . . . but you'll have to check back . . . HHN doesn't even have an agenda out yet.

City Week Ahead

Budget meeting tonight, lucky businesses getting their assessments lowered, Imagine Madison round 3, Water rates going up and much more!

What will the Council talk about Tonight?

2 reconsiderations and extra money for Heartland Housing.

How does that County Board Budget Process Work?

Beats the hell out of me. Clear. as. mud. The jail has a hearing tonight at PP&J (Public Protection and Judiciary), county board has a hearing tomorrow night.

Mark Clear Tries to Make Good

I guess he decided he does have an ethics problem and he's trying to fix it. Extra agenda item for tonight's Common Council Meeting.

County Week Ahead

7 of the 19 meetings before 5pm. Budget, budget, budget this week . . . $108 for the jail, the most expensive public works project in the county's history. Go Dane Go, GO!!! So much for the talk about equity and disparities . . . grrrr. And sorry this is late, I had about 20 minutes left and I thought I would "quick finish it at work" . . . ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.

City Week Ahead

28 meetings, 12 start before 5pm, 1 cancelled, 3 have no agendas yet.

Alder Mark Clear’s Ethics Challenges

So, rumor has it, Mark Clear owns stock in Exact Sciences and recently tripled his investment, and yet he sponsored the resolution to give them $2.5M, voted on it at the city council meeting and failed to disclose this on his statement of interest forms or at the council meeting and he didn't disqualify himself from voting. Seriously? Yes, seriously.

City Operating Budget Initial Presentations (Part 2)

Here we go again . . . I missed the public input in favor of the police, hard to get here on time! Alders are also slowly trickling in.

City Operating Budget Initial Presentations

I missed the capital budget, but I"m determined to get the operating budget done! We'll see . . . I tend to be a little too optimistic about my time!

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Only one meeting? Guess they wore themselves out at that retreat we got late notice about . . .

County Week Ahead

17 meetings, 3 committees starting to work on the budget, and only 5 meetings before 4pm. County Board meeting this week.

City Week Ahead

24 meetings, 13 of them on Wednesday. 8 of them at 4pm or earlier. Operating Budget presentations are this week.

School Board Needs More Transparency

Yeah, I've said it before, will say it again, the school board sucks when it comes to transparency. Half the time I can't figure out what is going on cuz I don't spend half my life following the school board and you shouldn't have to just to know what is going on. They have a meeting on Saturday that wasn't in the school board week ahead this week because they finally sent the notice out late Wednesday (50 hours in advance of the meeting) and there's the agenda tbd for the "department", another agenda, and the real agenda.

How One County Board Supervisor will Vote on the Jail

And why. My county board supervisor was kind enough to spell out all her reasons why voting for the $108M jail makes no sense . . . yes, its really $108M.

City Council Recap (as is . . . )

No editing . . . please be forgiving! 🙂

What will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Edgwwater, Exact Sciences TIF, Public Art, Placemaking and more . . .

Madison Schools Week Ahead

One meeting. Monday, October 2 5:00 p.m. Instruction Work Group Meeting Doyle Administration Bldg. 545 W. Dayton Street Madison, WI 53703 Room 103 - Middle School Start...

County Week Ahead

11 meetings, Parisi's budget will be out today!

City Week Ahead

Council Meeting, Neighborh Roundtable and more!

County Week Ahead

I don't know what happened to my previous post?!?! But here's the info again!

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Hmmm . .. everything looks different today . . . and its freakishly slow for some reason and I can't get the meetings to actually come up so I can see the attachments and details. 🙁

City Week Ahead

Usually the 4th week of the month is a bit of a snooze, not this week! 27 meetings!

Capital Budget Amendments Voted on Monday

No one testified at the public hearing at the city council meeting on Tuesday, Finance budget amendments were due on Wednesday, they were released today and on Monday the Finance Committee will vote on them - barely three weeks after we first saw the capital budget proposal.

Rally Against Nazi Propaganda Defacing The International Brigades Monument

SUNDAY, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM, James Madison Park. More Detail Below:

What Should the City’s Public Safety Review Committee Do?

On Tuesday the CCEC (Common Council Executive Committee) spent the last 12 minutes of their meeting hearing from and talking to the Public Safety Review Committee (PSRC) chair and members of the committee. Given all the policing issues members are wondering why their committee had been passed over and they are frustrated that they can't get the information they need, but they also admit their members are new and that they want more of a role in budget discussions before they are submitted to the mayor. See what else they talked about.

The Big Con

"If you look around the table and you can't tell who the sucker is, it's you." Paul Scofield I was listening to 1310 WIBA-AM the...

City Council Recap

It's been a while . . .

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Here you go, its expected to be a short meeting.

Meeting Schedule Changes

Cancellations and additions:

Say Good-bye to the Trees

Next time you drive down Gorham or Johnson you might be in for a surprise!

Redesigning Blair St & John Nolen at Willy St.

You know that odd intersection . . . how can it be better? What do you think of the plans?

Historic Preservation Plan!

The city is about to embark on a series of meetings to talk about what do we want to save in our community and what can be torn down . . . seems like just about anything these days. Or, we just ask that they move a house, is that good enough? Time to let your opinions be known.

County Week Ahead

Whew . . . 7 of the 11 meetings before 5pm.

City Week Ahead

Hopefully I'm back . . . regular blogging should resume . . . if all goes well (and I probably just jinxed myself!)

City Unfairly Blamed

Recently, news reports made it seem as though the city was responsible for funding decisions about Safe Haven and the new homeless day resource center - the Beacon. I feel like both characterizations were very unfair and untrue. Here's why.

County Week Ahead

9 meetings, 7 of them on Thursday.

City Week Ahead

18 meeting packed in to this short week.

We need a Serious Review of the County RFP Process

You all remember the drama with Tenant Resource Center and United Way staff scoring . . . .looks like the new day resource center has many of the same issues . . . and its not pretty. If you ask me, the city shouldn't give them another penny, this is on the county and their stupid secretive process. Their staff had the information and knew what they were doing, they should pick up the costs.

Schools Week Ahead

2 meetings and one press conference today.

County Week Ahead

7 meetings, two held before 5:00.

City Week Ahead

Only 13 meetings as summer winds down . . .

Madison (area) Schools Week Ahead

4 meetings, all 4 this afternoon and start within an hour and a half of each other . . .

County Week Ahead

11 meetings, only two before 5 pm!!!

City Week Ahead

20 meetings, a few missing agendas . . .

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Monday, August 7 5:00 p.m. Special Board of Education Meeting in Open Session WORKSHOP Doyle Administration Building 545 West Dayton Street Madison, WI 53703...

County Week Ahead

5 meetings at 4:00 or before, 2 after. 🙁

City Week Ahead

Lots of cancelled meetings - its that time of year.

What Should Our Local Government Look Like – 3rd Way

Alder Rebecca Kemble was tasked with reconciling the mayor's version with Sarah Eskrich's version of what a committee to re-shape local city government would look like and what they would be charged with doing. How'd she do?

Madison Schools Week Ahead

1 press conference at noon today, 1 meeting tonight.

County Week Ahead

4 meetings this week, 3 of them during the day when no one will likely be able to attend.

City Week Ahead

21 meetings so far . . . only 8 of them before 5pm. Several without agendas yet.

Housing Matters! Call Your Federal Reps Today

This is National Low Income Housing Coalition's Week of Action. Federal housing and homeless budget cuts proposed by the President are devastating, the House made some changes but that are better, but its still devastating. We can't end up with a compromise between the two and our elected officials are dealing with so much right now, we need to make sure housing is on their radar screen too . . . I'll let Joe Lindstrom from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Dane County Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner, Alderperson Maurice Cheeks and Dane County Housing Authority's Rob Dicke explain how bad it is now, and how much worse it could get . . .

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Wednesday, July 26 5:00 p.m. Education Resource Officer (ERO) Ad Hoc Committee Doyle Administration Bldg. 545 W. Dayton Street Madison, WI 53703 Room 103 - Follow-up...

County Week Ahead

11 meetings, none on Monday. 5 start before 5pm. 1 cancelled.

City Week Ahead

Lots of cancellations . . . that time of year . . . 22 meetings. 11 scheduled before 5pm.

HUD Budget Hearing on Sunday!

Come find out how it impacts us locally and what you can do! Congressman Mark Pocan's staff will be there to listen to our concerns. Sunday, July 23 2:00pm to 4:00pm Madison Labor Temple 1602 S. Park Street

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Not much. They will hear from the police chief and whatever else residents show up for. Of course, there was just a meeting last week, so the agenda is short.

Chief Complies with Lawful Orders of the Council?

Sorta . . . sorta uses it as a press opportunity. I give him a D or definitely "needs improvement". Here's the chief's report to the Common Council for tonight, it leaves me with more questions than answers.

Soglin says “Go Fuck Yourself!”

Yeah, when someone tells him to "stop attacking the poor and homeless" his response is "Go fuck yourself." And admits it on video. At least he's honest.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings, tonight! In just 2 hours . .. but day to be running behind on blogging!!!

County Week Ahead

20 meetings, 2 cancelled - seems to be that time of the year! About half are before 5pm

City Week Ahead

35 meetings, several cancelled, several don't have agendas and several didn't make it on the clerk's list but are listed in legistar . . . and of course, at least a third of the meetings are held before 5:00 . . . what a mess, I'll try to help make sense of it . . .

How did the County Affordable Housing Funding Get Decided?

I don't recall seeing any information about public presentations or input . . . did a committee review applications? Who's on that committee? Who all applied? What other projects were considered? Where could one find such information?

What Committees Will the County Board Cut?

Which ones are they even considering cutting? You can find out here if you can't make the meeting at noon today!

So . . . Overture Funding Changes . . .

Switching it from the city to Room Tax Commission and cutting the council out of the information loop . . . interesting . . .

MMSD Schools Week Ahead

Maybe. Apparently looking at the legal notices on Monday morning isn't sufficient, you have to look in several places to find out what is really going on.

County Week Ahead

No meetings today, 4 Tuesday, 5 Wednesday, 1 Thursday - of the 10, 5 of them are before 5:00.

City Week Ahead

19 agendas, most are here, not all. Only nine meetings before 5:00 . . . you know, about half . . .

City County Building Lobby & Renaming

Your chance to weigh in on renaming the City-County Building (and part of the jail) after Barack Obama and what your experience is going into the City-County Building and what the lobby should look like will be July 19th at 6:00. More details from Monday night's meeting here - and an idea of what wrong with the lobby besides seating!

What will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Everything on the agenda will be passed in one motion unless someone shows up to speak on an issue or its listed below.

County Week Ahead

15 meetings - some at such lovely times at 8:30am, 9:00am, 12:15pm, 3:00pm and 3:45pm - betcha not one member of the public shows up to any of those meetings unless they are paid to be there.

City Week Ahead

24 meetings, 2 agendas missing.

The Cap Times Asks The Wrong Question

The Cap Times will be sponsoring a panel discussion coming up on June 20th: Cap Times Talk: Are Wisconsin media biased? Hosted by The Capital Times...

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Liquor? Development? Chief of Staff for the City Council. Salt. And whatever you show up to speak on.

Mental Health Jail Diversion Tonight!

There is a joint meeting of the of the Public Protection and Judiciary Committee (PPJ) with the Health and Human Needs Committee on Tuesday June 6, at 5:30 in the City-County Building room 354. The focus of this meeting is to discuss jail diversion of individuals with Mental Health issues. A specific recommendation is to develop a short term crisis/restoration/stabilization program, including capacity for short term residence to serve individuals with mental health issues who would otherwise be booked into jail.

City Week Ahead

24 meetings, 3 cancelled.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

2 meetings

County Week Ahead

8 meetings.

City Week Ahead

Only 11 meetings, but quite a few unusual items and items of interest.

Hey! There’s a Common Council Meeting tomorrow at 4:20!!!

Wow. Let the jokes begin. I can't believe they set themselves up like that!!! giggle, giggle, giggle. All joking aside, why would the council have a surprise special meeting for only one issue with 8 alders appearing by phone and the mayor and three alders missing. . . hint: it's got nothing to do with a referendum on legalizing marijuana.

Police Haters?!?

Ok, I'll take Chris Rickert's bait . . .

When does the Parks Department Kill Wildlife?

Here's the policy to be discussed today at 4:30. I have to say is shockingly short and lacking details. This will likely be decided by this committee and the Parks Commission and not to go to the full council.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

2 meetings.

County Week Ahead

Tabled at WORT this weekend and spent 7 hours writing a grant . . .so I have all the time in the world to do this at work . . . but its near impossible with all the interruptions, hope I didn't do a lot of stupid things with these posts . . . feel free to let me know.

City Week Ahead

Sorry this is late, our site was down and I couldn't blog! Oh my!

Human Services 2017-2018 Work Plan

Damn . . . this was supposed to post on Thursday . . . still worth keeping your eyes on. What do you think? They are discussing it tonight!

Common Council Recap (Livish)

Sorry, I've been 2 - 3 jobs at Tenant Resource Center since last August and blogging has become a luxury . . . . I see a light at the end of the tunnel, but I"m half expecting to get hit by a train. I hope to be back to more regular blogging by budget season . . . but we'll see. I have 28 days of vacation to use up!

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Anything you show up to speak on, plus the following. The rest passes in one motion - bing bang boom!

What Laundromat is Willing to Serve Homeless People

Long story short, on May 5th the Bubbles Laundry Project got locked out of 701 E Johnson St. We switched to 306 S. Brearly and today . . . we got locked out of there too. Setting aside the illegal discrimination against people based on homelessness as a protected class, where can we do laundry Friday 9 - 1 where homeless people can easily get to and where we won't get locked out??

Lawful Order = Accountability

Chief Koval has another memo about the Council's report on changes needed in the police department. He seemingly says he'll do everything they want, but he wants them to change the language so it isn't a "lawful order". I sure hope they don't. They're voting tonight, email them if you have thoughts (allalders@cityofmadison.com).

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Behavior Education Plan and Police in the Schools.

County Week Ahead

17 meetings - a few are missing tho . . .

City Week Ahead

This is what's available 8am Monday morning . . . clearly some items are missing.

Who’s unprofessional?

What's that quote, "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win" . . . we're part way between the mocking and the fighting at the moment it seems. Alder Paul Skidmore and Attorney May had some less than stellar moments at the Public Safety Review Committee meeting during discussion of the Council's report on changes to the police department, including giving the chief a "lawful order".

(What’s left of the) City Week Ahead

Vacation slowed me down . . . so I can do 80% . . .

MMSD Schools Week Ahead

5 (noticed) meetings this week. Monday May 8 5:00 pm, Special Board of Education Meeting in Closed Session Followed by Open Session Workshop-- Doyle Administration Building...

What will the Council Talk About Tonight? Police? Police? Police? (Updated)

Here's the (non) consent agenda items and three attachments.

Amelia Royko Maurer on Chief Koval’s Fees

Make him pay.

Alternate Alternates on Koval’s Legal Fees

First I heard David Ahrens had an alternate, then Amanda Hall said she had one, then Rebecca Kemble sent one . . . I'm not sure how many others there will be . . . and legistar was useless to try to find info on this item yesterday, it just had a message "This record is currently unavailable."

Council Committee Stands Firm: Recommends Lawful Order for Chief Koval

Yeah. They did. Good. They couldn't have been more clear.

THAT got approval from the neighborhood and Alder?

Seriously. How does that fit in the neighborhood plan? Or anyone's sensibilities of Johnson Street?

The Problem with Bullshitters

This is written by Gregory Gelembiuk . . . but I wish I had written it. Thanks Greg!!!! The council will be having a special item on their agenda on Tuesday to talk about the recent police shootings . . . I hope they take a look at all the resources and information Greg has dug up and laid nicely at their feet! You might also be interested in Amanda Hall and Mayor's Soglin's responses here. If you have an opinion, email your alders (allalders@cityofmadison.com) and the mayor (mayor@cityofmadison.com). There will not be a chance for public input on this item (#22) at the meeting.

NINE Page Response (to committee recommendations) from Chief Koval

Let's count the ways he is petulant, condescending, belligerent, disrespectful of the people WE elected - and by extension, to us, the public he is allegedly supposed to serve. He all but says that while he is already doing everything they recommend, he doesn't believe they should be telling him what to do and he won't implement their suggestions, but that he will wait for OIR and the Ad Hoc Committee (about which he complains as well).

Common Council Committee Recommendations on Policing, City Attorney Responds

It is likely that this will be the last meeting of the Common Council Committee to give short term recommendations for changes while the ad hoc committee and the consultant work on long term recommendations. Of course . . . nothing is without drama, so the council has their 13 recommendations and the City Attorney responds that that for the most important ones (use of force and back-up) the council doesn't have authority to make these changes. And Chief Koval responds! (Worthy of its own blog post!) And citizen members react to the City Attorney's opinion. If you have opinions, the committee meets tonight at 7:00. Email allalders@cityofmadison.com if you can't make it.

It’s all about the police this week . . .

Wow . . . aside from the mayor and chief feud going on over the budget . . . there is just ALOT going on this week. The city council committee is coming out with their final recommendations on Monday, the council has Chief Koval's fees and the shootings and purchasing a Bearcat on their agenda and Thursday the ad hoc committee is meeting. Nowhere is there a public discussion about the top of State St, however. Take a peek! Then email (allalders@cityofmadison.com and mayor@cityofmadison.com), show up, register, speak up. Now is the time.

MMSD Schools Week Ahead

2 meetings Monday, May 1 5:00 p.m. Special Board of Education Meeting in Open Session - WORKSHOP - Doyle Administration Building 545 West Dayton Street Madison,...

County Week Ahead

Lots of cancellations - 3 of the 10 meetings scheduled.

City Week Ahead

Thursday meetings have lots of missing agendas . . . tons of policing issues (recent shootings, Koval's fees, buying a Bearcat, final council committee report and recommendations for short term changes to policing policies, updates on EROs in the schools and I'm probably missing something, but nothing about the Top of State St.)

Plans for the Top of State St.

Again, I ask, where is the public input about this . . . and I'd love to see these "resources" of which they speak, the "code of conduct" and the pamphlet. And I can't help but ask, why does anyone have to follow a "code of conduct", the Chief doesn't. If he doesn't have consequences, why should anyone else?

Get Ready to Give Your Input on Alliant Energy Center Plans!

They'll be talking about it today at 3pm - you're all going right? I won't, I'll be in a meeting for work . . . but have no fear, they have a fancy plan to get input. Head's up - it includes ONE public meeting for input for input. ONE.

MMSD – Week Ahead

2 meetings

County Week Ahead

21 meetings . . .

City Week Ahead

Miss me last week? Work took over with a vengeance!!! This week won't be much better - going to DC for two days this week (for work) and end of next week to New Orleans (for fun). So, my blogging might be a little spotty. 27 meetings that we know of, 2 cancelled.

2nd CD Fail

Today the Wisconsin Democrats from the 2nd CD held their annual convention where they elected a new CD chair. Congratulation go out to...

City Attorney has yet another opinion on Koval’s Legal Fees

This time, its 7 pages . . . but still he doesn't look into the Couper case? And, there is a startling conclusion . . . he agrees with himself . . . go figure.

Dems Get Fiesty over Republicans “Doing” Something about Homelessness

The "doing" is more talking than anything, but I'll let the State Reps explain!

Council Committee on Police and COMMUNITY Relations

I'm sure the police had this on their agenda for quite some time, but the public was just notified yesterday of the meeting tomorrow. FAIL! A new report with new recommendations (that I don't think the committee has seen) is out.

Panhandling Ordinance Went Into Effect Yesterday

Check out that map! Too bad they didn't provide that to the council and public BEFORE they passed the ordinance.

Madison (area) Schools Week Ahead

nothing?

County Week Ahead

8 meetings, 1 cancelled, 1 agenda not available, so here's the info I have on the 6 meetings.

City Week Ahead

Well . . . 21 meetings, 1 cancelled, 5 agendas unavailable for various reasons. So, here's the other 15 meetings I can tell you about. Note: Are the police going to talk about drones? (UAS program?) Do they have one? Or want one?

Another Way to Look at Who the Most Popular Alder Is . . .

Yesterday I looked at write-ins. Today, how many people went to the polls, got to that line and then said, I don't feel like voting in this race . . . even though I'm standing right her in the voting booth. How many people opted NOT to vote for their unopposed alder . . .

Who’s the Most Popular Alder?

Based on last nights elections results for uncontested alders . . . these alders are most to least popular in their districts.

What Emails Didn’t the Alders Get?

141 of them total plus 33 web contacts . . . here's the topics that were included . . . check to see if you email didn't get through and think about re-sending (if its not too late)

April = City Budget Season Begins!

Yeah . . . 8 months or so before it passes, but the Capital Budget message is out this week! We won't actually get to see the Capital Budget as proposed by the Mayor until September or October. (Traditionally it has been the first Tuesday in October.)

Vote Today!

If you haven't already!! Here's my choices . . .

Ooops, don’t blame your alder!

Uh, if you sent an email to all alders and didn't get a reply . . . it may mean they never got it!

Madison Area Schools Week Ahead

7 meetings! No more debates! Don't forget to vote Tuesday!

County Week Ahead

18 meetings, no meetings on Tuesday, election day. Don't forget to vote!

City Week Ahead

They packed in 22 meetings - even with no meetings on Tuesday because it is election day!

Eat, Drink and Be Merry – With Tenant Resource Center Tonight!

See you tonight? Iron Chef . . . . Brink Lounge . . . 5 - 8! Be sure to thank our sponsors! Chefs, Ingredients, Sponsors, Judges and more info below!!!

What is going on in Fitchburg?

That mayor's race thing has gotten just goofy. So many red flags. I hope Fitchburg does the right thing!

Nothing Adds Up

Attorney May has taken offense at my comments . . . and felt the need to defend a few things . . . and yet . . . it's still not quite adding up . . .

And the plot thickens . . .

Turns out . . . City Attorney Michael May has a little more explaining to do . . . there are more holes in his justification for having to pay Police Chief Michael Koval's legal fees than I realized when I posted yesterday! Two major pieces of info to add . . . h/t to Greg Gelembiuk!

There’s an Open Seat on the County Board!

Dave deFelice is stepping down, I believe since he waited, the county board will appoint, but it might be a special election. Stay tuned!

Additional Candidate Answer on Housing

Here's Bradley Campbell's answers, so we're up to 6 of the 25 candidates that bothered to answer questions on affordable housing, tenants rights and homelessness.

Board of Estimates (and Public) Duped?

On Chief Koval legal fees . . . two things, first, the City Attorney's argument doesn't support what is actually written in the resolution the Board of Estimates was voting on AND there are attorney fees for a different case included in the bill they approved. The first one you will have to be a little patient with me on. The second one, well, wth?

Let Chief Mike Koval Pay His Own Legal Fees

Should the community pay nearly $22,000 because the City of Madison Police Chief can't control his temper? I think not. And there is plenty of reason to back that opinion up. Board of Estimates (soon to be Finance Committee) will consider this today, let them know what you think!

Only 20% of City Council Candidates Answer Housing Questions

Yeah . . . I think I see the problem here . . . affordable housing, tenants rights, homelessness . . . apparently they're too busy to be bothered answering questions about such things . . . sigh . . . thanks to the 5 out of 25 candidates that answered the questions. Even though there are some gross mis-statements of fact in a few of the answers. Honestly, tho, in all my approximately 20 years doing this with the Affordable Housing Action Alliance, this might be the worst ever in terms of quality of answers and lack of response.

Madison Area Schools Week Ahead

4 more candidate forums and the last school board meeting with this combination of school board members.

County Week Ahead

Only 9 meetings. But it does include Day Resource Center design plans and using Messner's for affordable housing.

City Week Ahead

Only 7 of the weeks 20 meetings are in legistar, meaning, I have no idea where to find the minutes and agendas of previous meetings of these groups and they don't have attachments to see what they are talking about. Also, 12 meetings are held before 5pm. 🙁

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

3 pages!!! But only two items actually separated, so they will talk about 2 items plus whatever you want to speak to! This is the last council meeting of this session . . . the next council will be completely new! Or, more than likely, practically all the same. Alder Gruber will be out and Arvina Martin or Bradley Campbell will be new. And there are races in District 1 - Barbara McKinney, District 8 - Zach Woods, District 10 - Mo Cheeks, District 14 - Sheri Carter. My guess is, they all stay in office.

Check Out PD’s New Local Government Guide!

Progressive Dane will be unveiling our Local Government Guide tomorrow night at our General Membership Meeting tomorrow night at the Downtown Public Library. Join us for that and more!

County Week Ahead

26 Meetings . . .12 of start between 5:00 and 6:00 on Wednesday.

City Week Ahead

28 meetings, I think - and several don't have agendas - and some meetings I know are happening but there is no sign of them, I just put them in here anyways!

More Rules Don’t Apply to the Chief

How is it that our chief law enforcement officer, Police Chief Mike Koval doesn't have to follow the rules? First, he gets found guilty, but gets no punishment. (that never happens to you and me) And now, the good ol' boys want to grant him further privileges, and $22,000, for being found guilty? The council should be thanking Sharon Irwin and Shadyara Kilfoy-Flores for doing what they didn't have the guts to do, and they should pay their legal bills - and it would likely be far less than $22,000.

82 ways to get involved in Local (city) Government!

According to the city website, 10% of city committee seats are vacant! Want to get involved in local government? Apply!

Trump Gutting Housing and Homelessness Programs

Washington Post reports are $6 billion in cuts and elimination of CDBG funds entirely, National Low Income Housing Coalition has it as high as $7 billion. Ben Carson says - "don't worry, it won't be that bad".

Not Officially Scheduled Meetings & Round Up

I got some miscellaneous to talk about, meetings, input (about police) needed, random stuff.

Police Chief Mike Koval Found Guilty!

Madison Police Chief Michael Koval has been found, by the Madison Police and Fire Commission, guilty of violating MPD Code of Conduct for verbally harassing Sharon Irwin.
The PFC fully agrees with both the language and the spirit of the Standards of Conduct. The PFC, in its limited range of authority (hiring, promotions, discipline), continually attempts to ensure that all sworn officers, from patrol officers to the chief, fully understand, appreciate, and adhere to those Standards. We hire the Police Chief. In our role of hiring the City of Madison Police Chief, we expected our Police Chief, as the leader of the Department to serve as an example for the entire Department, and always be beyond reproach no matter how frustrated or how harassed he or she may feel. Respondent failed in this instance.
Of course, he was not disciplined.

Mo Meetings

4 added meetings - surprise, surprise - 3 are Food Policy Committee related. 1 cancellation.

$166M Jail plus $242M Alliant Energy Center = Fiscal Disaster

Now, I'm not an expert on the county budget, nor the traditional fiscal conservative, but there is no way in hell this is going to work! The most the county has borrowed in their last 10 budgets is $49M and they are already paying back $29M a year in debt service. This would multiply that by 10 - even if its spread out over multiple years, it seems unlikely we can afford all this in the age of Trump. And if they have the money for all this, what if they put $100,000,000 into affordable housing?

Madison Schools Week Ahead

6 candidate forums in 7 days . . .

County Week Ahead

16 meetings, only 6 before 5pm. That's good for the county, the city had that many on Thursday alone.

City Week Ahead

20 meetings, nearly half of them are on Thursday (6 of them start before 5pm). And . . . missing agendas again this week, I knew it was too good to be true.

County Board Responds: Transparency and Public Participation

I got a pretty poor showing, only 4 of the 37 county board supervisors bothered to respond, and I can only reprint 3 of them. I gotta say, no surprises there. The trend seems to be going completely in the opposite direction.

And the Best Actor Award Goes To . . .

A little before 2am on Wednesday morning, there was a very interesting exchange between the mayor and a couple members of the council. It's amazing how catty they can get when they think no one is paying attention. Mark Clear was particularly unnecessarily snarky and unprofessional and the best actor . . . was just bizarre. I loved Mike Verveer's reaction.

Common Council Recap – Olbrich Biergarten Discussion

After nearly 4 hours, had to go to a new blog post, my blog get cranky when I write too many words

Common Council Recap – Public Testimony on Olbrich Gardens

So, I'm sick, but I can't skip this . . . so it will be whatever it is . . . probably brief.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight

Olbrich Biergarten . . . and . . .

Olbrich, Start Over.

F for transparency. Beyond the Eskrich debacle, this thing is a mess! Email your alder (allalders@cityofmadison.com) and ask them to scrap this thing! Start. over. This is not how good government works. While you're at it, ask the mayor (mayor@cityofmadison.com) to veto it if it passes. If he can do it for State St. liquor licenses, he can do it for this one!

County Board: What will you to for Public Participation & Transparency?

11 of the 22 meetings this week that the county has listed (there are more that are not listed electronically) are held during the day. Not before work or during lunch, but 9 am, 1 pm. How are the public and the elected officials with day jobs expected to be able to participate? At the county level, this is particularly problematic as by the time something gets to the county board, its decided. All the action happens in committees and their meetings are over in 45 minutes and even that is mostly just announcements.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

2 candidate forums and three meetings - wow, most meetings noticed since I've been doing this? Sadly, I think you have to wait til tomorrow for me to link to anything . . . maybe. I don't really understand this system.

County Week Ahead

11 of the 22 meetings start before 4:30 - they have meetings at 7am, 8am, 2:30, 3:45, noon, 8am, 1:30, 4:00, 9am, 3pm . . . meetings I'm sure they don't expect or want the public to attend . . .

City Week Ahead

Wow . . . Equal Opportunities Commission and the Council Police Committee BOTH have agendas already!!!! That's progress!!!!!!! So did the Food Policy groups!!! We'll see what else pops up this week, but it seems, message received!

Chief Koval: Educate Thyself.

I started to read his blog post complaining about the Homeless Services Consortium, and couldn't get past the first line. Long story short: we'd like him and the police department to talk to us!!!!!! They refuse, have for a long time. Check this out, we have such a very long ways to go!!!!!

Alders & Mayor Respond: How will they help with transparency?

I sent and email on Monday and waited three days. I wanted to know how they would help with meeting postings and getting timely information to the public in increase transparency and participation - a goal that is necessary to increase racial equity - to hear from voices that are impacted. Mostly the answer was no answer or I don't know. Let's see who responded!

What will the Council talk about Tonight?

The following, and likely anything on the agenda you show up to speak to . . .

Walker’s Budget: How will it Impact Low-Income People?

Oh, you know it won't be good.

Summer is Coming! Summer is Coming!

Summer hours for the men's shelter start 3/12/17. Yes, that's right, summer is here!!! 13 more days!

What Will Your Alder Do to Increase Transparency and Participation

EVERYONE is talking about how to get involved in local government. The catch is, it first needs to be made easier. There are simple things that can be done, today. Will your alder be a local leader to make this happen? I asked questions, posting results on Thursday.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

2 meetings tomorrow! The closed session is weird, I have no clue what they will be discussing, but it seems it could be just about anything. It appears to possibly be three different items?

County Week Ahead

15 meetings . . . only 6 during the day and they all start at noon or before . . .

City Week Ahead

Only 15 meetings, one cancelled . . . honestly, I can't and don't keep up with all the changes throughout the week, its kinda overwhelming and ridiculous to post about it every day . . . at the moment, there are at least 4 agendas missing that we know of - typical offenders - Madison Food Policy Committee, Public Market Committee, Community Development Block Grant Committee and who knows what will be added to that throughout the week.

Police Unions lose credibility . . .

These statements are absurd.

Tony Robinson: Why’d the Insurance Company Settle?

A week before going to trial, the insurance company - a professional risk assessor - found the risk to be too great, approached the family and settled for $3.35M. They apparently also asked the family to wait to say anything - meanwhile, had the police union, Chief Koval and the Mayor all out there complaining about the settlement, playing the victim and once again blaming the family and their supporters. Question is, what motivated the insurance company to settle? Let's take a look!

Your Guide to Local Government

Coming soon . . . like, in a month! But we need your help!

Don’t Forget to Vote Today!

Most people will be voting on schools issues . . . but there is also a Mayoral primary in Fitchburg.

Your input needed . . .

Give your input on . . . street vending, Oscar Mayer and Imagine Madison (city comprehensive planning) . . . plus Tenant Resource Center's Iron Chef ingredients for the March 31st event.

Mo Meetings

And several cancellations . . .

Madison Schools Week Ahead

They had a retreat on Saturday that wasn't noticed til late last week, elections this week - DONT FORGET TO VOTE ON TUESDAY - and there will be the first meeting of the committee looking at police in the schools.

County Week Ahead

Only 12 meetings.

City Week Ahead

33 meetings this week, 9 will start between 4:00 & 5:30 today. Another 7 start between 4:30 & 5:30 on Wednesday and 8 start between 4:00 & 6:00 on Thursday. So, make your choices wisely!

Turned Away at the Door at Public Safety Review Committee

I know of at least 10 people who showed up to the Public Safety Review Committee to comment on the Mayor's sit/lie ordinance to kick people off the top of State St. if they are sitting or lying on the sidewalks at Veteran's Park. I stayed to find up what was up, here's all I can tell you.

The PFC Deliberates Complaint Filed Against Chief Koval

Guest post from Amelia & Nathan Royko Maurer

Madison Schools Week Ahead

2 meetings, one candidate forum.

County Week Ahead

17 meetings, 2 cancelled.

City Week Ahead

20 meetings, but 4 don't have agendas.

County Board to Use Messner’s Property for Affordable Housing

It's like bizarro world today, the county board is going to use the former day site property for affordable housing AND, and this is the freaky part . . . the mayor agrees.

Governor’s Budget Has Money for Homelessness?

Yeah, I haven't yet heard exactly how much destruction is in his budget and I'm sure it will slowly be figured out over the next week, but he did add some money for homelessness in the budget . . . go figure.

City Council Recap – Part 2

Here's Part 2 . . . Part 3 will have the remaining 4 issues the council talked about, including MG&E influence on development in the Isthmus and the panhandling ordinance.

City Council Recap (Some portions are VERY brief) – Part I

It's crowded - meeting starts off with President Mike Verveer telling people there is an overflow room for tonight and that there are interpreters here as well.

What will the council talk about/listen to tonight?

I wonder if the public or the alders will do more talking tonight? It's rumored to be a long meeting tonight, we'll see. The council only pulled two items to be discussed.

City: Let MG&E Decide How We Develop In the East Wash Corridor?

I never thought our city government would hand over decision making to a corporation. Should MG&E get to decide if we expand Burr Jones Field or the the bus barn or decide to build a central police station between Blair and the 1st Street? Should they get the right of first refusal on any land banked lands in the area? Apparently the city is getting ready to give them that power, which may even include vetoing other city projects like affordable housing or a homeless shelter. The resolution may even exclude non-profits not pre-approved by MG&E from getting city approvals in the area.

Tonight: Re-affirming Reaffirmation of Madison as a “Sanctuary City”?

The council will be voting for a third (or likely more) time tonight to protect immigrants rights in the City of Madison and essentially call itself a "sanctuary city" or as some call it "sanctuary-city lite". The first was in 2002, then again in 2010 and now in 2017.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings and 1 notice of possible quorum.

County Week Ahead

19 meetings . . . again, want to lead locally, here's where you get involved!

City Week Ahead

Here it is. Another week in city government - for all those of you who want to get involved and lead locally - here's your chance, lots to choose from!

Waukesha County Settles Lawsuit: Segregating Aff. Housing Based on Race

Wonder how Dane County is stacking up? Here's the city's and county's analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing, I couldn't find Dane County's. See below for the summaries of impediments and actions to be taken.

People Work, Mayor Holds Press Conference About their Work?

Sometimes, this mayor is just a little too much. The mayor's holding a press conference today during the time the committees doing the work to be talked about in the press conference will be meeting and doing that work.

Grant Foster: City Restructuring of Transportation Committees and Updates.

I've been watching several of these issues, but not keeping up with them, so thanks to Grant Foster for letting use cross-post from Madison Bikes.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

2 meetings.

City Week Ahead

22 meetings this week, only 8 are in legistar? So in the future, when you search to see who voted what way or find the minutes, you won't be able to. Also, lots of missing agendas this morning.

County Week Ahead

10 meetings, half of them are on Thursday.

Use Messner’s Site for Affordable Housing

Seems like a no-brainer, right? Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha . . . it's not, and it's not the neighborhood that is likely to be the problem . . . please tell your alders (allalders@cityofmadison.com) and supervisors (county_board_recipients@co.dane.wi.us ) to help support affordable housing in this location!!!

City Parks: Changes? Keep what you like?

More planning going on, lots of meetings where you can voice your desires, concerns and support the things you love about our parks!

Endorse Statewide Use of Force Policy Change!

Use of Force policies could change . . . if this bill were to pass. Please read and spread to your friends, family and colleagues around the state to support Chris Taylor and her colleagues!

Changes to the City Schedules

Cuz, its never right . . .

Imagine Madison: An Update, What’s Next?

So, the City of Madison is doing its comprehensive planning update that is required every 10 years. This is what drives most development decisions in the city . . . well, this, and TIF and other government hand outs. Where are we at and what's next? And how will you get involved? Unless, of course, you don't care how the city develops (until its next door to you!).

Madison Approving Its New Economic Development Plan

I tuned in to Board of Estimates last night to catch up on this, because I hadn't heard much about this lately. I attended some meetings a year ago or more . . . but you'd think an economic development plan for the city would be getting more attention! Here's what the Board of Estimates discussed. Spoiler alert: I'm not impressed.

City Week Ahead

19 of 33 meetings this week are starting before 5pm - who has time to take off of work to be there? Is this a good way to have a residents participate in their local government?

What will the Council talk about tonight?

Looks like 3 items, plus anything the public shows up to speak to or public hearing items.

Meeting “corrections” for today

Several cancellations and a new meeting (or maybe more by the time the day ends).

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Three meetings, we know they won't be cancelled, right?

County Week Ahead

Again, we'll see what gets cancelled, but here's the current agendas.

City Week Ahead

We'll see what gets cancelled today, but here it is for what it is worth.

Major Announcement In Madison

January 16, 2016, is Martin Luther King day. Many people had the day off and there were events all over the state honoring...

Tonight! Evictions & Homelessness

The Madison Institute, The Progressive and the League of Women Voters of Dane County invite you to . . . (Rescheduled) Out in the Cold: Evictions & Homelessness in Dane County

JFC – More Meetings!! 7 more!

This just drives me nuts, what is so hard about communicating your agendas on time?

(Day Late) County Week Ahead

Rough start to the week . . . sorry this is late!

City Week Ahead

Running late this morning, at least I got this one done! 🙂

MPD’s Stellar Police Officers

Remember the officers who were disciplined for calling members of the public "assbags" and "gloryholing nincompoops"? Well, apparently they were also disciplined on multiple occasions for other things including Sexual Harassment, False Reporting, Firearms Safety, Misuse of Communications System, Insulting, Defamatory, or Obscene Language, Excessive Use of Force, Failure to Respond to a domestic disturbance and another call. And that's just the first officer . . . this is creepy. Very creepy. Together they have been suspended for 42 days without pay and gotten 3 reprimand letters for at least 13 incidents, some of the suspension days were held in abeyance and of course, I don't think we know if they ever served them from these records. Can you believe Chief Mike Koval defended these guys? Wonder what the records of the 4 officers disciplined for the whiteboard incident look like?

Cut 65.6 MPD Officers or Are Staffing Levels “right about where we should be”?

Competing studies show radically different numbers than the police study of themselves do. Mayor says the numbers are just right, members of the public have data that shows 65.6 officers could be cut.

We need 13 – 361 New Police Officers?

Uh . . . I'm not sure where to begin, but no, you don't Chief Koval. In fact, there could be a plan where you REDUCE officers . . . but when you ask the police to study themselves . . . what kind of answer do you expect? I think every department in the city should be asked to do the same thing. And hell, let's throw in the non-profits too - In fact, I just studied the Tenant Resource Center and we need 3 - 50 new staff people to keep up with the growing needs of tenants who are now more than 50% of the City of Madison. I mean, sometimes we're 400 phone calls behind in the summer and early fall.

One of Two Tools for Affordable Housing Disappearing?

If you ask anyone in the city, the two tools we have to create affordable housing are WHEDA tax credits and TIF. I disagree those are our only tools, but they are two major tools we have . . . and one of the two is in jeopardy . . .

City Council Recap – Panhandling referred

Looks like they may only talk about 2 or 3 issues, but you just never know.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight

2 items . . . unless the public shows up to talk about others, everything else on the agenda will pass as recommended in the notes.

County Week Ahead

Only 4 meetings this week and we've already missed one!

City Week Ahead

15 meetings in this short week . . .

Apply to Serve on TID/TIF Joint Review Board

The City of Madison has an opening for the public member of the Tax Incremental Finance Joint Review Board (JRB).  The Board is comprised...

MMSD Board of Education is Looking for Members of an Ad Hoc Committee on Police in Schools

The full notice may be found here, with Spanish, Hmoob, and Arabic versions linked. Here is the English text: Help Improve the Use of Education Resource...

So . . . Who’s Runnin’ For Local Office?

Here's the city council and school board folks running in Madison so far . . . Filing deadline is January 3rd! 3 City Council incumbents have challengers and District 11 will have a new alder. And we have two races for School Board!

Madison (area) Schools Week Ahead

So, I can't figure out where the legal notice is . . . the one I can find is blank. But obviously there are some meetings. TJ said he found it here, but the link doesn't work for me. So this is all I can tell you . . .

County Board Week Ahead

6 meetings . . . also winding down . . .

City Council Week Ahead

Only 8 meetings . . . winding down for the holidays

(Late) Report on Day Center Approval

This is from the plan commission meeting on Monday. Where staff beats back the ridiculous requests for conditions on the day center posed by 7 - 9 un-named business community members, most who were too cowardly to show up to the plan commission meeting and plan commission beats back the goofy request for making the developer pay for a bus stop, which never happens - including on the projects they approved earlier in the evening 2 blocks away. hey didn't really address pedestrian safety . . .

PD’s Pick of the Week

Re-posted from Progressive Dane's website: Each week, after consulting some of our elected officials, we will post one action you can take - typically going to a meeting and supporting their work - that will also support the goals in our platforms. Many people are talking about how with president-elect Trump, we need to double down on our actions locally. And we're here to help figure out what you can do! This week's action is tonight!

Final(?) Decision on Day Resource Center Tonight

So, the Plan Commission is hearing about the conditional use for the day resource center tonight. If they approve it, (and its not appealed) this will be the final step to it opening sometime next year! Exciting? Or, more likely anti-climactic as it is after waiting for 7 years and being disappointed in the operator of the facility and their model for services. Local businesses have given a ABSURD list of conditions, local advocates have a long list of concerns and the city council and county board have been largely ignored when telling the staff to include adequate storage, laundry facilities and that they will not be funding additional services beyond the day resource center. So, it will interesting to see how this all turns out, see below for a list of concerns that are not adequately addressed.

Weekly Picket/To Do List

How will you participate in your local government this week? After the election it seems I was barraged with people saying they want to get involved locally to deal with Trump and asking what they should do. It's a hard question to answer, since there is so much going on. Here's some things you might be interested in this week . . . and of course, people are out circulating nomination papers to run for office right now . . . so there's always campaigns to be involved in! (Madison City Council, School Board, Fitchburg and other municipalities)

Madison (area) Schools Week Ahead

4 meetings . . .3 days this week!

County Week Ahead

20 meetings! About half are before 5:00 and about half are after. Which ones do they want to make sure the public doesn't show up to?

City Week Ahead

31 city meetings this week . . . 31 in 4 days. I couldn't find 5 of the agendas.

Homeless Outreach is “Soliciting” in the Public Library?

Or perhaps "profiling"? The outreach worker (a high school teacher) was kicked out of the library. Has there been a change in policy? Homeless Services Consortium (paid) agencies reserve rooms in the library during business hours and don't offer a fraction of what (volunteer) Friends of the State St. Family offer for people living on the streets. I'll let Tami Miller explain . . .

“Reasonable Conditions” requested for Day Resource Center

Form the East Washington Business Coalition . . . do you think these are "reasonable"?

6 Madison Police Officers Disciplined!

We learned this week that Officers Scott McConnell and Dean Baldukas were disciplined for their online comments in a petition presented to the Common Council and four other officers the department refuses to identify were disciplined for their roles in the whiteboard incident suggesting how to make homeless persons move from the top of State St.

What will the Council Talk About Tonight?

All the alders pulled off was Steve King wanting to discuss ending the Commmunity Gardens Committee, but you know there is a whole lot more on the agenda. They will pass nearly everything in one vote . . . unless the public shows up to speak or an alder pulls another item off a the meeting. Otherwise, they will pass major legislation without discussion . . . until budget season next year, then they will complain they never discussion anything. Gee, why might that be?

2 School Races! Spring Elections Heating Up!

We actually have people running for local office!!! As of today, we have TWO school board races and people have only had 6 days to file!!

Madison (area) Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings, 2 today.

Common Council Recap

No time to go back and grab the pieces I missed, but you can watch the video here if its really important to you. Otherwise, I got most of it.

City Week Ahead

24 meetings, only 2 agendas I couldn't find. And only 6 meetings before 5:00. 🙂

Panhandl . . . er, “Entering or Staying on Highways” Ordinance

Two meetings coming up where this will be discussed and a new version of the ordinance is out!

Day Center Update

I'm stealing everything on this blog post from Ed Kuharski's facebook update - thanks for the updates ED!!!! But I also included another meeting tonight that wasn't listed on Monday . . . so if you missed the presentation, you can hear Catholic Charities spin on it tonight.

Going to the Police Policy Committee or the Police Policy Committee?

One's at noon (grr) and wasn't published til Monday (grr), the other is at 5:30 tonight!

What Will Madison Look Like in 10 years, and Beyond?

Have an opinion? Now is the time to get involved in a little thing called "comprehensive planning" to government geeks, and "Imagine Madison" as it has been branded for this iteration of the planning process.

Tonight: Battle of the Neighborhood Meetings

Both meetings have impacts for people way beyond the neighborhood, both at 7pm tonight. Who planned this? Oh, traffic engineers. Homeless Day Resource Center Conditional Use Permit meeting? Or John Nolen Drive Corridor Study Neighborhood Meeting? I live about 5 blocks away from both of them . . .

Waiting for MPD . . .

On July 18th I asked Chief Koval if I could assume that they would be looking into disciplinary action for Scott McConnell and Dean Baldukas for their comments calling progressives "assbags", "gloryholing nincompoops" and telling people to go fuck themselves in an on-line petition presented to the Common Council. They said I'd get an answer in 90 days . . . and now policies have disappeared and have been changed. Hmmm . . . and I'm still waiting.

Madison (area) Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings.

County Week Ahead

8 meetings - looks like the first meeting of the Office for Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board. Wonder if that board ends up where the Poverty Commission is . . . where is that Poverty Commission????

City Week Ahead

If you're interested in what you can do locally to help our community stand strong against what will happen when Trump takes office, there is no limit to where you can get involved. 20 city meetings this week . . . something for everyone on the agendas, policing, local food policy, poverty issues, environmental issues, transportation issues, water issues, etc. etc. etc.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?!

Not much, they'll save it all for the next budget battle . . . if they're still around . . .

About that City Council Budget

So, after spending the equivalent of two work days blogging the City Council budget deliberations and 5 long blog posts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), I didn't have time to say what I thought of the budget process . . . and then it seemed it was too late, but I'm still thinking about it, so I'm blogging it now.

Madison (area) Schools Week Ahead

1 meeting. Monday, November 21 6:30pm Special Board of Education Meeting in Open Session -- WORKSHOP, Doyle Administration Bldg. 545 W. Dayton Street Madison, WI ...

County Week Ahead

Only 5 meetings this (short) week. And its a miracle! 100% of the meetings are after 5:00!!!

City Week Ahead

Short week, but it still has a council meeting and 8 other meetings.

Day 2, City Budget (Operating, Part II)

See Part 1 here. It'll be about 2 hours in when I finish the first post.

Day 2 – City Budget (Operating, Part I)

Yeah, so, after 8.5 hours yesterday, I just had to be here to finish it - call me a glutton for punishment.

Council Budget – Part III

After midnight, still on the capital budget - only made it through 12 amendments so far . . . 30 or more are left to go through . . .

Live (ish) Council Blogging Part II – Capital Budget

Part One is the public input . . . first 3 hours . . . this is the capital budget . . .

Live (ish) Blogging the Common Council Budget Meeting (Public Input, 1st 3 hours)

So, whatever I type tonight is all you're getting on the budget this year, unless the go to a second night. Just. No. Time.

Guide to the County Budget

Also . . .tonight . . . they are sure to be done in one night given their super-amendment process.

Guide to City Budget

What amendments will the council discuss, what does the Mayor think of those amendments and their hopes and dreams to finish the budget in one night . . . tonight!

Madison (area) Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings, also talking about budget . .. but the 2017/2018 budget!

County Week Ahead

Budget, budget, budget. . . . and 13 other meetings, plus 3 cancelled.

City Week Ahead

Budget, Budget, Budget and 27 other meetings. 14 of them before 5pm.

Progressive Suppression!

A casualty of the insane election season happened to be the only Progressive talk radio station around. The Mic 92.1 Progressive talk in...

County Week Ahead

Budget - super amendment comes out tomorrow. Voting on Thursday and then its essentially over! Well, except for where the county board approves it with very little comment - if it all goes as planned.

City Week Ahead

Final budget amendments are due Wednesday for discussion by the council next week.

Why Doesn’t the County Want to Serve Tenants?

For 17 years, the Tenant Resource Center provided services to tenants in Dane County. This year, tenants only get services if they are at risk of homelessness and then the services they get are very limited. Why? What can you do to help?

Uh . . . Political Pay Back

So, intuitively, I kinda knew this. But it was still a bit shocking to hear the confession that the tenant-landlord law changes were made for political payback. What happened to policy makers making good policy?

Evicted! Right Here in Dane County!!!

Join us on Thursday to discuss the UW-Madison Urban and Regional Planning Evicted in Dane County, Wisconsin, A Collaborative Examination of the Housing Landscape. (See Below for Major Findings)

Support a Housing Justice County Budget Tonight!

This is from Heidi Wegleitner and supported by the Homeless Services Consortium and many housing advocates, but now, your voice is needed! They need to hear from people in their districts . . . that are not the usual suspects. (Usual suspects - still email your own supervisor or show up tonight, your voices are needed too!)

School Board Week Ahead

Also, budget, budget, budget. And referendum.

County Week Ahead

It's all about the budget - but the amendments remain elusive. Many of the agendas posted here do not (yet) contain the amendments they will be discussion and voting on.

City Week Ahead

City Budget at Board of Estimates - seems like a bit of a snoozer. Did you know there's a city committee that has been cancelled 17 of the last 18 meetings?!

Join Tenant Resource Center Tonight! Silent Auction/Master Chef Cook-off

A huge thanks to all our supporters! Please join us tonight at the Brink Lounge (701 E Washington Ave) 5:00 - 7:00. We have a great silent auction lined up and the winners of the spring iron chef battles will be competing in Lemon Battle. Please make sure to thank everyone involved!

Homeless Services Consortium Weighs in on County Budget

If you'd like to help support these recommendations, email the county board at County_Board_Recipients@countyofdane.com and make sure to include your address so they know you are a constituent!

Only Public Hearing on County Budget at full County Board Tonight

This is the only chance to have public comment in front of the full board now that the County Executive Budget is out. It's hard to tell what we're commenting on, some committees have amendments out, some don't, but if you have opinions, now is the time!

Police Policy Change: Wait For Backup!

Yeah. Chief Koval finally got it, after several people have died, he's changed the policy telling police to wait for back up unless their is a threat to someone's safety (not property).

What will the Council Talk About Tonight

Hmmmmm . . . nothing? There is a public hearing on the budget, wanna take bets if anyone shows up?

Extra Common Council Surprise Agenda Items

Sent out by the clerk at 6:35 last night . . .

A New Men’s Shelter at 120 S. Fairchild?

Includes rooms for intoxicated people, sick people, safe rooms for transgender persons, a bed bug room, pay to stay options, rooms for couples, 160 beds in one location, a public restroom open 24/7, etc.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings this week (that we know of)

County Week Ahead

Meetings at 8:30, noon, 3:45, 1:00, 2:30, etc. Don't seem designed for them to actually be public meetings, do they?

City Week Ahead

25 meetings . . . that we currently know of . . .

County Week Ahead

We don't want the public there meetings today at noon, 2:30 and 3:45, Tuesday 8:15, Thursday 9am and Friday at 12:30. 7 of 18 meetings start before 5pm.

City Week Ahead

Today there are meetings at 9, 10, and 2, Wed at 7:45, 10 and 11, Thursday 2 meetings at 8 am. One Friday at 3:30. Are these meetings they expect the public to go to? Or actively DON'T WANT THE PUBLIC TO ATTEND? I find this frustrating. 23 meetings this week, 14 start before 5pm.

Bubbles Update

Services will continue through October and hopefully beyond! While Madison Homelessness Initiative is backing off after creating and running Project Bubbles for 5 years - volunteers are stepping up with time and money for it to continue, perhaps with changes.

Mayor Defends Midtown Station

Complete with a map.

Mayor’s Budget Message to Common Council

This is the Mayor's version of his spin on his budget. Not nearly as much propaganda as that thing Parisi put out, but spin none-the-less, now the real work begins to find out what is really in the budget. There's always a few surprises that got glossed over.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight (at 7pm)

Meeting starts at 7:00, not 6:30. Also, they will talk about what is on this list, plus what the public shows up to talk about . . .

FAQs on Changes at Salvation Army

Of course, the last question is quite concerning to me. Lots of assumptions, no communication that I am aware of. But its all concerning, I sure hope it all works out, wish there had been community discussion on this issue, instead of just an announcement of the changes. You'd think the Homeless Services Consortium would have had a presentation on this.

Mo’ Meetings . . .

So, the new system has thrown me off a bit, but I believe this are meetings that were not known over the weekend. 6 updates!

Day Resource Center Meeting

I went to the first one, the presentation was oddly corporate and cheesy, here's the next one, tomorrow.

Madison(ish) Schools Week Ahead

They have last weeks meeting announcements up . . . 🙁 And what they do have up wasn't there last week when I blogged, but...

County Week Ahead

Budget hearings are beginning with presentations from staff . . .

City Week Ahead

Meetings on Rosh Hashanah? The weekly meeting schedule has changed, so prepare to be surprised. On Monday you will be able to see the following Monday's meetings. So it should be slightly better notice if the staff gets the meeting notices in on time.

Video from Opioid Panel

No time to blog, too much budget stuff, will have the blog post early next week, this video is totally worth watching. And...

Parisi Budget Propaganda

Here's the propaganda. Trying to figure out what it all means it near indecipherable, the county budget lacks detail that is needed, so we'll see how it plays out over the next few weeks in committees as Supervisors try to get their questions answered. I have one email from Parisi and his budget memo below, plus a rant!

Mayor to Council: Midtown and Fire Station Adds $2M in Operating Costs

So who's going to suffer? Check out the bolded statement below. I think we should go to referendum for these projects to increase the levy, instead of continuing to cut elsewhere - there's no fat left to cut. If the public wants these projects, referendum will pass.

Day Center Contract Won’t Be Approved by the County Board?

Most contracts by Dane County over $100,000 have to go to the county board. The county board has approved a resolution saying the day center will have long term storage. It seems, neither of these things is going to happen and after reading the ordinances I can't, for the life of me, figure out why staff have so much power and the county board supervisors seem to have none.

What did they do to the Weekly Meeting Schedule!?!

Well, this is good . . . I think. Yesterday I started getting all these weird emails . . . now I see why . . .

County Board Budget Schedule . . .

You ask a question and the universe provides . . . sorta.

TIF Board Hoping the Public Wouldn’t Notice?

F for transparency, F for public input, F for any type of equity or inclusion.

Tonight: Local Solutions to the Opioid Epidemic

What policy and budget solutions do we need in our community to end the deaths right here in Dane County? A great panel of experts will share their solutions!

Mo’ (effin’) Meetings

Seriously I'm so annoyed. Last week, 25% of the meetings were added after the deadline. This week, so far, its at 22%. Why?

Capital Budget Votes at Board of Estimates

Live-ish blog, done in pieces and parts off the video . . . not as thorough as possible due to time . . . need more time in my day . . .

What will the City Capital Budget Battles Be?

Oh, the same old, same old. Midtown Police Station, Monroe St., Public Market, Northeast side Libary, Southeast side Fire Station, elimination of downtown park, body cameras, I'm thinking we can just rewind and rewatch the last debates . . . tune in at 4:30 today as Board of Estimates enters the fray . . . here's their 34 amendments!!

Madison (metropolitan area) Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings - unless they add more. Both the Board of Education and Board of Estimate (City of Madison) are voting on the police contract in the schools tonight.

County Week Ahead

I still can't find a budget schedule for them . . . has anyone seen one?

FTR: Mo’ Meetings (from last week)

A cautionary tale, even though at the beginning of the week there were 28 meetings listed - they still managed to add 9 more. Sorry I didn't have time to blog this last week.

City Week Ahead

Budget battle begins . . .

Madison (Area) School District Week Ahead

4 meetings - Police in the schools (closed session), TIF Districts and more!

County Week Ahead

21 meetings . . . 11 before 5pm.

City Week Ahead

28 meetings packed into 4 days, 8 of them start between 4:30 and 6:30 on Monday! 12 of them start before 5:00 this week.

Three Complaints Filed Against Chief Koval

So, the initial hearings (i.e. boring!) for the three cases filed against Madison Police Chief Michael (Mike) Koval were yesterday. I took video, they are brief. I wanted people to see what it takes to file a PFC complaint, since its such a mysterious process. I don't have a copy of the first complaint, but I will get one, here is the Sharon Irwin and Shadayra Kilfoy-Flores one.

Attorney May’s Investigation into Wrong-doing at Monona Terrace

Here's his initial report on his investigation. My first question is why did it take 4 months to have an initial hearing on an ethics board complaint?

Mo’ Meetings!

So, I really thought the days of having to make these posts was over . . . .no so!

School Board Statement on Police in the Schools

Also known as EROs!

Madison Metro Schools Week Ahead

I just realized that I shouldn't be calling this "Madison Schools" since it doesn't really cover Madison in the way most of us think about it!

County Week Ahead

Are meetings at 8:30, 9am, 10am, noon, 2:30, 3:45 meetings they really want the public to show up to, or are the meetings where they hope we don't show up? 15 meetings, 6 start at 5:00 or later. It gets worse and worse as the months go by . . . how do county board supervisors with full time jobs attend these meetings?

City Week Ahead

6 of the 17 meetings start after 5:00. Many of the meetings start at 8am, 10am, 11am, 3pm, 3:30pm. How is the public supposed to be able to attend or participate in these meetings? I know I'll be at work during these meetings, and I bet you will be too. Alot of meetings with no links too . . . 🙁

How Madison Police Solve Real Life Problems

They say they are compassionate and well trained and problem-solving oriented . . . lets check out their solutions to people sitting at the top of State St.

Vote Early . . .

Not often. Places and times where you can vote September 26th - November 4th.

Carpet Bomb Homeless People at the Top of State Street?

Give them laced heroin? Fill sprinklers with pepper spray and turn them on? What else did the police suggest as strategies to get homeless people off the top of State St.? And remind me, what did that police code of conduct say?

Official County Update on the Day Resource Center

And mark your calendar for several upcoming meetings!

Day Center Update

From last Wednesday night . . . this is actually quite unbelievable. The county blames United Way for the secretive process and ignores the county board. I guess us voters are too dumb to elect people to represent us, Parisi and Lynn Green know better than a UNANIMOUS county board!

Dane County Human Service Budget Briefing

This is from last Wednesday, a week ago, but the information is important. The County gave back $6,243,062 in budgeted funds for Human Services to the General Fund . . . just think what that could have funded. $6.2 MILLION DOLLARS! And yet we scrap and fight every year over $10,000 or $20,000 or even $80,000 for small programs. $90,000 would have kept TRC funded to serve people outside the City of Madison. Public hearings on the 15th. Note: Read the Q&A and the supplemental (lack of) information. If the public feels left in the dark most of the time, its no wonder, county board supervisors can't even get information about what's going on with shelters and the day center.

County Board Public Hearings Start Today!

This is your 2 minute warning! Hearing on everything except Human Services Budget is tonight!

Random Round Up

It's September and local government is getting back to work, and I'm swamped at my work and can't cover it (boo hoo), so here's a random round up of some things going on you might want to know about . . .

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Whatever you show up to talk about and . ..

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Nothing.

County Week Ahead

Public Hearing on the budget tomorrow, the rest of the meetings are all on Thursday.

City Week Ahead

14 meetings in this short week, and I'm sure there are more that will get announced later in the week. City Council meeting tonight loaded with issues, but few will likely be talked about.

Mo’ Meetings

Cuz, you know, they can't seem to meet deadlines at the city . . . you miss a parking ticket deadline you get and extra $10 fine . . . maybe we should implement that kind of a system for the people who send in the agendas.

Just a Few Items at Board of Estimates . . .

This is mostly about police in the schools, but, by the looks of this agenda . . . summer is over, back to work! Just a few of the items the Board of Estimates made recommendations on and heard updates on were as follows: Judge Doyle TID, mayor's task force to study government structure, new Civil Rights Direcotr, undergrounding electric projects, State St. grant program, Madison Public Market, Midtown Police Station, Day Resource Center funding, police in the schools, annexing the Town of Madison and Garver Feed Mill . . .

Progressive Dane Statement on Police in the Schools

Progressive Dane has issued a letter to the Madison School Board and the City of Madison Board of Estimates regarding their vote on the contract for police in the schools later this afternoon. We are urging them to have a 1 year contract to allow for the police study to be completed and to allow for more public input. Additionally we are calling for a limit to the actions police can take in the schools, more frequent public reporting and a student complaint process.

Here we go again. Chief Koval will be “listening”.

He will likely do more talking than listening. "Listening" will likely be limited and controlled. These are dog and pony shows for the upcoming budget. Rallying support for his next PR stunt. Since those of us with concerns are "raging lunatics" or "gloryholing nincompoops" according to our fine MPD, we will likely just be ignored. Praise for the department always welcome, he just can't get enough.

Police in Schools: Dueling BOE Meetings

Monday there are two BOE meetings. One is the Board of Estimates, which is the city finance meeting. One is the Madison School Board of Board of Education. Both will be voting on the contract for police in schools on Monday (4:30 and 6:00). The Common Council will (most likely) vote the day after Labor Day.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Hmmm, the item in the "library" is from last week . . . so there more may be more meetings, but I don't know how to find out where they are. Also, these are the legal notices, so if its wrong . . .

County Week Ahead

7 ish meetings - one meeting has 6 notices because its a joint meeting between several committees on several issues and they have their own business to do. 3 of the meetings are before 5:00.

City Week Ahead

15 meetings - only 5 start at 5:00 or after . . .

Madison Schools Week Ahead

2 meetings - MSCR and Badger Rock.

County Week Ahead

13 meetings, 2 agendas missing, 4 meetings before 5:00.

City Week Ahead

13 meetings, one cancelled, only 4 start at 5:00, the rest are earlier in the day when many can't attend.

Bad Blogger Returns

Working 60 - 70 hours a week and trying to have a life have interfered, so I've been a bit negligent. Here's a few things to get caught up . . . Edgewater noise, changes at family shelter, see the vendors who applied to work on police policy and procedure, late meeting notices, OM Village needs volunteers for hte store and then the surprise temporary plan for the day resource center and Schenk's Corner Block Party this Friday and Saturday!

US Army Veteran files complaint against Chief Koval

37 separate violations of the Madison Police Department Code of Conduct, Standard Operating Procedures and City of Madison Administrative Procedure Memorandums!

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Only two meetings tonight - evaluating the Superintendent and Referendum

County Week Ahead

12 meetings, 8 at 5:00 or after! Best ratio I've seen in a long time!

City Week Ahead

17 meetings, only 7 start at 5:00 or after.

Don’t forget to vote today!

There will be short lines, won't take long!! I suggest vote Feingold, Ozanne and Miles.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

4 meetings. 3 today. Police in Schools and November Referendum?!

County Board Week Ahead

10 meetings. Half before 5:00.

Wisconsin Primary Election Day – August 9th

In what seems like is happening almost monthly in WI, another election day is upon us. Tuesday August 9th is the partisan primary...

City Week Ahead

Election week . . . and August . . . so not much, but its the first meeting of the Room Tax Commission! If you get excited about things like that.

What happened to Council Priorities and Reform?

The CCOC discussed it all - a year after their foray into creating council priorites - equity, affordable housing, transportation, etc - we probably have some results on these important issues right . . . oh, wait, that right, we changed the names of people and committees and it seems this discussion is done. It seems to be a major fizzle.

$439 Tickets for what?

Not this. standonhead But this. sitting And it takes 4 officers. 4officers Community policing!!! I'm sure that is what this is. At any point they're break out some cards and play Euchre or a basketball and shoot some hoops. Wait, that's only for elderly and kids under the age of 14.

32 of Wisconsin’s 56 Black Neighborhoods Are Jails?

Well, this is disturbing, not surprising if you think about it, but disturbing none-the-less.

Council Committee to Review Policing Policies

While the larger study is going on and the citizen review group is doing their work, the alders are going to start their own to get some preliminary items addressed, particularly use of force, but they aren't limiting themselves to just that issue. Good discussion and goals!

What Will The Council Talk About Tonight?

Nothing? No items have been pulled off the agenda for discussion. Should be a short one.

Salvation Army Donations Needed

This for items that homeless people need. Feminine hygiene products, diapers, large adult t-shirts, etc.

Make a Call for Lisa Mitchell Today

Passing along a message to help a trans woman get justice. Let her out of solitary confinement, free her and let her get on with her life - she has housing, a job and support in place. Enough is enough.

Mo’ effin’ meetings

I should have known better than to be so happy and excited about my local government aiding in transparency . . . not much has changed. Here's 4 more meetings from today.

Is Police Chief Koval A Liar or Incompetent?

Cuz, even I knew the answer to Mo Cheek's question about officer comments about the public. And its not what Chief Koval told the told the Common Council, not even close. It clearly flew in the face of his own department policies.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

3 meetings . . . plus the anticipated topics the board will be discussing in August.

County Week Ahead

5 meetings, two cancelled - yeah, so three meetings this week? 1 Monday, 2 Thursday

City Week Ahead

Only 14 meetings, only 6 start after 5:00, the rest are during the day when many are at work. Make sure to check back for more meetings - the good news of getting agendas out on time isn't really panning out.

Mo’ Effin’ Meetings

5 more, some are already over, since they didn't give 48 hours notice as promised. So sad. So very, very, sad.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

1 press conference, 2 meetings - including the police contract for the schools.

County Week Ahead

6 of 14 meetings start before 5:00.

City Week Ahead

12 of 19 meetings start before 5:00 . . . and watch for more meetings getting added, seems like the announcement that the agendas had to be in 48 hours in advance isn't being enforced.

Police Gearing Up for Budget Battle

Every year the police are the most political at budget time - Chief Wray was a little more smooth than Koval - but they don't act like the other departments. I wish Community Services would do the same thing they do - just one year. But when us alders tried, we got put in our place. Anyways, when they submit their budgets, the police always have a memo. Other departments don't do this. Here's this years . . . grab a bucket.

Black Lives Matter At Concerts on the Square

#FreedomNow Action Disrupts Concert on the Square, More Action Planned for Thursday

Heat: Best facilities in the Country for Livestock. And Homeless Persons?

Any one else besides me think County Executive Joe Parisi might have a priority problem?

What Will The Council Talk About Tonight? (with legal memo)

They won't be doing much talking, mostly listening. Nothing has been separated by the council to discuss. And the main is event is item number one, a petition submitted by police supporters. Michael May has a new memo about what this petition means. (read below)

Not My Police Department

Chief Koval recently wrote a blog in which he says "The Police are the Public and the Public are the Police." It sounds nice, but it doesn't erase everything else that has happened in the past few years. Crafting with a Cop, serving hot dogs at a community event, and having an article written that says that Samba Baldeh and the Chief have reconciled their differences - doesn't fix things. It ignores real and serious problems. It seems like a PR attempt to sweep things under the rug. It fails to acknowledge real harms and real problem. We have a policing crisis. They might not see it, but its real, and these things will do nothing to solve it. Hang in with me for a moment and let me explain.

What (some) Madison Police Officers Think of Madison Residents

It ain't good. Includes words like "go fuck yourselves", "assbags" and "glory-holing nincompoops" . . . yes, some of Madison's finest, Dean Baldukas and Scott McConnell. These guys are out on the streets and may answer when you call. Be warned.

4 Madison Schools Meetings

3 are today!!!

County Week Ahead

Sometimes their alphabet soup makes their agendas nearly unreadable, there are a couple agendas I could tell you what they are talking about and of course, no links to help figure it out.

(Another Bad) City Week Ahead (Completed?!)

Same linking problem as last week - seems as though most of the City's Website was down this weekend, so I can give you what I can get . . . and try to modify later today if I have time.

Community. Policing. Gone. Wrong.

Who thought it was good to send Matt Kenny to a community center for "Community Fun Fest"?

DO OVER: County Week Ahead

Now that I can see the rest of the agendas . . .

DO OVER: City Week Ahead

Now that I can access the agenda and after the 9 changes made yesterday, this is what I now have . . . grrrrrr.

8 (ooops make that 9) Changes to the City Weekly Schedule

Uh, what the heck is going on this week! Agendas are pure chaos this week.

Madison Demands Black Community Control of the Police

8 a.m. today - see you there?

School Board Week Ahead

Only one meeting again . . . Wednesday, July 13 5pm City of Madison Education Committee Meeting - Madison Water Utility, 119 E. Olin Avenue,...

County Board Week Ahead

8 out of 17 agendas also have broken links. And by the time I do my WORT summary of the week later this afternoon, 7 meetings will be done and over with . . .

City Week Ahead

Lots of links that don't work ... so this update is nearly useless. 13 out of 22 I can't get any information on . . . and its not just a problem with the weekly agenda, the links in legistar don't seem to work. 🙁

Community Meeting on Latest Officer Involved Shooting

Alder Rummel will be having a neighborhood meeting on Monday . . .

Community Policing Gone Wrong

I'm sitting here staring at my computer, having just watched the video of the woman from Minnesota who's boyfriend got shot and the tips...

Discussion about Madison Policing, without Koval

The Common Council Organizational Committee's agenda yesterday "Discussion of issues surrounding the community and the Madison Police Department" was held. Chief Koval apparently couldn't be bothered to show up. Neither could any of his supporters.

Brief (ish), Live (ish) Common Council Recap

I was really hear for the discussion before hand of the police department. Bottom line on that, they are all concerned and feel the need to do something, but they aren't sure what or how, but they seem determined not to let this moment go without doing something. They ran out of time on what. Then they had a presentation on the East Side Library, looks like Riendahl Park is the favored location - over East Town, (one I forgot) and Grandview Commons, which came in last.

One Madison Schools Meeting This Week?

It's all I could find. Wednesday, July 6th 5pm - Wright Middle School (WMS) Governance Board Meeting - Wright Middle School, 1717 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison,...

County Week Ahead

Only 7 meetings, but somehow they managed to schedule 3 of them at the same time, and 2 before 5:00.

City Week Ahead

13 meetings, 6 start before 5:00. Shouldn't be many additions with the new rules, but we'll see.

Progressive Dane Calls on City Council To File Complaint Against Chief Koval

When is comes to policing issues, the Madison community has been through a significant amount of divisiveness and turmoil again this month. It started with the threatening and inflammatory blog by our Chief of Police, Mike Koval. This was quickly followed by his contentious and disrespectful antics at the council meeting of June 7th. And when things started to cool down politically, the community was rocked by the shocking video of Madison police officers beating, kicking and tasing a young black woman, Genele Laird.

Chief Couper and Others Lay Out Plan to Improve OUR Police

It was a whole hour long press conference with a set of awesome speakers. We have an active an engaged community on this issue, but with reluctant leadership in our police department, there is no one to engage with. Listen (and watch) as they lay it all out for us. Several call for Koval to resign. All make it clear that what we saw last week, police beating a young woman, is unacceptable.

Mo’ Meetings

Oh, how frustrating . . . 5 changes . . .

More Details on former Police Chief Rev. David Couper 1:00 Press Conference Today

Speakers changed a little, but this is the latest info I have . . . I suspect this is a game changer.

Eric Upchurch: Why Genele’s release is not really a win for her or any of Us

Guest editorial . . . worth listening to!!! And supporting!!!

Koval vs. _______________

The whole damn community . . . the people speaking out is piling up . . . these is something wrong with police training, even it it meets some state or federal standards, it doesn't match our community standards. Former Chief Couper, Rep. Chris Tayor and D.A. Ismael Ozanne will hold a press conference at the City County Building today at 1:00, and likely add their voices. Police reform is needed now . . .

City Budget – 1st Quarter Report

Well . . . police and fire seem to be having the biggest negative impact on our budget, spending too much. And Room Taxes and building permit fees aren't bringing in as much money as we thought . . . Police and Fire spend whatever they want and we just pay it, business community over-promises. And we let it happen year, after year, after year. And guess what, this is going to be the worst budget ever in the history of the universe! So, predictable.

Judge Doyle Square, Final Agreement?

Of course, the one thing the city negotiators conceded on was the Labor Peace Agreement . . . and it appears to have cost us $1.25M more? (notes on "fee structure" are unclear to me) Board of Estimates will be discussing this tonight . . . in closed session . . . public beware.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

All three meetings on Monday . . .

County Week Ahead

3 meetings - 2 at noon or before, one at 6:30pm.

City Week Ahead

Four more days before the new rules kick in! Hopefully we don't have too many "Mo' Meetings" this week, but there are only 12 meetings, so I'm skeptical, even tho it is the end of the month and it is usually a bit lighter.

Take Action for Genele

From Freedom Inc, because no matter how the police explain it . . . this is not what we expect in our community. "Call District Ozanne to demand that there be no charges for Genele and she be released. 608.266.4211" Arraignment may be at 1:30 today . . . rally at 1:00 in front of the Jail.

What Koval says . . .

Hmmm, I find it very hard to trust that our chief of police knows what is going on . . . watch and listen...

MPD Latest and Greatest Police Training Video

I'm so tired of hearing that Madison Police are trained to national standards and there is no need for review. No need for review? Check this out! This is what you expect from other police departments, but not the national model police department here in Madison (Warning the content may be triggering, watch with caution)

Quick Common Council Recap (Brief)

I hope I don't regret that title. Baldeh and Harrington-McKinney are absent, along with Alder Palm who is excused. Mayor is even here!

What will the Council Talk About Tonight (UPDATED)

Anything on the agenda that is not on this list will be approved as recommended on the agenda, unless a member of the public wants to speak.

Is there any hope for Chief Koval?

I don't think so, he's too stubborn and proud to change his ways. Check out this exchange between Alder Baldeh and Chief Koval in the week after that atrocious council meeting. He continues to be combative and doesn't know when to stop, despite his pleas to move forward and forget about what happened.

Stolen from Cap Times who Stole if from Blue Jean Nation

Mike McCabe: You and I can't run for governor. 3 big reasons.

How to Apply for Rethke Apartments?

Ya, kinda don't. Conner will explain . . . but if you are interested in this type of housing in the future, there is something you must do to get considered. But then, don't wait, keep looking for housing! The list is loooooooong.

Ideas for Pedestrian and Bicycle Projects Needed

Next week Tuesday . . .

Mo’ Freakin’ Meetings

I guess I was a little too hopeful that the staff got the message . . . I guess the official deadline is July 1st.

Hey, Why Didn’t My County Board Supervisor Get Any Committee Appointments!?!

Because for a change, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi is being transparent . . . In addition to Heidi Wegleitner, John Hendrick didn't get any either. Oddly Jeremy Levin and Jeff Pertl didn't either. Neither did Robin Schmidt or Mike Willett. How'd your supervisor do?

County Week Ahead

8 out of 17 meetings before 5:00 - those are the ones they REALLY don't want you (or the county board supervisors) to go to. Don't worry, its minor topics that the public doesn't care about like what happens at the Alliant Energy Center, re-writing the zoning code, criminal justice related items, and topics like trees. Clearly small minor committee and topics the public don't care about.

More Day Center Bullshit . . .

I wonder what will be decreed from on high today . . . (I can guess).

Chief Koval Violates Police Code of Conduct

Let us count the ways . . . there are so many I'm sure to miss some and just skipped over some, so please, play along. I think the Common Council needs to censure him. His behavior was atrocious and he's not above following the police department Code of Conduct. He's setting a terrible example for others under his command and someone has to check this megalomaniac's power on behalf of the citizens of this city.

Good Use of Police Resources?

Why were TWO uniformed Madison police officers at a neighborhood meeting last night about an 8 unit development with 14 bedrooms?

Joe Parisi: 2017 Budget Instructions

I didn't even read it yet, but you know, this year will be one of the toughest budget years ever . . . again. No one can anything to the budget, except when he does it for new awesome programs handpicked by him with no public process.

Join Me in a Ginormous Happy Dance!!!

Democracy, equity, sunshine, open government, and, well, me (and you), all get to score a point today! And when you see the city clerk, tell her (and whomever helped make this decision) thank you! Thank you! Thank you! hugehappyface2 purplehappydancegirl hugehappyface

Judge Doyle Square Implodes Again . . .

Seriously, we've paid over a quarter million dollars to just one guy to negotiate this things and we failed . . . again? Beitler apparently said they were done negotiating, Board of Estimates rejects their proposal and instructs staff to keep negotiating with someone who says they won't negotiate. Deadline: July 5th.

Mo’ Meetings

3 more . . . grrrrr . . . this is just insulting to the public. No worries, just voting and policing issues. Mostly just civil right type stuff. Nothing to get your knickers in a bunch about . . .

Madison Schools Week Ahead

5 meetings, 4 of them today. They're have a public hearing on the budget, but failed to make the amendments the school board members submitted available?

County Week Ahead

5 of 11 meetings start before 5pm. 1 cancelled, 1 has no agenda.

City Week Ahead

Only 17 meetings listed, expect extra posts this week! Only 10 start after 5:00.

Common Council Recap, Part 3 (A MUST READ.)

This is the final portion, about the last 35 minutes of the council meeting from the other night. I highly recommend reading this, and a 4th post I will have on this subject. You can also just watch the last hour and a half is of the video if you have time. Or check out the clips from the Cap Times with the most outrageous moments. I'm proud of the council for their work the other night - yeah, write that down. Koval on the other hand is not fit to lead our police department. And he doesn't even get that his behavior was so outrageous, he doesn't see there is a problem after Tuesday night. He thinks its time to move on. I think its time for him to resign.

Council Recap, Part II (Police Policy Committee Study Funding)

Ok, had to go to part two, sorry for the gap in between the posts and for the somewhat less detailed blogging, its been a while since I tried to keep up at that level of detail for this many hours . . . so I didn't bring my A game, it more of a B-

Common Council Recap (Live-ish)

You'll have to cut me some extra slack, I"m rusty, its been a while . . . .

What Will The Council Talk About Tonight?

Soglin is absent again. Here's what they have picked to talk about . .. plus anything people show up to speak about.

3 (or 4) Ways to Help with the Day Center Today and Tomorrow (and Thursday)

Heh, I didn't have to write this cuz Heidi Wegleitner did . . . but I added one thing. Seriously, take a look and email or show up if you can . . . we need help to change the direction this is going - it needs to be a comprehensive center that is appropriately funded to get a good operator with the tools they need for this to be successful.

Chief Koval: What’s Up With the Thin Skin?

Seriously, the council hasn't patted you on the back enough so you're lashing out? Ya need more "atta-boys" to make it through the day? You say you're not going to be PC. Well, I'm not either. You're full of crap. We see through your political bullshit. The public/voters/taxpayers will too. You're losing the confidence of the public. And focusing on how the council hurt your feelings by not congratulating you to your liking is not the leadership we need from someone in your position right now. Deflecting from talking about what this report will actually do, isn't going to make it go away. Let's have a real conversation about those policies!

Mo’ Meetings

I'm so tired of these posts, aren't you. All three meetings are before 5:00 and if you need to request special accommodations (interpreters, translators, materials in alternate formats, etc,) you got less than 24 hours and as short at 1 hour to do so . . . if you got the notice immediately when it was released.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Sorry, this is very, very late . . .

County Week Ahead

Only 5 of the 20 meetings before 5:00!

City Week Ahead

The majority of this is the council meeting on Tuesday night, lots of stuff going on. 20 other meetings, only 7 start after 5:00. It seems to be getting worse. On Wednesday there are meetings at 8:30, 10, 11, 12, 4 and 4:30.

Mo’ Meetings

Here's 25% of the meeting for this week that were just posted yesterday. Again, no chance to get an accommodation, since there's just a few hours or none at all to make the 48 hour notice before the meeting to request one.

Madison Police: SWAT Team to Get Body Cameras?!

What? Public Hearing 5:00 on Wednesday.

One School Board Meeting

Thursday, June 2 6:00 Title VII Parent Committee Meeting - Doyle Administration Bldg. 545 W. Dayton Street Madison, WI 53703 Room 100A - American Indian...

County Week Ahead

6 meetings, 3 of them are at 5:30 on Thursday, 2 before noon this week.

City Week Ahead

9 meetings, 2 don't have agendas. Only 4 meetings start at 5:00 or after.

Street Closures Downtown this Weekend!

Heads up! Traffic snarls and bus detours.

At what point should a public employee be fired?

At what point is a public employee so belligerent, so incompetent, so obstructionist that they should be fired? I spent 8 years as an elected official and I've seen staff be not cooperative because the mayor didn't want them to be or because they disagree. And I get it. It's part of the political system, but when has it gone too far? Last night I witnessed an amazing display of disregard for elected officials and the committee that is the lead on a very public project. Are our elected officials to just stand by while county staff run the show? If our elected officials can't get information and be part of the process, what chance does the public have?

Day Center Debacle Continues . . .

6 years later, in summer of 2017 we may have a day center . . . but will it be incomplete? And underfunded? And understaffed? And set up for failure? It appears to be headed that way - but hopefully the city council and county board will step in! Committees throughout the city and county are saying enough is enough, do this right. Again, catching up from vacation, but the Health and Human Needs meeting is tonight (5:30 room 351) and advocates should plan to attend!

So, This Happened While I Was on Vacation . . .

ACLU hammers the Madison Police Department for its discriminatory blue-lining practices towards tenants! Wait, what? What does the police department have to do with tenants? Plenty.

What’s Left of the County Week Ahead

Only missed one meeting yesterday . . . 15 meetings left. Homeless Resource Center Concept paper, letting homeless use county address to get state i.d. and diversion workgroup.

What’s Left of the City Week Ahead

Ok - I'm back from vacation. Didja miss me? 16 meeting left, 2 cancelled. Liquor licenses that are under extra scrutiny in the annual review, the 5 year parks & open space plan and choosing cheap electricity over affirmative action are the areas of interest.

Tenant Resource Center is Hiring

Tenant Resource Center is hiring! Lead Case Manager/Program Director. Resume and cover letter due noon on Thursday, June 2nd.

Invest In Community, Not Cops

Seriously, looks like the cops are gearing up to ask for 10 more cops for the next several years . . . at a cost of an additional $5M a years. What if we invested that money in community services instead? What a SIGNIFICANT change that would be in our community!

Mo’, Freakin’ meetings!

Seriously . . . this makes 5 meetings this week with 31 hours notice or less . . . I think that's a new low. There's also a cancellation.

Ending Homelessness Plan: A Procedural Disaster

I could not be more frustrated. We have blown a HUGE opportunity to have a community plan to prevent and end homelessness that people would have buy-in to and we could all rally around. But its been a bit of a disaster from the get-go and it continues to be a joke. A plan, for a shelf somewhere, but we can check the box in our HUD grants and get the point.

Public Hearing Tonight to Raise Bus Fares

Monthly bus passes going up from $58.00 to $67.50. I can park in my local parking ramp for a month at night cheaper than that.

Mo’ Mo’ Meetings

This one is so rushed they have three members appearing by phone . . . what's the rush - a liquor license for a marathon event? 27 hours notice of the meeting.

City: Why So Hostile? Local Democracy Needs a Re-boot!

Why is it ok to belittle, berate and be so openly hostile to people trying to participate in their democracy with the decks stacked against them? Last week was a low in public participation as I have never seen before in this city that I love. I just feel sick seeing how citizens giving input or testimony get treated by the City of Madison. Watch as Susan Schmitz from Downtown Madison Inc throws a fit and yells at a citizen who gave input at the City Council meeting, the police chief calls a person "ludicrous" and I get told not to show up to a public hearing and get chastised for being critical of something that they asked for input on and the input session on the Department of Civil Rights Director scheduled on a Friday night not surprisingly gets two members of the public to show up.

Mo’ Meetings

I grow so tired of this . . . every week, 3 - 10 extra meetings that didn't get posted on Friday, often with 24 - 48 hours notice, today its 26 hours notice, 26 hours notice and 30 hours notice. Last night the Homeless Issues Committee had to be cancelled because the CITY failed to post it properly - the county got it done.

School Board Week Ahead

5 meetings - including layoffs and upcoming budget.

County Week Ahead

18 meetings and only 5 before 5:00.

City Week Ahead

11 of the 21 meetings Monday - Thursday are before 5:00. More than half . . . its like the public isn't really encouraged to attend the meetings . . .

Occupy Madison Tiny House Village Plant Sale Tomorrow

Tomorrow 11 - 3 at 304 N. 3rd Street. Live music, food, plants for sale, OM goods for sale, tours of the village, raffle tickets for sale, and a chance to help us raise money for "phase II" of our project to add a kitchen and community room, which allows us to put more houses on the site. (see below for raffle prizes)

Tony Robinson: Art Show and Moment of Silence Tonight

You ever have the feeling you're going to live forever? I mean like you're never going to die?... I'm going to be great, I...

MPD: Gearing Up to Ask For More Police

So, when the city grows, nonprofits who do a lot of services for the City of Madison don't get increases based on population growth, many years we didn't even get a cost of living increase, so why does the Madison Police Department get such increases? If they get 4 officers every year to keep pace, shouldn't community services get an commensurate increase?

Need an ID? Wanna Vote?

Better start working on it now! Vote Riders will get you there! And volunteers will make it easy for you! Thanks to Union Cab and Scott McDonell in Dane County Clerks Office! Call 608-729-7720 to get help.

Dane County Human Services Committee Year Ahead

In county government most things are carefully controlled and pre-decided. Without significant calls for change, which won't happen anytime soon, Sharon Corrigan and her minions have carefully choreographed things so that they remain in control - which includes making sure people don't run against incumbents, guaranteeing who gets elected to the chair, ensuring that the budget gets passed as they want it and determining who the committee chairs are. Last night the Health and Human Needs Committee saw a slight boat rocking . . . which of course, was tightly controlled. Don't worry your pretty little heads Jeremy Levin was returned to his throne as overlord of the Health and Human Needs Committee . . . but not without at least a little discussion.

Mo’ Meetings

What a surprise! (no, not at all) x more meetings, look for more tomorrow and maybe even Wednesday.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight

Anything you (or anyone else) show(s) up to speak on and . . .

Mayor and Alders say Keep Downtown MATC

9 alders and the mayor are asking MATC to be more creative, close the west side campus, not downtown AND build the south side campus. Frankly, I don't get the either/or nature of downtown and southside.

What do you want in a new City Civil Rights Director?

Input needed! Live in person or by email. Personally, I'd like to see someone who cares passionately about fair housing and discriminatory housing patterns.

Where are the minutes?

Ok, for multiple reasons I was looking at this, and I'm actually looking for some minutes from a particular committee due to my request for a copy of a report discussed at a committee being denied. (More to come) But this is deeply disturbing. How do you find the minutes to these meetings? Of the 132 "council discussions" in legistar since 11/1/2005, only two of them have minutes. Of the meetings not in legistar this year, but in the "additional meetings" page on the clerks site, of the 70 meetings, only 5 have minutes.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Just two meetings that I can find . . . I'm sure there are more . . .

County Week Ahead

15 meetings . . . and we'll be seeing the new supervisors in their new assignments and find out who will be chairing committees.

City Week Ahead

I don't know what is wrong here, but there is no way that there are only 11 meetings this week. Watch for Mo' Meetings, Mo' Mo' Meetings and probably Mo' Freakin' Meetings.

Council Culture of Secrecy

I've only been off the council for 7 years, but I find its culture of open whining about how hard it is to be on the council and its focus on itself instead of issues disturbing. But its culture of secrecy is even more concerning. Just look at the the charge of the committee that came up with the "government reform", and their agendas, and how their minutes are written. None of the meetings had more than 72ish hours notice of the meetings - find out Friday at 4:30 for a Monday meeting for three of them, the other had 30 hours notice. This doesn't appear to be a council that values the public in way shape or form. And I'm not sure what new leadership can do to fix it, given the ingrained culture of the current elected officials.

Om Village Video, Plant Sale and Tour de Tiny

Plant sale and bike tour is next Saturday!

$69,000 to Chase Homeless People Away

What if we were to use that money to pay for staff to work with homeless people to meet their needs, what would be more effective? Is this really our city's priorities? Before they spend this money, they should do an equity analysis!

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Here's what I could decipher . . . the school board meetings are so cryptic to me . . .

County Week Ahead – Cancelled?

It's Passover, so 6 meetings, all cancelled.

City Week Ahead

17 meetings . . . so, on an average week they add roughly 1/3 of the meetings after Friday evening, so expect 6 - 8 more meetings to show up this week, check back for Mo' Meetings . . .

County Board Appointments Are Out!

So . . . does it matter if the county board chair (our council president) or the county executive (or mayor) makes the appointments? Not really, there are always winners and losers.

What are our City’s Priorities

You hear politicians say at budget time, that the budget reflects our priorities. Does it? Does it Really? Cuz I don't like what I'm seeing, and I think it explains our little equity problem quite well, especially in terms of arrest rates. We'd rather police people, then help them avoid that route in life.

Madison City Ticket Resolution Day – Part 2

If you've got city tickets, here's your "LAST" chance to reduce or resolve them! (Seriously, you have lots more chances. Don't believe the hype.)

4/20 Ben Masel Day

Was reminded of this via facebook h/t to Irving (for the reminder) and Leslie (for Phil Ejercito's awesome photo). Makes me sad. The world needs more Ben Masel's, now more than ever. ben

City Travel Also Banned to Mississippi, But What About Charlette?

Another email from the mayor . . . update and a question

Mo Freakin’ Meetings

20 meetings has turned into 29 . . . in just 48 hours . . . hopefully there are not more . . . that's a large margin of error!

County Board Leadership

Boring in comparison . . . but equally disturbing as they just work out everything behind the scenes. And voted not to allow people to speak a second time when a committee considers an item if they spoke the first time, even if the item (like the budget) has changed. The big issue is that we take up too much time. Annoying public, just let them do their work and stop bothering them.

15 Ballots to Elect A City Council President

So, you may have already read this on my facebook, but in case you haven't . . . this was crazy, it took an hour and 40 minutes. Don't say I didn't warn you . . .

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight (Updated)

You can't tell from this list but . . . who will be the next council president and Pro Tem is a hot topic tonight . . .

Judge Doyle Square, Round (I’ve Lost Track)

Among other things being voted on tonight, the council will be voting on which developer and project they want to go with on Judge Doyle Square.

Drama over Council Leadership?

So, a week ago everyone thought that Mo Cheeks was running for President and Marsha Rummel was running for Pro Tem (soon to be called the Vice President) . . . until last Thursday . . .

Mo’ Meetings

4 more . . . until more are added today.

City Bans Travel to North Carolina!

So says the Mayor! Standing up for the LGBTQ community, emphasis on the T.

What do YOU Want in a Historic Preservation Plan?

Landmarks Commission will be talking about the scope of services in the Request for Proposals (RFP) that will be going out, talking about it TONIGHT!. Before you start snoozing at that boring language . . . this is the part that matters. What you get depends upon what you ask for!

Mayor’s Moratorium on Food/Drink/Alcohol Establishments in Downtown

This will be discussed tonight at the Plan Commission, Wednesday at ALRC and Thursday at Downtown Coordinating Committee. Question is, does anyone but the mayor think this is a good idea? Or necessary?

Madison Schools Week Ahead

I feel so incompetent, it looks like there is only one meetings this week - that may or may not be true. You figure it out. Of course, that one meeting is during the day.

County Week Ahead

14 meetings, all but 5 are on Wednesday. And only 6 are after 5:00 (public unwelcome/not encouraged to attend)

City Week Ahead

20 meetings . . . 9 of them before 5:00 . . . public not welcome/encouraged to attend.

Mo Meetings!

3 more . . . 2 tomorrow, 1 Friday

Mayor Proposes Citizen Task Force on Government Structure

The mayor and I are a lot alike in some regards. Good idea Mayor.

Council, If you Want More Power, Use the Power You Have

Sigh . . . I don't get it. Every time the council gets together to talk about how hard their jobs are they just look whiny and incompetent. Seriously, they can just use the power they already have to solve the problems they think they have. Please see my open letter to the council below.

“Draft” Day Resource Center Concept Paper

I might be being dense here, but there is nothing new in this that Lynn Green hasn't been saying all along. There appears to be no feedback mechanism at the moment, except to email Lynn Green and Casey Becker, but I don't know what happens with that feedback (likely nothing, like the rest of our feedback so far) and then I'm unclear what the next steps are except to go right to a RFP, with no public discussion of this.

Council Discusses “Reform” Tonight, Public Not Welcome

It's a public meeting, but there will be no public comment. I'm not sure why they don't want to hear from the public, but I think it stinks. It's our public body that represents us, changing how they represent us, but apparently we shouldn't worry our pretty little heads about it.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

I found 6 meetings . . . I'm sure there are more . . .

County Week Ahead

16 meetings, 10 of them before 5pm . . . working public not welcome.

City Week Ahead

Sorry for the delay, I worked 25 hours between Friday night at 6pm when our office closed and 3:30 am this morning. Nonprofit work is ridiculous. Anyways . . . that's over now! 21 meetings this week, on allegedly scheduled at 6:30 am on Wednesday, 8 of them scheduled before 5pm

Get Out And Vote!!

Sunny and pleasant today! Bring your I.D., you can still register at the polls if you have something to prove where you live (lease, utility bill, etc)! Election parties tonight also listed here.

Madison Schools Week Ahead

4 meetings that I could find . . . sigh . . . hate their system, I know I'm missing some but am not sure where to find them.

County Week Ahead

14 meetings - no meetings on Tuesday (election day) or Wednesday.

City Week Ahead

18 meetings, no meetings on Tuesday (election day!).

TRC’s Iron Chef Event Tonight!

No tickets needed, donate at the door ($25 suggested, but give according to your means!) It's the biggest competition we've done yet!!

Police and Fire Commission 101

As told by Scott Herrick, the Attorney for the Madison Police and Fire Commission, based on questions submitted by the Community Response Team. It's a video worth watching if you have the time and interest!

Voter Suppression from Madison Police Department?

Be afraid, be very afraid. If you vote you could be at risk of being blown up!

Heidi Wegleitner: Our government is broken

Her comments from the Bernie Sanders rally, in case you missed them!

Dane County Affordable Housing Summit

Mark your calendars and register now . . . tho I'm not sure they really want people from Madison or advocates there . . .

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

So, this is a three page explanation . . . really there are 4 items the council members want to talk about . . . and then whatever the public shows up to speak on might be talked about . . . or they could add things at the meeting.

(4) Mo’ Meetings in 1.5 hours!

This is just absurd . . . 4 new meetings and 2 cancellations in the first hour and a half of today. Why?

Madison Schools Week Ahead (UPDATED!!!)

2 meetings.

County Week Ahead

5 meetings, 8:15, noon, noon, 5:30 and 5:30.

City Week Ahead

10 meetings this week, which will likely turn into 14 - 18 by the end of the week.

Latest Blow to Tenants in Wisconsin!

This is the 5th change to tenant landlord laws in Wisconsin in 4.5 years. We at the Tenant Resource Center are exhausted from trying to keep up . . . the governor passed the bill on 2/29, it was published on 3/1 and went into effect on 3/2. The laws became available electronically on 3/17 (last Thursday) and here's our latest and greatest summary. Landlords now act like police, determining what is criminal behavior, punishing the person or their family . . . but they also still have to prove it in court!

Salvation Army Now Allows 45 Women Into Shelter Each Night!

No new funding, but Salvation Army prioritizes the safety of single women.

Family Overflow Shelter Starts April 4th!

Wow!!!!! This is truly exciting, currently the "warming shelter" only allows 18 people (3 - 5 families) the rest get turned away on a nightly basis. THANK YOU First United Methodist Church!!!! And County Board for funding the staff.

Apply to MPD’s Citizen Academy

If you are interested in policing issues, I hear this is worth the time, eye opening and interesting. Resist the propaganda, see what you...

Poll Workers Needed

Hiring fair, or sign up on line!

Progressive Dane Seeks Additional Reform to City Council Process

The news of council reform at first seemed promising and Progressive Dane applauds efforts to “strengthen the Council’s ability to shape the . . . future investment in our neighborhoods.” “If the council is going to seriously consider reforms that will help the public participate in local government and strengthen input into investment in our neighborhoods that is exciting” said Party Co-Chair Sue Pastor. However, we don’t find the reforms proposed by Alders Mark Clear and David Ahrens are sufficient to reach this goal. Renaming committees, changing the length of term of the council president and switching which individual (mayor or council president) appoints alders to committees don’t seem to go far enough to reach this goal. Progressive Dane would like to see the council also consider passing ordinances requiring the following:

Mo’ Meetings (Updated)

Sigh . . . grrrrr . . . ack!!!!! 4 more in the last 12 hours . . .

Everything you ever wanted to know about Bail!

Yes, everything! And you get to find out tonight!

City Budget Reform?

Alders Mark Clear and David Ahrens have proposed "reforms" that would allegedly "re-balance the powers of the legislative and executive branches and strengthen the Council’s ability to shape the budget and future investment in our neighborhoods." If find that the proposals don't really do that, and they already have a strong council weak mayor system in place, they just don't use the power they already have. There are much better reforms to be made.

County Week Ahead

Also only a dozen meetings, only two start before 5:00, but they start before noon!

City Week Ahead

Only a dozen meetings? Spring Break effect, or . . . will more pop up throughout the week? Half of them start before 5pm.

Council Reform?

Email to all alders, FAQs and press release.

School Board Week Ahead

3 meetings tonight, 1 Wednesday and a candidate forum on Wednesday.

County Week Ahead

13 meetings, half before 4:00.

City Week Ahead

Only 16 meetings and one is cancelled. That is sure to change! Nearly half are before 5:00.

What is this?

Yesterday morning when I read this, after puking (there is only so much smarminess one person can take), I was intrigued. After all the work we have been doing to get homeless people to have a program to pay off their tickets for the past two years . . . voila! I'm glad the program is here, but it brings up many, many questions, not the least of which, why'd we only get 5 days notice of this?

Affordable Housing for the Isthmus!

Here is a joint (draft) statement from Greater Williamson Street Area Business Association, Common Wealth, Marquette Neighborhood Association, A Place to Be and Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Association representatives to promote affordable housing options on the Isthmus. It's still being worked on, but its a start!

Parking Rates Going Up!!!

Public input needed Wednesday . . . or send in your comments before then!

Mo’ meetings!

Board of Parks Commissioners tonight?! 5 more years of Shake the Lake!

Remembering Tony Robinson

Not stopping, until there is Justice for Tony. First 15 minutes is the march with speeches from Andrea Irwin, Tony's Mom, other moms...

City to Authorize 5 more years of fireworks!

Tonight, the resolution is at Board of Estimates. Looks like it is also referred to the Board of Park Commissioners and then will be voted on by the council. 5 more years.

School Week Ahead

There is no attachment in the "library" under legal notice for this week. So, the only meetings listed here are the ones under "featured" and "meetings" (which are not the same)

County Week Ahead

18 meetings, 7 before 5pm.

City Week Ahead

Only 16 meetings - 7 are before 5pm. More to come I'm sure . . .

Tony Robinson Events This Weekend

Today, Tomorrow, Sunday and until there is Justice for Tony.

Police Policy Committee Does the Right Thing

Of course they did, look who's on the committee! (Seriously, great committee members!)

Seriously?! Mo’ Mo’ Meetings (Updated)

3 meetings added on THURSDAY, with 1 day left in the week. It's like they don't even try to give people actual notice of meetings and use this as a way to make sure no one shows up.

$50,000 will provide a “comprehensive review” of the Police Department?

That's preposterous! Tonight at 5:30 at the Water Utility the Police Policy and Review Committee will be discussing how they will spend the $50,000 the City Council gave them to aid them in their work. Funny thing about it is, they are still gathering information about their "work" and determining what it will be. How do they know this is how they want to spend that (relatively speaking) small amount of money?

Mo’ Meetings

1 cancellation, 3 additions (two from this morning)

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Nothing? Bah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha . . . .

Big Share Today! Think Tenant Resource Center! (Updated with Winners!)

Or any of the other 70 great Community Shares organizations, its so hard to choose! TRC staff has taken over my facebook page, enjoy their silliness and see below to see how you can help us by donating during certain times of the day and the "prizes" you can win . . . we already have our first winner!!!!

School Board Week Ahead

2 meetings "featured" under meetings, and 3 more secret meetings under "library". Monday February 29th 4:30 Badger Rock Middle School (BRMS) Governance Board Meeting - Badger...

County Week Ahead

11 meetings, all but 2 are on Thursday, 5 are before 5:00.

City Week Ahead

18 meetings, 2 have agenda's missing, 9 are before 5:00. More to come, stay tuned.

Live (ish) Council Recap

Sorry, no time to do more than type this as its happening and hope it works out ok!

Mo’ Mo’ Meetings

4 more to add to the 2 from yesterday, and the 19 meetings that were up on Friday. 20% fail so far, and its only Tuesday.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Here's their "consent" or really "non-consent" agenda. Everything else on the agenda will pass unless someone shows up to speak or an alder decides to pull something off the agenda.

Mo’ Meetings

I'm so sick and tired of these posts . . .

Black Workers in Dane County Discussion

index Join the discussion to improve the economic status of Black Workers in Dane County.

CCOC Recommends Tim Gruber for 11th Dist. Alder

It only took 3 hours, 14 candidates, 2 rounds of voting and 8 alders to decide. In the end, the 14 candidates were reduced to 8, 3 made it to round 2.

New Dane County Housing Website

Information and resources . . . make sure to check out the fact sheet.

Oscar Mayer Listening Session Wednesday

Alder Rebecca Kemble posted this:

14 people applied to fill District 11 Alder Seat

Yeah 14. We only have 4 races for 37 county board seats, but when you don't have to campaign, raise money, deal with nastiness, etc. we have plenty of people willing to serve . . . by tomorrow, it will be decided who will be filling this seat.

School Board Week Ahead

Um . . . there is nothing on the meetings page, but this is on the Library page.

County Week Ahead

20 meetings, 30% before 5:00.

City Week Ahead

19 meetings, 1 cancelled, more to come . . .

Who Gets To Decide Next Steps on the Day Center

Well . . . as they have said to us . . . United Way does. Why United Way? And why are some nonprofits brought to the table and not others? And why not the elected officials in the area around the day center? Not the neighborhood?

Police Policy Committee Meets Tonight!

One agenda item . . .
Presentations from organizations serving communites of color related to communites of color and policing: - JEMS Enterprises of Madison - Peng Her - Latino Consortium for Change - Freedom Inc. - Justified Anger - Black Lives Matter - Young, Gifted, and Black

Alliant Energy Center Updates and Info

County Board votes tonight, Council postpones update for second time, and who cares? You probably should, because we'll probably be forking over another boatload of TIF money and other subsidies to make something happen, lets makes sure its something out community wants and needs.

Mo’ Meetings (Updated!?!)

Sorry, should have done this one earlier this week! You can still make it to 3 of the 4 meetings

(To)Day Without Latinos and Immigrants

I'm hoping this gets wide participation and alot of attention. Event and traffic info below.

Street Lights and Benches or Affordable Housing

How should the county be spending its federal money?

Election Night Results Follies . . .

Campaign results in local campaigns are usually in within 20 minutes to an hour of the polls closing. Last night, with hardly anything on the ballot . . . it was hours.

Uh, Don’t Forget To Vote!

Most people only have the Supreme Court primary . . . but its important! Vote Kloppenburg! You might have another thing to vote...

2.5 Days to Talk About Homelessness?

Or at least a portion of 2.5 days. I know I'll be taking 2.5 days off work to attend . . .

Judge Doyle Square to have PUBLIC discussion!

Last night the Board of Estimates was supposed to make a decision about which of the two remaining developers to choose for Judge Doyle Square? What would our starting point for the millions of dollars of TIF and city assistance be? Not a single member of the public showed up to give input. Not. one. So, they decided to keep both in the running and have a PUBLIC interview with both candidates.

JDS: Option 1? 2? Or None?

Staff recommendations are out and the Board of Estimates will be voting on what to do tonight . . . of course, its scheduled for closed session . . . like it always is . . .

(New and Improved) School Week Ahead

Now that I found some more of the meetings, not listed under "meetings". Sigh.

County Week Ahead

11 meetings, 4 of them before 5:00.

City Week Ahead

12 meetings? Seriously? Watch for several more posts this week announcing meetings.

Republicans Attack Local Control, Pass Dangerous Bill Gutting Local Landlord/Tenant Laws

From Lisa Subeck . . . read it and weep. Another lesson learned about not trusting the legislative alert system to give you timely information - I thought for some reason the Assembly was voting on this next week, but apparently they did yesterday.

County Board, District 1, Candidate Forum

From last night. Sponsored by Capital Neighborhoods Inc.

School Lessons

You'd think when you looked at the meeting sections of a website, they'd post all the meetings there. No, some are, the rest are in the Library tab, under legal notices . . . and apparently, there are still more meetings that aren't listed in either place. No wonder no one runs for school board in Madison, its like some magical mystical secret club and you need to know the password to get in. I asked for a secret decoder ring, hopefully it arrives in the mail soon!

WYOU Fundraiser!

Next Thursday. I have a soft spot in my heart for them, they taught me everything I know about video! And I'm still a member . . . gotta support the team! Silent auction (Madison Mallards, Kessenich's, Artful HOme, Willy St. Co-op, Petosi Brewery), 50-50 raffle and WYOU gets $1 for every beer you buy!

Statewide Standards for Body Cameras?

Introduced . . . will it pass?

Military Jets Got You Down?

All week they will be flying around 10pm. And again for another week in March. You CAN do something about it.

Another Example of Elected Officials Shut Down by Lawsuits/City Attorney?

This time, Kipp. There hasn't been a neighborhood meeting since 2012 and people want to know why . . . I'm guessing I know the answer . . . cuz Marsha Rummel, queen of the neighborhood meeting, certainly isn't afraid of her constituents!!! And, on the topic covered here beyond public meetings, is this how we handle environmental health issues in this city, county and state? Hand the communications details with the neighbors over to the corporate polluters? And then if they don't inform people, people don't know, and they don't ask questions. We like to believe we live in a city that encourages public participation, but Maria asks a good question "What is democracy in Madison coming to when public health agencies hand over this important risk communication task to the corporate polluter?"

Sunday Night Fireworks, Monday Morning Musings

Did you hear them Sunday night after the football game? Seems as those most of the city did - north and east at least did.

End Homelessness for Families by 2020

We were supposed to end veteran homelessness by the end of last year (we didn't do so well, here, we are not number one)...

Resolution the City Attorney Doesn’t Want You to See!

Or the council to have a chance to vote on. Someone tell me what the legal risk is here?

Tenney Lapham “Wrapping Up” Its Input on Day Center?

Tonight! Seems a little soon for that, given we have no clue what the final building plans will be (or even the preliminary ones) and we don't know what the process will be to get an operator (or who the operator will be). I wouldn't know what input to officially give at this point in the process.

Join the National Call-In Days Against the TPP

Watch for City and County resolutions on this issue as well.

County Criminal Justice Workgroups: Where are we now?

Well, here's the official update . . .new data analyst to be hired this spring, seeking grants for training, one-day court train on implicit bias, a new work group on diversion programs, sheriff updates on solitary confinement, information on bail determinations, signature bonds and initial appearances, and more grants for 12 - 16 year old Madison youth to all be able to go through restorative justice programs rather than getting a municipal citation. Hmm. Progress, but what next? We're not done are we?

Regional Transportation Plan

Sigh, more planning. But its important! Time to make your voices heard and help create the vision for the next 30 years or so.

School Board Week Ahead

3 meetings!

County Week Ahead

8 meetings before 5:00, out of 18. Public input not wanted - or for that matter, other county board supervisor input.

City Week Ahead

14 meetings before 5pm, out of 24. Sending a very, very strong message that the public is generally unwelcome.

Day Center Update: City Version

This is the update the CDBG committee got on the day center last night. This update is from the city's point of view, perhaps a bit different than you hear from Lynn Green or Joe Parisi.

Funding Nonprofits: Great Services vs. Strong Administration

So, the discussion about who will do street outreach services for homeless people is my example here, but you can apply it to the day center service providers, the Housing Help Desk (county housing services) and the coordinated intake system (for homeless services) too. What would you prefer? Great services, right? What win's RFP's (Requests for Proposals) or grant funding battles? The perception of how strong your administrative skills are or the perception of the strength of your organization. i.e. the larger organizations.

Police Policy: A few issues to think about

On January 7th, I testified about what issues the police policy committee should talk about. After being cut off by the chair, but allowed to speak by the body (1st person not held to three minutes, and only 2 or 3 people spoke), I was asked to put my testimony in writing (yeah, cuz I have time for that). I did . . . but then couldn't figure out who to send it to, so it sat in my computer until yesterday when I sent it to the committee members I could find an email address for and one of the staff I had an email for, but not the primary staff cuz I couldn't remember his name or find it quickly. Remember, they are meeting tonight, notice came out on Monday.

School Board Retreat Saturday

Agenda came out yesterday. Yeah, 2.5 days notice . . . you know how I feel about things like that. These bodies make it near impossible for them to get media coverage or to have public engagement.

Who Cares About a Room Tax Commission?

You do, you might just not know it, yet. They will be deciding where $3.8M of the $5.5M (or more) in room taxes collected will be spent.

District 11 Alder? Get the Job without an Election?!

dist 11 If you live in District 11, listen up. In just a few weeks, the City Council will be deciding who your Alder is until next Spring!

City Council Recap (Live-ish)

You'll get what you get . . . a slightly less detailed version, unedited. You get what you pay for.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight

Not cancelled. Possible Absences: Ald. Barbara McKinney, Ald. Amanda Hall

Thursday: Police Policy and Mental Health

Another Stolen Post: Thanks Nino Rodriguez!

Early Voting Starts February 1

Voting will be tricky for many this spring, here's the early voting rules.

Public Telling: Money Out/Voters In Coalition

Here's an update from Richard Russell . . .

Mo’ Meetings

Watch for cancellations as well. How annoying is it that the police policy committee can't get their agenda out on time, its like they don't really want people to participate. I know they cut me off . . . but not others.

Susan Pastor: Police Tackle and Jail High Schooler with Autism

School Board report from January 25:

School Board Week Ahead

One meeting, on Monday, as per usual. This week, Operations Work Group.

County Board Week Ahead

10 meetings, only 3 before 5:00.

City Week Ahead

Only 17 meetings, so you know that's a big fat lie, watch for more meetings next week. Last week they added 8 meetings. 7 of the 15 weekday meetings start before 5:00.

Chief actually informing public in advance of Forums!

Nice change of pace . . .

Tsk, Tsk. Might Be a Good Time to Sign Up for that Committee!

Mayor cracking down on quorum! (It's about time.) Somehow tho, it always sounds like you're being lectured . . .

Mo’ Mo’ Meetings!

With 2 days left in the week, how the hell did the city add three meetings today?! Is this some kind of joke?

Mo’ Meetings

5 so far . . . all city. One cancellation and one agenda that wasn't previously available.

TIF, TIF, TIF and more TIF

Joe Gramacki, the City's TIF coordinator gives his quarterly TIF report to the Board of Estimates (city finance committee). It's a doosey. Developers ask, we bend over. (backwards, to help them).

Plan Commission Hostility to Hearing from the Public?!

So, long story short. The city wants to put a bike path through the back of the Tiny House Village, removing 6 of the 9 houses. There could possibly be some additional land given to the village - and we could put 6 houses there - but that a crap ton of work for a volunteer group of people to do just to come out even. We've been talking to the city, nothing has been settled on and yesterday, this issue popped up on the plan commission agenda, much to our surprise! What happened next was even more surprising.

School Board Week Ahead

1 meeting, or 2, depending upon how you look at it.

County Week Ahead

16 meetings, 1 cancelled, 5 before 5:00.

City Week Ahead

Hard to believe January is coming to an end . . . 21 meetings, 2 cancelled, 11 start before 5pm, more to be scheduled throughout the week I'm sure . . . WARNING: Lots of decoy links . . . with nothing in them.

Another Set Back for the Homeless Day Center

The RFP for who will provide services there had one respondent, and they were rejected. Oh, that's not all . . .

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

This one has attachments! 🙂

Madison Schools Week Ahead

Nothing, I guess . . . unless they add something like they did last week . . .

County Week Ahead

15 meetings, 2 cancelled, 7 held during the work day for most people.

City Week Ahead

3 days, 17 meetings, 2 cancelled, 5 held at times people with day jobs can't attend and XX? will be added on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mo’ Meetings

Geez, 5 changes already Monday. . . one today

Madison Schools Week Ahead

No. school. board. candidates. except. incumbents. None. This needs some sunlight.

County Week Ahead

Only 4 of the 13 meetings before 5:00 . . . how do county board supervisors with day jobs participate in their own governing structure?

City Week Ahead

Seems a little light, 17 meetings, so watch for "Mo' Meetings" later this week . . . but perhaps it just that the schedules in the fall are jam packed and this is the lighter time of the year.

Local Democracy is Dead.

There are 40 seats up for election between the Dane County Board and Madison School Board only 4 of the seats are being challenged. And once again, people who have never run for election are walking into seats. What these two entities have in common, is that they rarely get regular coverage from the Wisconsin State Journal and other other media outlets (who mostly get their news from the Wisconsin State Journal).

What Police Policies Need To Be Addressed?

Your input needed today at 5:30 (or email your input!)

Mo’ Meetings!

2 adds, 1 subtract at the City.

Livish Brief Blog of Council Meeting

Multi-tasking . . .

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Here's the consent agenda.

Pitifully Few Vie for County Board/School Board Seats

Filing deadline is tomorrow and out of 37 potential county board races, there are currently . . . four. 3 known retirements from the board. 89% of the county board supervisors are likely to skate through another election, unopposed. No contested races for 3 of the 7 school board seats?

County $15 Living Wage?

Meeting tonight at 5:30, Room 251 City-County Building. Personnel and Finance Committee. Item D 12.

County Week Ahead

Meetings only on Monday (3) an Thursday (5).

City Week Ahead

12 meetings? I bet there's a whole lot more we find out about on Monday and Tuesday!

Today, We Say Good-bye Housing Help Desk

17 years. It doesn't feel so good to do something for 17 years and be kicked out on your butt without as much as a thank you - but instead a, "let's never do business again". So it goes when working with the county. Can't say I'm sad to have the relationship end. But our clients . . . and the people who need our help, well that crushes my soul.

Snow Emergency!

Listen up - especially if you are new to living downtown! Tickets, tickets, tickets!!!!! Free parking in the parking ramps!

City and County Week Ahead (Cancelled)

1 meeting. One.

County’s Version of What Happened With Bethel

Here's a response from Lynn Green to an email from Ed Kuharski that I was cc'd on. A different version of the story. And plans to give the money to . . . drumroll please . . . PORCHLIGHT! A miraculous solution in 17 hours or less!

It’s a WTF Kind of Day – Vacant Affordable Housing to be Torn Down . . .

for a playground and parking.

Disturbing Holiday News: Bethel Homeless Day Center Not Contracting with County for 2016

I can only tell you what I have heard, I don't have many details, but this seems to be the official communication on this matter. Who knows where the blame lies?

How the County “Partners” with Non-Profits it Underpays

Do you see anything here that makes you think that this is a real partnership in any way, shape or form? Or is it just words on a paper meant to pacify and not be read by the community (released yesterday).

United Way: Hates the Tenant Resource Center

Yesterday, we finally got to see the scores, but not the full detail, of the RFP were Tenant Resource Center lost their funding. And any tiny morsel of faith I had left in the process was destroyed. How is this a fair process? Ask your elected officials!

Changes to TRC Services Starting January 1

So, there are many changes afoot at the Tenant Resource Center. Sadly, our once seamless services are about to get messy due to our many small contracts. In summary, here is what changes January 1st.

%$^#!

After waiting for 3.5 year for the Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection to update their regulations, to be consistent with tenant-landlord laws passed by the state legislature - apparently they have . . . and apparently, the went a little further than just making their laws consistent! And apparently (how embarrassing) the laws became effective 11-1-15 and I just figured it out yesterday!

Rep. Gannon said what?

MADISON – Today, Representative Bob Gannon released a statement saying, “Wisconsin does not have a death penalty law, but with significant practice and careful aim, law abiding citizens can help clean our society of these scum bags.” Rep. Chris Taylor (D-Madison) released the following statement:

City and County Week Ahead

There's only 4 meetings, 1 city (today), 3 county (all tomorrow).

Longest Night Rememberance Today at 3:00

Please join MUM, First Congregational UCC, Lake Edge UCC, Lakeview Lutheran Church, Grace Episcopal Church and First United Methodist Church at 3:00 p.m. on...

Open Letter:Who Serves 5,564 clients who’s services have been cut?

Please ask the county board and County Executive, what happens to people who had their services cut in the county budget.

A Little More Truth Revealed

The county wants elected officials to believe that TRC just didn't write as good of a proposal as CAC did. They say there is no loss of services. And they say that perhaps we were doing work not required under our contract because we went above and beyond for 17 years. Well, now the truth comes out, I have a copy of the contract and can see the differences - which boil down to TRC service 7,000 people while CAC is only going to serve 1,686. Yeah, no loss of services there.

Mo’ Mo’ Meetings

Well, I didn't post more yesterday, and didn't think to look this morning, but . . . there's quite a few more, despite it being Thursday . . .

Judge says “Yes” to Free Lisa, One More Hurdle!

#FreeLisa! Update! Please call Sara Wasserberg, Lisa's PO, at the Probation and Parole office and tell her to #FreeLisa. (608) 273-5800:

Dane County Office of Equity and Inclusion

During the budget there were several amendments creating this office, but this is the first I have seen of any kind of comprehensive description of what it all means. The Equal Opportunities Commission will be discussing this tonight (5:30 Room 421, City-County Building)

Hands Off Lisa Mitchell!

This is truly absurd. Solitary confinement for EIGHT MONTHS due to her gender identity. You guessed it, right here in Dane County!...

JDS Needs a REAL Equity Analysis

Equity Analysis isn't a one and done kind of thing, its an iterative process. At least that is what I learned at the Parks Committee meeting I went to. So, I'm wondering, what would it take to do a real equity analysis on Judge Doyle Square - how do we get it done?

2 Homeless Deaths this Weekend

4 5 since October 1, that we know about. If you know of others, make sure to get the info to MUM before tomorrow so they can be recognized in The Longest Night Homeless Person's Memorial Service on 12/21

Mo’ meetings . . .

I grow tired of this silly game . . .

County Week Ahead

2 of their 13 meetings cancelled this week

City Week Ahead

18 meetings, 4 of them cancelled already. Expect mo' meetings to pop up today, tomorrow and maybe Wednesday!

A Game Changer for Equity Efforts?

Wow. Sad news for the City, but an opportunity for sure! Definitely Madison's College's gain.

Racial Equity Tool Revealed!

So, we've been talking about equity lens and tools for quite some time, and they did a practice run on and equity analysis on the public market (I have to admit I didn't look at that til now). But this is the first public explanation of the equity analysis tool that I have seen on a city agenda. It's the first time I saw the tool and questions (long form, short form) I probably missed the public market one because their agendas come out late every week and I don't always go back and look.

1st Substantive City Police Policy Review Meeting

I hope I don't have to eat my words, but this committee looks promising! They are going to be discussing what their priorities and workplan should look like for the next year at their next meeting, so mark you calendars now if this issue is important to you! They meet 1st Thursday of the month at 5:30.

Fed. DOJ to Local Law Enforcement: Don’t Criminalize Homelessness!

This made me smile. They have a whole newsletter devoted to this topic . . . which I forwarded to the top brass, wonder if they even bother to read it? Or pass it along?

Mo’, Mo’ Meetings

2 more . ..

Tenant’s Rights Under Attack . . . Round 4!

State legislatures is at it again! Good ol' Sen. Frank Lasee has a new buddy/puppet Rep. Robert Brooks . . . and the first hearing on the bill we have not yet seen will likely be this Thursday (December 10th) at 10am in 400NE. 26 pages of a Legislative Reference Bureau draft (not the final bill) and analysis is murky at best - its poorly drafted yet again, which is sure to lead a 5th round if they don't fix it. Here's what I think it does . . . for now, there may be changes when the actual bill comes out.

Mo’ Meetings

6 more meetings released in the first 5 hours yesterday. My favorite, is the meeting where the plan commission is talking about public input, which won't be televised and the public probably won't know that they're doing it. Sigh . . .

County Week Ahead

Also 15 meetings . ..

City Week Ahead

Only 15 meetings, holidays are starting early . . .

Suck it! Captain Jay Lengfeld!

And please apologize.

Open Letter to City and County Government

Timing for a 2/3 cut in our budget from the county, it turns out, could not have been worse given today's news of more tenant landlord law changes being proposed.

What will the Council Talk About Tonight?

2 items . . . could be a short one?

Mo’ Meetings

Two from yesterday, but check back, there's likely to be more . . . .

County Week Ahead

13 meetings if you count the joint meeting once.

City Week Ahead

18 meetings, only 4:00 start after 5:30. 8 before 5:00. And more to be added for sure.

County Week Ahead

7 meetings . . .

City Week Ahead

Short week. 8 meetings. Betcha they will still add a few more next week . . . sigh . . .

Mo’ Mo’ Mo’ meetings

4 more, to add to the 4 more . . . to add to the 3 more . . . to add to the 31 . . .

Council Recap (Live-ish blogged)

Warning: I'm leaving after an hour and a half and will not have time in the morning, so if they go long, this may be incomplete.

What Will the Council Talk about Tonight? (Updated: Twice!)

Judge. Doyle. Square. Anyone else fatigued? Oh, wait, its not actually on the non-consent agenda, anyone believe that? Also tickets for rifling through cars, ban the box and body cameras.

Mo’ Mo’ Meetings

4 more . . . to add to the 3 more . . . to add to the 31 . . .

Redistricting Begins Here!

At the local level . . . yup, it's your favorite time of the (every 10) years. County Board seeking you input.

Mo’ Meetings

31 wasn't enough, here's three more, and they're sure to add more yet this week.

County Board Budget (Rubber Stamp the Secret Deal) Meeting

I'm guessing 45 minutes, an hour tops. They only spent 50 minutes rubber stamping the magical mystery deal at Personnel and Finance and since them I think some more deals were made . . . so . . . speeches about how hard they work and patting themselves on the back and get out of here quick to go get a drink . . . that's my prediction. Done by 8:00.

County Week Ahead

16 meetings - but County Board is scheduled to meet every night this week and I'm guessing that won't happen!

City Week Ahead

31 meetings, 2 cancelled. They will likely add meetings yet this week as well.

Join TRC Tonight to Celebrate 35 Years of Service

A little, just a little, ironic. 5 - 7, Brink Lounge (701 E Washington Ave), check out all our silent auction items (catalogue below)...

County Budget Debate: Personnel and Finance

They debate their final recommendation to the county board. Details of what is "on the table" are here. They have two charts...

County Budget: What survived? What didn’t.

The super-amendment is out . . . you can't testify any more on the county budget, but now is when the real decisions are being made. Here's what made it in the budget and what didn't based on all the committee work and some amendments we have never seen. Typically this is a done deal going into Personnel and Finance . . . and rubber stamped by the board.

Good, no GREAT! news from the Salvation Army

For single women . . .

City Budget Night Recap – Part II

Ok, see part one here.

City Budget Night Recap – Part I

It's brief . . . cuz I'm sick. And watching from home on my couch.

Public Input on City Budget Tonight

5:30, Room 201 in the City-County Building - 5 minutes on Capital Budget, 5 minutes on Operating Budget.

City Council Budget Amendments for Tuesday . . .

Here's what they're looking at! They have meetings scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday if need be. I'm guessing they get er done in 1 night. (Sorry if I just jinxed them!)

County Budget: Magically Appears on Thursday? (What might be in it?)

So, public testimony is over. The Personnel and Finance Committee is the last committee to see the budget before the County Board rubber stamps it on Monday, November 13th. Of the $1.6M of amendments in the operating budget, what will be in? What will be out? They only have $500,000 to spend (unless there is a miracle). So, when will we know?

Police Policy Review Committee

What is going on . . . it's been months, and month, and months and nothing seems to be happening . . .

County Board Recap . . . (Done)

Livish . . . mostly hear for the day center purchase, so that will likely be more detailed. But then again, there likely won't be much else they talk about.

Kraft Closing Madison Factory – 707 Jobs

It will take a a few months, but its closing.

Last Chance to Testify on County Budget – TONIGHT!

I'll try to make a long story short . . . speak tonight or forever hold your peace. Or email, email, email and call your elected officials, because after tonight, even though they haven't finished the budget, there is no more chances to speak! (And even tonight I'm not sure you can speak on everything in the budget, it might just be certain items.)

Council Recap – “live blogged”

Should be a short meeting, but predicting that is usually the kiss of death. Typing as fast and intelligibly as I can!

Council Presentation on “Zero 2016”

Zero what? Zero homeless who are veterans by the end of 2015 and zero persons meeting HUDs definition of chronically homeless by the end of 2016! Members of the Steering Committee are here to present to the council, question is, will the Council show up?

Tenney Lapham Neighborhood Clarifies Position on Day Center

So, some of the members (apparently not all) want to clarify how they feel about the Permanent Comprehensive Day Center. They feel the media didn't report their full position.

What will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Hmmmm . . . not much. They get a Zero 2016 presentation prior to the meeting, they'll talk about paying more for consultants on Judge Doyle Square and then they do have a "committee of the whole" (i.e. without the mayor) meeting to discuss budget.

Good News! HUD’s Rules are Changing!

Well, they're always changing, but this time, for the better! Arrest and conviction records denials won't be as frequent!

Developer and Exact Sciences should reimburse City!

Do you realize how much money we have wasted, not to mention how much time we have wasted with Bob Dunn and Exact Sciences? They should have to reimburse the city for the money we have wasted - including opportunity costs!

Everett Michell Racking Up Endorsements

Last week Pocan, this week law enforcement. Betcha he runs unopposed!

Mo’ Meetings

4 more meetings, 3 more agenda items for the council meeting tonight! jfc.

It’s Official: Exact Sciences Pulls out of Judge Doyle Square

Back to square one . . . once again.

JDS/Exact Sciences Partnership Dead: On to Plan B.

Who couuld have predicted this?

County Week Ahead

16 meetings, 5 (about 1/3) scheduled at the exact same time? 2 cancelled.

City Week Ahead

26 meetings, 3 cancelled and more on the way, watch for updates throughout the week as more agendas trickle in . . . .

Help OM Tiny House Village Celebrate 1 Year of Being Open

Join us tonight 5 - 7 at the Brink Lounge! Silent Auction, items for sale, see our Ted Talks, snacks and cash cash bar. Come Celebrate with us! 12122393_10205058651449918_3534374205486272146_n

Thank you ASM and UW Madison Students!

The Tenant Resource Center has been a long standing partner with UW-Madison students and Association Students of Madison who has been funding Tenant Resource Center most years since 1995 - since we merged with the Student Tenant Union. Please join me in thanking them, and join them in supporting the Tenant Resource Center!

County Housing and Homeless Amendments Need Support

On or before Monday . . . email now, show up on Monday. There is not enough money to cover all the amendments that were supported at Health and Human Needs last night and last week, so in order for housing and homeless amendments to be supported, we need your voices to make them a priority. Still no amendment to help the Tenant Resource Center serve tenants outside the City of Madison but in Dane County . . . seriously.

Smiling on a Cloudy Day!

Need good judge in place in case the heat comes round and busts you! 🙂 Good news! Everett Mitchell is running for judge in Dane County!

County Budget Amendments . . . So Far . . . (Updated!)

5 committees, 35 amendments to County Executive Joe Parisi's budget . . . all to be decided today . . . here's what they will be discussing, plus the 7 already submitted. Budget season will be over in a matter a 2 - 3 weeks, so now is the time to pay attention.

Board of Estimates – Operating Budget, Part 2

Short and sweet regular meeting here (25 minutes). Part one of budget amendments here (2 hours 15 minutes).

City Operating Budget Amendments

24 amendments at Board of Estimates

Board of Estimates – Pre-Operating Budget

Well, its budget night again, this time 24 operating budget amendments, but first, their regular meeting. Then I'll post a new blog on the budget.

Board of Estimates Amendments – Operating Budget

For consideration tonight! The list boggles my mind a bit

County Week Ahead

19 meetings, that we know about . . . then there are the extra special ones they don't tell us about and you can only see if you go the hallway outside the clerks office and look.

City Week Ahead

15 meetings . . . but expect them to add more next week . . . sigh . . .

No Child Will Have to Sleep on the Streets!

Well, until Nov 1 . . . but for now, this is good news and if the pilot goes well, I hope they can open again in April.

5 Things You Can Do TODAY to Help Tenant Resource Center

It's budget time, Tenant Resource Center is losing $90,000 from the county, which is 1/3 of our budget and it will destabilie the entire...

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Not much . . . unless the go into the committee of the whole and talk about the operating budget . . . but they didn't put that off the agenda for discussion. ?!

Kiss Open Government Goodbye . . .

Or do something about it, your choice! (Of course, if you don't live in Dane County your voice is especially needed!)

Submitted County Budget Amendments (So Far – Operating)

This year they have to get the amendments in by 10am the day before the meeting they are considered so the public has a fighting chance of knowing what is going on. Be careful tho, often the consider amendments at two meetings and some committees won't let you speak twice - so check that out before you speak and find out if they are doing a two meeting process or getting it done in one and done. The committees vary.

Day Center Updates

It's in front of two committees tonight meeting at the same time in different parts of town.

Mo Meetings

4 changes since yesterday, including adding the ALRC (Alcohol License Review Committee)!

County Week Ahead

Budget, budget, budget season

City Week Ahead

Judge Doyle Square and budget season.

Community Policing and Body Camera Report and Recommendations

As reported to the EOC . . . which recommended that they needed more information before making a final recommendation on body cameras and did not accept the report of the committee.

New County Board Supervisor Sworn in Tonight!

Surprise! Here's the press release and a few thoughts:

Seriously People?! (Mo’ Meetings)

Is this the best we can do? 48 hours and 18 minutes notice on a meeting about community policing and Body Camera Ad Hoc Committee? You gotta be freakin' kidding me. What kind of a public process is this? Certainly not "robust" in any sense of the word.

Mayor has Questions on JDS and Exact Sciences

Well - at least it looks like he is trying to be responsible with our tax dollars. Hope its not just all a song and dance.

TDA Economic Benefit Claims Are Not To Be Interpreted Literally

In the midst of their "Just Fix It" Campaign, the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin is touting a fresh report they commissioned from UW-Whitewater...

BOE Budget Op Budget Part 2 – Part 2 (not done!)

I went over 10,000 words and had to start a new file . . .

Board of Estimates Op Budget – Part 1 of Part 2

Ok, not many of the departments got covered in the meeting that went til 11:00 last night, so all the rest will be doing their initial presentations today. And then the alders are off the races, asking questions, proposing amendments and tinkering around the edges.

Board of Estimates – Operating Budget (Done!)

Streets, Parking and Engineering were sent home to come back tomorrow. They have a 10 minute recess. It's currently 20 minutes to 8:00, they will probably start budget at 8:00.

Board of Estimate – Livish Blog (everything ‘cept Budget)

Well, and the closed session. Getting off to a late start, at 4:32 only Amanda Hall, Mo Cheeks and Barbara McKinney are here . . . and Amanda isn't on BOE.

County Week Ahead

Budget season . . . 8 of 18 meetings before 1:30

City Week Ahead

Operating Budget begins . . . and both EOC and Food Committee got their agendas in on time!

Shelter Rules Decoder Ring

I'm pretty sure I understand the English language . . . but I totally didn't understand what this meant! You'd be surprised by what it really means:
Homeless single men’s and single women’s shelter days are being increased to 90 days effective September 1st. This is a temporary adjustment in an effort to encourage unsheltered homeless single adults to move inside.

Mo’ Meetings

Sigh, I wish a weekly schedule was, you know, a weekly schedule, but its always a partial weekly schedule. Here's 4 additions.

Mayor’s Operating Budget Out

Here's the budget and the mayor's message that goes with it.

Homeless With Few Options

The last week has been terrible. I guess the mayor got what he wanted - sexual assaults, suicide, trauma, tickets and drama. People have gotten the message. Madison wants you to leave, but what if you are FROM Madison?

Homeless Advocates: 5 Events, 32 hours!

Take your pick . . . the assault continues . . . solutions in the works but need support.

County Week Ahead

Budget season is starting . . .

City Week Ahead

Lots of links missing . . .

Are You Catholic? Can you Help?

How can we communicate face to face with a person to discuss this letter? So far, all we've gotten is this. image image image A lady that was scared to open the door but said she would pass the letter along, and locked doors and security cameras. I hardly doubt the three women trying to talk to them are that scary!

County Supervisors: Rescind Your Decision!

Let Homeless people sleep at the City-County Building! Letter signed by: Supervisors Carousel Bayrd, Jenni Dye, John Hendrick, Dorothy Krause, Al Matano, Patrick Miles, Leland Pan, Jeff Pertl, Kyle Richmond, Michele Ritt, Nick Zweifel and Heidi Wegleitner! Thank you!!!

1st Time in 8 years! Cost of Living Increases for Nonprofits

Right as we're (Tenant Resource Center) getting defunded . . . yeah, that makes sense!

County Board Budget Schedule

I like how they put this out AFTER the public hearings . . . BUT a HUGE thank you to Sharon Corrigan, County Board Chair, for the changes to the process!

What’s Happening Today at 5:00?

Honestly, I have no clue. I can tell you what I do know, people won't be sleeping in front of the City-County Building tonight.

SJC Makeover! Come Celebrate!

sjc Photo by Tim Poehlmann-Tynan

JDS 3

Mayor is about to speak. Parts one and two here. It's 12:30am

JDS Part 2

Ugh, part one is here . . . had to abandon that long post and work from a fresh slate - computer wasn't updating well!

Judge Doyle Square Going Down? (Live Blog)

Live blog means lotsa typos, I'll update as often as I can and still try to keep up, and that means you'll probably have to refresh more frequently than usual. Probably no time to answer tweets and facebook and emails if I'm going to catch the majority of this . . .

Mo Meetings (Updated)

The trend is growing and seemingly getting worse.

Police to Clear Homeless at 5:00 10/1

Police announce plans to sweep homeless from the city-county building. Will it be necessary, probably not. People will just find a new place to go and create annoyances elsewhere - until they are swept out of their new locations. Our city is absurd. Can we just work to solve the problems instead of moving them?

Follow the Money on Judge Doyle Square

Who stands to profit here. Who's making money on the deal? And who's losing? Spoiler alert: this is a sucky deal for taxpayers.

Capital Budget Amendments! Part II

Looks like there will be a part 3 or 4 as well . . . 7 hours and 15 minutes meeting. Here's everything but the capital budget and capital budget part 1. But I have 4 hours left to go and I won't finish this morning.

It’s Redistricting time! Already

County Board subcommittee has been meeting for months already!

Capital Budget Amendments!

Well, I'm staying til its time for the game to start and I'll have to do the rest in the morning . . ....

Board of Estimates Brief Recap

Took a while to get quorum . . . . they pass items 1, 2,3, 5, 6 and 9, 4 and 10 were requested to be separated and the rest had registrants. And here we go! This one will be everything except the budget.

Capital Budget Deliberations Tonight

That's right, there are amendments to the mayor's capital budget and they will be discussed tonight. Here's what you need to know . . .

What you need to know about Judge Doyle Square Vote Tomorrow

Start reading and email your alder! Expect to wait and wait and wait and wait to speak if you plan on speaking. (just email the alders allalder@gmail.com)

(Non) Equity Analysis on Judge Doyle Square

Since this is one of the largest projects in city history and equity is all the rage, you'd think we'd have a proper equity analysis, no? No. Here's what we do have.

County Week Ahead

11 meetings, none on Monday.

City Week Ahead

Capital Budget amendments, Judge Doyle Square vote and more . . .

Day Center: Neighborhood Meeting Notice

I can't believe they pulled this together in 48 hours! Meeting October 7th.

Bad Process is still Bad Process

Even if it is for a good cause. I'm thrilled about the Messner's site for the day center and the fact that the county has an accepted offer to purchase, but damn, do they have to make it so hard for it to be successful? Mark your calendar - neighborhood meeting quickly put together by Alder Zellers and Supervisor Wegnleitner to slow the process down and get this right! We can't screw this one up too, can we?

Volunteer to Paint a Mural?

Social Justice Center Art Installations - Join Dane Arts Mural Arts in working on the Social Justice Center Art Installations.

The “Facts” About Judge Doyle Square

This s the mayor's propaganda piece. I hesitate to believe his "facts" given recent experiences with him. (here's just one)

Mo’ Mo’ Meetings

Here's 5 more to add to the other four

City-County Homeless Issues Committee Budget Recommendations

They have recommendations for both the city and county budget cycles. Here is what they found to be priorities.

County Update on Day Center

Well, here it is, for what it's worth. Seems to be going no where fast, yet again. Doubtful there will be anything this winter, but that's not news either. There is news tho. Plenty of it.

Mayor’s Bench Ordinance Jeopardizes Federal Funding

We knew it was coming, but here it is! This is from the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty and explains how we will lose points on our Federal Applications for Affordable Housing.

Jail Reform Recommendations

A quick summary.

Mo’ Meetings!

4 more meetings posted today.

Sponsor TRC’s 35th Anniversary Party?

Sponsorships are due by Wednesday at noon - with all the County Funding nightmare stuff going on, you may have missed the call for sponsors! At the moment, we are 410 calls behind - we were 300 calls behind when I left on Friday. Your donation will help us have staff and volunteers to answer all these questions that just never stop!

County Week Ahead

5 of 17 meetings after 5:30.

City Week Ahead

No meetings Tuesday due to Yom Kippur- should be the same on Wednesday, but that didn't seem to happen

Mayor Caught in a Lie?

During the meetings on the bench ordinance, the mayor spoke multiple times saying some things that made no sense. He also put them...

Responding to Joe’s Form Response on TRC

By now, I've seen Joe's standard politician's mealy mouth cop out response multiple times. I'm encouraging people to persist, email him again, challenging his assumptions.

Common Council Recap (Brief)

This will be live blogged, i.e. not proof read. Some details will be missing. Will be updated infrequently.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight

Looks like the meeting won't be so long that they need to refer Judge Doyle Square tonight . . . but I understand that they haven't met all the requirements and the council would likely have referred it anyways. Or maybe, just voted it down.

County Board Opening: Supervisor Wuest Resigns

COUNTY BOARD TAKING APPLICATIONS AND HOLDING PUBLIC HEARING FOR DISTRICT 28 VACANCY

County Public Hearing on Human Service Budget

Tomorrow! 6:00. Come support the Tenant Resource Center! If you can't make it, email parisi@countyofdane.com. Here's the official notice!

Tenant Resource Center REALLY Needs Your Help This Time!

I know this sounds familiar, the county is once again cutting the Tenant Resource Center. $95,000. 1/3 of our budget. And this time, they may have figured out how to make it stick. Please contact Joe Parisi (parisi@countyofdane.com) and tell him this is unacceptable, and to add us back to his budget. And read below for other ways you can help! (i.e. volunteer, sponsor fundraiser, etc.)

Take Back the Bike Path!

In response to the shocking sexual assault on the Capitol City trail last Saturday Morning, local residents of the Marquette Neighborhood have organized a Take...

County Week Ahead

4 meetings after 5:30 - including public hearing on Human Services Budget

City Week Ahead

Rosh Hashana today and tomorrow, one committee chooses to ignore it, council meeting starts at 7:30 this week.

Mayor’s Office Sucks at Communications

And then makes it your fault. A case in point, last night.

What is wrong with this city?

I was born here, lived in 6 other cities until I was an adult, then I moved back to Madison. I've served for 8 years in our local government, rented for 7 years, owned two different homes here, and have been here nearly 30 years, this is my home. But I don't recognize my city any more.

Mo’ Meetings

Of course . . . sigh . . .

Board Of Estimates – Pre-Capital Budget

Since I'm here- this is the short story. Not making any promises here. Half paying attention.

You now have 26.5 Hours to Read the County Budget

It's on line! Public Input on the budget is tomorrow. No worries, its just 1,770 pages to read before tomorrow, and another 248 by...

A few Resolutions Sneaking by . . . .

Good one's for a change, both being voted on today! Both hopefully making it easier on our brothers and sisters without homes. One at the county, one at the city. The city one has a process snag, but should be good.

Am I being dumb?

There's a budget hearing tomorrow night, where the public is expected to give input on Dane County's 2016 budget (everything except Human Services) - but I can't find the agency submissions. Anywhere.

County Week Ahead

It's starting to be all about budget, big budget meeting Tuesday, Public Hearing on Wednesday.

City Week Ahead

12 meetings, 1 meeting after 5:30.

Sat & Sun: Peace Mural, Mosaic and Art!

Come help "art up" the Social Justice Center, painting a peace mural to remember those in the neighborhood who lost their lives to violence - Tony Robinson, Pauly Heenan, SOLVE and more . . . and check out what has already been done!

Why did this happen?

What is the county doing here?

3rd Committee Unanimously Votes Against Bench Ordinance

Slam dunk! 3 for 3. Public Safety Review Committee (should be on 9/10) and Downtown Coordinating Committee (should be on 9/17) are next - they will be much harder. Not expecting unanimous defeat from those. Here's what happened last night.

An Overview of Bus Rapid Transit by Al Matano

I organized an informational meeting on the on the future of transit in Dane County prior to the August meeting of the Dane County...

#HandsOffBrandi! by Nathan Maurer

Brandi Grayson is an outspoken, Black female leader in a growing, community-based social justice movement in our city, and it’s making the white guys in charge unhappy. Recent concentrated attention by the Madison Police Department on Brandi has resulted in what Chief Koval calls “pure coincidence” when explaining why it seems she can’t turn around without finding a squad car in her front yard or a new surprise citation she didn’t know she’d earned. But any clear-eyed person can see; this is just plain legalized harassment.

Chief Koval: Step Out of the Ring by Amelia Royko

Love will prevail for it surpasses all horizons and so will Brandi Grayson.

No body cams. End of Discussion.

I think not.

Mo’ Meetings!

Sigh . . .4 more added this week since Monday 8am . . .

What’s next? (for homeless at CCB)

I. have. no. clue. Clearly, Occupy Madison exhausted all our options . . . which is why we started building tiny houses. Occupy got...

Hands off Brandi!

From YGB: Join us at 4:00 on Friday to make sure the MPD keeps their hands off Brandi Grayson!!

Mayor’s Capital Budget Snapshot

According to the Mayor - angering the police and delaying the public market and of course, $67M for Judge Doyle Square.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

No much. Not Judge Doyle Square . . . and everything else seems to be sailing through as per usual.

3rd Time is A Charm for Mayor vs. Homeless at CCB

The committee finally succumbed to the pressure. As of October 1st, homeless will face trespassing tickets if they are at the City-County Building after meetings conclude on weekdays, and on weekends and holidays. After 3 hours of testimony and staff presentation that no new services were necessarily being offered, the committee decided there were tired of hearing about this, said it wasn't their job, suggested churches should just take care of this and then voted with the mayor 7 - 1 to remove homeless from the City-County Building with no plan in place as to where they might go. All this, despite the fact that the first statement was this: Enis Ragland says that they have heard a lot of passionate testimony about the conditions and lack of services and resources that are available to homeless individuals and its very true, its true, there is a failure of government to provide mental health services, at the federal level down to the county level which has a responsibility for doing so and failure to provide alcohol and drug treatment and there is also a failure by government to provide services for the homeless, so I don't argue against any of those.

Dane County Board Recommendations on Racial Equity

Here's the report and a quick summary of the recommendations.

Body Camera Recommendation to Council on September 15th.

Unfortunately, I can't tell you what they are, there is no information available to the public - I guess we'll find out in the next 14 days, when it goes to council? Um, was there going to be general public input as to any of this? Wouldn't that be important for the committee to consider?

Judge Doyle Square Vote Delayed to 9/15

Ran into George Austin and Natalie Erdman going to the City-County Liaison Committee at 5:30 yesterday and they told us the negotiating team was...

County to Cut 1/3 of Tenant Resource Center Budget

Based on looking at the budget and summary, you won't be able to tell - but its true, they called me and told me on my birthday, July 20th. The official department budget request was submitted Friday. Parisi is holding his budget listening sessions tomorrow and Wednesday. That was a surprise announcement to most of us last week. The hearings will be held in Fitchburg and Sun Prairie. Please read on to see how this all unfolded to the best of my ability - given that most of what happened will be kept a secret until after the budget has passed.

In other News: Dems Ask, Where’s the Day Shelter?

This week is nuts . . . too much news, too little time. Right now I'm missing the press conference on the Dane County Supervisor's Report on Racial Equity - can't wait to see that report too! But that will have to wait!

Parisi “Welcomes” County Employees to Attend Meeting Tonight

Interesting use of county resources to influence legislative activity . . . er, some call it lobbying, especially when you are getting paid for your efforts. And, well, here's the talking points for those who support removing people from the city county building . . . nothing to see here, its all taken care of, services are being provided! Those homeless people are violent and present a danger to us all!

Dane County Human Services Budget Summary

Love the bureaucratese - "All shelter, housing case management, information and referral, and food pantry and clothing distribution services are maintained at their 2015 budgeted levels." Funny, cutting 1/3 of the Tenant Resource Center budget makes it feel like something in that sentence is disingenuous. The "services" realistically can't be "maintained" when it comes to tenants in Dane County outside the City of Madison - what other agency has the knowledge, resources and skills that the Tenant Resource Center has?

An Organizer’s/Activist’s Week from Hell

Come to meetings or contact your elected officials on Monday, Tuesday, Tuesday (again), Wednesday, Thursday and if Monday goes poorly, major damage control on...

Rules for Homeless, Not Millionaires!

What a weird week - at the same time they're trying to kick homeless people off the steps of the city-county building, they are throwing open the doors to give millionaires, millions more. Taking the minimal safety away from those who have the least and giving away our tax dollars to those who need it the least in a gross game of Casino Capitalism. Email your alders on Judge Doyle Square! The votes seem close! Show up on Tuesday if you can stomach it.

TAKE ACTION NOW! Mayor Kicking People off Public Property!

He has the votes. The final vote is Monday. People could be removed from the City-County Building (or face trespassing tickets) by Tuesday. Need your help right now, and on Monday!

County Week Ahead

Hmmm . . . I don't know how we are supposed to know this, but the Sun Prairie Star says Joe Parisi is holding budget hearings: September 1 -- 5:30– 7 p.m., Fitchburg Public Library, 5530 Lacy Rd., Fitchburg. September 2 -- 5:30 - 7 p.m., Westside Community Service Building, 2598 W. Main St, Sun Prairie. It's certainly not on his website - last budget info on there is from 2013. Even the county board supervisors I talked to didn't know about it! Here's the rest of the county meetings.

City Week Ahead

It's a real shitshow this week . . . ALOT going on . . . ALOT!

Homeless To Be Trespassing at City-County Building?

This time, it looks like they have the votes on Monday! And they may be out by Tuesday! The mayor may finally win. (I hear he's seeming less grumpy and excited about winning.) But I have to say, if he is worried about crime, violence and rape . . . sending people back to the bushes puts many of these folks at risk to be victims of theft, battery, and yes, rape. Imagine being a single woman hiding so you can sleep, but being afraid to sleep because of your safety. This is all so very backwards. See below for meeting details and what you can do!

Survey Results Don’t Match Mayor’s Narrative on Homeless at CCB

This bothered me so much, I did a survey, with the help of Matt Kozlowski. Our survey results of 27 of the 40 - 60 people are below. Does it match what the mayor has been saying? Spoiler alert! NO!

City To Change How it Budgets?

Last night the Common Council met for 3+ hours at the Pyle Center on campus and had a retreat on how it budgets and the comprehensive planning process coming up. Here's what they had to say about the budget and their priorities.

Media, Where Art Thou?

Why do you cover the mayor's outrageous statements and NOT the actual news - the fact that two committees have unanimously voted down his crazy bench ordinance?

Mo’ Meetings

6 meetings were added and 2 cancelled this week, 4 of these happened just yesterday, and 4 affect today, Thursday. And see my email about one of the cancelled meetings, I ended up more than a little irritated.

It’s Official – More Days in Single’s Shelter Starting Sept 1

Homeless single men’s and single women’s shelter days are being increased to 90 days effective September 1st. This is a temporary adjustment in an effort to encourage unsheltered homeless single adults to move inside. If you have questions please contact Preston Patterson (ppatterson@porchlightinc.org) or Melissa Sorensen (Melissa.sorensen@usc.salvationarmy.org).

Committees 2 – Bench Ordinance 0

There are 5 committees looking at the Mayor's bench ordinance - so far two have voted. So far, both have UNANIMOUSLY voted against it. 3 committees left to go.

JDS: Where is the Equity Analysis?

5 hours into the discussion of Judge Doyle Square, Denise DeMarb asks the question we've all been asking. What happened to the commitment to racial and economic justice, a.k.a. equity? It sounded good during the election, people all SAY its the lens we should at everything through. Where's that lens?

Lynn Green: No Day Center This Winter

I knew I waited thought this meeting for hours for some reason, but I wasn't expecting this admission. Although it was becoming painfully obvious it was true. This is winter number 5 with haphazard plans and no real, comprehensive, permanent day shelter services for people who have live their lives without a roof to call their own. [archiveorg LynnGreenNoDayCenter2015 width=640 height=140 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

JDS: WHAT?! Simultaneous Negotiations for Research Park

So, I don't know how to say this, so I'll just say it. At the same time Exact Sciences is negotiating to come downtown, "they" also have purchased property in Research Park and are negotiating to stay there. Has this all just been a ruse?

JDS: Finance Explanation

I waited 4.5 hours just to here this portion of the meeting. They heard from the public for less than 30 minutes and then talked about minute, boring details for hours, before they got to the important part - and spent (relatively speaking) little time on it. While asking questions after the meeting, there was still lots of confusion by alders, media and on-lookers. But, here was the explanation we got and the answers they got.

JDS: Final Vote at BOE

So, cutting to the chase, after about 5 hours of talking about or listening to people talking about Judge Doyle Square, the Board of Estimates passed the following regarding Judge Doyle Square:

JDS: Do our Ethics Laws Mean Nothing?

I was blown away to find out Mo Cheeks, the Pro Tem (Vice President), of our Common Council works for Kevin Conroy, the President and CEO of Exact Sciences and Ton Still, an influential cheerleader of the project, and he never bothered to disclose it - or recuse himself from the Judge Doyle Square discussions?

Vote on Judge Doyle Square TODAY

Last vote before it goes to council in 8 days, on September 1 - is it a go, or no?

County Week Ahead

Here it is . . . well, most of it, there are other meetings not posted on line . . .

City Week Ahead

3 meetings after 5:30, out of 17. And who schedules a meeting on a controversial issue (body cameras) at 1:00??!

Porchlight Preparing for More Guests

Preparing to increase days in shelter from 60 - 90 and for more Department of Corrections clients.

Bellini’s Likely To Cost More Money to Work

Tuesday Health and Human Needs got an update on the day center, I wasn't there, but this is what I learned . . . so far . . .

My Email to Downtown Coordinating Committee

For thoughts about what you might say and links to lots of solutions that don't criminalize the act of existing, of being. Meeting is tonight at 5:30 in room 108 of the city-county building.

Feds: Alternatives to Criminalization of Homelessness

The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness held a conference and wrote a report on the alternatives to criminalizing the homeless (like the mayor's bench ordinance). Here's the cliff notes.

Banned, Banned, Banned – No Legal Place to Go!

I made this list of places homeless have been banned from or are not allowed to sleep or just be- but I missed a few, so I'm revising the list. The bench ordinance and the ban from sleeping at the city-county building are two more to the list. All this effort and homelessness has increased and we wasted a lot of time, effort and energy on these things instead of finding positive solutions.

Solutions Provided to the City-County Liaison Committee

2 times ago they met, I provided tons of solutions for them, which were recycled from many conversations before, but this is what I gave them. It was over 40 pages with only the summaries of the information - It would be hundreds of pages of reports, with over 150 recommendations if I compiled it all. I tried, but it was overwhelming.

Mayor’s Advisory Group on Homelessness

He did actually ask a bunch of us to help him come up with solutions, and a bunch of us did, but we only had one or two meetings with him before he declared us all enablers, screamed at us, dropped an f-bomb (quick, call chief Koval) and we haven't met again. Here's what we came up with preliminarily for him, but we never actually discussed it with him because he was too busy watching his live stream videos and making up fantastic stories about what he thinks is going on (despite a couple members of the group going out and talking to the people and giving him different information, which he promptly ignored.)

State St. Bus Stop Closes Today

At least there was a public process for this, people got to testify and a committee, not a king, made the decision. 1663

August Movers: “Where’s my security deposit?!”

Hopefully everyone survived moving and this way-to-hot-for-moving weather, took pictures, did your check in sheet and documented issues you had at move in . . . if you have any questions call 257-0006 . . . .

Here We Go Again

Here we go again, what is that definition of insanity, do thing the same thing and expecting different results? Expect a meeting soon with the mayor's office proposing we turn the signs around and say people are trespassing if they sleep at the City-County Building.

County Week Ahead

15 meetings, 5 before 4:00, 5 at 5:30 or later.

City Week Ahead

Or so they say, expect many additions. 17 meetings, 2 cancelled, only 2 at 5:30 or after.

Upcoming Ways to Support Tenant Resource Center

Lots of events and ways to show you support, and boy do we need it given that we may be losing $90,000 or 1/3 of our budget because the county finally may have found a way to cut our funding!

A tale of 2 committees

So, Public Safety Review Committee meets and does nothing, refers the Mayor's "Bench Ordinance" and the media reports it. 5 media outlets showed up. The Equal Opportunities Commission unanimously votes it down . . . crickets. No press. Why?

What is wrong with people?

Who planned this?! Are they completely unaware of what happens on August 15th every year? And yet connected to the University? Seriously peop0le.

Moving Daze Are Upon Us

Madison “Moving Day” Essentials

Dane Dems against Bench Ordinance

Passed unanimously.

County Throws Out Homeless Property

While everyone else was at the Philosopher's Stones yesterday, this was happening at the City-County Building

I couldn’t blog this morning . . .

What was on my schedule to blog was all the gross stuff the mayor has been saying . . . and I just didn't want to listen to it again, its just so gross, he has no respect for people or their confidentiality and he's so WRONG on so many facts . . . . I have to write that blog, I just don't want to put myself through it. Instead, let me tell you about somethings that are going remarkably great!!!

Madison’s Panhandling Ordinance Likely Unconstitutional

Press release, letter (and attachment) from the ACLU that the Mayor and alders received this morning.

Two Meetings This Week on the Bench Ordinance

So, the meeting tonight is publicly noticed on the Weekly Schedule, the EOC meeting on Thursday is not. yet. noticed. grrrrrrrrrrrrrr. If you can't make it, read on to get email addresses to let the committee members know what you think.

Latest “Update” on Judge Doyle Square/Exact Sciences

Board of Estimates had a special meeting yesterday to get an "update" on Judge Doyle Square. They give us very little information in public . . . then go into closed session. Who knows what they are talking about in all these closed session meetings (every Board of Estimates meeting has gone into closed session on this matter), but I guess we'll find out when they finally ram this thing down the public's throat, with little public input and about 3 days notice of the final "deal" they have worked out.

Fo’ Mo’ Meetings

So, freaking annoying. Why bother pretending there is a weekly meeting schedule.

County Week Ahead

21 meetings, 3 listed (some twice) with no agenda, 9 meetings before 5:30, 1 cancelled, 1 has minutes as an agenda?!

King Soglin Declares He’s Removing Art Installation at the top of State St.

Chief Koval requested it. Apparently art deigned to engage the public is attracting the wrong type of public and now its bad art to be removed. Note to artists: Your art must only attract the approved kind of people. The second piece of City installed art ever to be decommissioned if I have my facts correct. No public discussion, no public input, just gone!

City Week Ahead

19 meetings, 3 cancelled, 2 have no link to the agenda, 11 meetings before 5:30, you can get to 5 meetings if you work til 5:00, 4 meetings before 4:00.

What’s next on the “Bench” Ordinance?

NOTE: I will update this as I hear more info . . . changing questions marks to certainties. Well, the council introduced it last night, Mark Clear attempted to not vote on it being referred. Instead of (being allowed to) killing it quickly, it's now referred to 5 committees. Find out where, when? and who.

After 8 years . . .

The Dane County Housing Authority opened its waiting list for Section 8 for the first time since 2007 . . . for 4.5 hours . . . and 9 minutes.

Mo’ Meetings

As per usual . . . three more . . .

What will the Council Talk about Tonight?

Not. Much.

County Week Ahead

In August mode, only 10 meetings, and of course 60% before 5:30.

City Week Ahead

Only 16 meetings, expect many additions this week.

Mayor’s Latest Brainfart

This is getting embarrassing. He's being irrational, contradictory with himself, lacks compassion and is just being mean, is coming up with silly solutions that don't work without talking to community stakeholders and ultimately, I'd bet it won't pass.

Cracking the Conservative Transportation Frame

With a promised audit of WISDOT in the works, now is a good time to reflect on how conservatives on Wisconsin’s joint audit committee...

TRC at Central Park Sessions Thursday!

CPS-Single-logo Hey, hey, hey! Buy your raffle tickets from Tenant Resource Center when you go to the Central Park Sessions this Thursday to see The Silk Road Session July 30th at Olbrich Park . . . did that say Olbrich Park, why yes it did! 5:00 pm– Caravan Gypsy Swing Ensemble, 6:30 pm— Dengue Fever and 8:30 pm —Hanggai (Inner Mongolia)

Judge Doyle Square Update

At least what they were willing to divulge in open session in about a half hour. I was surprised they did anything in open session, since it was noticed for closed session.

Referendum for Large City Projects

The city usually borrows for projects with 10 year payback periods, but they are looking at doing some projects with 20 year payback periods. When they do that there is a different process and a chance for referendum. Wonder if they will give us that opportunity for Judge Doyle Square?

County Week Ahead

6 meetings this week, 2 after 5:30, 3 before 10am. Ever feel like these meetings aren't really for the public?

City Week Ahead

Only 17 meetings this week (so far), only 2 start after 5:30, 6 start before 4:30.. Ever feel like they really don't want the public to attend?

Social Justice Center Peace Mural

If you know someone who has been lost to violence and should be included in the mural, let people know ASAP. Thanks!

Got Downtown Property? Got ideas?

Last night, county staff said on multiple occasions that they are still looking for a site for the day center. The are filing a conditional use for Martin St. (Town of Madison) and have no clue if Bellini's would work, so they are still looking if people have ideas. Got ideas?

Parisi’s Office Sabotages New Potential Day Center Location

I was furious yesterday afternoon when I found out that the first words out of Josh Wescott's mouth (Joe Parisi's press guy) to the reporter was the location of the potential site. Everyone was keeping it top secret, the only reason to reveal it is to sabotage it. That's just shitty. Way to throw people under the bus.

Heads Up! More Ordinances Coming to Address the Homeless?!

I'm wondering if they will let the advocates participate? We all know that better solutions are arrived at when opposing parties work together to come up with solutions that are acceptable to both parties. But I doubt we will be invited to the table. It would be an awesome discussion if allowed.

City Failure to Communicate, Stupid Result

It just gets stupider and stupider. We;ve been here before and here we go again. Stupid "solutions", no problems solved. This involves homeless persons, so...

What will the council talk about tonight?

Landmarks ordinance and dogs in parks

Dane County’s Values?

Tenants outside the City of Madison will have no where to turn come January 1. Case management is more important than helping tenants understand their rental rights and responsibilities and doing mediations at eviction court? Tough budget choices. Does this reflect Dane County's Values? Does it reflect yours?

County Week Ahead

21 meetings . . . you can make it to half of them if you can get there by 5:30 . . . more if you can make it earlier.

City Week Ahead

Only 17 meetings showing up . . . so far . . .

What does the Economic Development Commission Care About These Days?

Dropped in to check them out . . . a live-ish, recap. Development Process changes, Public Market timing and the city Certifying landlords, employment (living wage) and taxi companies.

Mayor Holds A Budget Listening Session

News doesn't report it, does anyone even know it happened.

County Week Ahead

5 meetings you can make it to if you work til 5:00, 16 total meetings.

City Week Ahead

7 meetings you might be able to make it to if you work til 5:00. 21 total meetings.

File this Under Stupid

Our city is just silly. We issues related to homelessness by attacking homeless people in the press and promoting stereotypes and misleading information, removing pieces of art (the "stones" at the top of State St.), threatening to ticket them, banning them from parks, libraries, hotels, whole business areas and services. And now, removing bus shelters. How long are we going to ignore the root causes and real solutions and keep coming up with the absurd?

Board of Estimates: Capital Budget Recommendations

Agenda "Finalize discussions on the capital budget and consider recommendations to the Mayor for the 2016 Executive Capital Budget and CIP." No further info available to the public. Let's see what they have to say.

JDS: Who’s Looking at the Big Picture?

Last night, the council spent quite a bit of time looking in the weeds at detailed questions about Judge Doyle Square and the alarming amount of questions that are not yet answered while they are expected to move things along. I'm glad they did that and set out clear expectations, but what about the big picture. Is this a change we want for the city and is it worth $40M in TIF? Here's my observations.

Live (ish) Blog of Council Meeting

And so it begins . . . likely just two issues of interest forestry charge and Judge Doyle Square.

Late Breaking Info on Judge Doyle Square

Guaranty and Parking info.

What will the council talk about tonight?

Judge Doyle Square, Judge Doyle Square, Judge Doyle Square and . . .

Should the Council Move Judge Doyle Square Forward?

If you ask me, no, this has been rushed too much, much of the discussions have been in closed sessions and there are too many remaining questions. Here's what we know, what we don't know and what you can do.

Mayor’s Operating Budget Instructions

Read it and . . . show up to the listening session to let him know what you think!

Mo’ Meetings

5 were added yesterday, 1 already today . . .

County Week Ahead

Also lots of cancelled meetings . . .

City Week Ahead

Late post today due to 50th Anniversary of the Grateful Dead shows all weekend and a 10:30 work meeting on my day off . . . but the three meetings added late this morning are now included.

So Far State Officials Can’t Prove Roads Grow Economy

If you have been reading my recent posts at Forward Lookout, you are aware that I have been sending out a series of open...

In 13 days . . .

City Budget Community Meeting!

Random Round Up

Really Random

County Section 8 List Opens August 4th!

Wow. This happens so rarely I hardly know what to do!

Awesome.

Mayor Soglin Announces Appointment of Director of Planning and Community and Economic Development

County Week Ahead

Only 5 meetings . . .

City Week Ahead

Only 9 meetings . . . only 7 have links

Yup – Mo’ Meetings

6th meeting added at city, a cancellation and 3 weird additions at the county, no agendas.

Mo’ Freakin’ Meetings

Seriously. If the mayor wants to pitch a fit about something not being in legistar (its not our fault he couldn't figure out it was in there), then why isn't he freakin' out about the late notice for these meetings? Not just one item on an agenda, but entire meetings being noticed late! Hmmmmmm . . . .

County Week Ahead

7 of 16 meetings after 5:00. Better than the city, but not good, especially since these meetings can require travel all over the county.

City Week Ahead

Only 5 of the 21 meetings start after 5:00 . . . and I'm sure that there will be more meetings that are added throughout the week.

GOP Bickers Over Zoo Interchange, Ped, Bike Funding Still in Flux

While Wisconsin’s mainstream media degenerate into covering the dispute between Assembly and Senate Republicans over whether the Zoo interchange should be delayed, I checked...

City Attorney Memo on Homelessness as a Protected Class

Hmmm, what do you know, no concerns about staff time, and well, no real concerns . . . should have know that the concerns were coming from the police department . . . . and their number one advocate Paul Skidmore. Sorry guys. Nothing to see here.

County Criminal Justice Work Group Members Announced

Mental Health, Solitary Confinement and Incarceration Work Group, Length of Stay Work Group and Alternatives to Arrest and Incarceration Work Group. I spot some good people on these lists!!!

Input on Madison Economic Development Plan

I'm not sure what I think of the format, but you should go and give the input.

Tell Alders and Mayor to Provide Equity for People without Homes

Is the mayor saying that he thinks it is ok for landlords to refuse to rent to people who were homeless, or that employers could refuse to hire them, that businesses can lock their doors to them and government and refuse them services that everyone else can use? And that they can do that based on the fact or perception that they are homeless? How in the world will that help people stop being homeless? What happened to the commitment to racial equity and social justice? What happened to the work on poverty he touts?

Mayor Veto’s Unanimous Council Decision . . .

. . . to what end. It. was. unanimous. And guess what it is about . . . .

Chemical Treatment to save your Ash Tree becomes cheaper

A little wonky, and specific, but relevant to some. And could help change what our city looks like in 10 years!

Run Sex Offenders out of Town!

Grab your pitchforks and torches!

Mo’ Meetings!

So tired of these posts. I was hopeful they were going to stop, but not so much after seeing this again this week. 4 more added yesterday.

Bike Planning: Open House

What are biking issues for the Madison Transportation Master Plan? Add your input!

Help with Peace Mural on Willy St.

To honor Tony Robinson and others with connections to Willy St who have lost their lives through violence. The mural and mosaic will be on the back of the Social Justice Center.

Holy Mother of all Board of Estimates Meetings!

Something for everyone on here. I'll do a quick recap of the issues so you can see how much is going on at the city . . . with not many paying attention. Sadly, when you look at where our money is going, and the time, effort and energy of the staff, elected officials and others - its to accommodate developers. Not so much on equity and poverty. Here's a snap shot of why, and why the budget is so important to changing our ways.

County Week Ahead

19 meetings, 8 before 4:00, 2 after 5:30. Not good for community participation - assuming they want that. Not.

City Week Ahead

28 meetings, three meetings start after 5:30 . . . 8 meetings start before 4:00. Public testimony unfriendly.

More Bad HUD Cuts!!!

Affordable housing trust fund? Meh. Who needs it?!?!?!?!?!?!

Fair Housing Enforcement Programs Defunded by Feds?!?!

Without people educating people and helping them through the process, no one will file complaints! A landlord's dream. An equity, social and racial justice nightmare. Tenant Resource Center refers to the Fair Housing Center all the time, they are the experts in a complex area of the law. We need them! Please call your representatives.

Lengthy Random Round Up

Lots going on, little time, so catching up with lots of things all at once! Arranged by when things are happening, but the end has a random round up of not time specific items.

Can We Apply ROI Standards to Highways Please?

If we can quantify the returns to the state for an $80 million investment in a sports arena, why isn't it possible, with "big data" technology, to insist on obtaining a similar metric before approving $1.3 billion of highway bonding in the Governor's proposed budget?

City Council Recap (Live-ish)

This as good as I could do while sitting there. Updates coming.

What will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Lots of ALRC recommendations that are new . . ..

People Allowed to Continue Sleeping at CCB (Updated)

A 4-4 vote. Since it ties, it fails. 4 quick observations this morning.

County Week Ahead

Only 4 meetings during the day, but only 11 meetings this week.

City Week Ahead

Here's 75% or so of what they will talk about this week. 5 meetings before 5:30, sigh. I won't make most of them.

Mayor at it Again

Such weird mixed messages from him. And I think he;s getting bad information. Here's his latest, not his greatest. After saying the ONLY place you can sleep outside is the City-County Building, he know says that people can't sleep there either.

Transportation Budget up for Vote on Friday…

Late Update: Most transportation issues have been pushed off until next week.  JFC ended up passing a motion with reduced cuts to the Stewardship...

Catching Up on New City Budget Meetings!

I don't know how I missed the first budget meeting on the 13th, but here's the other upcoming meetings, including the budget meeting tonight.

Super Committee Meeting to Fund Non-profits Recap

Last night there was a joint committee meeting between the Community Development Block Grant Committee, Community Services Committee, Committee on Aging and Early Childhood Care and Education Committee. 3 of the 4 didn't have quorum, so it was just a meeting of the Community Services Committee. They discussed the new funding process for non-profits and for the first time I saw, gave us the time line.

Capital Budget Starts . . .. Tomorrow . . .

Agency presentations being tonight at 4:30 . . . I have no clue.

Mo’ meetings . . .

You knew they were coming .. . . . . nothing seems to change . . . .

State Transportation Up at 2pm Today

UPDATE: JFC will not be taking up Transportation Today according to the latest memo.  JFC will meet at 2:30pm today to take up issues listed...

County Week Ahead

Lots of daytime meetings, 9 of 16 before 5:30.

City Week Ahead

Short week, but I'm sure they'll still find a way to add a meeting or two.

(live-ish) Council Recap, Part II

At about 5 minutes to 10:00 they move approval of item 32, the Judge Doyle Square.

Live-ish Recap of the City Council Meeting

As best I can do without editing or even re-reading.

CCOC meeting on the Police Policy Resolution (Live-ish)

Cheeks is missing at first but shows up, all other here. Minutes get approved, no disclosures or recusals and they move on the main event. Only 5 members of the public in attendance, tho I know many more wanted to be here.

What will the council talk about tonight!

Lots of wait and see for substitutes, withdrawal of the honoring resolution by the mayor and waiting for recommendations from committees.

Yet another open letter . . .

Stop being decisive . . .

Fast Track Judge Doyle Square?

The latest brain fart . . . skip going through the RFP process and just pick one without reviewing them all, cuz its shiny.

Expect 2 or 3 versions of the honoring resolution too . . .

NOTE: The mayor has requested this be "place on file" . . . i.e. the circular file . . .

Now at least 3 Versions of Police Policy Resolution

Between 4:30 and 6:30 tonight expect a fourth or fifth version.

Mo’ Meetings

Sigh . . . 3 more city meetings . . . .

Open Letter to CCOC on Police Policy Committee

Signed by 35 community members.

County Week Ahead

Lots of cancelled meetings . . . only 5 before 5:00.

75% of the City Week Ahead?

Only 3 meetings before 4:00. Only 5 meetings after 5:30.

$25 State Bike Fee Possible

A followup question from Rep. Nygren to the DOT about raising fees on bicyclists has been answered in a recent Legislative Fiscal Bureau Paper...

Police “Community Outreach” a.k.a. spin.

Spin, spin, spin. Seems like they want trouble.

What a waste

Talk about over-policing. It takes one cop that can't wait for back up to kill a distressed unarmed black man. It takes 200? cops to arrest 28 peaceful, cooperative protestors? We have some messed up priorities.

Police Resolution Revealed

Months have passed since the Madison police shot and killed Tony Robinson and this is all we got? Will it make any real difference?

A Pain on Tony’s Mother Can Know

In Andrea's own words:

What you need to know for today and tomorrow

You have options. Choose wisely. ;). Here's my plan.

Amelia Royko Maurer: D.A. Ismael Ozanne chose Mother’s Day to give notice to Tony “Terrell” Robinson Jr’s Mother

This past Sunday, District Attorney Ismael Ozanne gave notice that he will be reporting his decision on the officer-involved killing of Tony “Terrell” Robinson Jr. in 48 hours which lands on Tuesday, May 12th. He had promised to give the family and the public 48 hours notice.

YGB: Reflect on Tuesday, Walk Out on Black Out Wednesday

Reflect on Tuesday, Walk Out on Black Out Wednesday

75% of the week ahead . . .

Sorry its late, didn't sleep much last night due to coughing from allergies . . ..

$30M for this?

Hmmm, is this worth $30M? If it is, could we have $2M for a homeless day shelter, please.

Lookin’ For A Few Good Landlords!

Did you know that if we could find about 150 landlords to rent just one unit to a homeless veteran (and maybe their family) we could end Veteran Homelessness by the end of the year?

Greg Gelembiek: Open Letter on Deadly Force

Good information and much to think about in this, please read.

Council to Public: Meh.

Council essentially says to the public: You don't really need to know what is going on with changing police policies . . . we'll get it to you when we want to, despite it being 2 months since a Madison police officer shot and killed Tony Robinson. No hurry.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Not much, unless the public shows up. Looks like a 10 minute meeting . . . . looks can sometimes be decieving, but I don't think I'm exaggerating too much.

Herein lies the problem

Where does a low-income single person without a documented disability who is under 62 find housing? It's a theme that repeats itself over and over and over and over. Good news is: families and people who are disabled or in wheelchairs or elderly can pre-apply to be on a waiting list . . .

Dane County Budget Wars Heating Up Too

Human Services yet again looking at cutting "non-mandated services" in favor of "mandated services" which of course includes cutting all housing and homelessness programs which are "non-mandated".

Capital Budget time already!

Mayor's message on the capital budget. Capital budget = building things, large one time purchases, TIF, big projects . . . borrowing.

Did T Wall Cost Joe Clausius the Election?

Ooops, I thought I posted this . . . this is from a few weeks ago I went to the Urban Design Commission Wednesday night for 2 projects and the most interesting one was the one sandwiched in between them.

Chief Not So Chatty

Afraid of a public forum?

Nearly 2 months later . . . nothing.

On Wednesday it will be 2 months since Tony Robinson has been shot and the council and mayor have yet to write a no-brainer resolution.

Over $200,000 for what?

Can you believe we've paid one individual $178,875 to coordinate the Judge Doyle Square process and we're going to pay him $38,000 more?

County Week Ahead

4 meetings this week after 5:00 . . . and the rest . . . .

(75% of the) City Week Ahead

Only 13 meetings? I don't believe it.

4 Judge Doyle Square Proposals This Time

Hmmmm . . . . Friday afternoon news . . . . City Receives Four Responses to the Judge Doyle Square Request for Proposals

John Nolen Path Closure

Portions of path closed, elevator still accessible.

Marsha Rummel: On Homelessness Efforts

I asked all the alders to respond to the Mayor's letter, Marsha was the only on to do so, so far. Her response is illuminating.

Dane County Launches Independent Racial Equity Analysis of County Government Operations

This is kinda cool, good for them. I want the city to do this too!

City, County – What is the Plan to End Homelessness?

Join us in a march, rally and sleep out today. Starts at 4:00 at "the stones" on the top of State St., rally at 6:00 at the City-County Building and sleep out in solidarity with people without homes. Sign the petition, Email your electeds. When will we get serious about solving the issues for our brothers and sisters without homes?

Well, this is awkward . . .

After the mayor's recent tirade against the "drifter" homeless people (psssst, men all ran out of shelter time at the end of March, that is why you are seeing more "new" people) its a little hard to launch a campaign to find landlords willing to rent to veteran's for the MAYOR'S ZERO:16 campaign. Here's the press release planned for today, Registry Week starts Saturday and there is a Tuesday 10 am press conference next week with the Mayor and County Executive Joe Parisi to help recruit landlords to the cause. This is seriously screwed up. Sigh . . .

County Week Ahead

Only 8 meetings. All but 2 are at 5:30 or later.

75% of the City Week Ahead

This is what we know of as of Friday afternoon, expect several additions throughout the week.

WTF Mayor Soglin Cracks Down on the Homeless

Any homeless people living outside and all food programs from them are being moved to the City-County Building, says the Mayor. Administrative action, no public input. No public input whatsoever. None.

Crazy Traffic Snarls

Many downtown streets will be closed on Saturday morning, April 25th for the Crazylegs Classic run/walk. Traffic will not be able to cross...

Can You Help With Tasks to End Homelessness?

Please consider this and sign up if you can!

Mo’, Mo’, Mo’ Meetings!

One more, that makes 8 out of 20 meetings this week that were late. 27% of the meetings were not on the "Weekly Meeting Schedule" on Monday morning this week.

Random Round Up

Public Market Forum and meetings, Warner Park Visioning, Neighborhood House Community Rummage Sale, Madcity Chickens 2015 Backyard Coop Tour and Madison Bus Route changes.

Surveys, Surveys, Surveys!

Downtown Bike and Moped, Community Health Needs Assessment and Dogs in Parks

The Mitch Henck Maneuver

Mitch Henck has been a voice in Madison for quite some time. I do not know Mitch Henck personally, but have listened to...

(Brief) Common Council Recap

This is s a draft, audio to be added later, its brief and live blogged.

Mo’ Mo’ Meetings, Some Cancelled

3 adds, 1 cancellation. That makes 7 meetings added this week . . . so far . . . 7 of 29 is almost 25% of the meetings.

What will the council talk about tonight?

Anything the public shows up and registers to speak on, plus everything listed below and anything any alders choose to pull of the agenda at the meeting.

Where is that resolution looking into policing policies?

It's been 6 weeks . . . since promises were made.

Mo’ Meetings!

Sigh . . . 4 more . . . equity, schmequity. From the equity report: D. Community Engagement One of the guiding principles...

More Money to Militarize Local Law Enforcement

Tonight the County Public Protection and Judiciary will be approving $47,000 from Federal Homeland Security and Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs for what? "Advanced Tactical Integration Training", whatever that is.

JFC Co-Chairs Plan to Drop a Highway Bomb on Future Generations

...we can’t expect one generation to pick up the load for all these projects at the same time... Unfortunately, these projects are all coming to fruition at the same time... it’s up to us to figure out what are we going to do to continue...

Madison Workers Strike for $15/hr Wages

Computer glitch . . . this is from last Wednesday. But, I got a new (faster) router!

City to fund CareNet?

Last time there was funding involved, they couldn't even find a sponsor, this time, the Board of Estimates and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) has recommended funding. Question is, do they even know that is what they approved?

What is this committee voting on tonight?

This is the City-County Liaison Committee, so it has alders, county board supervisors and the county executive's and mayor's office representatives on it, so you'd think they could get this right. This committee makes final decisions and there are no other votes on these matters, so whatever they decide is final. Sure would be nice to know what they are voting on. All three items are a bit of a mystery to me and they meet tonight.

County Week Ahead

10 of 24 meetings at 3:00 or before. 13 after 5:00.

City Week Ahead

7 of 22 meetings (nearly 1/3) before 3:00 in the afternoon. Only 6 of 22 start after 5:00.

UW Police Increasing Use of Body Cameras

Apparently, they have decided to use them and have been testing them . . .

Less Access to Government!

Just kidding, kinda. Don't be surprised if the City-County Building is locked more often!

Alder Committee Appointments!

Here they are . . . alphabetically

Chief Koval: Take Another Look

No violence, eh? Seriously? Funny how a cop looks at video and thinks there is no violence but the people being arrested feel like (and sometimes scream out in pain) there is plenty of violence. It would be one thing if people were actually doing something worth getting arrested for, but as far as I can tell, the arrest that started this was for nothing. The police started this and it could all have been avoided.

YGB Press Release on Arrests Yesterday

Links to how you can help and my videos as well as others.

Summer Festival Music Schedules!

Nice warm day to be thinking about summer plans. Marquette Waterfront Festival and Central Park Session music line up below.

Mo’ Meetings

Sigh . . . 3 within the 1st hour and a half of business Monday morning. 5 total today. About 20% of the meetings weren't out last Friday. They need to start calling it "About 75% of the Weekly Schedule".

Board of Estimates Recap

So, this is brief. 3 hours and 45 minute meeting.

What are we spending $1,250,000 on?

Did you know this "Authorizing the acceptance of an assignment of an Offer to Purchase from Treysta Group, LLC for the purchase of property located at 3618-3630 Milwaukee Street." means we are spending $1,250,000 on what?

Did you know this is a $10M Decision?

Tonight the Board of Estimates will be voting on this "Amending the 2015 adopted Capital Improvement Plan to provide matching funds for the City’s 2015 TIGER grant application and authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to enter into a contract with USDOT to receive and expend the TIGER funds if awarded." Do you have any clue what this is about and what the extra $10M in would be spent on?

Any clue what this is?

Today the Board of Estimates will be voting on this item: "Creating Section 4.29 of the Madison General Ordinances to require Proprietary Interest...

County Week Ahead

12 meetings, 6 start after 5:00.

City Week Ahead

20 meetings - 5 start after 5:00. Check "Mo' Meetings" posts throughout the week as they add more meetings after the Friday deadline. There are also several mistakes this week, Board of Estimates does not start at 4:30AM and Plan Commission doesn't start at 5AM. At least I"m pretty sure they don't! 🙂

And . . they’re off! Alder Committee Assignments?

The intrigue after the elections turns to who is running for President and Pro Tem and who will get what committee assignments. And they seem to be moving fast!

Madison Signs on to Lawsuit on Immigration Reform

City of Madison Joins 73 Cities and Counties to Take Legal Action in Support of Immigration Reforms - Cities For Immigration Action Sign On To Brief In Texas vs. United States Appeal; Urging Immediate Implementation of President Obama’s Immigration Reforms.

White, Stupid and Drunk – Double (Racist) Standard

Drunken College Students blocking off the streets, starting fires, 5 arrests = "mostly good behavior". And yet after a month of peaceful protests the "fear" of violence started by Chief Koval, lied about by Chief Koval and continued by Chief Koval, continues to be a concern to reporters and people throughout the city. Why?

Mo’ Meetings!

You didn't think that they actually had all the meetings on the Weekly Schedule did you? 6 added meetings. That's over 1/3 of the meetings this week.

Here’s Your New City Council!

We now have 4 people of color on the council, two incumbents are unseated and we have 7 new members of the council!

YGB and Robinson Family Press Conferences

YGB calls on UN to do an independent investigation. Robinson Family says to be fair and just, D.A. Ozanne must indict, and that an independent investigation is needed, that they have received no services and that Tony was shot 7 times. They say the documents released by the MPD were misleading.

Recommendations for Voting Tomorrow

Here's my recommendations and why!

Mayor Candidate Debate on Homelessness

Moderated by the League of Women Voters, sponsored by Homeless Services Consortium, its a quick 45 minutes.

Urban League Forum, Belated

I was sick, didn't video tape it and well, shit happened. But, I watched a video I could get my hands on. I blogged, scored and commented below. Enjoy!

All the Mayor’s Race Forums You can Handle

Here is the video and summaries of as many as I could muster . . . including the Homeless one and the Communities United, Barrymore/WORT/5 Neighborhoods/Homeless Services Consortium, Urban League, Rotary, Channel 3, City Channel/League of Women Voters, East Side Progressives, East Side Businesses, Cap Times and Dems

County Week Ahead

12 of 17 before 5:00 and their agendas are pretty much all F's. No links, not understandable items, and still learning to use...

Quiz! Can you tell what changes are being proposed!?!

Philosophers Grove Canges are coming! Plans and specs to start the work are being approved Wednesday! Here is the agenda (#10) for Wednesday at...

City Week Ahead

Now with agenda scores! No meetings Tuesday due to election day, don't forget to vote! Also, expect changes, many changes, this looks a little light . . . you think there is really only 12 meetings this week . . . r-i-g-h-t- . . .

Police Release Records Requests re: Tony Robinson Shooting

Some community leaders (but not the alders!) got an email indicating the website would hold information about 2:00 and now the information is postd on the website.

PP&J Blocks Living Wage for Dane Co Jail Inmates

On a vote of 4 - 2 (Paul Rusk, Andy Schauer, Maureen McCarville and Mike Willett voted no on approval. Leland Pan and Dorothy Krause voted yes) the Public Protection and Judiciary decided to let jail inmates continue to get paid $3.50 a DAY for an 8.5 hour shift. Criminal, right?

WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?

This is NOT an April Fools joke. It's a little more like an Easter Egg Hunt.

Random Homeless Services Updates

Closing for Friday and Monday, meals, events.

Mo’ Meetings!

Sigh . . . seriously people, this is stupid. This isn't that hard. The Public Engagement Workgroup is the best, I have no clue what it is, there is no attached agenda and they gave 26 hours notice of their meeting. Oh, irony.

Wow. City-County Building has near 50 people sleeping there now.

Even I was surprised when I walked out of the City-County Building last night, there were likely about 50 people sleeping out there, nearly doubling what it has been recently. And that number may grow. Makes the Occupy encampments start to look good.

Council Passes Uber/Lyft Ordinance Despite State Legislature Threat

They're hoping that Racine, Green Bay and others will join with Madison to preserve their local control. The ordinance passed (15-5) essentially levels...

What Will the Council Talk about Tonight?

Here you go, but remember, if anyone signs up to speak on an item, or if an alder changes their mind or didn't get to the agenda on time, they may also pull something not on this list for discussion.

Pay Living Wage for Jail Inmates

It's a proposal that will be considered tonight at Personnel and Finance Committee at 5:15 in Room 354 of the City County Building. Currently, for a 8.5 shift, they are paid . . . $3.50 PER DAY, not per hour. Seriously.

Police Policies: Why do we need a . . . groan . . . Task Force to review policies?

Because right now policies and procedures are created by the police department without public input or oversight, approved by the police department without public input or oversight, changed by the police department without public input or oversight, and only modified if the police department wants to, without public input or oversight.

City Week Ahead

No meetings at all on Monday! Only 14 meetings, 3 of which have no link to the agenda?

County Week Ahead

5 meetings, all at 5:15 or after! A+!

Stop Singling out Brandi!

There is a tactic that people use when they don't want to talk about the issues at hand. They either talk about the process or they single out an individual and target them to marginalize them. It's nothing but a distraction from the issues. And Brandi Grayson and Leland Pan are the latest targets and I'm sick of it.

Mayoral Candidate Forum on Homelessness

Monday, 3:00, Bethel Church sponsored by Homeless Services Consortium

Random Round Up

Events and things happening around town.

Yard Waste Sites Open Sat, Pick Up Starts 4/6

Streets Department Updates

How the Chief Treats Regular Citizens

Check out this email exchange with a person who had a concern. Chief Mike Koval is a piece of work!

Give County Board Supervisor Pan Back His Keys!

Let him have access to his office to do his job.

Koval Violates Code of Conduct?

Should someone file a complaint?

Mo’, Mo’ Meetings

Seriously, if you're going to be late, at least get it out on Monday! In the beginning of the week there was 17 meetings with 3 cancelled. 34 hours later, its 24 meetings with 4 cancelled. Expect more changes?

Early Voting Begins!

No ID required, this time! Here's info on early voting: Dates and Times: Monday-Friday from 8:00am - 7:00pm: March 23-27 & March 30-April 3 Early voting (in-person absentee voting)...

Mo’ Meetings!

Just 2, but its only Tuesday.

Police Policy Review: Use of Force

Well, I started reviewing 450 pages of old and new police policies and then they sent me a different version and its very hard to know where to begin - so I'll start here . . . In the policies I've found lots of things that need review, and a bunch of things that just seem to be missing. A thorough review will take much longer, but here's what I've found so far of concern on this particular policy of interest. Did you know police no longer have to give you a verbal warning before they shoot - as of 3/24/14 and there have been 3 fatal shootings in the past year with this (mew?) policy. All three persons shot were mentally ill, under extreme distress or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. So much for de-escalation

County Week Ahead

Most meetings (13 of 21) during the day or all piled on Thursday night.

City Week Ahead

Looks suspiciously light . .. . only 17 meetings, and 3 are cancelled.

Even Tinier Home – Impounded!

I don't exactly know how I got involved in this . . . but, this is what I observed and experienced yesterday . . . that ended in this . . . IMG_5224

Jail Resolution OFF THE AGENDA for Mon. and Thurs.

We've been told from many sources that the jail resolution would go to Personnel and Finance on Monday and the County Board on Thursday, but the special meeting on Monday has been cancelled.

Mayoral Candidates Housing and Homelessness Answers

The Madison Affordable Housing and Homeless Advocates United (MAHAHAU) or commonly referred to Mwahahahahahaha asked the mayoral candidates some questions, here are their answers. Also, Monday, March 30th at 2:00 at Bethel Church there will be a brief 45 minute forum with the two answering questions from homeless persons.

Madison Fatal Police Shootings on the Rise. Why?

Why are our Madison police officers killing more people?

Police Chief Chastises the Council

Wow. I'm not sure what to say. More tomorrow. This is a glimpse into the bullying tactics of the police department with the elected officials.

Results of Jail Resolution Meetings Last Night

The County Health and Human Needs Committee (aka HHN) and the Public Protection and Judiciary Committee (aka PP&J) met last night to discuss the jail resolution and came up with two different conclusions, which will go to the Personnel and Finance meeting on Monday and the full County Board on Thursday.

Role of the Economic Development Commission?

Make Madison a premier biking city and tourism attraction? Serve low-income people seeking work? Encourage development to grow our tax base (and...

Tonight: Telephone Town Hall

MMSD to Host ‘Telephone Town Hall’ Meeting on Referendum

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Tony Robinson! Well, maybe, if anyone knows about it or understands the "public comment" agenda item was intended for that. There is only one other items (urging federal government to increase funding for reproductive health) likely to be discussed unless the public shows up to discuss something.

Jail Resolution Proposed Amendments

Jenni Dye has amendments for Health and Human Needs tonight, I expect that the same amendments might be attempted at Personnel and Finance as well.

Update On State St. Area/Philosopher’s Stones

The staff presentation is only 20 minutes long, another 15 minutes of repeating and public comments - one comment I found intriguing, from the artist

Progressive Dane: City Must Act Swiftly to Address Police Killing

The press release sent out last night calling on the council to act.

Dane Co. Tonight: Pot Possession Fines drop from $150 to $10

If you are carrying 25 grams or less and you get a cop that gives you a county ordinance violation instead of a city ticket or state charge.

Council Agenda Amended: To Hear Testimony About Tony Robinson

TONIGHT! But . . . since it is only for "public comment", the alders will not be able to speak to the issue. Here's more on the developments in the last 24 hours, since yesterday's blog.

“Stuff” in front of the City-County Building

Here are the temporary plans, more permanent plans in the works, I hope we finally figured something out . . . not exactly permanent, but a solution nonetheless. Hope to be able to say more soon.

Jail Resolution moves Forward Tomorrow Night

Public Protection and Judiciary and Health and Human Needs expected to vote tomorrow night. Personnel and Finance to meet and vote the 23rd and the full county board to vote on Thursday, March 26

Council Takes No Official Action on Shooting of Tony Robinson?

I was pretty surprised to see nothing on the council agenda addressing the police shooting of an unarmed black teen. No opportunity for community . . . well, community anything . . . input, outrage, suggestions, expressions of grief, raising concerns, etc.

What Should be in the City’s New Economic Development Plan?

The city council will be briefed on it tonight, and have a chance to ask questions and give input. I struggle to see...

Philosopher’s Grove/Changes to Top of State St. Meeting Today

4:30 - 6:00 Downtown Public Library.

County Week Ahead

Again, about half the meetings held before 5:00 . . . slightly better than the city, but very little.

70% or so of the City Week Ahead

Expect 4 - 10 meetings to be added throughout the week. You might ask "What's the point of a "weekly schedule"?" Should be called the weekly "misleading attempt to cloud government transparency". More than half the meetings are before 5pm.

Iron Chef Tonight!

5 - 7 Brink Lounge

Friday: A commUNITY Forum

What: A commUNITY Forum When: Friday, March 13th, 2015 Where: The Faith Place Church 211 E. Linnerud Dr. Sun Prairie, Wisconsin 53590 Time: 6:00 PM

Day of Action: YGB Events Today & Tomorrow

Today at 3:00, tomorrow at 7:00.

Sights and Sounds from #Justice4Tony

I missed the first evening, but I have video from Saturday, Sunday and Monday. More video coming, including the awesome testimony at the Police and Fire Commission, plus, upcoming events to know about.

City Week Ahead – Or 70% of it?!

A little distracting this weekend, sorry this is late . . . I suspect the rest of the week will be the same way.

How to Help Tony Robinson Family and YGB Efforts (now with video)

Video from this morning and a list of known events and activities coming up.

Another Police Blacklisting Project?

I missed this one, but now there are at least 3 "collective community bans" the police department has initiated, the one on State St. (Cap Times), the one with the north and east side hotels and one at E. Wash and E. Johnson at the Hawthorne Library area.

WTF? Madison has a 9.5:1 Arrest Ratio

That means blacks are 9..5 times more likely to be arrested than whites. Dane County average is 8:1. Ferguson 2.8. WTF? (sorry chief, if deserves an f-bomb!)

Dane Dems Mayoral Forum

And the other three, all in one post.

Mo’ Meetings!

Yeah, its Wednesday, not much of the week left, but here's 2 more, that makes 9 this week, which might be a new record, a full 31% of the meetings this week!!! Grrrrrrrrr.

Hostile Workplace & Discrimination in the Construction Trades/Businesses

This is a quick hack job, but its extremely timely with meetings tonight and it was so appalling, it needed to be out there.

Cap Times Mayoral Debate

Video, recap, scores . . . by now you probably know how this is going to turn out, but I found myself being more critical on these answers and disappointed in things that they failed to mention.

City Council Recap

Sorta live blogged. Lazy blogged? Not sure which.

What will the council talk about tonight?

2 items, Olbrich catering and #13M TIF for Anchor Bank.

Mo’ city meetings!

3 more, that makes 7 extras this week, so far. And, no consent agenda for the council meeting in 2.5 hours . . .

East Side Progressives Mayoral Forum

This one is from Sunday night. There's video, a recap and comments and scoring.

Mo’ Meetings . . . City side, of course.

4 added today.

BIG SHARE! Tomorrow! Think Tenant Resource Center!

Tomorrow is the Big Day: The Big Share! An opportunity for us to demonstrate support of nonprofits building a fair, just community and protecting our environment. The Big Share includes lots of great Community Shares of Wisconsin Organizations, including the Tenant Resource Center.

East Side Business Associations Mayoral Forum

Watch the video and a quick recap. Also my comments about how the candidates did.

County Week Ahead

There's one meeting on Monday and meetings on Thursday that start after 5:00 that you might be able to make. More than half the meetings held during the day.

Alleged City Week Ahead

Sure to be incomplete . . . 4 meetings out of 20 start after 5:00.

Temp Job to Help End Chronic and Veteran Homelessness?

Registry Week Coordinator Needed:

Join Parisi’s Plan?

Concrete steps to address poverty and racial disparities. It's a start. Gotta give him credit once again.

Random Round Up

Marquette Chili Dinner, Wisconsin Budget Debacle, Free Fair Housing Training, MG&E Community Energy Conversations, Central Park - First Year Review, East High Girls Soccer to be at Breese Stevens Field, Make Music Madison, Warner Park Ash Tree Removal and Metro On Board Survey.

Police Will Do Nothing To Address Racial Disparities in the 8:1 Arrest Ratio

He was asked the question 5 - 8 times that I was present and Chief Koval points in every other direction and refuses to address the issue head on, what will change in the Police Department policies and procedures that lead to the 8:1 arrest ratio?

Mo’ Meetings

6 more meetings, one cancellation. One agenda missing, also missing links.

What the Council Will Talk About Tonight

Here's the items that won't be passed in one motion at 6:45 or before.

County Week Ahead

If you want to give input on the resolution on racial disparities and mental health issues in the jail, now is your chance.

Alleged City Week Ahead

Expect changes.

Remembering 4 years ago . . . 2/21/11 – 2/27/11

Second week of the uprising 4 years ago.

Open Letter to John Strasser

Regarding Privilege and Discrimination

Bitterly Cold Arctic Air Creates Serious Safety Concerns

I know of 4 people who slept outside last night.

County Resolution to Address Racial Disparities, Mental Health and Jail Alternatives

Press Release and Resolution to be introduced tonight.

Homelessness as a protected class . . .

While the Economic Development Commission waivered between being confused about why this issue was before them and just not understanding in general, it is...

Mayor Proposed EDC Mission Changes

Adding equity goals and strategies making it clear the Economic Development Commission should be working on employment opportunities for ALL of Madison's residents. I read this to mean mot just BioAg and High Tech and young entrepreneurs, yay!

Mo’ Meetings

Sigh . . . I don't know why they have to always be late with meetings like these, its almost like they do it...

Low Gas Prices = City Pay Raise

Mayor and Council Leadership propose filling the gap so the rest of the employees get the same pay raises as police and fire.

How is Blacklisting People Community Policing?

Seriously, collective bans of people is community policing?

Opal Tometi: The #blacklivesmatter Praxis

Why We Are the Ones We Are Waiting For. This is part of the @blacklivesmatter speakers series Sponsored by Young, Gifted and Black, Comparative U.S. Studies...

Chief Koval’s “Rambling” Sessions (Now with audio!)

Two left! Here's a disturbing clip or two from the West Side (Good Shepherd Church, not Sequoya Library). Northside tonight, Southside tomorrow night.

Why I am Voting for Paul Soglin Today

I've been to all three forums, read numerous questionnaires and talked with all of the candidates and can only come to one conclusion.

Board of Estimates Recap

Brief, less than an hour meeting. Here is my recap on sole source contracting issues and Ann St. property.

How should Dane County Spend It’s $2M Affordable Housing Fund?

They had a hearing last week. And have another one on Wednesday at 1:30. They are clearly just looking for shovel ready projects, but here is the testimony of the Homeless Services Consortium and regardless of what project, what kind of priorities should be set in funding projects.

Do-over: Weekly BK News Round Up

Now, with audio, photos and more video! I don't always have time to blog everything, or sometimes its not worthy of a whole blog post, so here is the week in summary.

County Week Ahead

5 meeting at 5:30 or after.

Alleged City Week Ahead!

Only 2 meetings start at 5:30 or after. And expect meetings to be added.

Remembering 4 years ago . . . 2/14/11 – 2/20/11

Early footage of the Wisconsin Uprising - the first week.

Random Round Up

Things going on around town.

Watch All Three Mayoral Forums Here!

Not great shooting or editing on all three . . . but the content is all there.

A Random Act of Kindness Refused by the County?

I guess we'll find out today.

‘Mo Meetings! (City)

Added since Monday morning. I'm pretty sure the equity report wanted us to make government more accessible, maybe we should start with the committees that are primarily charged with activities around equity? 3 of the 4 new meetings do.

County Week Ahead

Lots of meetings, but only 10 of theme at 5:30 or after so I'm not sure who has the "luxury" to attend these meetings.

Alleged City Week Ahead

Sure to be incomplete!

Don’t Sit Here!

Time for another sit in at the City-County Building? How hard is it to get some chairs? You may have noticed that there are frequently...

How to Get Financial Support for Housing Issues

This is from the agency that gets all the city money for eviction prevention and security deposit funds. They get a few $100,000 but the requests at the Tenant Resource Center are over $1M of requests. THere is a lottery each month for 8 - 10 people to get eviction prevention assistance, and you can only get assistance if you haven't gotten it recently and have and income and pay future rent

Walker Proposes Rollback of Complete Streets

Governor Walker's budget address on February third is getting a lot of press for the $1.3 billion of borrowing for transportation, but there is...

Random Round Up

MABA opposition to removing bus stops, open house events to learn about the school referendum, upcoming demolition, emergency plans for cold weather for homeless, emergency planning meeting on Walker's budget and the UW, WYOU Annual Meeting and Willy St. Park Annual Meeting

Council Recap – Live Blog (Sorta)

Well, I'll try . . . can't promise much! Worse typos than usual, so you have been warned.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Here's the consent agenda, or, uh not on the agenda.

Billboards – Can They Reconsider A Failed Mayoral Override

We're goin' into the weeds folks! Sure to be scintillating debate.

Mo’ Meetings – Not on “Weekly Schedule”

Alleged "weekly schedule" incomplete yet again . . .

Police Chief Mike Koval Central District “Listening” Session

He actually ends by walking out while people are still talking to him. He says it was a listening session. . . but he's not very good a ACTUALLY listening . . . and he's so defensive and condescending, and interrupts anyone he disagrees with. I think he makes things worse by doing these sessions. He needs to learn to shut his mouth. I'm quite horrified by how he acted as a public representative of the City of Madison.

Park on the ODD Side of the Street tonight!

Downtowners, I'm sure you noticed the snow and that only half of our streets are plowed, make sure to move your cars to the ODD side of the street tonight so they can do the other half!

2 more Mayoral Forums

Wednesday (south) and next Monday (north). Join the candidates for Madison Mayor in a free public forum. Wednesday, February 4th from 6-8 PM This will be held...

DMI/CNI Mayor Candidate Forum

Minus Paul Soglin. The contest for who will run against him. Here's the video, the questions, cliff notes on the candidates responses and what my responses would have been (WWBKD)

City of Madison’s First Snow Emergency of the Winter

Big moneymaker! Move your car . . . the tickets are nasty!

County Week Ahead

Only 10 meetings (most of them on Thursday) . . . 6 start after 5:30.

City Week Ahead – Until It Changes

Well, this is what is available on Saturday, it is sure to change throughout the week. I'll try to keep you updated, but you might want to check here at the end of every day to see what might have been added.

Affordable Housing Development Fund Listening Sessions

Where should Dane County spend its money on affordable housing and homeless services?

Random Round Up

East High to Use Breese Stevens Field for football and soccer? Police listening sessions, the full list, Cherokee Bird and Nature Walk, demolition notice, poetry on buses, 906 Williamson St., Billboards forever! and Public Market Survey

Development . . . and the Greed it Represents

This project elicited one of my favorite quotes ever from a citizen member of a committee. Ever. 701 E Miffin 1

FTR: Additional meetings posted

Madison weekly schedule also added these meetings this week:

Pahl Tire (another) Hotel Development

When is a 10 story building not a 10 story building. . . you figure it out. 202 e wash

Enbridge Pipe Line Conditional Use

No public input allowed, but it is a crowded house!

Mo’ Meetings! The City Weekly Meeting Schedule is a Misnomer

3 added meetings on Monday:

Brief Board of Estimates Recap – Part One

Economic Development Director 5 year contract, policy body cameras (they are skipping Equal Opportunities Commission and Public Safety Review Board input and going straight to council, ironically, on a resolution that is all about public input - they are skipping the public input) and the new request for proposals for Judge Doyle Square are discussed.

The Case Against Body Cameras

In less than 3 minutes! Board of Estimates will be discussing this item tonight. The Case Against Body Cameras in less than 3 minutes When...

County Board Meeting Recap

Watching these meetings are kinda a joke, they often spend more time congratulating people than doing anything of substance.

Max Rameau: Forward from Ferguson: The Case for Community Control Over the Police

This is video from Friday afternoon on UW Campus - well worth watching but more important, listening to.

County Week Ahead

12 meetings start after 5:00, out of 15.

City Week Ahead

23 meetings, 4 start after 5:00.

YGB: Self-Determined Community Control

The Young Gifted and Black Coalition presents a day of Political Education and protest - Tomorrow!

Black Lives Matter Speaker Series

Looks like some good discussions coming up! Spring 2015 speakers series.

Another Round Up

So many meetings and things going on now that the holidays are over. ChiliOCRACY, Dane County TimeBank events, Community Building and Empowerment Funding, Emerging Opportunities Program, Street Closure 300 Block W. Dayton, Permaculture Guild Visioning Sessions, Green Downtown Program, Low-income dental clinic closing and Chief Koval community meetings.

Common Council Recap Part 2 (Embarrassment x 2)

Ok, a few brief items, $13M in TIF and Allied Drive Grocery. One item demonstrates the power of one citizen paying attention to city hall, the other, is just absurd, after talking about applying equity to their agenda, the fail to apply equity to the agenda after it was pointed out twice. Equity, its just talk.

Common Council Recap – Part 1

Council failed to override the Mayor's veto, staff contracts renewed and they share their visions for the next 5 years, northside Tenneyson Ridge affordable housing project passes, Allied Drive Grocery Store report passes after some comments and an embarrassing moment as the council refers the $13M TIF for Anchor Bank.

More Changes to the City Schedule from this Morning

5 changes in the last 24 hours . . .

Pahl Tire Redevelopment Meeting Tonight

Another hotel, and will the extend the State St. TIF all the way to E. Washington?

Jennifer St. Reconstruction Meeting tonight

Construction, traffic, street width, planning, underground utilities, trees, etc.

More “affordable housing” absurd comments (Oooops!)

People, people, people, if you're going to make the augments, look at the facts . . .I know they are becoming irrelevant in much of the rhetoric, but you really look silly when you say silly things.

What Will the Council Talk about Tonight?

Billboards, Kickstarter and Allied Grocery oh my! But not the $13M for TIF for Anchor Bank project on the square?

Council Agenda through the Equity Lens

What would happen if the council took tonight's agenda and voted through an equity lens?

Where would you put “affordable” housing?

Sigh, low income people aren't criminals. Plenty of criminals (drug dealers, wife beaters, thieves, drug users) live in Maple Bluff too. But neighborhoods really get concerned when they hear that low income housing is coming tot heir neighborhood. Here's a preview of what the council will be hearing tonight about a project on the northside.

Random Round Up

Willy St. Coop Worker Support, free Union Cab Rides to Northside Race Equity Forum, Close Newly Built Building in Tenney Park?, School Referendum Volunteers Needed, Snowshoe Cherokee Marsh by Candlelight, Willy St. Park Annual Meeting, Jenifer St. Bus Stop Closures, WHEDA is still here!, Petition MG&E, Central Park Update, Madison Art Lending Library - Call for Artists.

Middle-Aged, Angry and White

Our community leaders are just embarrassing sometimes. No one more, to me, than County Executive Joe Parisi, he's unfit for office. After a blog post this week, Chief Koval is coming in a close second for me, but I cut him a little slack as he's still green.

County Week Ahead

County Board meeting, but only 11 others this week.

(Early) City Week Ahead

4 meetings start at 5:30 or after. Sigh . . . Tuesday, January 20, 2015 12:15 PM BUILDING CODE, FIRE CODE, CONVEYANCE CODE AND LICENSING...

City of Madison Economic Development Strategy Goals?

The subcommittee met, had their first meeting, and reviewed the 10 goals.  Curious what you think, does this seem like an economic development strategy...

Public Market Update

This was sent by Marsha Rummel to her neighborhood listserves, it was so good I thought I'd pass it along.

Say YES! to Schools

Help with the referendum coming up.

Mayor Vetoes Billboard Ordinance!

Today, I love the Mayor again, just wait 5 minutes tho . . .

Wanna Count the Homeless?

Sigh, there is so much wrong about this, but it is required by the federal government and the better job that is done, the better we can demonstrate the need in our community . . ..

YGB: Madison Police Role in Racial Disparities (Updated)

What is MPD's Role in Addressing Racial Disparities?

YGB: Open Letter to Madison Police Cheif Koval

Open Letter to Police Chief Koval from the Young Gifted and Black Coalition

YGB: Open letter to the Sheriff

Open Letter to Sheriff Mahoney from the Young Gifted and Black Coalition

Mayor Discussion with Urban Design Commission

The Mayor attended the Urban Design Commission (UDC) to have a discussion with them, it seems to result in a joint meeting of Plan Commission, UDC and Landmarks Commissions with developers and neighborhoods watching to provide feedback later. And a staff meeting.

Rallies at City-County Building now require police?

I've been going to rallies in front of the City-County Building for 20 years. It's a routine - rally, register, wait, testify, wait and watch, hope for a good vote and go home. I've never seen it involve police until yesterday. What was different?

Board of Estimates Recap – Part II

The rest of Monday's meeting. Allied Drive Grocery, TIF Report, buing the Expo Inn, Global City Indicators and Judge Doyle Square , including a poorly handled open meetings law violation (plus Konkel rant).

Board of Estimates Recap – Part I

Multiple technical difficulties this morning slowed me down! Anyways, here's a start on the meeting. IT and Engineering Directors 5 year contracts and Kipp.

City Finance Committee Becomes a Development Committee (without Equity Lens)

This agenda has more items than usual, but seriously, it seems like the city has increased its role in development in major ways and the Board of Estimates seems to have as much role in development as the Plan Commission. Check out all these items on tonight's agenda. Too bad we aren't applying an equity lens to these projects yet - the items that benefit the community the most and impact low income people the most have the least amount of money being spend on them, one project actively works against equity and 2 projects that are the biggest ticket items have no direct equity value at all to the city. Where is that equity tool when we need it?!

County Week Ahead

A unpleasant reminder that Legistar is only as good as the people using it- garbage in, garbage out. Actually, they just need to get the right information in there in a timely manner, but instead there is just no info or links, with a few exceptions.

City Week Ahead

WOW! Only three of the 20 meetings before 4:30 this week! Can you believe it? Unfortunately, only 5 meetings start after 5:00 as well.

Very Brief Council Recap – Part II

Oops, apparently not brief enough. And sorry I didn't finish this yesterday, it just never works out to blog at work even when I think I have the time and flexibility. Sadly, this was perhaps, the most interesting part of the evening with all the talk about chainsaws and evilness and the comparison to Cuba.

An Open Letter To Chris Mertes – The Sequel

A few years back, Sun Prairie Star Editor Chris Mertes wrote such a ridiculous editorial that I wrote him an open letter. Mertes has outdone...

Very Brief Council Recap

So, I missed the first 5 - 10 minutes of the meeting (I got caught stuck at work) and missed 95% or more of the council agenda, including the consent agenda, luckily I could watch it on Madison City Channel and get caught up, but I was very confused last night

Christmas Tree Collection Starts Today

Here's all the details:

Cold Weather this week and being Homeless

Here's the available updates:

City Week Ahead 2015!

Wondering how many additions there will be this week? 2/3 of the meetings start before 5:00. Off to a great start! end sarcasm.

No Thursday Garbage Pick-Up

heads up - put it out Friday.

Rain Worse Than -20 Degrees For People Without Homes?

Homeless out on the streets for Christmas because it is not less than 20 degrees outside? It worries me this time of year that is stressful for people in the best of living conditions.

County Week Ahead!

3 meetings. 1 today, 2 tomorrow.

City Week Ahead!

1 meeting. Just one.

We can solve this

Could not have said it better myself. I had no idea she was sending this, but AMEN!

City Week Ahead

Here's a start, sorry didn't get very far.

Wisconsin Road Lovers Stuck in 1990

The Local Government Institute of Wisconsin has a new report out ( Filling Potholes: A New Look at Funding Local Transportation in Wisconsin ) that makes the case for funding Wisconsin Transportation. The problem is that the report they cite to highlight how much highway construction benefits the economy is from 1990.

County Week Ahead

A little late, but here it is.

City Week Ahead (Updated)

Cramming in all the meetings before the holidays. 11 of them before 5:00.

What Will The Council Talk About Tonight? (Updated!)

This, and anything else anyone shows up to testify about or alders choose to pull off the agenda.

Housing Crisis Hotline

For a year now, there has been a housing crisis hotline, CAC got $145,000 to run it because HUD wants us to coordinate services for homeless individuals. Here's some new rules for it and the website is finally up!

County Week Ahead

Looks like the times are back to normal. Monday December 1st 2:30 PM Area Agency on Aging - Access Committee AAA/ADRC 2865 N. Sherman Ave., Rm 109 -...

City Week Ahead

So, this is downright comical . . . I'm sure this is no where near right. Betcha there are at least 10 meetings missing from this . . . expect additions! One meeting starts after 5:00.

County Week Ahead

I'm pretty sure this is not right . . . thats not right

City Week Ahead

You think even with the short week the can still manage to make changes?

Seriously Joe? Parisi has got to go! (Updated)

Act 10 is his friend. Unions are not. Joe Parisi does NOT follow Dane County values! His website slider about "standing up for workers rights" is laughable. Check this out! This is just so gross

Cabin for a Cause!

This is cool, when this guy sells his tiny home, he will donate $5000 to Occupy Madison! DSCN4478 DSCN4476

Single Women Ask for Improvements at Salvation Army Single Women’s Shelter

Nervous about retaliation, looking for support, but steeled in their resolve to get improvements. And yes, I was asked to blog this because...

New Record for Changes to the City Week Ahead!

14 this week!

Mayor Budget Message

Whoa. The press missed some of the best parts!

City Council Budget Goofiness

Man, I miss Warren Onken. The council ended up, to me, looking like whiny kids who didn't get their way and voted more about who they like or don't like instead of on a good policy and no one was able to craft a reasonable compromise. Who would believe after all the marching around the capital the council wouldn't vote for a .5% increase in pay for some employees who got a 1.5% increase (not police and fire) instead of the 3% (police and fire) increase others got? Seriously?

City Budget Redux – Lazy Live Blog

I have only the time I am sitting here to do this, so it is what it is.

What will the council talk about tonight? (Updated)

Things on this list and anything that the public shows up to talk about or an alder decides to add to this list. So, just about anything, but here's the start of the agenda.

Changes to the City Week Ahead

I didn't check my email before I posted and there are 5 more changes already.

City Week Ahead (Completed)

This is what might be the city week ahead. 9 of 36 meetings start after 5:00. Starting at 4:00 or 4:30 seem the most popular, hope you're not interested and work until 5:00.

Tiny House Village!

A few details still being finished up, but we are ready for a ribbon cutting! Please join us Saturday at 2:00 at 304 N. 3rd St. (2046 or 2050 E. Johnson in your gps).

The latest on TRC

Late yesterday afternoon, Personnel and Finance posted that they would be having a meeting today at 5:00. Scuttlebutt is that there will be a whole series of amendments to remove Huber fees and then take money from some non-profits and get rid of the housing position, and TRC may have an amendment too. Here's what I know.

City-County War on the Homeless Reignited?

Blogging this morning from the floor of the city-county building, the scene of yesterday's ridiculousness. There are two guys on the steps watching the stuff...

Dane County to Stop Funding Tenant Services?

Will tenants in Dane County outside the City of Madison no longer have tenant services available to them? Dane County Board votes on Monday,...

20 degrees: No woman or child turned away

If it hits 20 degrees, homeless women and children will not be turned away, kinda. Plus new shelter space available. SALVATION ARMY WINTER POLICY Note...

Additions to city schedule

A couple each day . . . 3 of 4 held during the day before 5:00 . . . double whammie on public participation

City Council Votes on Budget Tonight?

Tonight is the only chance for testimony (but at least they allow it, unlike the county board), they will be taking the amendments up in a different order. Here's the info on both items.

County Week Ahead

About half the meetings start before 5:00 . . .

City Week Ahead – Kinda

Well, who knows how it will change . . . more than half the meetings are before 5:00 as per usual . . .

Faith Communities Can’t Continue to Fill Human Services Gaps

The faith communities in and around Madison have been critical to filling human services gaps for years, but the needs are increasing beyond what they can handle, and they shouldn't have to provide for basic needs in the first place. The faith community responds to comments by Lynn Green, Director of Dane County Human Services.

That Good News! A day late . . .

I got a little distracted and didn't get time to give the community the good news! (Of course, you didn't read it in the newspaper! Or see it on TV or hear it on the radio).

Watch Out For Exhausted Gas and Diesel Delivery Truck Drivers – We Have an Energy Emergency!

Governor Scott Walker declared an energy emergency on Friday and has waved the 70-hour per week restriction on truck drivers transporting petroleum products into Wisconsin.  Kind...

County Week Ahead – Last Chance to Speak on the Budget!

On possibly yet unseen amendments!

This Isn’t Really the City Week Ahead

It's the information I have now, but it will change, there are meetings missing because they won't get noticed until later in the week.

Freakfest Terror For Downtown Residents

I'm talking about trying to get to or from your own house . . .

New Judge Doyle Square Report Is Out

They are asking to continue negotiating until May. Here the memo and City - Negotiating Team Report Appendices 11.3.14">attachments and highlights.

Let the Churches do it!

Again, from that lovely HHN meeting, a second of three or four or five issues. When cutting the CAC $10,000 for either food or clothing programs, the county decided that the only clothing program should be cut and that instead, let the churches do it. When it comes to poverty issues and homeless issues, it seems the county will try to find any way they can not to be responsible for vital programs in our community.

Day Center? City Atty’s Take on Where We are At . . .

Well, his guess is as good as any, but here's the info he gleaned and was willing to share.

Likely Council Budget Amendments

Oh, hey, did you know the council is meeting tonight?! Yeah, it wasn't in my Week Ahead, because they didn't notice it til 5:10 PM Monday night, just barely 48 hours notice. Meets the requirements of law, but its shameful for a local government that I thought once prided itself on transparency . . .

Yay! County Board Budget Amendments in Advance!

Three committees talking budget tonight have their amendments out in advance! Thank you!

Tar Sands Oil in Dane County?

Not my wheelhouse, but of great concern.

30% Water Rate Price Hike?

Might want to let the water utility know (today or tonight) what you think about their proposal.

Public Market Meeting Tonight

Help make it uniquely Madison . . . while playing games!

County Week Ahead

Only one meeting before 4:30!

City Week Ahead

Only three meetings start after 5:00 this week, all three are at 5:30 this evening.

Retaliation for Wednesday’s Blog Post

County Board Chair consulting with the sheriff and head of Health and Human Needs threatening to cut TRC's funds. Yeah. That's right.

More Blogging Catch Up

Ugh, vacation, followed by a funeral, and a fundraiser for TRC tonight, sorting out how to make homeless storage work starting Nov. 1 and tiny house village weeks away from opening have made blogging difficult.

County Government Needs Reform

I don't have time to do this post justice, but I can't see not blogging about this latest absurdity today.

What the Council will talk About Tonight

At least this is what they might talk about . . . plus any item that the public might show up to talk about.

Early Voting, No Voter ID Required

I'm not an early voter, I prefer to wait til election day, you never know what you might learn between now and then, but if it what it takes to get you to vote, by all means, vote early!

Post Vacation Catch Up

A bit of random, updates, upcoming meetings, etc., $10 Overture tickets for a year, Union Corners meeting on housing, Placemaking at the Public Market, DNR survey, clean lakes survey.

Passage of Amendment Could Mean WISDOT Will Rule With a Concrete Fist

With polls showing 70% support for a constitutional amendment creating a department of transportation and ensuring that taxes paid by motor-vehicle users are spent...

Stop Wasteful Highway Expansions, No New Transportation Taxes, Fix Local Roads First

Concerned Residents of Cities, Towns Traveling to Capitol to Tell Gov. Walker: Stop Wasteful Highway Expansions, No New Transportation Taxes, Fix Local Roads First FOR IMMEDIATE...

Put Our Transportation Problems on the Radar!

According to WISDOT, the next State budget will have $680 million more in planned transportation spending than is projected to come in from gas...

City of Madison Operating Budget Overview

First of three posts on the briefings on the City of Madison Executive Operating Budget prior to amendments.

Board of Estimates (James Doyle Square) Recap

Very confused, when my dvr started recording there just did item 11, not sure what they did with it . . . they passed the rest of the agenda except items 12 & 13. They adopted items 1 - 10. Then went on to James Doyle Square and the budget.

Fighting to Put Homeless Services Where the Homeless Can’t Reach Them

Dane County Takes Legal Action to Stop Town of Madison Continued Obstruction of Homeless Day Resource Center

School District Facilities Input

Great communities need great schools.

Co-housing at Union Corners! Interested?

Cohousing at Union Corners - It can't happen if critical mass isn't there.

Affordable Housing Money Unused?

So, we have money for affordable housing we can't use? We can figure this out, can't we? So. tired. of. excuses. Make it a priority and figure it out.

Dear Media: Please Research the Declining Returns on Highway Investments

Every couple of weeks, we hear about a $680 million shortfall in the transportation fund.  The unspoken premise being that the projects that are creating...

Sue Pastor: Development at all costs . . .

and to hell with democracy and wetlands.

City Week Ahead

Work til 5:00, local government is not for you! You might make it to three meetings.

Gaps in Our Homeless Services

CDBG will be talking about this on tonight at the city, Homeless Issues Committee will be talking about it on Tuesday. So, here's my list of gaps, what am I missing?

County Week Ahead – Budget Season Begins

Sorry, day late, but you only missed on meeting!

Leaf Collection and Tree Removal/Dead Trees

Leaf Collection started yesterday and the sad dead trees on the Isthmus list. LEAVES The City of Madison will begin the annual Fall Leaf Collection on...

Council Agenda and Added Meetings

Here's the finish of yesterday's week ahead and the added meetings in one post. COUNCIL AGENDA - Capital Budget Public Hearing - Union Corners - Anchor Bank - 126...

Daytime Meetings City Week Ahead

22 meetings start before 5:00, if you work til 5:00, there are 5 out of the 32 meetings you might be able to get to on time. Do you get teh feeling that anyone in city hall cares about this issue? Anyone?

Transpo Fund Amendment Will Not Deliver!

So the proponents of Wisconsin state referendum question #1, a constitutional amendment to protect the transportation fund, put out a video to convince the...

Homelessness up 35 – 44%, Services Down

So,numbers came out yesterday on the annual count of the homeless in the Madison/Dane County. The numbers are grossly undercounted since we only count in Madison, and there are serious questions about how the count is done, simply because homeless people usually try NOT to be found, so they are likely missed. The increase since 2011 is really disturbing. The simultaneous decrease in day shelter services, especially in the winter, is nothing short of disturbing. No surprise, really, if you follow my blog.

Madison Common Council Elections: Closer than we think

It’s October, and we really should be focused only on November, but let’s take just a few minutes to think about the Madison Common Council elections next spring. The December 1st start of the filing period isn’t that far away, and the people who are serious about running are certainly thinking about it right now, but mostly staying quiet until after November. Here’s a quick rundown on where current Council members might shake out.

Capital Budget Amendments 18 – 34

Finishing up the Tuesday night meeting results.

Capital Budget Amendments 1 – 17

I'm not sure if anyone even cares about these. 2 people registered on the capital budget. Rosemary Lee against removing the philosopher stones and trees at the top of state and Anne Reynolds registered against cutting the cooperative funding.

Worth a Constitutional Amendment?

On November 4th, the people of Wisconsin will be asked if they want to "protect" the state's transportation fund.  The motivation, proponents say, is...

E. Wash Development Updates

800 Block South Side, Madison Dairy Redevelopment, Mautz Paint latest development . . .

Additional City Meetings

5 more meetings that just couldn't get in on Friday . . . sigh . . . 2 meetings today, 1 tomorrow, 2 Thursday. I've timed a few more posts today because I just had too much to blog. See blogs at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00.

Day Center Operator Quits After More Delays (Updated)

Yesterday the Town of Madison voted to appeal the Board of Adjustments decision, delaying the Town of Madison (1490 Martin St.) location for a day center. Here is Shine 608's decision to not continue being strung along.

Where County Housing Decisions Get Made

Ugh, the little bit of money that the county does get for housing is determined by CDBG and HOME regulations where HUD requires plans and public input, but I bet you (unless you are a long time housing advocate) have never heard of it. Well, the "public hearing" was last night. I just noticed it yesterday when I was doing the week ahead and then couldn't find the plan that we were supposed to comment on. Sigh. And based on Supervisor Wegleitner's comments, I'm sure they are glad I didn't find it sooner.

Capital Budget Amendments

Ok, I was a little surprised to see 34 Amendments! Election year antics? Doesn't really look like it. Check out this blog for who is spending the most, the least and other comments about this year's amendments. See how your alder did, or didn't do.

County Week Ahead

Here you go, better than usual meeting times, not so many during the day when no one except the lobbyists and insiders can attend.

City Week Ahead

Capital budget Tuesday and the end of September. My favorite meeting this week, 4:30 AM Public Library Board! 🙂 See you there!

A Municipal Co-Op Internet Utility for Madison?

The first round of Capital Budget Amendments are out, and included is a proposal from Scott Resnick to start a Madison Co-op Internet Utility, and a proposal from Paul Soglin for expanding Internet connectivity at “community and cultural” centers The budget amendments don’t get a lot of space to really explain the background information and details, so I thought I’d round up a few documents and put things in one place.

OM Village Open House/Fundraiser Tonight!

5 - 7, 304 N Third St (or 2046 E. Johnson), ok to park in parking lot behind us on 3rd St., good food, self tours, donations welcome but not required. Come see our amazing progress. Target open date: November 1st!

Rally Against MG&E, Noon Today

Their new billing scheme they are proposing is ridiculous, it discourages energy conservation and rewards large businesses - no surprises there, its business as usual, leaving the "little guy" out in the cold, perhaps literally.

Trickled on, or Meaningful Economic Development?

I don't know if there is any hope that the City of Madison will adopt anything but the race to the bottom economic development strategy where huge amounts of money are given to developers and large businesses and we might get a few jobs for a little while with no guarantee of those jogs existing in the future and little else.

Orton Park Neighborhood Walking Tour

It's not some European town, but our history is worth knowing!

Human Services Board requests $10M per year for Affrdable Housing

Double down on the mayor's efforts!

Bethel Lutheran Church Development

Neighbors might be interested in this. I am, but mostly because I want to know if they will be adding sufficient facilities for their homeless program, since it doesn't seem we will ever get a homeless day center.

Final Brush Collection

It's the ex-alder in me, I feel obligated to pass this along, plus, I've been sick and have nothing else to blog about! 🙂 And someone is going to ask, and I will be able to say "it's on my blog" and quickly find it!

What will the Council talk about Tonight? (Updated)

Very few items.

This Winter’s Non-Day Center Plans

So, there will be no day center again this winter and once again, for the 4th year in a row, are planning a temporary solution. What is wrong with this community that we can't get this right? I can't believe we are building a tiny house village that will be ready before a permanent comprehensive day center for people who are homeless. Even at my most cynical moments, I would have never imagined it.

Scott Walker Slaps Down Blaska

In case you have not heard, Scott Walker's campaign manager, Michael Grebe,  is suing the Madison School District.    Well, Grebe could not sue the...

Daytime City Week Ahead

If you work til 5:00, you'll be able to attend 7 meetings in time for public comment. The other 21 meetings, not so much. And can anyone explain why two committees that meet on the environment meet at the same time on Monday? And three housing meetings meet at the same time on Thursday?

Ask Yourself, What is Dane County Doing?

Nothing. The answer is as little as possible, despite us raising these issues for 4 years in a row now. Where did homeless people go during that last tornado? Where should they go?

James Madison Park Survey

If you go there, give you imput, its quick! The city rarely likes to do upgrades to this park despite its very high usage, let them know what you would like improved.

City Maintains AAA Bond Rating

Apparently, our economy is good, relatively speaking. Tell that to the people sleeping on the streets.

WWBKD: No need to know about these meetings!

Wow! This says something about our priorities and speaks directly to equity. Please, don't show up, the public is sooooo pesky! Over 150 meetings were scheduled after the city weekly meeting schedule comes out late Friday afternoon since the beginning of the year . . . why? Most of these meeting people had less than 72 hours notice before thy started. And the patterns show that most of the topics covered in these meetings have to do with poverty and equity issues.

City Gets an F for City Weekly Meeting List Accuracy on Monday morning!

There are 23 meetings on the weekly meeting schedule now, Monday morning there were only 15! 8 added meetings so far, a 53% increase in 48 hours or a 65% accuracy rating, a D or F if a teacher were grading the city.

Co-Housing and Land Trust Homeownership Opportunities

Affordable housing for owners . . .

More Cut Backs to Homeless Storage!

Dang.

5 Additions to Weekly Schedule

I thought they did a study and they found this doesn't happen so much . . . . I call bullshit. This is absurd.

County Week Ahead

Budget season is upon us . . . they have 8 meetings that start at 5:30 or after so the traditional working public can attend. Of course, 10 aren't.

City Week Ahead – Links are a Scarcity

15 meetings, all start at 5:15 or before, so if you work until 5, unless you drive fast or work downtown, local government is not for you! And good luck figuring out what they will be talking about, there are very few links.

Neighborhood Centers to get $325,000 in Additional Funding?

Where will that come from?

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Yay! Tho I suppose I shouldn't say anything because if I'm for it, that means others will be automatically against and be obstructionists for the sake of being obstructionists.

What Will The Common Council Talk About Tonight

These things, and anything else the public shows up to talk about, maybe it will prompt them to say something.

City Week Ahead

26 meetings in this short week, 7 of them you can make it in time for the start if you work til 5:00 and drive fast!

Another Death This Week: Silly Call-In Procedures

Makes me cringe with all the bad news and changes for homeless folks right before a holiday weekend when they feel forgotten and left out. This one is a good change, but change is hard for anyone, and for some folks, change is extremely difficult. Leads to increased anxiety and instability. But, this is a good one! Just wish the official news wasn't coming out today

Homeless Storage Also Dead!

Yikes, theme this week is getting gruesome.

Mayor on Housing Plan

This supplements the handout I reported on yesterday. This is the briefing for the council (only David Ahrens and Anita Weier showed up, Lisa Subeck appeared at the end of the press conference) and the press conference that was held yesterday. (with BK comments)

WYOU 40 years and Kickin’, i.e. NOT DEAD!

Ok, following with the dead or dying theme this week, I'm glad to say this is a NOT DEAD, post. WYOU is very much alive and kickin' and celebrating it's 40th birthday!

Best Affordable Housing Plan in 20 years!

Yes! The Mayor and the staff that worked on this plan get a HUGE thmubs up from me . . . let's see how the council and the community do?! Let's hope the predictions of the mayor that the council will say this is not enough are true!

Pilot Organics Program Dead?

So many projects dead or dying this week . . . this one comes with a good, but slightly ridiculous explanation, seriously, $120,000 in the capital budget? Methinks high jinks are afoot! Ah, budget games!

Another Day Center Delay . . . Martin St. location dead?

Important meeting rescheduled.

Added City Meetings

So frustrating . . . why can't the weekly meeting schedule have some chance of being correct and complete? 3 meetings added yesterday.

Vicki Hit A Cop!

Vicki Mckenna was asked a legitimate question recently by Dylan Brogan.  Something along the lines of "Do you think that the police at the U2...

Wow. Council President lack of Judgement!

Wow. Just wow.

Judge Doyle Square Dying? Or Dead?

So, I've been hearing it is dead, watched the council list it repeatedly as something to cut from the budget, and saw the memo late last week . . . and all indications are . . . well, not good for Judge Doyle Square. Yesterday's Board of Estimates meeting was another clear sign things are not going well. Can't say I'm too sad about that, we have better things to spend our money on.

City Week Ahead

If you work til 5:00, you can make it two meetings this week if you can get there in a half hour during the "rush hour" traffic. You'll miss the public comment on the other 17 meetings.

Public Market: Joe Mingle

The chart in this email is probably most persuasive to me, but here's another view on the Public Market - to keep it on the east side.

Metro Wins! People lose. Input Still Being Taken?

Bus stops are finally closing on the Isthmus. After years of trying, it finally happened. Now if you don't like it, you should give input!

Some Eastsiders think Public Market belongs on the Southside

Because it is needed more there . . . just trying to be neighborly.

City Week Ahead

You work til 5:00? Only 3 meetings start after 5:00 this week . . . the other 17 meetings will be done or done with public comment by the time you get there. and you only have 15 minutes or a half hour to get to the other 3 meetings, good luck with that given the downtown traffic and parking.

Don’t Pay for Carpet Cleaning!

Unless you spilled all over it repeatedly, stained it, had bad pets or otherwise did something "unusual" to it! From the Tenant Resource Center . . .

Busy Dizzy Weekend!

Tenant Resource Center is everywhere, the Occupy Madison "OM Build" Workshop moves to our new OM Village, and lots of great music as my worlds collide during moving weekend (August 15th!) in Madison.

Downside of Hippie Christmas

Tenant Resource Center's annual warning to folks who don't always think things through . . . Don’t Make “Hippie Christmas” A Moving Day for...

Upcoming Public Hearings, Forums, etc

County Redistricting, Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) a.k.a. which roads get fixed or redone, CDBG Committee hearing on housing, homelessness and economic development funding, City Economic Strategy, New Jail Public Forum and Neighborhood Conference.

Five Steps For A Good Moving Day

From the Tenant Resource Center . . . cuz moving day isn't just about where to put your garbage and how to survive the construction.

Uh, Vote Today

I have nothing brilliant to say about today's elections except if you want to vote for the most (small p) progressive person in Subeck vs. Clear its a no-brainer, vote for Subeck. To call Clear a progressive is an insult.

More Messed Up Moving Daze – Camp Randall Area

Actually, on Saturday morning, when parents are likely to have time to assist with moving there's a mini-marathon in the downtown area, plus Farmers Market and Football Family Fun Day. Sounds like no fun!

Johnson St. Moving Tips

From Alder Zellers. Some extra challenges his year! When they did Gorham St. we worked really heard to have them done by August 14th, but Johnson had a few more complications.

Downtown Thursday Trash Pick up Becomes Daily

Hippie Christmas! Garbage picked up daily downtown, but please, please, please, please, please don;t dump your stuff on our streets.

County Week Ahead

More than half the meeting take place when only lobbyists (people paid to attend) or people with non-traditional jobs can attend. (i.e. before 5:00)

City Week Ahead

As far as we know at the moment, expect several changes throughout the week.

50th Anniversary Tour of the Further Bus – New Speedway Players

This is most of the set of The New Speedway Players from July 26th at the Barrymore during the 50th Anniversary Tour of the Further Bus. If you’re not lucky enough to be going Peoplefest this weekend, this and The Grasshoppers (from the same show) should keep you busy!

50th Anniversary Further Bus Tour – The Grasshoppers

This is most of the set of The Grasshoppers from July 26th at the Barrymore during the 50th Anniversary Tour of the Further Bus....

More City Meetings You Don’t Need to Know About

One notice from yesterday, 2 from this morning . . . one of them is a "listening session" with 28.5 hours notice! And no agenda. Seriously people! You can't make this shit up.

What the Council will Talk About Tonight (Maybe) – UPDATED

This is their list of things they may discuss or add to actions listed on the agenda. If you don't see an item here, unless someone shows up to talk about it or it is a public hearing item, they will pass it in one motion around 6:45 and then go back to any items they determined that needed attention.

Too Many Needs

This is from last Wednesday, but I can't get it out of my mind. Too many needs, so don't tell anyone we can help them? Sounds harsh. But what else are agencies supposed to do, if you spend all your time turning people away, you have less time to help those that you can. I don't have any good answers, except we just keep talking to people to see if there is anything else we can do to help them beyond what they are asking for. Still, its takes a lot of time . . . and patience . . . and then the other needs pile up.

Defining Insanity

How Much Does it Cost NOT to have a Permanent Comprehensive Day Center? I got the official numbers on Thursday at the Human...

Added City Meetings

Meeting that aren't important enough to give you much more than 24 or 48 hours notice about . . . unless that's a strategy...

Lakeview Nurses Dorm Informational Meeting Tonight

From northside discuss email list.

City Week Ahead

Evening meetings, a thing of the past? Work til 5:00? Government not interested in you participating.

United Way Seeking Input

I keep seeing more and more requests for input. Feels awkward because I work for a non-United Way Agency, but it seems they want community input and you should give it to them

Clear Cozy Politics

How far we have drifted. When ran for alder I had to pay $1,000 for an attorney because they were threatening me with...

Homeless Sleeping at the CCB Rundown

So, last Monday there was another run at pushing the homeless who sleep at the city-county building away. The City-County Liaison Committee has a proposal for "Repositioning Trespassing Signs to Apply to the Terrace of the East Entrance (MLK, Jr. Blvd Doors) of the City County Building" - no further explanation. Here's what happened.

County Week Ahead

Only 6 meetings.

City Week Ahead

Only 3 of the 13 meetings starting after 5:00, if you work, your government doesn't want you to participate. 5th week of the month, should be less meetings than usual . . . but who knows what else will pop up this week.

Housing First!

I love election season, so full of promise!

Have You Read the 600+ Page Jail Report?

I don't know anyone who has . . . Here it is if you want to attempt it! My first look at it, here's...

Minimum Wage Day of Action

Thursday, July 24th. This week, July 24, will mark five years since the federal minimum wage was raised. So next Thursday, Milwaukee, Madison, and...

Fixing the Weekly Schedules

Here's additions to the City Schedule and updates to the county schedule. Sigh, I feel like its unfair to call these the City or County Week Ahead, cuz we know the posts won't ever be accurate - what does that say to the public that tries to participate - or is it designed so they don't?!

County Week Ahead

Whoa.  Several serious flaws in these "agendas" or lack thereof. Monday Public Works Sustainability Subcommittee 11:00 AM City-County Building 210 Martin Luther King Junior Blvd.,...

(No Link) City Week Ahead

Wow, very little information on upcoming agenda items. Fist 10 items, no links, I've never seen it this bad - taking a lead from the county?

County Board Strategy: Bury Head in Sand

Will we have a day center by November 1? December 1? Odds are, no.

No Info, No Problem. (Note Added)

Liberals on the county board are a funny bunch, and lately, they rarely, as a group, fail to disappoint for their complete lack of understanding of the issues and for the petty reasons they use to vote for or against something, and usually it has something to do more with internal power structure than the issue at hand.

TONIGHT! Winter 4, No Plan? No Permanent Comprehensive Day Center?

Can you imagine, we're going into winter number 4 with no comprehensive day center, no plans of what to do for the winter, and our heads stuck in the sand. Let's see if we can change that TONIGHT!

Exhibit A: NOT Equity

Part of the reports on equity talk about making government more accessible, including people of color and those affected in decision making and asking questions about what unintended consequences might be from the decision making, THIS is not it. This is not equity in action. This is exhibit A of what not to do.

What will the council talk about tonight? One Item? (UPDATED: 2?)

Well, this is what the piece of paper says . . . allegedly aldeers make it known if they want to talk about an issue and then any issue that the public speaks to is also fair game.

Town of Madison: Decisions yet to be made on Day Center

There are three separate things going on at this point: 1) The Town of Madison is appealing the zoning decision that C-1 zoning is appropriate for the day center, and perhaps that is was zoned R-4. The hearing at the Board of Adjustment isn't until August 28th. (can't confirm, but that is what I was told by Town of Madison staff) 2) 14 conditions of approval for the building permit still need to be met, including parking etc 3) Among the conditions, the Town of Madison and Dane County have to sign an agreement about what services Dane County will be paying for - public works mostly, police and fire too?

Town of Madison: 2 Votes on Day Center Tonight (CORRECTED)

Looks like the Town of Madison Board has two votes on their agendatonight for the proposed (allegedly done deal?) Day Center at 1490 Martin St. Number 100 gets to freeze outside and the county will be charged when the ambulance is called to haul them to the morgue.

County Week Ahead

If you work til 5:00, you might make it on time for 4 county meetings this week . . . depending upon the traffic. Makes you wonder, who serves on these committees?

(Very few links) City Week Ahead

Here's about 75 - 80% of the meetings that will take place this week, stay tuned for multiple changes.

The Value Of Cindy Archer

If you have not heard by now, one of Scott Walkers closest allies, Cynthia Archer, was recently promoted to a civil service job where...

WWBKD? Committtees Appointments

With all the talk of who is running for mayor, I thought I would randomly throw in a few thoughts from the "relentless progressive"....

Who Influences Your Madison?

And is that influence bad or good? Yesterday the on-line version of In Business Magazine came on-line and I'm listed as one of...

2,000 Seat Music Venue, 200 parking Spaces?

Parking to be shared with 10 story building of housing? Yeah, the neighborhood will have something to say anout that! NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING Please join...

Dear Uber and Lyft . . .

. . . Love, the City Attorney.

Council to Talk About Nothing (?) Tonight

Another snoozer, I guess nothing controversial is going on in Madison.

The rest of the City Week Ahead

I'm seriously debating continuing doing this since it seems so misleading given the meetings they add throughout the week. Sorry I missed the 5 meetings yesterday.

Water Kerfuffle, What about trash and transit?

How does this even happen? Three days before Rhythm & Booms a story erupts that no water or water bottles will be allowed at the event because they need to make money off of concessions sales. Exhibit A about what is wrong with to country and yes, even right here in good ol' liberal Madison.

Non-Equity Additions to the City Schedule

If equity is supposed to mean increasing participation by low-income persons and people of color, this is NOT the way to do it, this week, neither was this, or this. 7 of the 28 meeting this week were announced after the alleged weekly calendar came out Friday afternoon, that's 25%!!! 5 of the 7 added meetings were held during the day when most working people cannot attend.

Edgwater Pier Hearing Today

24 hours notice . . . sigh, informational meeting tonight. You have 10 days to get your written comments in to wendy.peich@wisconsin.gov.

Added City Meetings

From the equity report "One of the guiding principles of the RESJ Initiative is authentic, ongoing public engagement and participation." . . . if we want results, we could start here. Give the public adequate notice of meetings so they could participate if they wanted.

Advisory Referendum on $10.10 Minimum Wage

Thursday at the County Board.

Monthly City of Madison Water Bills Start in September

Alder Marsha Rummel passed this on from Alder Lauren Cnare . . .

Irony Alert, Addition of City Meetings

Sigh . . . equity . . . A committee most people don't know about, but was touted as a success in the Equity...

Dane County Appeal Letter for Day Center

1490 Martin Street Appeal Letter, meeting on Thursday at 6:00 at the Town of Madison Town Hall (2120 Fish Hatchery Rd.)

Final 3 Public Market Location Options

A quick report from Anita Weier.

City Week Ahead

Get done with work at 5:00, you'll make it to exactly 4 of 23 (17%) meetings on time . . . we are going backwards with this. I guess equity means nothing, and their report is hogwash. Yeah, I said hogwash.

Be Brave With Bryce

One of Monona Grove's own needs your help: During these last few weeks, we learned Bryce has cancer - Ewing's Sarcoma. Description Ewing's Sarcoma is a...

Hammes Company to Rule the World!

Or at least every major project in Dane County . . .

Dane County Committees Hear About Equity Initiative

Tuesday night I went to this meeting hoping that Dane County might come up with something better than what the city did. I quickly realized that since its the same staff at the Joint Public Health Department, it was going to be the same process and likely would have the same underwhelming results. But then, I quickly became annoyed for another reason which you know about if you read my Facebook page.

Homelessness Reduction Progress?

This report drives me nuts - what are we measuring and why? And why can't we admit we are failing? The sugar...

Council members to talk about Nothing(?) tonight?

Consent agenda explanation is long, but it looks like the alders have not separated any items to discuss tonight.

City to Intervene in MG&E Rate Case

Well, request to . . . minimum $10 payment now, could be $49 in the future.

Petitioning on the Capitol Square by Ann E. Fleischli

Ann's account of her arrest for collecting signatures about the James Doyle Square Hotel and TIF.

City Week Ahead

At least part of it. If you work til 5:00, you'll make it to 3 of 18 meetings in time for public comments for items not on the agenda.

Martin Street Day Center Proposal Dead? (Updated)

Uh, totally missed this but . . .

Brief Uber/Lyft Update (Updated)

This is on the EOC agenda for tonight (that came out yesterday) and was at the Public Safety Review Commission Tuesday.

How to Deal with Your Ash Tree

Info and demonstration

Added City Meeting

Yeah, this is monotonous on one level, infuriating on a local government transparency level . . . Good thing that homelessness or Uber/Lyft...

Wiily Wash What?

I don't really get it . . . what is it? Sounds like a bunch of buzz words mashed together. What is the goal? Realistically what are they trying to make happen. Too vague for me.

More Added City Meetings

Wow, just squeaking by, barely 24 hours notice on the one . . .

Added City Meetings

Posting these could be a daily occasion. I've been sloppy, but I will resume, even tho it is absurd meetings can be scheduled on Friday the week before the meeting.

School Board Budget Hearings

Tonight, 5:30 at LaFollette

Dane County Week Ahead

If you work til 5:00, you will all or part of 17 meetings, you may be able to make it on time to 7 of the 24 meetings. With the county this is particularly problematic as some meetings are over very quickly!

City Week Ahead

If you work until 5:00 you'll be able to make it on time for public comment for 6 of the 22 meetings. 5 if it takes you more than 15 minutes to get there.

Dynamic Duo

divide and conquer Scott Walker has effectively created the biggest partisan divide in our state's history. His goal was to "divide and conquer"...

Get Deputized to Register Voters

Special Registration Deputy Training -5 PM Wed. June 11

Section 8 Lottery Starts Today

That right, step on up, a lottery to get an application to be on the waiting list . . . it doesn't get more absurd than that! But hey, no affordable housing problem here!

County Week Ahead

3 of 9 meetings after 5:00. 33%, a failing grade.

City Week Ahead

Only 2 of 16 (12%) meetings start after 5:00. These statistics just get worse and worse and worse. I guess people who work til 5:00 are not welcome at city meetings. Or, they just want to make sure public comment is done before you get there.

Random Updates/Events

Lots of random items of interest, but not a complete blog post. Using all my best cut and paste skills! 🙂 Budget Time! Give...

County Week Ahead

Now with Actual Information about what they will be voting on! 3 of 10 (30%) meetings at 5:00 or before. Big difference from the city this week.

City Week Ahead

13 of 18 (72%) meetings at 5:00 or below, making it difficult for working people, who don't happen too be paid lobbyists, to attend or give input.

Something To Think About

On October 28th 2013, Democrat Mary Burke launched her campaign to be the next Governor of the great state of Wisconsin. When...

Insert Blog Post Here

I really wanted to have something relevant to say about the Health and Human Needs discussion about the POS (Purchase of Service - ok, that means nonprofits funded by the county) Audit, but . . . .

Free Compost

County to Offer Free Compost Giveaway in Advance of Closing Compost Sites This Summer

County Week Ahead

7 of 16 meetings or 44% start at 5:00 or before, so if you work til 5:00 you will missing them in their entirety or at least the beginning. Sorry its late, there was only one meeting yesterday.

Council Meeting and Added Meetings

Finishing up my post from yesterday, and adding meetings added since yesterday morning.

Emerald Ash Borer Testing Results

No additional infestation sites found in the City.

Every Brat Has Its Thorns

"Not paying fairly, not giving a job because you are only looking at how to make a profit, that goes against God." Pope Francis Madison's...

Lottery for a Chance to Apply for Affordable Housing

Open for one month! Yes, it has come to this . . . one month to enter a lottery to get a chance to apply for Section 8.

City Week Ahead

16 of 23 or 70% of the meetings start at 5:00 or before . . . so f you get done with work at 5:00, you'll miss them entirely or be late.

End of the Third Week in May, We are Busy Bees, Cross-Pollinating.

This past week was another full one. I was very grateful for the grey and cold days at the earlier part of the week,...

County Board (Live-ish) Recap

So, a blog post-lite, but here's the basics.

County Audit of Human Services Recommendations

So, there was quite a bit of talking about how they did the study and some of the strengths, but here is what I took away as a bottom line from the presentation. Full audio will be included when uploaded.

Late Breaking Day Center Info

Two items, one from Lynn Green, one from Joe Parisi.

Love Letters to the County Board

Tonight, it appears the "liberals" on the county board are prepared to go forward and buy a building for a day center for people without homes that has inadequate water and sewer, questionable police services, no realistic and meaningful transportation plan and no current budget that details exactly what this will all cost after remodeling, connecting to City of Madison sewer and water, retrofitting a sprinkler system and doing additional remodeling for expansion. See the two emails I have sent below:

Day Center Unanswered Questions

The county board may be voting on the day center tomorrow, ask your county board supervisor not to vote on it until they can answer these questions . . . and probably more!

Shameful.

I just toured the Porchlight Hospitality House that the county wants to buy and listened to some answers to some questions, and I'm completely disgusted! Not with Porchlight, but with what we find to be acceptable in our community when it comes to meeting the needs of homeless persons.

Uh, What is this?

10323984_10202732877456651_2096830351139250446_n And why?

Neighborhood Questions about New Day Center

I think the biggest question they have that needs an answer is about the well - if people are going to be doing laundry and taking showers and using restrooms at an increased volume, how will that affect the well? They will be meeting tonight at 5:30 (burr Oaks) and 7:00 (Arboretum) to get answers. Well, to ask questions, not sure they will get answers.

Homeless Simulation on Mother’s Day

Heidi Wegleitner is amazing, look how she spent her first mother's day.

City Week Ahead

Well, here's what is currently known . . . expect changes as per usual . . .

Celebrate Tiny Houses Tonight!

5 - 7 Brink Lounge, tiny house tours, silent auction and celebration! Check out our silent auction items below!

Daytime Resource Center FAIL!

Wow, reading the resolutions the county board passed and the report on what a Daytime Resource Center should contain is a sad, sad task to take on. Read it and weep.

One More Last Minute Memo on Occupy Madison

2 hours before the meeting . . .

More Last Minute Surprises for Occupy

6 minutes ago we got this. We new they filed the petitions, but usually if they are verified they show up on the...

Last Minute Blindside from the Mayor for Occupy!

An hour or two ago several alders forwarded this to me . . . the mayor or his staff didn't and they didn't feel the need to talk with us or come visit our shop, he was too busy . . . but not too busy to meet with neighbors in opposition and put this out 25 hours before the vote.

Mayor’s Capital Budget Message

Yup, budget time!

Sick Today . . . City week ahead

Of all weeks, this is not the week I can afford to be sick . . . Personnel and Finance tonight (Day Center), Council...

Funding for a DOWNTOWN Day Shelter!?!

Ok, maybe there will be funding!  And at half the price for the study to determine if we need a new jail! Let's do this...

Emerald Ash Borer FAQs

Treatment, tree removal, tree replacement - will your tree be a casualty of the yellow dots and emerald bugs? TREATMENT 1. How many street trees are...

What the Council will Talk About Tonight

This, and anything else where people register to speak

Delay the Day Center

After three years, its hard to believe I am saying this . . .

UNANIMOUS!

The plan commission passed the Tiny House Village at 304 N Third St proposal UNANIMOUSLY!

LEGISTAR County Week Ahead!!!

I'm not sure if there is anyone in the universe more excited about this than me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

City Week Ahead Returns!

Ok, I'm back from hiatus, kinda . . .

Local NAACP Branch Reforming

I used to be on the board in the late 90's and I'm glad to see something happening locally once again!

Reverend Wright Award Nominees Sought

Nominations due Friday May 23rd.

16,000 Signatures Against the $60 Million Boondoggle

You can sign May 1 - and get your neighbors to sign too! If signatures are collected, the voters will get to decide on TIF projects over $10M.

Hurdle One Cleared: UDC Gives Initial Approval to Occupy Madison

It was a weird meeting, but we got initial approval.

Tick. Tock. Will We Have A Working Day Center this Winter?

Based on past performance, I'd bet not. It seems we are no closer to a day center than we have been for the past three years . . . and time is slipping away.

Scott Walker Prepares to Crush Wisconsin’s Economy With Layers of Fresh Pavement

If you read the news today,  you may know about a so-called  "$700 million transportation shortfall" that Scott Walker talked about at an economic...

County Board Committee Appointments

Ah, more internal issues, here's who got appointed to what, and who got slighted or rewarded. Might not be so obvious to non-insiders, but who gets to be county board chair means who gets to make appointments to committees and there is usually a correlation between who you supported and if you get the committees you want.

District 13 Machinations

Lost track, but are they down to 9 candidates vying to fill Sue Ellingson's seat.

Assessments, Up? Down?

Hmmm, mine went up for the first time since 2009 when we bought the house, they actually assessed ours lower than what we purchased it at for a while.

Did Brenda Quit Blogging?

No! Suffering from extreme Workus Interuptus!

Make The Magic

One of my favorite charities - Camp Kesem - UW Madison, is having their annual fundraiser - Make the Magic. Make the...

IT IS HERE!

Photo by Wendy Schneider Yesterday I was made aware of the yellow dot. My head has been somewhere else. I told my kids about the...

Madison Common Council Unify on Antibiotic Resolution

Eight co-sponsors of the resolution were joined with all of the other Common Council Members to vote yes on Resolution 32795. Testimony from citizens...

6 designs + 6 hours= more design hours for SBA

The Common Council voted 12-7  to not grant an appeal to Steve Brown Apartments (SBA) on their plea of economic hardship in regards to...

Kinda Sorta Lazy-ish Live-ish Blog of Common Council Meeting

Ok, missed the first few minutes and am multi-tasking so you're only getting the highlights, or lowlights, depending how you look at it.

What’s on the Council Agenda for Tonight

Here's what has been suggested for discussion - plus anything anyone shows up to speak to or any last minute additions. The rest of the agenda will get passed, as recommended.

Friends of Lotherian Update

Photo by Heather Nicole Benson Firestarters! There were updates on the Madison Community Cooperative (MCC) membership vote, re memberships of those 36 who used to live in the...

Homeless Issue Committe Chair Resigns

I don't blame him, but its a real loss. When good people are forced to walk away to stop contributing to the farce . . well, they make the right decision, but the whole community loses.

After Months of Being Kept in the Dark . . .

We still don't have any real details . . . the sad part is, most county board supervisors and the Homeless Issues Committee members have all been equally kept out of the loop. So, this is news to everyone . . . except? Who? Who is making the decisions here? And who are they working with? Where is the public in all this?

Jim Villa — $178,000/Yr + Cadillac Bennies!

The UW system created a new job- Vice President of University Relations at the University of Wisconsin System. Many immensely qualified people applied for...

School Board Silly Season

While running for elected office can be very confusing, sometimes needlessly so. There are also few people outside of the far right wing,...

UN say U.S. Homeless Policies “Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading”

U.N. Human Rights Committee Calls U.S. Criminalization of Homelessness "Cruel, Inhuman, and Degrading"

The Madison City Clerk’s Office is hiring poll workers!

From the clerks office . . .

County Week Ahead

11 of 21 (52%) meetings before 5:00. You are now only half a citizen, cuz you are only allowed to participate in democracy half the time.

City Week Ahead

9 of 22 (41%) meetings before 5:00 - for paid lobbyists and city staff only.

Input on the Cities Priorities

Affordable Housing, Homelessness, Economic Development and Neighborhoods

City Community Development Priorities?

These priorities seem old, tired and recycled to me, and they don't seem to be working so well for us. Hearing on Thursday, but, as always actual public appearances are limited to 3 minutes and it seems, frowned upon. I'd suggest written comments which is what I will likely do. Please give your written input too!

Police Chief Finalists

It's down to two . . .

What will the Council Talk About Tonight

Anything you show up and register to speak on plus . . .

Someone has got to say it

It's so obvious. So, I'll be the bad guy, again.

Geeks United for Voting!

City and county clerks + voting + Chad Vader = you decide! I thought it was cute and it made me laugh!

County Week Ahead

Only 6 of 24 meetings held after 5:00. 75% of meetings this week help when the public is likely not to be able to attend unless they are a paid lobbyist.

City Week Ahead

After a week and a half off of blogging - I'm going to try to resume but work is brutal (50 - 60 hour work weeks) . . . and not going to get better for a couple months. And then there is tiny houses, leaves little time for anything else.

Wisconsin State Journal – Getting It Wrong for 100 Years!

The more things change, the more they stay the same. The Wisconsin State Journal published an editorial on March 9th, 1914 proclaiming "Send Pickles...

Council Recap – Live Blogged

Everyone is here. Rules are suspended. A small handful of people in attendance. Listen to the audio for the poetry reading.

What will the council talk about tonight?

Here's a clue, but you really never know!

The rest of the story

Yesterday, there was a police incident report that was recycled into a "news" story that really kinda pissed me off. (I've worked almost 80 hours since last Monday and have lost my patience, please excuse my language.) But where was the rest of the story on this . . .

Affordable Housing Pawn

I think I'm getting to old and cranky to continue putting up with political bullshit. Why is the only time politicians mention affordable housing is when then are using it to get something else they want? Exhibit A:

County Week Ahead

8 of 18 (44%) meetings before 4:30, 11 of 18 (61%) meetings before 5:30.

Not Many Links City Week Ahead

Stupidest thing about cramming everything into the council meeting last week is that they have one again this week. 4 of 16 (25%) meetings before 4:30, 12 of 16 (75%) meetings before 5:30. Looks a little light, expect lots of changes.

Tenants, Landlords, Prepare for Confusion!

From Tenant Resource Center . . . 2013 WISCONSIN ACT 76 – TAKING EFFECT TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT!

What is Wrong with Our City of Madison Common Council

RANT AHEAD! (Don't worry, its thoughtful as I can be after sitting through 7 hours of meetings with them and listening to them...

Council Recap (Kinda Live Blogged)

Its going to be a bumpy ride.

Judge Doyle Square Staff Presentation (Kinda Live Blog)

George Austin kicks it off . . . how much are we paying him to coordinate all this city staff???

What the Council Plans on Talking About Tonight

Room is filling up fast for the meeting before the meeting, will be interesting to see how it will be by the time the council meeting starts. Also, of note, one of the staff members, who is directly in charge of several of the items on the agenda, just says to another person with a slightly evil laugh "funny how the important issues all end up on the same agenda". Who the hell is in charge of this?

Added City Meetings

Sigh, 100% before 5:30, 4 of 4 4:30 or before. All late notice, some barely 24 hours.

Judge Doyle Square Full Speed Ahead – To where? Why?

What's the plan? Picking a developer but starting all over? Confused? You should be. This is goofy. What are we trying to accomplish?

City Week Ahead – Geez, Who’s in charge of Council Agenda Management?

8 meetings before 4:30 (32%), 16 before 5:30 (64%). So, someone thinks 32 - 64% of the meetings don't need public input? Agree?

Whistling and widdling with dance and converstation toward structural change

COOPERATIVE BLOG Madison it stretches and grows but not everyone is at that table because the table grows wider and longer everyday. Transformation of housing...

Blogging Distractions! Tiny House Village Update!

Worked last Saturday, working this Saturday. New laws go into effect March 1, seminars and fundraiser coming up. Two grants submitted on Monday. Re-zoning application submitted yesterday. Been a tad bit busy and missed the Judge Doyle Square discussion and Clarenbach house decision on Monday. Trying to catch up on everything. Meanwhile, lets focus on something positive - wanna see our tiny house village plans . . . 🙂

County Week Ahead

14 of 17 (82%) meetings before 5:30, 10 of 17 (59%) before 4:30.

City Week Ahead

Only 17 meetings? Hmmm, expect updates. Last week there was only one! 16 of 17 (94%) of the meetings start before 5:30. 5 of 17 (30%) are before 4:30. Lobbyists paid t attend meeting a-ok. Working folks, we don't really care so much what you have to say and aren't interested in you attending our meetings.

March Madness Preparations

Mid-March about 150 - 200 homeless men run out of time in shelter til next Nov 1st.

Chamber of Commerce on Homelessness

When you can't win on the issues, argue the process . . . he didn't really talk about homelessness til the end, in fact, seemed to avoid it. Instead he threatened pre-emption.

Tired of Fear!

Two tales - What's the difference?

Death to Living Wages?!

Ah, yeah, more ALEC bullshit attacks on the eve of the 3rd, yes third, anniversary of the uprising. 10AM this morning. Compliments of Sen. Glenn Grothman and Rep. Kapenga.

Repeating Past Mistakes (Media, this is the real story)

Follow the money! Madison/Dane County has a daytime resource center for individuals experiencing homelessness that we pay nearly half a million dollars for (and have for years) and its not working, partially due to the location - so the county is talking about buying that building and trying to make it successful with new operators - in a still bad location. What's that saying about insanity . . .

Has Stoughton Gone Nuts? $5.1M in TIF for Walmart

$5.1M in TIF for Walmart? Someone accused me of posting Onion headlines yesterday. Well, here is, sadly, yet another one you might think is the Onion but is not. Paying to kill small businesses in their community? Paying to kill better paying jobs in their community?

County Week Ahead

14 of 22 (64%) meeting before 5:30, 11 of 22 (50%) meeting before 4:30. Paid lobbyists only please!

City Week Ahead

19 of 22 (86%) meetings before 5:30 when people who wok 'til 5:00 can make it to testify. 9 of 22 (41%) meetings at 4:30 or earlier. Lobbyist only please!

County Meetings? How do they Compare?

Number of meetings added since Monday morning? Daytime meetings?

Over 80% of City Meetings held during the day?!

Whoa - another disturbing trend . . . want to participate in your local government? You need to be a paid lobbyist or not have a day job! Realistically, if you work til 5:00 you can't get to a meeting before 5:30 and will miss or be late for 82.6% of the meetings this week.

Weekly Updates to Weekly Schedule that Isn’t a Weekly Schedule

8 more meetings added since Monday morning . . . have to contact the city webmaster and ask her to change the name to "allegedly weekly schedule".

Petition Away!

After a full year of the City of Madison blocking electronic petitions, the signatures should start going through today! Yay! Unfortunately, how we got here was a little ugly

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT ROLLED OVER

NEWS FLASH Wisconsin is turning into Vegas. With its unlimited water use for large agriculture with the use of high capacity wells, and horrible frac...

Right to Petition City Government (Electronically) Denied

For the past year - minus two days?

County Week Ahead

County Board Meeting this week . . . will anyone notice?

City Week Ahead

Judge Doyle Square, TIF - what directions will they go?

Poisioned Waters

EDITED This Monday Morning, I wrote a blog. That afternoon, I called the water department to find out what well my water comes from.  Same...

Iced In (by Mary Jo Walters)

Make some calls, get updated, ask, when will Marijuana be legal in Wisconsin?

Dignity? Respect?

So, I'm reposting something Tami Miller from Friends of the State St. Family wrote . . . because I am still thinking about it this morning.

Still Here! Tiny House Village Updates

I got a little distracted this week . . . for a good cause!

School Bells Ring, Are You Listening? (by Mary Jo Walters)

WHERE IS the OUTRAGE?

Dane County Board Elections – Why it Matters – Beware the Gang of Ten by Al Matano

Earlier I wrote about filings of candidates for the 37 seats of members of the Dane County Board of Supervisors. With only 7 contested...

County Comp Plan Meeting Cancelled tonight

Heidi Wegleitner says . . .
Guess what happens when people are more likely to get information regarding county meetings from your blog than the county website? Government asks you to post the *notice of cancellation* of the Comp Plan Steering Committee meeting (on housing) which was scheduled for tonight. Please and thank you. And, I understand if you can't get to it. It is not your job. (But Todd V. is nice and he asked nicely, fwiw. 🙂

County Week Ahead

Experiencing technical difficulties - can't access the site while I'm trying to blog . . .

Smokin’ Hot – by Mary Jo Walters

This is now a blog post in a comment block, thanks Tori!

City Week Ahead

Stay warm this week!

Eight ideas for a snowy day

Apropos of nothing, here are a couple of ideas that could make life better for the less well-off in Madison. It is by no means exhaustive, nor is it meant to be a list that solves all problems. Not everyone is going to like all of them, so it’s worth reminding folks that Brenda is not the only person who blogs here, so don’t go blaming her for these.

Let’s GoGo!!!!!

Please help spread the word, it is just as important as donating at this point!

Men’s (and Women/Family) Shelter Services During Cold Snap(s)

Ok - here's what he have for the next few days, slightly confusing, so hopefully people can help pass the info along to everyone and everyone . . . bans lifted through Wednesday morning!

MLK Day at Grace Episocal Church

Thanks to Grace Episcopal Church for opening their doors, Karen Andro from First United Methodist Church for coordinating volunteers and Bethel Lutheran Church for helping staff the day. Z! (and board members) from Shine was there most of the day as well.

Lazy Council Update

I was going to type "Yawn, do they do anything any more" about half way into the less than an hour meeting, but I salvaged a few points.

1st & Last Pitch for Shared Open Spaces by Mary Jo Walters

First and LAST PITCH for SHARED OPEN SPACES in highly commercial areas of downtown Madison, Wisconsin.

No Link Tuesday City Week Ahead

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 8:30 AM SUSTAINABLE MADISON COMMITTEE 25 S PINCKNEY ST - Discussion regarding encouraging alternative modes of transportation (no link) 12:00 PM MADISON BOARD...

The Next Homeless Emergency – All Week? (Updated – 1)

Bad weather coming up next week (or weeks?), no plans. -30 windchill predicted on Tuesday and no one works over the weekend to coordinate plans. cold

How to Celebrate MLK Day (Updated – 4)

Shut down all the city and county services and buildings without a plan for the most vulnerable. Nothing says social and economic justice like letting people spend the all day in freezing temperatures. (15 F forecast)

Neighborhood Remarks in Response to OM Tiny House Village

I'm skipping my presentation and the information from Zoning and Public Health for now, subject of another post. The important part is the bizarre remarks from the police department - also going to be the subject of another post - and what the neighbors had to say.

Why Can’t We Plan for Winter, Holidays and Homeless Services?

This is just embarrassing. Apparently, its just too complex and we've never done it this way before - so we weren't prepared. Really? You gotta be kidding me.

County Week Ahead

Enjoy . . . guessing what they might be talking about and if there is anything you want to comment on, since we don't have the materials the committee members have, its hard to tell.

City Week Ahead

Well, part of it . . expect 5 - 9 other meeting to be added throughout the week.

Snowbank and Iced Walks by Mary Jo Walters

What happened to THE sand/salt mix?

OM Build Tiny House Village!

By Occupy Madison, Inc. . . . a new place for our workshop and a place to park 11 tiny homes. It is at 2046 E Johnson St. (Sanchez Motors) where Johnson splits and goes past East High, North Street and towards E. Washington. Next to B-cycle and near the PDQ. om build johnson st property 2 om build johnson st property

Dane County Board Elections Summary by Al Matano

On April 1, 2014, all members of the Dane County Board of Supervisors will stand for election. Currently there are 29 liberal or progressive...

50 – 60 New Units of Affordable Housing for the Homeless!

We have over 500 chronically homeless, mostly individuals in the City of Madison, so this is a significant start! Here's my summary of the meeting last night.

7 Additions to the Week Ahead

That seems to be about the average of late . . . some of these meetings might have already happened, I should have blogged this sooner, but ran out of time.

Surface Bubble – By Mary Jo Walters

The Mary P. Burke, 'The Bubbler' is where the Madison Public Library's Central location polling station is located. If true, does that mean that her name will have to be covered up on voting days?

Support Marijuana Referendum Tonight!

In our liberal, allegedly progressive community, this should be a no-brainer, right? Think again, questions about if they should ask the voters what they think have been raised. Gasp! Ask the voters what they think?

Common Council Recap

Tall buildings downtown ok, but not ok with Weier if its on the northside, council thumbs nose at state legislature and Professor Paul gives a lesson.

Congrats to the 30 Newly Elected/Uncontested County Board Supervisors!

Today at 5:00 was the filing deadline and only 7 of 37 seats will have elections this spring. Sad day for democracy . . . but congratulations to our newly elected officials!

What will the Council talk about Tonight? (Updated)

Here's the items they will talk about, unless the public shows up and speaks to any of the other items.

Homeless Mortality Rates 3 to 9 times Greater than Housed Persons

Yesterday morning, I called the coroners office to confirm the death of a homeless person, for which I only had a first name. He experienced problems outside of Shelter 1, on his way to Shelter 2 or 3 for the evening. 911 was called, staff performed CPR and he died at the hospital. An autopsy will be done to determine the cause of death.

Best Practices: Winter Services for People Experiencing Homelessness

Wish I had seen this report a while ago . . . good stuff!

County Week Ahead

Sorry so late, no pressure to get it done before going to work . . . TRC closes when schools do

City Week Ahead (Finished)

It's unclear if these meetings are still going on in this weather . . . I'm guessing several get cancelled.

GOOD NEWS! No Homeless Person Should Have to Be Outside M, T or W

It should be the case any time of the year, but during this cold snap, extra efforts are being made and everyone should have a place to be warm. As soon as the extreme cold is over, back to having gaps in the "system".

How is this Supposed to Work?

I ask again, can you imagine being homeless in this weather - where temperatures are going to be cold enough that after 10 minutes outside you can get frostbite. A permanent, comprehensive day center is what we need. We desperately need it for the beginning of next week. A van carrying 15 people at a time can't possible help the over 200 single men and women experiencing homelessness - and that doesn't count the families.

Listen to the Children.

Our children, Madison children, experiencing homelessness. After you listen, give.

Better late than never?

A little after 11:00 tonight we were finally notified of the county's plan to deal with the holidays and the next few very cold and snowy days - and keeping homeless people from freezing to death or at least getting hypothermia or losing some toes to frostbite. Not much detail and I have NO idea how people are supposed to find out about the latest last minute plan that has been thrown together.

I Need a Favor!

I am a member of the parent's advisory committee and also someone whose children has benefited greatly from Camp Kesem - UW and they...

Reporters! Ask the Question! (Updated Twice)

Sigh . . . lovely stories about no one being turned away from shelter . . . but no mention of the following:

City and County Week Ahead

One meeting

Longest Night Rememberance

For 10 homeless persons who died this year was held on Saturday. Lets hope no more over the next few days with extreme cold and programs closed.

City and County Week Ahead

Um, there is none. City lists one meeting that is cancelled and the county has nothing listed. Everyone enjoy the week off!

Homeless? Doors Closing Everywhere

While the holidays bring out extra generosity from the community in the form of gifts for kids and other items - it also poses some real practical problems, like agencies and businesses and other programs being closed. Today is the day when it seems that many of the programs are announcing when they are closed . . . a bad time of the year to be homeless.

Psssst . . . County Board (non?) Elections Coming Up!

Filing deadline for candidates is January 7th, question is, does anyone in Madison even know? Or care? Only 7 races in of 37 districts.

And the Answer is . . .

The county answers my previously denied open records request, kinda, they gave me the information, but my request is still denied.

TIF Should Have Community Benefits

I think everyone agrees, we just don't agree to what degree - actual benefits or benefits that never materialize.

‘Snowattitude!

Why ya gotta be like that?

Open Records Training!

For the city :(. Maybe some county staff can attend?

No Guard, No Involuntary Commitment, No Services

Minor tweaks to the City County Building rules that probably won't do much different than what is already happening in the building - except make people feel like they are doing something. Of course, it all sounded good last night, but lets see how it gets implemented.

Monday’s Changes to the City Week Ahead

Five of them.

Why Not Just Tell Us?

Ok, why won't anyone say where the $50,000 for operating and $75,000 for renovating the day center is coming from. My first ever open records request denial - after about 20 years of submitting them without problems.

County Week Ahead

Last week before two weeks of mostly downtime.

Severely Flawed City Week Ahead

Sure to be missing 6 - 10 meetings.

The Right to be Publicly Critical

For nonprofit staff, that right is being denied or at least highly discouraged by the City (and County?).

Tent City #3, Seattle

This is the last of the villages/encampments we visited out west.

Monday Show Down?

Again. The Homeless Issues Committee was asked by the City-County Liaison Committee to look at solutions for the issues of homeless people being in the City-County Building. That meeting and conversation didn't take place because the staff blew it and didn't get the agenda out, even after they were reminded to do so . . . so that work wasn't done before the next meeting on the issue . . . which is Monday . . . sigh . . .

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 changes to City “Weekly Schedule” (Updated! 8!)

so . . tired . . . of . . . this . . . its absurd they can't do this better. I don't think they are trying. Public gets 1 - 2 day notices of public meetings - that's not right

Camp Quixote and Quixote Village

Olympia Washington . . . perhaps the smallest city by the numbers, but clearly a larger metropolitan area. 50,000 population, roughly.

Random Round Up

Still catching up from vacation - so here's a few random things I didn't have more time for.

County Week Ahead

Another week . . . closer to having a better county board legislative software system!

Likely Incomplete City Week Ahead

Absurdly inaccurate, likely many additions and changes to be announced throughout the week . . . with an obnoxious amount of meetings during the day when most people are at work . . . and less and less links.

Whoville and Eugene SLEEPS

Also in Eugene, is something that will look more familiar to Madison . . .

Opportunity Village

Eugene Oregon, a newer project, many years in the making. Of all the places we visited, we spent the most time here, we went to their weekly meeting. IMG_20131201_160246_921 IMG_20131201_160222_296 IMG_20131201_155942_489

Dignity Village

This is the oldest/longest running of the villages.

Right to Dream Too

It's a little awkward to think you know anything about a place by visiting for an hour, but here's some of my observations about the Right to Dream Too homeless "rest area" in downtown Portland, right at the entrance to the Chinatown area of the city - it was just a few blocks from our hotel.

Thankful.

Given the new perspective I have gotten working on the ground with homeless persons in the last few years, I don't even know where to begin with the list of things I am grateful for - because just the smallest things we all take for granted - like being able to change out of wet socks when I step in a puddle and then warm up - have all taken on new meaning. And with the recent Race to Equity report, I've relearned what a privilege it is to be white in this community. So I can't really make that list, but here is one good example of what I am thankful for, for so many reasons.

Get your Norwegian on!

Krumkake, lefse and . . .no luteisk?

Dane County Planning for Housing

This only happens once every 5 years, so Wednesday is the day to pay attention! What will Dane County put in its comprehensive plan for housing?

Bait and switch

They moved from trespassing ordinances and guards to banning people from the city-county building for violating rules - including having a heater in your office or skateboarding or not wearing shoes or engaging in political or campaign activity. I'm really confused.

Beta Test of New City Website

See the bright pink note at the top of the city's website.

Emerald Ash Borer is here in Madison!

No more denial!

Holiday Trash, Snow

Two topics, two posts in one. Holiday trash pick up early or late, is that new?

1st Snow Report of the year!

Sigh . . . I didn't even know it was going to snow!

County Week Ahead

6 meetings . . .

Maybe the City Week Ahead

So few days, it might be near accurate this week.

Soglin Proposes Barring People from City-County Building if they have no Business There

And hiring a guard to enforce the rules. Could you imagine if they had even suggested this at the capitol? Why is this ok for the city and county government? Meeting Monday to discuss proposal.

5 more changes to the alleged City Week Ahead

4 yesterday, 5 today, that would be what, a C or D if we were giving them a grade based on how well they are doing. Or maybe it should just be an incomplete.

What the Council WON’T be talking about tonight. (Updated.)

Apparently, they are going to talk about nothing. Or, this is wrong, stay tuned.

MG&E said what?

This makes no sense.

4 more city meetings . . .

Continue to expect changes . . .

County Week Ahead

Budget done tonight.

City (Joke of a) Week Ahead

Its getting worse and worse every week, these are the meetings they told us about but there will we several more that pop up.

Elizabeth Coppola in the 21st!

Elizabeth Coppola In the 21st! Our public schools depend on it! Broken deals, petulant behavior, single-minded focus on an extreme social...

CDBG Input for 5 year plan

I ended up writing it out, won't make the meeting tonight, so thought I would share. Please take the survey monkey survey and send in your comments!

Current Plan to Fininsh TIF Policy

Thanks to Chris Schmidt for shedding some light on the process and trying to make it more transparent.

Friends of the State Street Family “Outreach”

Hands down, my favorite group in town! Check out the unbelievable work they do!

Fercristsake, more changes to the City Joke Ahead

Yeah, I'm so sick of this. Actually, I'm pissed about 2 of the 3 meetings here.

Can people stay at Token Creek this winter?

I had to ask.

Goals? How could our city be different in 5 years? (Updated x 2)

CDBG Commission needs to hear from you.

Winter Blues

happy veterans day

Leaf, Brush, Pumpkin Pick Up

Corrected press release . . . . given yesterday's weather there isn't much time!

Alternate Side Parking begins!

If you park on the street, move your car every 24 hours, unless you live downtown, then you only move it if it snows three inches or more or when the city randomly decides it is a snow emergency.

Changes to City Joke of a Week Ahead

So tired of this . . . expect more changes today and tomorrow.

Input On Judge Doyle Square?

Not much notice or publicity, but you might want to go to night - I'm sure the lobbyists will be there in full force.

County Week Ahead

I just can't blog at work, this should have taken 20 minutes to finish . . . an hour and a half later, no progress. So, it is what it is so far. Will finish tomorrow.

City Weekly Joke Ahead

Who knows if this is anywhere near what meetings will actually occur this week.

TRC Silent Auction Tonight!

Brink Lounge, 701 East Washington Ave., 5 - 7 pm . . . check out all the goodies and thank the donors!

Privatization Pirates!

Watching Captain Phillips recently, my wife turned to me and said "I've found someone who has a harder job than I do". I...

Tenant Resource Center Fundraiser Tomorrow

Hope to see you there! 5pm, Brink Lounge, Silent Action, etc. A huge heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors! Tomorrow I will post the silent auction item descriptions.

Madison History Tonight!

Exploring Madison's history: 150-year anniversary of Cordelia Harvey’s work that resulted in President Abraham Lincoln establishing the U.S. Army Harvey Hospital for convalescing Civil War soldiers in the enormous stone octagon mansion on Spaight Street.

More Changes to the City Week Ahead

Sigh . . .

Officer Shooting Police Department Procedure Changes

Here's the memo and updated standard operating procedure from the Madison Police Department regarding Officer Involved Critical Incidents.

Media? Hello, Is there anybody out there?

I had a dream the other night that I showed up for the city budget meeting and no one was there to report on it but me, a blogger. No "real media". Well . . . even tho the budget was over with before 10pm last night, I just watched Channel 3 report that you could testify tonight or tomorrow night on the city budget . . . sigh . . .

Live Blog of the City Council Budget Meeting

Let the games begin . . . all council members here. I had a dream last night that I was the only "media" to show up. Joe Tarr from the Isthmus is here keeping me company . . . no tv, no radio, might be a stray print person around here. Live blogged . . . no complaining about the errors.

Are We Really Going To Do This?

$17 - 47M in TIF to redevelop the Government East Parking Ramp and the Municipal Building into a hotel and other uses? Should we spend $8M or $1.5M more in 2014? Or pause while we rethink this? Council votes tonight!

City Budget Amendments Related to Homelessness

So, the final vote on the city budget will likely be tonight. 4 amendments of interest to folks who have been seeking services for our friends without homes in the community . . . 5 - 6 years later, might we finally get restrooms?

City Updates to Weekly Agenda

Such a ridiculous "weekly agenda" . . . there are 6 changes and 3 more possibly expected and who knows what else might happen?

TIF . . . Change our Policies or Not?

The Economic Development Commission recommended a bunch of changes last spring, the council created an ad hoc committee which has been meeting since July to review the recommendations and it seems they are contemplating some changes, but maybe not all those recommended by the Economic Development Commission . . . lets catch up with that conversation. Is the candy store wide open with no one there to guard it? Or are the EDC recommendations falling a little flat.

Last Chance to speak to County Human Services Budget (Part II)

Who knows what amendments might come up tonight or at the county board, you need to be psychic in order to testify on the county budget apparently. They will tell you after you testify, if they let you, what they will be voting on, maybe.

County Week Ahead

Government grinds along . . . budget being hammered out.

Not Really the City Week Ahead

There are bound to be multiple meetings missing from this list, but this is what they say it the week ahead in the clerk's office, based on what the staff have given them.

Last Chance to Speak to Human Services Budget

We finally have the Health and Human Needs amendments available to the public, and this will be the last time we get to speak, even tho it is the first time we actually have amendments and can see what they are voting on. Sigh . . .

Judge Doyle Square Catch Up

At noon today on WORT I will be talking with Alder David Ahrens, School Board Member TJ Mertz and Activist Susan Pastor about why we all should care about another big building or two downtown on the two blocks where the municipal building and the government east parking ramp is.

You’re banned!

Ok, I asked for information on the collective community ban . . . and got a whole lot more than I expected.

A tale of two local governments . . .

I knock the city council for many things . . . but they are light years ahead of the county board.

Anti-Democracy County Board Members

A few members of the county board have been openly discussing their disdain for the public and the message is getting through loud and clear for me. This year's budget has been the worst! I don't know why they are so opposed to public input, but its kinda disgusting.

“Collective Community Ban”

Hey - I got an idea, can we collectively ban a few people I don't like from my community. For failing to use common sense . . .

Lice . . . A week later . . .

Follow up to this, not much has changed. Apparently, its a public health problem enough to send out an email . . . but not enough to actually solve the problem. I don't get it

What the City Council Will Talk About Tonight

Unless we show up and have the at least listen to us on other topics . . .

City Meetings Added in the last 28 hours . . .

I am so annoyed by this . . . 4 so far . . . including the FREAKING ETHICS BOARD! There is no hope. The disregard towards the public is so engrained in the culture of city hall after Mayor Dave it is pathetic. Where are the watchdogs to make this better? We need Alder Satya Rhodes-Conway back!

United Sportsmen

There is a scandal brewing in Wisconsin that not only typifies exactly who the Wisconsin Republican party is but what is wrong with Wisconsin...

Your Turn, Please Help.

If you read my blog even 1/3 of the time you are well versed to help . . . please email your alders and county board supes - it'll take only a few moments!

County Board Week Ahead

Budget, budget, budget . . . sure wish there was a place to see all the amendments . . . .

75% of the City Week Ahead.

No meetings on Thursday? Not very many links either.

City Council Staff Member Doesn’t Like the Homeless in the Building

Now I know why the notice for the meeting went out a suspicious 2 days before the meeting . . .

Decieved – The Big Lie.

As a former member of an elected body, I hate it when you pass something with full expectations that one thing will happen, and then a completely different thing happens. As a member of the public, I hate it when an elected body passes something without really intending to follow through. As a human being, I hate being deceived.

More Indignities – Head Lice and the Homeless

Who will help them? As far as I can tell - no one . . . except a couple volunteers from a community group not funded by the city or a staff member from a church.

Recycle your batteries!

Is there anything Madison won't try to recycle? 🙂

And MORE City Week Ahead

Sneaky . . . sneaky . . . sneaky . . . . . this time, city-county liaison committee (snaky). . . and others.

Grocery Store Crash and Burn (Updated)

No grocery at 800 E. Wash . . . big empty lot for tents for the homeless? 🙂

Changes to the City weekly schedule . . .

You knew they were coming . . . It sucks when it is the council itself that can't get their agendas in on time . . .

Board of Estimates – Operating Budget Amendments

Board of Estimates - items 2 - 10 passed in one motion. Only two items left, a presentation by the Finance Director for the City's Life Insurance program and the budget item. This is mostly "live blogged" so not as precise and missed a few parts.

City Week Ahead

Likely about 2/3rds here . . . expect changes.

ACK!

Sorry - light blogging week - busy with work. SB179 is currently kicking my ass. Nothing but work - tons of blogging...

Radical Changes to Tenant Landlord law near complete

Tuesday night the Wisconsin Senate passed SB 179, the third piece of legislation in two years to drastically alter tenant landlord law. This law removes over 20 Madison ordinances and changes over 20 statewide laws, resulting in over 75 law changes since 2011 Wisconsin Act 108. Here is a summary of some of the areas of the law that will be impacted:

Council Budget Discussion

Prior to the council meeting last night the council had a discussion where it appears they preliminarily agreed to give $150,000 to Overture, fund Madison Metro fuel, fund police and some discussion about police overtime, concerns about a social worker for the municipal court, a cost of living increase for non-profits and maybe more funding for the Emerging Opportunities program.

TEN Changes to the City Week Ahead

Actually, 11. One cancellation. Yeah, there were only 19 meetings to start with. I think this is a new record . . .

County Week Ahead

Enjoy - budget time!

City Week Ahead

Sigh, sure to be incomplete. Watch for updates later today and tomorrow.

City Operating Budget -Parks and Golf Enterprise

Also from Monday night at Board of Estimates.

City Operating Budget – City Attorney

From Board of Estimates on Monday . . .

Partial Shower Solution for the Homeless?

From . . . wait for it . . . Dave Wiganowsky! 🙂

The Future of Madison Policing

WHAT DO WE WANT FOR POLICING IN MADISON?

WYOU Garage Sale . . .

and news . . .

1852 – much different than today?

A friend of mine sent me this little blast from the past - sounds like they had rental problems way back then as well.

Are these YOUR Public Safety Issues

Long story short, I went to the Public Safety Review Board meeting. I went there for one reason, stayed for another. At the end of the agenda was an item about upcoming issues and this is their list.

6 more changes to the city week ahead

This makes 11 that were noticed, plus a few amended agendas as well. More than 1/3 of the agendas for the week.

Absurd Affordable Housing Market!

I am NOT picking on Porchlight! Seriously. But check this out - this is the "affordable housing" market we are working with . . .

Operating Budget – Overview (Council has $350,000 to play with)

Only two speakers. Here is the overview by the Finance Department Director - very helpful and informative!

Operating Budget – Public Health

A joint meeting of the Board of Estimates for the City and the Personnel and Finance Committee for the county - except the later does not have quorum. The meeting is to approve the Dane County and City of Madison Public Health Department Budget. Read on, you can read the rant about the "hobos"!

Board of Estimates Meeting – minus the Budget

Here's the items they had on their agenda and what happened - before they got to the department presentations on the budget

County Week Ahead

Budget deliberations begin . . .

City Week Ahead

Until it changes. With many items without links . . . moving backwards in time . . . less and less transparency . . .

$60,000 for Homeless Services instead of a Day Center

Third year in a row, worst plan yet.

Support Homeless Issues Committee at County Board Tonight

More wrangling over the lack of a comprehensive day center for this winter . . . how should we spend the $60,000.

HUD Wants Us To . . . Part IV: Leverage Mainstream Resources

Mainstream resources, how can we connect them to housing to help people be successful in housing?

City’s Plan for Affordable Housing and Homelessness

Sigh . . . we have plans in the CDBG office that I am sure very few people understand. I have blogged about our anti-poverty plan that is in here in the past. This year I expanded my comments. CDBG Commission will be taking public comments on their draft tonight if you want to add your comments - now is the time!

HUD Wants Us To . . . Part III: Coordinated Assessment

Community Action Coalition and the Tenant Resource Center both applied for this funding. CAC was awarded $146,500 to provide this service starting October 1 through the end of next year and are planning to serve 450 people.

County Executive Budget Message

This is what the executive wants you to know, the county board will have to now dig into the details!

Comments on City Fair Housing Issues

Thursday night the CDBG Commission will be finishing their work on this study and are looking for your comments . . . here are mine!

What the Council will talk about Tonight!

This is the consent agenda for tonight.

County Executive Budget “favorable” to Human Services

Of course, funding for TRC was restored, so I am happy, but there is other good news as well . . . but the county board will be left to struggle with how to pay the operating costs for the Day Resource Center (that doesn't yet exist).

Mayor’s Budget Message

Press Conference at 4:00, here's his message to the council.

Q&A on the Federal Government Shut Down

By the Public Interest Law Section of the Wisconsin Bar . . . helpful and cute.

A Homeless Person Sums It Up

This email came to me this morning and I thought it was a good summary of where we are at. Not my words, but someone experiencing it. From his perspective, things look really bleak going in to winter. Not necessarily new, but the promise of change, the hope of things getting better . . . may have made things worse for many.

Tiny Victory for Tiny Houses! (Now with Audio)

Alders Marsha Rummel, Ledell Zellers, Larry Palm, Lisa Subeck and Mike Verveer have proposed an ordinance that would allow tiny homes to be parked somewhere besides the streets. That ordinance went to plan commission last night and was unanimously approved! Plan commission struggled a bit, were unsatisfied with this as a solution, but in the end, knew this was better than nothing, but we were in need of better solutions. Good respectful discussion with a bit of frustration over there not being a bigger and better on-going plan to address the problem.

HUD Wants Us To . . . Part II: Consider The Story of New Orleans

Targeting most vulnerable with longest histories of homelessness, Vulnerability Index, Mayor prioritizing ending homelessness, Office of Homeless Policy, 10 year plan to end homelessness, Interagency Council on Homelessness and true partnerships!

Veto Rescinded. Reconsideration Instead.

Must have been some deal made behind the scenes. Here's what I know about the almost mayoral veto.

County Budget Process

The county has a much more extensive process for the public to participate in, but in many ways, it is much harder as you don't have copies of the amendments they are considering and you can't plan for their schedule if you are interested in something.

6 changes to the City Week Ahead This Morning

I think they should change the name of the "Weekly Schedule" to the "Kinda, Maybe, Not Really Weekly Schedule".

County Week Ahead

Here it is, in all its glory . . . hope you can interpret the alphabet soup without attachments.

HUD Wants Us To . . . Part I: Prioritize Chronically Homeless for PSH

HUD wants has some lofty goals of ending homelessness, some communities are taking this task very seriously. HUD is issuing statements about guidance of what they expect to see. In permanent supportive housing, HUD wants us to prioritize chronically homeless persons. Will we?

Tony Galli – updated

We brought the recent story of WKOW, and their employee Tony Galli, making the Bradley Foundation's day and attacking a local elementary art teacher....

City Week Ahead

Looks very light . . . expect lots of changes.

How should the Yahara River Parkway between Lakes Mendota and Monona evolve?

On Wednesday, September 25th 2013 the City hosted a “Yahara River Corridor Public Meeting”. It wasn’t a very helpful agenda, so I pulled together some background information for myself. Here’s some of that info, and a bit of the flavor of the meeting.

Triggered!

Recently there has been too many cases of random bullets entering houses. This exact bullet was found in someone's house, head high, on...

Approvals Needed for Rhythm and Booms

Are the Alders left almost entirely out of that process?

Which of the 75 proposals ($2.5M) got the $200,000

That was a committee with a tough decision to make! And Shiva Bidar-Sielaff volunteered to be there!

Madison 4th Safest City in the U.S!

You'd never know it the way we talk around here. Here's the FACTS about downtown crime.

Mayor Uses Veto Power!

It's been a while since a Mayor has done this . . . or the County Executive . . . what issues was it?

Downtown/Lake Monona Rhythm & Booms?

Public Forum tonight.

“Tourist Rooming Houses” – Regulating AirBnB and the like in Madison

Madison is thinking about trying to regulate AirBnB-type rentals. It probably should, but it’d be helpful for them to step back and think about what we’re trying to accomplish. The proposal right now is terrible, but this may be one of the easiest examples ever of where just a little bit of common sense can amend it into something reasonable. There's a public meeting to discuss this all on Thursday, September 26th at 7:00pm.

Capital Budget Amendments at Board of Estimates

Discussions were a little over 2 hours, including public testimony. 17 amendments. And the capital budget is done now until November. Hope you didn't blink, it's pretty much over. The most time was spend on the (lack of) a daytime resource center for the homeless - supported by advocates and the business community and proposed by Alder Palm. And of course, the amendment failed due to the city/county struggle over who pays.

$200,000 for $2.5M of Need in Our Community

75 proposals ($2.5M) came in for the Emerging Opportunities Program that the Council approved $200,000 for. Here is what the staff is recommending. Committee meetings tomorrow night. Yeah, no needs here!

Late County Week Ahead

You only missed one meeting. 21 left to go!

City Week Ahead! Cancelled?

An unusual number of cancellations noted on the weekly schedule . . .

Confused by Letters You Get about Badger Care?

Kicked off? Not kicked off? Practical advice from Legal Action of Wisconsin to be shared with anyone and everyone!

Ask the Council to do what Alder Weier Will Not

Sponsor the resolution recommended by the Equal Opportunities Commission!

Capital Budget Presentations – Fleet Services

a.k.a. Motor Equipment for the old-timers like Verveer and the Mayor! 🙂

Capital Budget Presentations – Madison Metro

The bus system.

Tony Galli

UGGG. We all know that Scott Walker is in trouble. His poll numbers are tanking. His absolute love of cronyism at...

Volunteers Needed!

For several things I'm involved in, check it out!

Random Round Up

A whole bunch of community and government meetings that you might want to participate in . . .

What would an Equity Impact Statement Tell Us?

Or what should it tell us? The council is working on a resolution to declare their intent to . . . do something that sounds good, but what is it?

City Meetings Added Yesterday and Today

So sick of this crap.

Everything You Need to Know about 2014 Capital Budget, So Far (Updated!)

Yeah people, the budget has begun. Tonight the council seeks input on their initial amendments for the Capital Budget that are due tomorrow at noon, to be voted on at the Board of Estimates on Monday!

Council Recap 9/17 (Part II) – Lamp House and Property Owner Arrogance

Continuing on from here, after the first hour and a half of the council meeting.

Council Recap 9/17 (Part I)

Yeah, its been a while. No longer have time for very detailed notes, but time to get back to business now that the summer is over and Rob once again is busy (building tiny houses) on Tuesday nights.

What the Council Will Talk About Tonight

Unless you show up and speak to something, of course, no guarantee they will talk about it, but it won't be passed in one big amendment and it will give them pause to think for a moment.

Capital Budget Presentations – Monona Terrace

Someone says "uh-oh" . .. lets see!

Capital Budget Presentations – Public Health

This is a department that has to have their budget passed by both the city and the county.

Capital Budget Presentations – Miscellaneous

City Clerk and Henry Vilas Zoo.

Capital Budget Presentations – Parking Utility

Still from last week Monday, but almost done . . . I hope.

Capital Budget Presentations – Traffic Engineering

Here's another one, still from last week Monday.

Capital Budget Presentations – Streets

Here's another one, still from Monday, but I am getting closer to getting them all done - I had technical difficulties and no time!

Capital Budget Presentations – Library

Last week the department heads or their stand-ins were been busy presenting their budgets as presented in the Mayor's budget, there is a public hearing before the council tomorrow night, the amendments for Board of Estimates are due Wednesday at noon and then they will vote at Board of Estimates a week from today. So, if you have something to say about it, tomorrow night is the time!

Capital Budget Presentations – Police Department

Last week the department heads or their stand-ins were been busy presenting their budgets as presented in the Mayor's budget, there is a public hearing before the council tomorrow night, the amendments for Board of Estimates are due Wednesday at noon and then they will vote at Board of Estimates a week from today. So, if you have something to say about it, tomorrow night is the time!

Picking the Next Police Chief

Memo from the police and fire commission . . . Look for questionnaires and be ready for public comment on October 14th at 6:00 at the Downtown Library.

County Week Ahead

Only 13 meetings . . .

What Might Be the City Week Ahead

Guaranteed to be wrong, watch for added meetings throughout the week with very little notice.

Unbelievable Insult! Oh, and No Warming Center this Winter.

This is the insult: At the same time the county is proposing to cut TRC services entirely ($95,000) so they can pay for a day center, they are not going to have the permanent comprehensive day center, but instead proposing to spend $60,000. $30,000 of it they will give to Porchlight to drive people around to various services Nov 1 - March 31, including apparently dropping them off at the Tenant Resource Center. Excuse me, but WTF?

WTF is Wrong With Our Media

You have all heard something about the United Sportsmen deal lately. Some quick background, it was written into law recently by Scott Suder,...

Loitering Ordinance? Again?

Last night a police officer suggested that one of the things that the alders could do to help with the issue of people with criminal intent (not homeless) hanging out at the top of State St. was to support a loitering ordinance made wanna do a Sue Bauman eye roll. Been here, done this. But it elicited an interesting set of comments on my facebook page.

Added Meetings this week . . .

Departments and staff that can't seem to get agendas in more tan 48 or 72 hours before the PUBLIC meetings. Can't tell if its incompetence or public avoidance, but no matter the motive, its annoying and embarrassing to the city.

Big Brother is Watching you . . .

Police install almost 40 new cameras downtown in 2013 . . .

Policies for the Capital Budget

Ever wonder what is in the capital budget and why . . . here's a start.

Capital Budget Presentations – IT

The last two nights the department heads or their stand-ins have been busy presenting their budgets as presented in the Mayor's budget I'll try to get them done as I have time then post a summary at the end. Here's the first one.

Capital Budget Meetings Begin!

Last night the Board of Estimates met, items 1 - 29 they passed without any discussion and they moved right on to the Capital Budget. These meetings are designed primarily to hear from department heads about what is in the budget in each of their departments and for the council members to ask questions prior to submitting budget amendments which are due after a Public Hearing at the council 9/17 and the council members will need to get their amendment in by noon the next day.

City Week Ahead

Here's the meetings they want to tell us about . . . . Monday, September 9, 2013 1:00 PM MADISON LOCAL FOOD COMMITTEE - AMENDED...

Bill To Strip Tenants’ Rights on the Move

Last May the Assembly shoved it through in about two weeks. The Senate Housing and Insurance Committee sat on it all summer, but now they are having their Executive Session on a new Amended Substitute that came out on Thursday, voting Monday morning at 9 am.

Impediments to Fair Housing in Madison?

Uh, yeah. It's about time we did this analysis! Study sez . . . We need more rental units and more affordable...

County Board Press Release Related to TRC and Developmental Disabilities

Wow. Thank you to everyone who helped make an impact!!!!

Tonight! Future of Wisconsin Public Schools?

Experts to Discuss the Future of Public Schools in Wisconsin at Middleton Performing Arts Center Sept. 5 Wisconsin State Senators Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, and Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, are among the handful of presenters who will participate in “How Many Kids Left Behind? – An Interactive Community Conversation on the Future of Our Public Schools” at the Middleton Performing Arts Center, 2100 Bristol St., on Thursday, Sept. 5.

45 Years of Fair Housing!

And yet, the top discrimination that occurs in Dane County is consistently based on race, disability and family status. We've come a long...

Education Forum – Sept. 5

Wisconsin State Senators Kathleen Vinehout, D-Alma, and Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, are among the handful of presenters who will participate in “How Many Kids...

Capital Budget YAY!

One item in the capital budget has me singing Paul Soglin's praises, he's the first mayor in decades to create affordable housing for those...

2 Cancellations and 5 Added City Meetings

You knew it was going to change - 7 changes in the next 2 days . . . seriously, what is the point of a "weekly schedule".

What the Council Plans to Talk About Tonight (Updated)

Nothing? No items of interest for any council members? I highly doubt it.

Summary of Human Services Budget Proposal

Not just the Tenant Resource Center but a description of all the cuts and adds that they proposed.

County to Limit Testimony on Human Services Budget (Updated)

They're starting to act and sound a little bit like the state. First they only have one night of hearings on the human services budget instead of two like they used to. Then, this morning, I realize that they have limited the public testimony to two people per agency, that wasn't in their press release!

County Week Ahead – Mostly a hearing toinght

Really, they want us to limit ourselves to 2 speakers per agency tonight? Really?

City Week Ahead – It’s Labor Week!

We'll see if it is anywhere close to accurate.

Vicki Mckenna’s Peer Group

I recently wrote an article about why I personally left the Catholic Church. What summed it all up to me, was a...

Lynn Green Explains Recommendation to Defund TRC

So, this is Director of Dane County Human Services Lynn Green's explanation of why she recommended defunding the Tenant Resource Center. It's disturbingly inaccurate. I have audio, contracts and other documentation of the details of all this, probably too much detail for some, but due to my obvious conflict of interest in "reporting" this topic, I felt as much back up material as possible was necessary. Obviously, I am biased here - but also, obviously, there are some gross errors in her statements that just can't be denied.

ALL HANDS ON DECK! HELP TRC, PLEASE!

Yeah, that's a bit of a desperate plea. Last Friday we found out $95,000 (40% of our budget) was proposed to be cut from the Dane County Budget. Many of you have written emails and letters in support of our services and we appreciate that, but we need your help on Tuesday! Or, to write emails and letters if haven't already done so! Tuesday is a very important hearing and we need your support!

What is Wrong With Homeless Service Poviders COMMUNICATING!

Argh!!!! You all know my frustrations . . . but it is freaking absurd when I find out about the plan to deal with homeless during the heat wave from two alders via neighborhood listserves instead of communication through the listserve for the Homeless Services Consortium or from the providers themselves. It comes via a forwarded email from the mayor's office. How the hell are homeless people supposed to know what services are available to them - they aren't on these listserves and they don't tell people what is going on!

The Great TIF Give Away

Hint "more flexibility" = more money in developer pockets while taking away the "benefits" we get, mostly in the form of roads and infrastructure to support the developers building that if TIF doesn't pay for, will need to be paid for by borrowing and we pay it back, with interest. Also, the great benefit we get is added taxes that will help pay for services - except by the time this trickles down to the community services budget - the benefit is barely recognizable and definitely not realizable - it just gets lost in the budget. Hope to see people there tonight saying why we shouldn't leave the candy store wide open.<

Don’t You Understand?

Hey homeless people, understand you are at risk, but we can't actually, you know, HELP YOU! Do you understand that? Yeah, you there, sleeping on the square on hard cement or uncomfortable bench, you DO understand its hot and you are at risk, right? What should you do, where should you go - well, we can't help with that. Just know it hot and you are at risk. There, we have warned you, we now wash our hands of this matter - Sincerely Dane County Human Services.

Education – Must Read

H/T Heather @ Monologues of Dissent! As our children go back to school and you meet with the teachers, administrators and classmates, tour...

Singing for the 1st

Advertisements contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper. ~Thomas Jefferson, letter to Nathaniel Macon One thing that is common place...

TRC Defunded by County

$95,000 or 40% of our budget. No more services to people outside of the City of Madison, no more housing lists, no more eviction prevention dollars, no more mediation project?

Board of Estimates Meeting tonight!

Didn't make the weekly schedule - but was posted at 9:05 this morning.

Bummer . . . Homeless Services “Break”

Yes, they are broken in so many ways, but this is just First United Methodist Church taking a "break" for building maintenance and administrative issues - but still, this will likely cause a little havoc. The showers are covered, but what about the sack lunches? I know a lot of people who use them since they can't use the food pantries without an address in most cases.

County Week Ahead

More meetings than I would have thought for the last week of the month.

City Week Ahead

It's sure to be wrong, but here's the publicly available information as of this morning before the clerk's get back to work . . . and then who knows what will change, will try to keep you updated with their changes. Lots of (no links) again. 🙁

Finally, A List of Potential Day Center Sites! (UPDATED!)

Well, looking at the list, it is a little embarrassing. Please send in any ideas you might have. UPDATED: RFP reissued!

Legal Info for Capitol Arrestees (Singers and Observers)

Reposting, by popular request, now with the pamphlet actually linked! doh! Thanks to Madison Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild.

Neighborhood Meeting to Discuss Tearing Down More Historic Buildings

Contributing Buildings in Langdon Neighborhood Proposed for Demolition for Apartment - neighborhood meeting next Wednesday.

They’ll pay you to take this house!

Free house, plus they will give you the costs to demolish it if you take it. free house

4 (or 5?) changes to the City Week Ahead

I thought we were getting better, but I spoke too soon!

Invite to Particiapte in Updating County Comprehensive Plan

Wait! I know it sounds boring, but it could be really important to you!!!!

Dangers of New Water Meters – Scammers!

This is a slightly disturbing excerpt from Lauren's Cnare's updates

5 Senseless Deaths of Homeless Persons in 4 months

I don't want to write this blog post, but I feel compelled to. I have a lot to say about all of this, but I also don't want to say much at all out of respect by those impacted. But, I think people need to know . . .

County Week Ahead

Sorry - delayed, had computer issues this morning - only one meeting to day tho, first meeting of the Poverty Commission. Full meeting...

NO LINKS City Week Ahead

We'll see if this is accurate . . . unlikely.

The Voucher Scam!

The truth of school Vouchers is slowly starting to come out and its not pretty. While Scott Walker, Robin Vos, et...

Schenk’s Corner Block Party Today – Come on Down

Tenant Resource Center helped get the street and alcohol permit for this new event - its a great day to come on down and enjoy the free music, thank the businesses in the area and have a beverage!

BED BUGS! (Think, Hippie Christmas!)

Hate this topic, but it might save you a real headache or two or three!

Dept. Operating Budget Submissions: Attorney, Council, Mayor, Civil Rights, Clerk, Treasurer

This is the first of many blog posts with information about the 2014 city budgets.

Garbage and Recycling Pick Up Early

4 AM!!!!!

Moving? Protect Your Security Deposit from Carpeting and Painting Charges!

Madison’s “Moving Day“ is this week! Learning the real deal about these common myths can help tenants protect their security deposits and avoid potentially being charged thousands of dollars:

WE NEED ANSWERS NOW!

No plans for a permanent, comprehensive day resource center for the third year in a row? Seriously? Join us tonight!

County Week Ahead

Can't wait til they add links to their agendas like the city does . . .

(No Link) City Week Ahead

Let's see if this list is complete or not this week . . .

Official Notice: County Rejected all 3 RFP Responses for Day Center?

Is this a staff decision? I don't think so. This was a high priority for many of the County Board members and I think they might have something to say about it. Three years in a row . . . winter is coming, a permanent comprehensive day center has been promised - no more band-aids!

DMI: City Wasting Time Giving Homeless Rights

It's about "behavior" and it won't "bring us the results we are looking for". Ha! I bet.

Obstructionists?

The Director of Human Services is claiming, in response to an open records request about the properties that they investigated for the day warming center, that she has no records. Believe it?

No Comprehensive, Permanent Day Center this Winter

For the third year in a row, as we head towards winter, there still is no plan for a permanent, comprehensive day center - despite the fact that the county has had 10 months and $695,000 to find a building. Incompetence? Are staff undermining the elected officials? Is there any logical explanation about what is going on?

New Law for Landlords in Dane County

This is a first, a new regulation passed for landlords to follow, not a peep from landlords or the media.  I sent out this...

City Housing Programs – Understanding the Rental Housing Crisis

The City of Madison recently did an overview of the housing programs it runs, here's the report and my observations.

AirBnB yes, Camping?

Priorities! Council is going to address AirBnB issues, but still nothing on camping. Travel for the rich ok, the not so rich, not so welcome.

Lakeview Nurses Dorm Needs County Board Approval to be Demolished!

Not so fast! Parks and Human Services staff will not be able to proceed with their plans to demolish the Lakeview Nurses Dorm without County Board approval.

County Week Ahead

Sorry this is a day late, only missed one meeting.

City Week Ahead

Some of the usual suspects that turn their agendas in late got in on time this week . . . interesting. It can be done! Now if we could just get handouts and links to hand outs in advance of the meetings.

$1.2M in Revenue for the City Budget?

Or more? So, if the city were to ask large non-profits (like hospitals, but not religious institutions) to pay for police, fire and snow plowing services, they could increase their revenue by at least $1.2M a year. Do we have the political will to do that?

Should the City Step-up on Bed Bug Education?

This is from the last tenant-landlord committee meeting. In full disclosure, Charlie is not only a volunteer at the Tenant Resource Center, but he is...

Only one last minute City Addition

Hmmmm, this week there was only one last minute addition to the schedule - a distinct improvement! Or a fluke?

Tiny House Fundraiser Tonight!!!

I can't believe that anyone who knows me or reads what I write doesn't know about this by now but just in case you need a reminder, tiny house fundraiser tonight!!!!

County Week Ahead

9 meetings.

Sure to be Screwed Up City Week Ahead

Here's what they want you to know about, but several meetings will be added soon after I post this - some with just a little over 24 hours notice. Those are the meetings they don't want the public at. Or, are the committee staff just totally inept. I'd guess the former. To add to the uselessness, many "no link" items this week.

Breese Stevens Field Opened Up!

If you're not a soccer fan and haven't been in Breese Stevens Field (City Park behind cement walls on 900 block of E Washington) here's your chance to go see Shakespeare there!!!

Seven, bwa, ha, ha ha, ha

I feel like the count from Sesame Street . . . Seven changes to the joke that is called the "weekly schedule" for the city.

County Week Ahead

There were no meetings yesterday, so you didn't miss anything.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Count Them, 6 Changes to the City Week Ahead

It's getting worse instead of better, isn't it?

Zach Madden: Rhythm and Booms, a bust on the environment

Report on the City of Madison Committee on Environment 7/15/2013 Meeting by Zach Madden.

Ridiculous City Week Ahead

I can only tell you what they tell us, which is often severely lacking . . .

Hero to Zero.

James Lofton went from being a hero and recognized by the city for his efforts to help save a woman's life by helping prevent her from jumping off the Monona Terrace, to (less than a month later) being kicked off the Monona Terrace rooftop area and another area because he is homeless veteran and has "too much" stuff with him. You can't make this up.

Common Council Recap – $1.2M for Monona Terrace Restrooms. Wow.

I think that what they decided was that the process had gone pretty far and they would make the decision later when they do the 2014 budget, when it is too late because the items had all been ordered for the renovations. Tho, I do think that there is interest in only doing the things most necessary. WARNING: There are some really obnoxious statements coming up. "Wow factor" indeed.

Why there is no cooling center . . .

The official explanation from the Mayor's office, on behalf of the city and county

Rickert’s Reporting Gap

Today Chris Rickert had a column criticizing the Madison Metropolitan School Board for taking their eye off the ball of the achievement gap. First,...

Common Council Recap Part I (of many)

Getting the council meeting started, honoring resolutions, Rosa Rd pronounciation, consent agenda, early registrations, public hearings and Heikkenen contract.

Council Budget Discussion and Priorities

Each Council member takes 3 minutes to share their hopes, dreams and priorities. They didn't have any time left to discuss what each other said, but you can get sense of each council member's priorities.

Justifying $1.2M Bathrooms

Really? Do you think it can be done? Here's a shot at it!

LONG council meeting tonight . . . (UPDATED)

Here is what they think they will be discussing . . . and they will be throwing around millions of dollars for Union Corners, Monona Terrace, Water Utility, James Doyle Square etc . . . while hand wringing over $200,000 for non-profits for emergency projects, no cooling shelter (virtually free) this year an still no restrooms or lockers for the homeless. ($15,000)

Heikkenen’s Excuse

Insensitive remarks, calling citizens "wingnuts" explained . . . it was just a joke. eyeroll. Will the Water Utility Director's comments impact his contract...

Housing Available!

The waiting lists and closed lists for housing programs are just silly with this approximately 2% vacancy rate - but for a few lucky people with the exact right circumstances there is a glimmer of hope . . .

3 Changes to the City Week Ahead

You know the routine . . . the "weekly schedule" is anything but . . .

Irony of the Week – $1.2M Monona Terrace Restroom Improvements

$1.2M to improve restrooms at the Monona Terrace - and its too much to provide restrooms for homeless who have used up their days in shelter and have no place to go. Really? This is just sick. Where are our priorities? The council will be voting on this on Tuesday.

Changes to Lost/Abandoned Property Ordinance

Now if you lose something that has an aggregate value of $50 (not just per item) or of sentimental or legal value (driver's license, birth certificate, social security card), the city employees can't throw it out for 45 days (instead of 30). Some improvement. Council will be voting on this on Tuesday.

County Board Requires Electronic Campaign Finance Reports

I'm not sure why this press release came out Friday, but on June 20th the County Board passed a requirement that all candidates for county offices file their campaign finance reports electronically. Sigh . . . its about freaking time! Now we can read them!

More Likely to be Accurate County Week Ahead

25 meetings this week.

Alleged City Week Ahead – Sure to Be Incomplete

This is what the Clerk's office said the meetings were at the close of business on Friday - the alleged "Weekly Schedule". 22 meetings? Maybe. Maybe not.

Lake View Nurses Dorm Down!

Done deal - Joe Parisi has decided. Well, except they are checking on a bunch of "details" like was the correct process followed, where was the legislative public process and are some important parts of the information they based their decisions on correct. Seemed to be a lot of confusion about everything except that they are tearing the building down - done deal. Is it?

2 FREAKING MORE FREAKING MEETINGS in the “Weekly Schedule”

Becoming the biggest joke in town . . . if you care about these things!

Victory at the Capitol, For now . . .

Victory for free speech in State Capitol - Unconstitutional Capitol access policies struck down: From Chris Taylor

Mayor’s (Kinda Flat) Operating Budget Message

A day or two late, but here it is . . . kinda crazy.

Tour des Chicken Coops and Art In

Events on near east side this weekend - a little different than the other side of E Wash and La Fete . . .

Lobbyist Lovefest with EDC TIF Policy

Grab a waste basket, you might want to puke. PUBLIC TESTIMONY Was 15 minutes late, public was speaking, a parade of lobbyists gushing over how great...

Five Freaking Additions to the So-Called “Weekly Schedule”

There really were 33 meetings this week . . . sigh . . .

Board of Estimates Recap

One hour, they talk about 7 items. $1M for a water utility pumping station that wasn't budgeted, no problem, passes no discussion. $200,000 set aside in a fund to address issues of poverty and needs in our community, not so much, half hour of hand ringing, worry over process and ultimately delay. What are the council's priorities? WTF?

County Week Ahead

21 meetings, 10 meetings before 5pm on a weekday, so only half the meetings when most people not paid to be there can make...

How does this happen?

If you were 67% off on estimating the costs of something over $1M - wouldn't you be fired?

City Week Ahead

33 28 meetings, so far . . . 21 16 of them scheduled before 5pm, when most people are at work.

Forward Lookout needs a new logo

It's time to freshen up the look around here. Can you help us with put together a new logo?

County Housing Plan?

Now is the time to get involved! The Comp Plan Steering committee is getting input from committees and since they didn't do anything since they passed the plan 5 years ago, now is the time to make this a priority and give it teeth!

I see a budget cut

Why do we pay for this?

Council Recap

Only a half hour

What will the council talk about tonight?

This is the info they all have . . .

Tiny Houses Are Coming to Madison!

We might not be able to put them on private property anywhere in the City of Madison, including church or non-profit parking lots, but we can park them in the street! i.e. Camping, Part II. And learn how you can help us make tiny houses a reality!!!

All Camping Tents in the City of Madison Are Illegal

No more boy scout or girl scout events, no more church camping events, no more sleep overs with the neighborhood kids, no more overflow sleeping for guests - tents in your back yard, or anywhere in the city, are illegal and you will be violating zoning code and could be written up if you don't comply.

Sally’s Got Some Work to Do

I went to the meeting with the Salvation Army where they met with the neighborhood and explained their move from 600 E. Washington to...

Change One: Cuz there had to be one!

Yeah - 3 days and they still couldn't get the entire weeks agenda together before Monday morning. And they are meeting on July 4th!!! 10am?

VERY short county week ahead

2 meetings

Short City Week Ahead (Is probably still not complete)

One would think this correct, but I won't hold my breath!

WORT Volunteers Needed

A few special requests . . .

Changes 6 & 7 to the Weekly Schedule

Barely 24 hours notice . . . Of course, the agendas are not linked as I'm typing this, so you'll have to check...

Mayor’s Message to City Employees

I like a mayor who shows this kind of leadership . . . and confidence in (mostly) awesome city employees. From: Mayor Sent: Wednesday, June 26,...

5th Change to the Weekly Schedule?

Not even 24 hours notice this time . . . .

Fer christsakes . . . (Updated)

I am not now, nor have I ever been, CATHOLIC.

County Comprehensive Planning Update

Ok, I went to the meeting last week. Of course, I was the only mere citizen, and there is a really good reasons...

Why I Left The Catholic Church

They say a picture says 1000 words and this one most certainly does. When the Bishop of my Catholic Church decides to...

2nd Updates for the City Week Ahead

4 meetings added so far. 2 yesterday, 2 today.

Susan Pastor: Municipal Building – Offices? Or Hotel?

Madison’s Historic Municipal Building: City Offices or “Bold”, “Creative” Private Venture (and other problems with the Judge Doyle Square project)

First two changes (in two hours) to the Alleged Weekly Calendar

Annoying. Here's two more meetings already posted.

ANOTHER Problem with the Week Ahead Postings

Ok, I didn't really even think of this, but apparently, amended agendas are also a problem.

County Week Ahead

More accurate, but there were changes last week.

Sure to be Inaccurate City Week Ahead

Well, here's what I got.

In Sharp Contrast to the City Council

City Council was anti-disclosure, County Board, pro-disclosure. However, they are years behind he City on the matter of electronic filing of campaign finance reports.

Good Meeting Tweet, Brings Bad Journalism

Apparently in today's Wisconsin, random "tweets" are now what is classified as news! We have one of the most extreme budgets in our...

Catching Up on Judge Doyle Square

Ok, I've been slacking, so while I'm catching up on everything, I thought I'd fill you in!

Madison City Council Won’t Stand Up Against Citizen’s United?

Republican Party applauds them!!! What?! The Democrats on our City Council applauded by the Republicans?! I've been asked to explain and I can't. What happened, this should have been a slam dunk. Is it because the Council knows better than Mike McCabe and the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign? Or, they hate the Mayor? Or, they love the Chamber of Commerce and the Madison Area Builders Association?

Moving on Up . . .

Salvation Army moving on up E. Washington Ave from downtown to Darbo neighborhood. Find out all about it!

Susan Pastor: Some Good News for Equity in the City

Equity? When you hear that word do you think about the amount of money you are going to invest in something, or do you think of justice? Social Justice? Economic Justice? What is the city thinking? 🙂

City Week Ahead – Change Four

And a major question!

Zach Madden: Permissible Pollution

Construction is a license to pollute. Here's Zach's summary of the 6/17/13 Committee on the Environment meeting. Thanks Zach!

Council Recap

Here's the quick run down.

What the Council Will Be Talking About Tonight (Updated)

Here's the items that they want to talk about, the rest of the items will likely be on the "consent agenda" unless someone shows up to speak on an issue or an alder pulls it off for some reason.

Hovde TIF Agreement

Wow. This is pretty complicated, no alders asked questions, and I'm beginning to wonder if they understand it. And it looks like another $3.4M for structured parking . . . .

City Week Ahead – Change Three

This is typical for this committee to be late - it probably only matters to city employees, but still . . .

T Wall Properties Forgiveness – Council Votes Tonight

T Wall Properties screw up resolution - the city actually makes some money nearly 20 years later and T Wall Properties fails to perform as promised.

CCB (Salt, ‘cides, tape, bike racks) and City-County Consolidations

This is a new blogging format for me. I'm attempting to do less verbatim, yet capturing the meetings for those interested and more analysis and comment.

City Week Ahead – Change two

 Mon, Jun 17, 2013 at 11:43 AM NOTICE OF MEETING CANCELLATION Meeting: ADA TRANSIT SUBCOMMITTEE TO THE TRANSIT AND PARKING COMMISSION on 6/17/2013 5:15 PM at...

City Week Ahead – Change Number One

 Mon, Jun 17, 2013 at 9:01 AM NOTICE OF MEETING CANCELLATION Meeting: MADISON ELECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE on 6/17/2013 4:30 PM at ROOM 108 CCB has been...

What is the Chamber of Commerce Afraid Of?

So, the Mayor has proposed some legislation to require businesses to reveal campaign contributions to let's just say it - mostly fake front groups - and the Chamber is opposed and some alders seem real anxious to help them out. Why?

County Week Ahead

Unlike the city, this one rarely changes - cuz they're still MAILING items out to some committees - can't wait for their version of Legistar so items can be more accessible on-line!!!

Your Joke of a City Week Ahead Agendas

These are the items that they want you to know about . . . so check back on the Weekly Schedule to find out what they sneak in later . . .

Unaffordable Affordable Housing

There's a new "affordable housing" project - unfortunately, even people on section 8 (rent capped at the 40th percentile of area rents), but it could be a great opportunity for those just above those income limit.

SCTOD?

XTBKSOTYSLDHYSIT? Sometimes the alphabet soup drives me nuts, but if you live in S Madison or drive, walk or bike on John Nolen Drive or Broom or Blair or Wilson or the Bike Trail, you'll want to know what this is . . .

A Tale of Two Committees

Public Safety Review Committee and the Homeless Issues Committee had the same item on their agenda (city procedures for lost or abandoned property) on Tuesday and they had two very different reactions to the ordinance.

Wanna Tour a Frank Lloyd Wright House Tonight at 6:00?

It's free! And I bet you never even knew the house was there!!! And, the house will be impacted by the two new developments proposed for Webster St (hotel and apartments)

Useless City Weekly Schedule

Sorry my "week ahead" has kinda sucked and been incomplete lately, but if I have incomplete info, it seems sort of less of a priority and misleading. Check out all the additional meetings scheduled after the Weekly Schedule came out

ALDO Staff Recommendations Revealed!

How do they think we should deal with alcohol use downtown? Is the program limiting the number of licenses in a random area really working?

County’s “Buy Local” Ordinance Made More Effective

Wish the city would re-visit theirs and make it stronger!

Non-Profit Funding Shake Up?

Both the county and the city are looking at the way they are going to fund non=profits. I found out about both of them yesterday, and it seems many of the nonprofit leaders had no clue about it either.

Reality of the New Tenant Landlord Laws Sinking In

One painful interaction at a time.

City to Throw out anything they find valued less than $50?

Don't forget your backpack or purse on the bus. Don't leave your jacket sitting on the back of a chair in city hall. Don't forget your blanket in the park. Trash. Trash. Trash.

Corporate Prom!

Do you have your prom dress ready? Your tuxedo and flowers for your girl? Have you lobbied your friends to vote for you for prom king and queen? You only have until tomorrow!

Real Life Heros – City Staff and Homeless Man

Wow, I'm so proud to know both people who came to the rescue and saved the life of a woman who was distraught over potentially being evicted by the CDA

County Week Ahead

Over 20 meetings this week. Monday, June 10, 2013 12:00 PM Lakes & Watershed Commission - Budget Committee DNR 3911 Fish Hatchdry Rd. - Initial Concerns and Possible...

City Week Ahead

Tons of meetings this week . . . that they have listed so far, expect another 3 - 10 meetings to be added.

Let the Campaigning (for Mayor) Begin!

Oh dear . . . the fundraising has started!

T Wall Properties FAIL!

Maybe the "business community" doesn't always know what is best. And maybe this should give us pause to review "deals" more carefully before jumping on board. And maybe look a little harder into unrealistic promises.

County Budget Instructions – POSITIVE!

THE SKY ISN'T FALLING!!! The first time we have heard that from an Executive - City or County - IN YEARS! 10 or more . . . and yes, that was a COMPLIMENT for Joe Parisi. Thank you!

The rest of the City Week Ahead

At least 5 meetings added since Monday morning.

County Executive Asks Alders to Vote Against Tax Collection Changes

Let's work together! Except I oppose what you want to do.

4 pages of supplemental info for Council Agenda Tonight

Absurd. Get it together.

ALDO (Nova?), No Alcohol License Density Ordinance To Go Away?

Stupidest ordinance Madison has ever passed in my book. Arbitrary lines drawn on a map to increase the value of liquor licenses downtown and limit who can make money. And its about to expire, so they are putting on the full court press to make sure they have the votes to keep it in place.

Is Today The Day Democracy Dies?

And then they came for democracy . . . Sounds dramatic and traumatic, but today is going to be an ugly day at the capital, perhaps worse than Act 10. While many people are focused on school vouchers, at the exact same time, something that has a much more far reaching effect, on everything, every issue that legislators and even local governments vote on.

County Board Tackles Poverty

I'll give them credit, it's a tough topic, much harder than approving a development or a new siren system. And there's no easy fixes, but there are things you can do to at least not make things worse, and get good information to make good decisions.

County Week Ahead

Because the county mails their agendas, these are usually all here on Mondays - I wish we could find a happy medium of having materials on time, and available electronically.

City Week Ahead (Partial)

Here's a start, will get the rest done in the next 24 hours . . . plus, you just know there are meetings that still haven't been published on the weekly agenda, so I can catch those too.

Another Victim

Governor Scott Walker and his Wisconsin legislative cronies have claimed another victim in their war on the locally owned "Mom and Pop" store! ...

In the Interest of “Public Safety” . . .

Go ahead, throw out that stuff - ignoring the realities of how the homeless have no place to put their stuff.

No Worries, There’s Plenty of Children’s Programming for the Summer!

Says the police department. ?! Chalk this up as one of the odder things I've seen.

D-Day for Public Education

Today is the day that we have been discussing for weeks. Today is the day that the legislature starts discussing public school...

Fighting Forward: A Labor and Working Class Summit June 12-15

The Labor and Working Class Studies Project (LWCSP) and Working Class Studies Association (WCSA) are proud to announce "Fighting Forward: A Labor and Working Class Summit" to be held June 12-15.

Additional City Meetings

They missed a few again this week - here are the meetings hey added after Monday morning at 8 am.

There Just Isn’t Enough Outrage for What Republicans are Doing to Our State

On Friday, when most people weren't paying attention . . . students were the latest victims. Why?

City Week Ahead

Short week, 11 meetings. Except I know there are some missing. CDBG won't publish their agenda because they are waiting to brief the Mayor about who is getting the grant for Homeless Coordinated Intake Services. That meting will be on Thursday at 5:00. Ooops, that's next week, got ahead of myself.

City to Address Heightened Concern about Property Left Behind After Boston Bombing . . .

When the City finds property they don't want to follow the state law, so they are trying to weaken it and they have the most bizarre explanation about what they are doing. We all know this is about homeless persons property.

Madison’s Budget Input

Have you taken the time yet to give your elected officials your input about the City of Madison Budget? You don't even have to go to a meeting, you can do it on-line.

What Will The Council Talk About Tonight?

Potentially nothing. No alders have separated any items for discussion - however, public hearing items or items the public shows up to speak on might be discussed.

Alcohol Bans in Parks – Where and when

The other day I was talking to one of my homeless friends that that lives on the street and he told me that the police told him to drink in Law Park, and I thought that was strange and told him I was going to look that up and let him know what the law said, because I thought it was banned there (and I voted against it). Then I noticed that Clausius and Ahrens were banning alcohol in Mayfair and Sherry (O.B.) Park. So, here's the info, which parks can you drink in, when and where and how

Council Agenda for This Evening

Still catching up from yesterday morning . . .

County Week Ahead (Updated/Finished)

25 meetings. . .

City Week Ahead

26 meetings so far this week . . .

Bizarro E-mail?!

Wow. Occupy has been camping in the parks for quite some time (a year), but I've never seen anything like this . . . the campers I talked to had no idea what this is about . . . and I'm kinda creeped out by it.

Assembly Votes Today To Destroy Tenant Rights

At 5am this morning, I found out about 9 amendments to AB183 that the Assembly will be voting on today at 1:00 or at some time after that. Guess I better quick figure out what these amendments do . . . .

Others Weigh in on Privatization of Schools.

It's not just me pointing out that the republicans, led by Scott Walker, want to privatize(and profit from) public education. Let's take...

TRC Board Rarely Speaks Out About Legislation

But not this time! AB183 Will Harm Both Tenants and Landlords - Tenant Resource Center Board of Directors Speaks Out in Opposition of Bill Being Voted on Tomorrow

Other Meetings of Interest this Week

A few meetings that aren't on the official roster but of interest . . .

County Week Ahead

Only 11 meetings . . .

City Week Ahead

Here we go . . . the week ahead, as they have told us so far, likely missing meetings.

You Should Go To This Tonight

Ugh, I can't. Board meeting. But you should really go . . ..

Mayor and Council Say Madison Should have Local Control! Don’t ruin our communities!

They are better Republicans than the Republicans in the Assembly . . . could the City be headed to court to challenge Local Control and Uniformity? I wish. I really don't know, but the mayor raises a really, really good issue (read why I love this mayor even tho we don't always agree!). Best quote: Ald. Lauren Cnare "this is about more than being mean to renters, its about ruining neighborhoods"!

Anti-Democracy Full Speed Ahead!

Even if you don't care about the 50+ tenant landlord law changes in AB183 (22 tenants rights at the state level and 25 or more at the local level), you should care about the sham that the Assembly Republicans, Realtors Association and Madison Area Apartment Association are making out of our democracy. Bill passed in 15 days or less?

More About School Choice!

We recently brought you the story of how much money the public school privateers are willing to spend in order to profit off of...

More Complete list of Madison Ordianances in Jeopardy

This list still isn't complete, but its teh list of the Madison ordinances to protect tenants that are at risk due to LRB 1931 or now known as AB183. Hearing tomorrow at 10:00. Public_Notice_5-2-13_Housing_and_Real_Estate

10am Thursday, Hearing on Landlord Bill

Yeah, it doesn't even have a bill number yet!

Common Sense Housing Investment Act! (UPDATED)

Thank Congressman Mark Pocan for being the sixth Congressman to sign on as a co-sponsor.

Tenant’s Rights Attack – 33 more changes!

Late yesterday afternoon we learned of the newest attack on tenant rights. I gotta admit, when the Republicans attack tenants, they do it completely and thoroughly - and the particularly hate Madison, Fitchburg and Dane County tenants. Check out the long list of things they will be changing if successful.

New Tenants’ Rights Attack from the State

Looks like the are planning to rush this (New Attack on Tenants' Rights) through . . .

Housing Is A Human Right Summit Materials

In case you missed it or if you want an electronic copy, here's the materials that were in the folder.

City Week Ahead

Only 9 meetings?!

Housing is a Human Right – Now what will we do about it?

The City and County both passed resolutions declaring Housing Is A Human Right . . . and now we are holding a Summit, tomorrow, to talk about what to do about it! Copies are made, rooms reserved, packets being stuffed, panelists readying themselves . . . now all we need is you!

Portage Rd (Mr. Vang) Land Clean!

Only took me a half day off of work and about 80 miles on vehicles.

Should Dane County Parks Screen Campers for Sex Offenses?

Sigh . . .the neighbors think so . . . I had some different questions.

The (Public Schools) Profit Motive

We have brought you the story before that the current round of "education reform" is a myth, that its just a ruse to try...

City’s Anti-Recycling/Homeless Harassment Program

Yeah, county problem resolved, city's turn! I swear, I don't know why my head isn't bloody from beating it against the walls the city and county governments keep putting up . . . and why? What is the point? Today's not insignificant problem . . . that needs to be resolved, today. We're a public nuisance!

Homeless Life Line Might Die?

Oh dear, you have no idea how vital the "Obama phones" are to people on the street, and Friday there will be a hearing to discontinue the program - please sign this petition.

Occupy vs. Dane Co. Parks = Mischief Managed

Ok, I guess all is good now. ?

Free Camping in Dane County Parks!!!

I must have missed the resolution, but it appears that there is now free camping in Dane County Parks - perhaps its just a little celebration of Earth Day?

Occupy Madison Forced to . . . Occupy Dane County Parks

Bizarre twist of events made Occupy Madison accidental Occupiers. The Parks Staff are refusing to take our money - but we keep paying.no legal place It's been a bizarre week, yet again.

City Week Ahead

Committees will have new faces this week with the new alders and switches in assignments . . .

A Quick Moment of Reality

Today republican party insider and David "Ike Turner" Prosser's best friend Brian Schimming was the host of the vile Vicki Mckenna Show. ...

County Meanies Evicting Occupy from Lake Farm Park Noon Today

We've paid for three sites through tomorrow, but the county has given the campers a notice that they have to be out by noon today - they gave them the notice last night after 5:00. I have no idea what the campers will decide to do, we don't have transportation arranged for them with this short of notice and well, the county is just being mean.

Bizarro World: System FAIL! Part IV INSANITY!

The continuing saga, just when you think it can't get any worse, hospital refuses to let person with .49 BAC be admitted, wants us to take this person home, when we don't, they call the police and we are asked to leave because it is now a "police investigation" and because we were arguing with the doctor - and asked to speak to his supervisor, twice, the supervisor never appeared. I kid you not. I thought it couldn't get any weirder.

Injustice is a Powerful Motivator.

When will the county (i.e. County Executive Joe Parisi) realize that? They are so determined to just screw with homeless people - what is their motivation? See my email I just sent fueled by injustice.

New Obstacle to Allowing Homeless to Legally Camp

The city and county are just bound and determined to keep it illegal for homeless to camp anywhere in Dane County. Here's the latest obstacle the County Parks Departments sprung on us yesterday within two hours of being in the campground - their new magical rules they made up.

Occupy Moving Today

We said we were moving on the 16th of April when we could get in to the campgrounds, and we are . . . 3:00 today. A couple problems, of course . . .

System Fail! An Update

If you have been following the blogs about the person with the .6 BAC and lack of services for the person - I have more bad news. I only got 3.5 - 4 hours of sleep last night . . .

New Council City Week Ahead

New Council members take their seats Tuesday - noonish. Depending upon how long people talk . . . and they usually do for an hour or two.

Oh, the Water . . .

I got that Van Morrison song stuck in my head. Here's an update about water and the lakes.

Housing is a Human Right – Now what will we do about it?

A community summit to build the housing justice movement in Dane County. APRIL 27, 2013 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Alder Appointments

Who's doing a lot of work? Who got the good assignments? Here they are . . .

Jail Bird Results – Tresspassers for the Homeless

9 people, 9 different current results . . .leslie's photo

Petty Criminal Konkel Going to Court Today

2 charges . . . both pretty bogus. standing mute

Committee Adds Several Contingencies to Supporting Gebhardt/Metcalfe Proposal

The committee voted unanimously to support the staff reocmmendation of the GEbhardt/Metcalfe Proposal for 800 East Washington, but not before adding a bunch of instructions for staff in their negotiations with the developer.

Metcalfe’s 800 E Wash Project Doomed?

Uh, in this town, when the unions are against you . . . you have trouble getting votes on the City Council. Wonder how the committee that meets tonight will respond.

Cleaning Up After the Melt . . .

It's been a long ugly ride . . . I hope I never have to go back to Token Creek again! It was great to leave knowing that even tho the county told us not to clean up - we did - check it out!

Follow up – Making it Hard To Go To Rehab

.6 BAC . . . should be an automatic ticket to rehab, but its harder than you would think.

Things Going On Around Town

A whole bunch more . . .

City Week Ahead

New Alders getting edumacated!

Camp Kesem

Shameless Plug here! A charity that is very near and dear to me - Camp Kesem is having a fundraising...

Petition to Stop Voucher Schools!

Rep Melissa Sargent has started a petition to STOP Voucher School Expansion! The petition is here! Please Sign!

City-wide Summit on Housing as a Human Right

Yesterday was the anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, and a broad Coalition of people are going to Meet April 27, 2013 to realize his vision.

Can you live with a .6 BAC?

Apparently, I spent 5.5 hours last night with someone who did. For months I have been trying to get the person help . . . but nothing has worked.

Things going on Around Town

A little round up of random items you might be interested in . . .

Who got the votes?

Who got the most votes on the council? Some people who lost got more votes than winners in other districts.

A Homeless Bill of Rights

Written by a homeless man I know, not sure what he intended to do with it, but I thought it was worth sharing - its simple and clear.

Deja Vu

Haven't we been here and done that? Erik Minton and Dr. John Bonsett-Veal have a project fro 425 W. Wash . . .

Fact Checking the N. Sherman Critics.

Madison’s Common Council voted to reconfigure N. Sherman Ave from a four-lane to a two-way with a center left turn lane. During the testimony, several issues were raised by opponents, and rehashed later on talk radio that I would like to fact-check for posterity.

Union Corners Update

This is from Marsha Rummel and its actually about a week old, but still good info.

Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Assn. Wishes for 800 E Washington

What do they want to see in a development on this large vacant downtown block?

So Who Won?

How did all those groups that made endorsements do? Who can expect support for their issues on the Council (and elsewhere)?

Election Day Voter’s Guide – Common Council (Finished, For Now)

Brenda's picks, websites, endorsements, election night parties and more . . . for those of you who are going to call or text or email me and ask me what to do, here you go!

April 2nd Election Day

Today is election day and its incredibly important that we show up in force today to VOTE! I Highly recommend: 1. Ed Fallone...

Today’s Question: Do our laws apply to Tim Bruer?

That is the question Michael Basford, the Chair of the Dane County Democratic Party is asking. I have a little different question.

AHAA Endorsement: District 15

Hawk Sullivan vs David Ahrens

AHAA Endorsement: District 12

Satya Rhodes-Conway is leaving the council leaving Larry Palm and Leslie Peterson running against each other.

AHAA Endorsement: District 6

Marsha Rummel v. Scott Thornton

AHAA Endorsement: District 3

Lauren Cnare v Barbara Davis

AHAA Endorsement: District 1

Lisa Subeck v Philip Sigurslid

County Week Ahead

Also looks a little light . . .

City Week Ahead

Election Week . . . no meetings on Tuesday . . . but it looks like a week where there is a whole bunch missing that will be added later . . . so you might want to check back later this week

TRC: Iron Chef Battle Is On!

14 chefs are furiously cooking at home right now, preparing tasty treats just for you tonight!!!

Vang Appeal: Public Testimony

(Don't worry the video is only 30ish minutes, not 2 hours!) I feel privileged to be working with Mr. Vang, who says all the things I thought Madison believed in . . . and yet we can't seem to get right. And he acts on it. More moving testimony from Mr. Vang. Hope to see you at the Zoning Board of Appeals at 5:00.

Why Teachers Need a Union – Part 2

I posted before some examples why teachers need a union. From Idaho we get another case study! A high school science teacher in Idaho is...

District 6 Smear Campaign . . . An Official Backfire!

This isn't the first time, its not the last, but it is a little unusual. It's no Bruno (2001) - but still unacceptable and probably just the beginning of the smear tactics in the last few days of the campaign.

Dismiss Vang’s Appeal on a Technicality?

Ok, silly games with zoning continue. Will Vang's appeal of the decision to fine him $11,000 for letting homeless persons camp on his landbe dismissed on a technicality and he will just re-file tomorrow so we can do this again in two weeks?

Candidates Tapped as Most Likely to Solve City’s Housing Crisis

Sorry - we gave no money. Not as sexy. Funny, we only endorsed two who got money from the Chamber of Commerce - coincidence - or clear difference of opinion of what we need for this city? Or, was it because those who got money from the Chamber didn't bother responding to our survey? See where their priorities are - with the people who need their help, or the people who can help them with money?

Who Owns the City Council?

Chamber of Commerce $12,425 in Spring Campaigns so far . . . no surprises who their candidates are - this council is essentially controlled by them.

“Shocking” Levels of Contamination Found at Madison-Kipp Corporation in Recent Tests

Recent tests at Madison-Kipp Corporation reveal “shocking” levels of PCEs in groundwater beneath the factory and offsite, according to Dr. Lorne Everett, an international hydrogeology expert and key witness in the RCRA civil lawsuit brought by neighbors against Kipp. Everett, who has worked with hundreds of contaminated sites worldwide, concluded that Madison-Kipp is “one of the most contaminated sites that I’ve ever worked with.”

Those Numbers . . .

I keep rattling off the numbers, and everyone wants them, so here they are . . .

County Week Ahead

Only 9 meetings . . .

City Week Ahead

Wonder if this is it for the holiday week - or it there will be additions?

Who Decides Who is Trespassing?

Occupy Madison thought when it found private property, that they could better control the actions of people there, or not wanted there. That's not what the police are saying, and I think they are wrong . . .

Examining the Shelter System – Salvation Army, Part II

Single women and family shelters at The Salvation Army.

Suffer til we build housing?

Really Mayor Paul? You're killing me.

Absurd! Housing Market!

OK - LET ME MAKE THIS CLEAR, THIS IS NOT A RIP ON PORCHLIGHT, just an indication of the extreme difficulty in finding housing.

Brittingham Park Garden Lottery Ends Today

If you want a plot, act today!

Day Shelter Updates

Week 17 update and upcoming volunteer appreciation event. 2 weeks left and then . . .

The Twilight Zone: The Madison Homeless Shelter System

by David Gegenhuber

County Week Ahead

Also unusual.

City Week Ahead

A little unusual this week.

Was that Police Harassment?

It's no secret, I don't like cops. The institution not the people. But I've always thought that I was for the most part, treated in a manner that was at least borderline acceptable - until yesterday . . .

Beloit College Alum Points Out Right Wing Pundits Ignorance!

Denver Post Editor and Beloit College Alum Curtis Hubbard pointed out the ignorance of a right wing pundit! Then the fun began:

A Biased Letter

For those who do not know, the Janesville School Board has demanded that the teachers sign contracts without actually knowing what is in them.  ...

March Madness: Phase II & III

3 or 4 phases, phase 2 started last night, 3 starts today. Phase 1 complete: 150 single men run out of days in the shelter on March 10th. They will only be let into shelter if it is less than 20 degrees or there is "extreme weather", definition of that, unknown

Downtown Siren Testing Today

Good morning downtown! Those sirens you are about to hear are probably no emergency . .

Examining The Homeless Shelter System – Part I

Earlier this week the Homeless Issues Committee held a meeting designed to look at the homeless shelter system policies. This will be a three part series that reveals what happened.

County STILL Doesn’t Get the Law

I feel like we have been over and over and over this but . . . apparently, local governments still feel like they can ignore state law and just throw out people's property that they find. And they even put it in writing. Duh!

Embedded Bruer

Quite often in politics, it is much easier to elect the incumbent than to sit and think and compae the candidates and figue out...

I went to Jail for Justice . . .

Didn't actually find any . . . but didn't expect to. The media didn't cover our other good works/news/the rally, but they did cover people being arrested. And, it must have been the right thing to do . . . as we were able to help a friend out in the process.

March Madness (Homelessness) Rally

Here's most of the videos I have from the March Madness Rally. One more coming.

County Week Ahead

20+ meetings again . . .

City Week Ahead

Not at all confident this list is the actual list of meetings this week. Last week there was a rash of added meetings, may well be again this week. So check the Weekly Meeting Schedule for additions.

We All Must Oppose The Expansion of School Vouchers

The Monona Grove Board of Education, building principals and district office administrators, and teachers (Monona Grove Education Association) join together to urge legislators to...

Property Owner Willing to Stand Up to City!

Willing to go to court to defend his right to have Occupy camp on his land.

Homeless: Damned if you do . . .

Wow. Occupy Madison found a piece of private property to move to, notified affected staff and elected officials, talked to the neighbors, did everything we were told to do, and now a week before we are to move, the property owner is being threatened with $11,460 in fines if we move there. I've been saying it for a while, but . . . there is NO LEGAL PLACE TO GO!

March Madness Rally – The Homelessness Madness

Friday, 5:00. Odd time? Yes. There is a method to our "madness". Come find out what it is!

Demolition Updates

I'm working on a history of demolitions, looking for trends, but for now, here are all the (31) demolition proposals since my last update . . . in September.

Silly County Games

I go to a parks commission meeting and ask three questions, the chair of the committee, thanks me for coming, tells the staff to respond and when they respond, who do they send the response to . . . hint: anyone but me.

Legalizing Plants in the Terrace

It's about time - I've been doing this illegally for 15 years or so . . .

Edible Landscapes, Take II

Will nuts and berries planted on city land win over the fear of bee stings and slipping on a rotten piece of fruit?

Added City Meetings

Hate it when they do this . . . 4 more meetings that didn't make it to the clerk's office on time.

(The Rest of the) County Week Ahead

21 meetings!

(No link) City Week Ahead

So annoying when the clerks office doesn't have the links to the agendas. If I have time I will hunt down the links, but I"m guessing no time before going to work.

Can’t Get An Answer from the County . . . Again

If you send an email and no one responds for 12 days and you have asked specific questions that need to be answered because the event happens in 18 days and may involve arrests, seizure of property and who knows what else, what do you do? WWBD? Something considered "annoying" and "counterproductive", I'm sure. 🙂

Daytime Warming Shelter Update

So, I always love it when people point our really obvious flaws about life in general in the city - besides lack of public restrooms and lockers that the homeless and everyone else could use - today's issue - garbage cans. It's always the simplest of things to solve the "issues".

The Mockery of the Madison Media as a Meaningful Medium

The Madison School Board race has been interesting to say the least. For those of you scoring at home, three candidates declared...

How Much Affordable Housing Do We Need?

And how much would it cost? I've been working on some numbers and I am dying for someone to tell me I am wrong! Please.

County Week Ahead

Busy week - 22 meetings!

City Week Ahead

Sorry the city website stopped cooperating for the council agenda, but the rest is here.

MRFY: Doing Great Work Around Homeless Youth

I continue to be surprised by the numbers of homeless people on the streets, hidden all over the city. Perhaps some of the most compelling stories come from the young people - many of them out there on their own. Check this out.

Manski Out.

Groan. Um, would have been nice to know this three days ago - in the interest of "honesty and transparency". And democracy. And...

What an Honor

These just got posted to Facebook, so I am just seeing them now, but it is one of the best compliments . . .

Rhythm & Booms Bad for the Environment

I'm not an environmentalist activist or well versed in the issues - but this one seems kinda obvious. I'm surprised we had to spend so much time (and money) getting studies done.

Low-Income Bus Pass Program to Be Expanded?

The need is great . . . support, support, support! And yes, lets work on 10 ride passes or other options and Homeless Bus Passes.

Pay for Homeless Services by Taking from Homeless Services

From Monday's Board of Estimates (City) Meeting . . . Yay: They required rules to be clearly posted at the shelters. Boo: They pay for additional shelter by taking from the Day Center. Yay: They say they will restore that money later if it is needed. Um, it's needed.

EANR: Let Occupiers Stay At Token Creek Til May 1 (Part I)

It was unanimous, with the conservatives leading the way! Wiggy was phenomenal - meaning he really understands what is going on at Token Creek and articulated it well. Such a bizarro world.

AHAA Endorsement: District 2

This race still upsets me that two good candidates were kicked off the ballot.

AHAA Endorsement: District 13

Incumbent didn't answer the questions, very frustrating - I guess Sue Ellingson doesn't think we have housing issues in this city?

AHAA Endorsement: District 15

Affordable Housing Action Alliance asked 8 questions to all the candidates and then did endorsement interviews in most of the races or will be doing them.

Primary Day!!

Tuesday February 19, 2013 is Wisconsin Primary Day! There are only a couple races on the ballot, but these races are very important!...

Who is doing more for Homelessness and Poverty?

Well, the city has their heads buried in the sand and are busy pointing fingers at the county . . . the county is working a little harder at the legislative level (head buried in sand at executive level). Check out just this week's meeting schedules for an example.

Michael Brickman!

The fact that the state of education has deteriorated since Scott Walker has been in power can be summed up in two words -...

Stunning Housing News

Wait lists are so long for public housing they are closing the housing lists as of March 1st. I haven't seen it this bad in the 20 years I've been working in housing.

County Week Ahead

Here ya go . . .

City Week Ahead

Ah, feeling so much better than last week!!!! No meetings Tuesday due to elections, but still lots of meetings.

March 10th: 157 Homeless Men are Out of Days/Done At Shelter til November

And they are the lucky ones - women and families don't have these same opportunities . . .

Response to County’s “Offer” Regarding Token Creek

Not much of an "offer" . . .

Yes, Homelessness Is Increasing!

It's not our imaginations. Twice a year service providers are required to do a "Point in Time" study to see how many homeless persons we can count. From 2010 to 2013 the numbers have increased from 567 to 831 for the January 31 count. And not everyone was counted.

Impasse on City Stealing Homeless Persons Belongings

JFC, my blogs are depressing this morning, no more time for laying on the couch and being sick - its all out war on those without homes and low-income people when it comes to housing and homelessness - anyone else want to pile on . . . you're not going to believe this one.

Public Housing – Making it Harder to Obtain (Please email)

Yeah, the vacancy rate is about 2%, affordable housing is impossible to obtain and so lets make it harder to get into public housing - housing of last resort for many on fixed incomes.

County’s Crappy Choice . . . 4 days and Counting

I've been sick for the last three days and haven't blogged, but this is the choice offered to the folks abandoned at Token Creek on Monday and provided in writing yesterday.

9 days and counting . . . the sound, of silence . . .

Yeah, still no legal place to go. Marsha Rummel was the only one who spoke up at the council meeting on Tuesday, not ONE county board supervisor spoke up last night after our testimony. (But Heidi Wegleitner wasn't there - she was in Texas doing a presentation about housing issues in Madison to the American Bar Association. And David Wiganowsky introduced his resolution allowing and extension earlier in the evening.

10 days and counting . . .

There is no legal place to go . . . and the Mayor says that the Council shouldn't let people guilt them into feeling...

Can You Help a Homeless Family

I'm a little unhappy right now . . . I'm tired of the "emergencies" created by "the system".

11 days and counting . . .

So, I was so pissed off about the Director of Planning and Community and Economic Development Director's comments, I forgot to do my daily update on having NO PLACE TO GO! This was briefly discussed at the council last night, I will get a full report on that tomorrow, but for now . . .

What is Going on With The City Chief Planning Director?!

Hmmm . . . last night the council meeting really only dealt with one (or two) issues. The main issue of the night was a development on Iota Court. What was stunning - was what the Director of Planning and Community and Economic Development had to say about planning in our city! (with bk comments)

What Will The Council Be Talking About Tonight

This is what they want to talk about, if you want them to talk about something different, you have to show up and talk to the item so it doesn't get passed in one motion.

Don’t Bother with the Change.org Petition!

Bah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!!!!!!! Giggle. City overwhelmed by change.org -- emails from the site blocked. Damn slactivists!

12 days and counting . . . UPDATED

So, a conservative (?!) on the county board is the one pushing to let the people stay at Token Creek.

13 days and Counting . . .

Occupy Madison has been asked to leave Token Creek Campground by February 17th and there is no legal place to go. No plans to move because we are out of options. Where should people go?

County Week Ahead

All their links work, but precious little info available on-line.

City Week Ahead

February! Already.

Occu-PIE: Pictures and Thank Yous!

You too could have paid $200 to have a pie thrown at me . . . yes, pictures below. 71797_564082720287932_407076713_n

Token Creek Disaster Area – UPDATED

This is how the county treats the homeless. #$%#@! And now the van isn't going to pick people up today.

Board of Estimates Recap

Another short meeting . . . which I expected to be longer given the agenda.

OM House News, Fundraiser Tonight, How You Can Help

Occupy Madison Inc. is working hard to create OM House (housing cooperative) and is working on other projects like OM Works (worker cooperative) to create opportunities for housing and work for those who currently are struggling in this economy. We hope you can join us for our fundraiser tonight!

Open Letter to City Officials on No Place to Go 2/17 – 4/16

Through a little mistake on the city's part, camping is not allowed (permitted or conditional) under any zoning in the new zoning code . . . hoping they can fix this. And be creative to help us solve our on-going issue of . . . say it with me . . . NO LEGAL PLACE TO GO!

ICE

Streets department has this to say about our roads this morning.

Open Letter to County Officials on Token Creek Campground

They are unwilling to give us an extension past February 17th and we . . . say it with me . . . HAVE NO LEGAL PLACE TO GO!!! Still, yet, again.

County Week Ahead

Also fewer meetings due to fifth Tuesday, Wednesday (no meetings) and Thursday (no meetings)

City Week Ahead

It's a 5th Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, so short week.

Heroic Efforts to Save People’s Lives

No matter what the officials might tell you, not everyone gets into shelter and in this cold weather, that could mean the difference between life and death. Check out what various churches, community volunteers and private citizens have been doing!

Permanent Day Center Being Delayed

They are looking at a November 1 opening date. I found out this, and much more at the Homeless Issues Workgroup meeting yesterday.

No Legal Place to Go . . . 26 days and counting . . .

Occupy Madison, coming soon to a neighborhood near you? Yeah, here we go again! Do you hate this as much as I do?

What’s the Council Talking about Tonight?

These items, and anything anyone shows up to talk about.

City Week Ahead

Another shorter week.

Week 9 Homeless Day Center Update

Things going so much better than last year. Why? Staff attitude! Which created better attitudes all around. Oh, and check out the blog!

Occupy Madison Inc. Needs Your Help!

If you want to help Occupy Madison, we need volunteers, public supporters, donations and much more! If you're like to help, read below to find out how! And thank you!

This is cool . . .

From the Williamson Street Art Center . . .

Occu-PIE Fundraiser

January 29th, Fountain Bar, 5 - 7:30, Pie, Music by Combustible Trio, cash bar, good times. See you there! Let me know if you want to sponsor.

Why Does the County Resist the Simplest of Issues

Laundry and showers could be put in the Warming Center with relative ease and low cost. Fire safety issues also need to be addressed. And isn't the county embarrassed about the porta-potty location? I don't understand their bizarre resistance to making people's lives just the slightest little itty bit better. Instead, they do and say the goofiest of things.

First Draft: Who Will Live at OM House?

One of the biggest issues raised at the community meeting is wanting to know who will be living in the house. There are 8 rooms for 20 people. But how will we decide who lives there. We essentially explained the membershipping process, but that wasn't satisfactory, so here is a first draft in writing of how we will decide. Now, we need the community's help to let us know if there is something missing. Let the feedback begin!

Homeless Issues Committee Paralyzed

The unending flood of issues that people keep bringing to the Homeless Issues Committee is going to continue to paralyze the committee and prevent them from getting anything done unless something is done to address issues in our shelter system.

Scott Walker’s Infrastructure Investment Fail

The Governor provides the perfect example of why we need to dig deeper and do our homework to justify more highway improvements. Today, the average net return on highway investment has dropped below the return of leaving the money in the private sector. That means digging deeper with our research than simply looking at the businesses or municipalities asking for an improvement

Will Scott Walker Choose Superhighway Socialism?

Scott Walker will be delivering his third State of the State address tonight at 7pm. Infrastructure is among the five priorities he has been...

Arthur Kohl-Riggs Response to Not Being Placed on the Ballot

From his facebook page . . . in case that is not your thing.

Colin Bowden Won’t Challenge Ballot Decision or Run Write-In Campaign

Update from district 2 - a little late, this is from last Friday.

Legal Issues in Independent Investigations in Police Shootings

Memo from Attorney May.

Short Board of Estimates Meeting Recap

16 minutes.

County Week Ahead

Also short, no meetings on Thursday.

City Week Ahead

Wednesday and Thursday look a little light, expect quite a few additions I suspect, the "weekly schedule" changes throughout the week and changes can be found here.

Permit Occassionally Required!

As the Cartoonish Chief Erwin sends his minions all over the state to issue tickets for singing in the Capitol, (purportedly for gathering in...

The Haters are Getting Aggressive

I'm used to haters, my email is full of examples of it (mostly from when I was an elected official), but it irks the hell out of me when it gets directed towards other people and it professes such ignorance. Check out the latest flyer circulating in the East High area against the homeless who are looking for a place to live. Saturday's meeting could be interesting.

How’s It Going at Token Creek?

I get asked this question about 5 times a day, and I don't really know what to say. It sucks. I personally hate it. But some find a reason to like it. I don't.

MINE

Governor Walker promised us(among other things) that his administration would help create 250,000 jobs. After two years(of a four year term) the...

Council recap

44 minutes . . .

This blows . . .

Keeping track of city and county issues are hard enough. Schools are even harder, and now the state is making it hard too . . . just as they are going back into session and I am getting anxious about new landlords/tenant legislation and worrying it will turn my work world upside down again . . . they tell me this!

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Needs Your Help!

This is an amazing organization that does amazing work . . . to keep all of us who don't have time informed of the role of money in our state politics. A watchdog with a bite! My only complaint is they don't do enough local work, and that is only because what they do is so incredible! Anyways, they got some bad news and need your help!

County Economic Development Funds Available

$35,000 per job, they have enough money for 20 jobs.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day Events Coming Up

From the King Coaltion . . . plus additional events.

What A Difference!

Check out the 7 week update from the Day Center for Unhoused persons . . . and stop by and check it out if you have the chance . . . what a difference staffing attitudes make! Specifically, check out the police call information.

How to Get Boots to a Homeless Person

I have to say, as angry as I can get at most local politicians for burying their heads in the sand when it comes to homelessness, I am 100 times more proud of those ordinary people who find it unacceptable and are doing something about it . . . check out this one little example from yesterday.

Who Will Replace Scott McDonell on the County Board?

Special election coming up . . . if interested, its a short timeline to get papers and run a race for the April Elections.

Input Sought on Public Housing Admissions Policies, Kinda

Sigh . . . anyone have time to read a 400+ page document?

Rally! Rally! Rally!

As the legislature goes back into session, does Wisconsin have the energy left to rally? I'm sure the legislature has a fresh new...

Let The Battle’s Begin!

Today, the newest Wisconsin legislature will be sworn in and then they get to work(which is good because the Wisconsin legislature has not worked...

Will Candidates Be Knocked off the Ballot?

Joe Tarr raised an interesting issue that I was just chatting with a friend about - Statement of Interest forms.

Why so Many Candidates for Council?

Because they think they can do better? I kinda had to laugh about the reasons current council members are suggesting about why there are so...

What Will Happen at 800 E Washington?

In case you missed this over the holidays . . . Mayor Soglin Announces Request for Proposals for Don Miller Site Highlights East Washington Avenue Development...

Check Out All the Candidates!

So far, the only unopposed Alders are . . . Verveer, Bidar-Sielaff, King, Schmidt, Weier and Clear and two walk-ons Maurice Cheeks and Denise DeMarb. But the deadline is today so we'll see if that changes. And there aren't as many retirements as once expected - only Maniaci, Solomon, Rhodes-Conway and Jill Johnson stepping down.

City and County Week Ahead

Another short week . . .

Occupy Madison Building Purchase

If you ever worked on a real estate project, you know it lives and dies, sometimes daily. Today, the project is dead, for now. But the Isthmus just wrote a story that was, in my mind, premature. But hey, maybe someone out there can help us solve our current problem . . .

Grinch Award.

To Dane County . . . check out this wonderful work.

City and County Week Ahead . . . .

Uh, don't hold your breath . . .

What you need to (S)Know.

Lots of snow updates - basically everything is closed down, but they are attempting to pick up garbage, Madison Metro buses are not running, snow emergency in effect so move cars so you don't get tickets, Madison schools closed yesterday already, city and county offices shut down, campus in-person exams cancelled, yadda, yadda, yadda.

GOOD NEWS! I think some policies have changed at the Porchlight Shelters

Call me cynical, but I don't really believe it. It seems like so many people have different understandings of what the shelter rules are and it appears there is a really good reason for that.

County Board Meeting . . . Tonight?

Rescheduled due to the storm and earlier than usual - at 6:00

Severe Weather and the 400 Homeless Sleeping Outside

I'd really like to see all 400 show up and test the alleged rules of the shelter systems that seem to be shifting and don't seem to reflect reality. If we have a cooling shelter, why not a blizzard shelter?

Surveillance Cameras to protect the Privacy Rights of the Public?

New rules for the use of surveillance cameras by city departments.

WYOU Community Television – Alive and Well?

I"m no longer on the board and have had to move on to other things, but I still find the station very worthy of supporting in whatever way you can.

(No Link) City Week Ahead

I'm a little concerned after last week that even when you think you know what the agenda is, a committee may or may not act on something on the agenda and if you are concerned they may take action, you better show up. That partial bus fare increase last week shook my confidence a bit. Here's what I think is coming up this week.

How to Get Ambulance Fees Waived – If “Poor”

So, I was talking to a friend about her experience taking someone to the hospital because they didn't want to call the ambulance and pay for the fees and I told her (she has been working with poor people for a long time and didn't know) that the fees could be waived. She says no one ever mentioned that to her after all her work with hospitals and low-income people. So, I went to find the info on the website and there was none . . . but there is now! (Thank you Sarah Edgerton! And whomever worked on this in the finance department!)

ZOINKS! Bus Fares Raised!

Ok, I didn't go to the meeting, took this all off the MABAA listserve - here's a summary of what I learned about the bus fares that will be going up. (Yeah, you thought that issue was dead, didn't you - and just about everyone else!)

Bed Bugs!

Just a new fact of life? Or is there something you can do? WARNING: Reading this may make you itch or creep you out!

Are Lake View Hill Tickets REALLY Being Dropped?

Court dates for tomorrow have not been dropped, and no one is answering the question. I tried getting an answer but got the same...

City Lobbying Priorities for next State Legislative Session

For some very good reasons, I did not make it to the meeting yesterday where the alders gave their input into this agenda. But here it is . . . do you see anything missing?

Managing Scarce Homeless and Housing Services

Here's a little frustration of mine with homeless and housing services. Here today, gone tomorrow (or next week). Too much need!

What the Council will Talk About Tonight

The following items, plus whatever the public comes to talk about.

Entitlements? Or Human Rights? Or Criminalization?

Yesterday was Human Rights Day and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty issued a report card on the Human Right to Housing - we didn't do well.
Safe, decent, affordable housing is a basic human right, recognized globally and defined with specificity in international law. But while the U.S. was a leader in establishing and championing international human rights law and institutions over 60 years ago, and continues to speak out as a leader on the global stage, unfortunately here at home our words do not match our reality.

Cut Food Stamps?

Action Alert from the Wisconsin Council of Churches. This drives me nuts, this is the one benefit that people down on their luck can apply for and get and get quickly. Unlike medical care, disability, housing assistance, child care assistance, etc.

City Week Ahead

Very full week ahead.

Be Careful Who Your “Friends” Are!

I recently attended the Educate to Elevate Conference in Madison, and I was very skeptical going in. While I left the conference just...

Parisi’s Appearance – A little Defensive!

This was the first time most people had an opportunity to interact with our County Executive Joe Parisi - here is video of his committee testimony (without my snark) and the beginning (the rockier part) of the 1.5 hour discussion in the hallway, it did get better are this, but he didn't like the video taping.

BREAKTHROUGH! Parisi Talks! And Listens!

Yesterday was yet another amazing day in the saga of the fight for homeless rights and the Occupy saga. (photo by Jen Thompson)

An Official Explanation – Removal of Homeless from Lake View Hill

Homeless Issues Committee gets a pretty bizarre explanation of what happened. A tale of two very different realities.

View from Outside the Bubble!

When I first started with Forwardlookout, we brought you the stories of how Sunny Schubert writes a local column disguised as public interest, in...

Additional City Meetings

Seriously, why can't they just get this info up by Friday afternoon, within an hour of posting yesterday, there were notices of three more meetings

(Rest of the) County Week Ahead

Seems a little light this week . . . 13 meetings - only 10 left (sorry).

Board of Estimates Recap

40 minutes, I should get this one done! Yikes, I just have no time for blogging any more!

City Week Ahead

December! You'd never know it.

Occupy Update – Transportation?

After a week a Token Creek Park Campground - still no transportation, water, laundry, showers, etc. But hey, there's this! 5 PORTA-POTTIES TRANSPORTATION OFFER NOT...

The Rest of the City Week Ahead

Same excuse as why I didn't get the county week ahead done. Don't like, fire me. 🙂

The Rest of the County Week Ahead

Earlier this week, I suffered from some technical difficulties and writers block on yesterday's post. Hopefully, I'll get back on track now - maybe, but hey, this is what you get for free!

I’m Speechless

This is one of the hardest posts I ever had to write and to add insult to injury, I completed it and then lost a bunch of work. So I'm just now getting around to trying to post something about what happened last Tuesday. I still can't believe a government could just pick up and relocate a group of people to a remote location out of sight and out of mind and . . . oh, nevermind. The irony of this happening at Thanksgiving just gives me images of what we did to Native Americans early in our country's history . . . I thought we had learned from that, but I guess not.

Local Progressive Talk

We all know by now that Sly in the Morning and the local news team, on 1670 WTDY was ambushed and fired the day...

Another Listening Session

Another listening session with neighbors of Lake View Hill tonight to discuss the occupation . . . lots of finger pointing and anger - but now that it is over, will people show up?

Volunteers Needed for Warming Shelter

Occupy has occupied every spare minute of my time, but we also need volunteers to help Sarah make the Warming Center a success and to build for a permanent day center. So, help out if you can!

Donations Needed for Warming Shelter

The warming shelter opens today, and there is a long list of items that they need. But . . . uh, only the things on this list.

Elevating our Education Before we Educate to Elevate!

December 6 and 7 in Madison there is an education summit at Monona Terrace: Educate to Elevate is an education series that brings together local...

Worst. Column. EVER!

By now everyone knows that Scott Walker promised as part of his campaign, that he would "create" 250,000 jobs. "get government out...

Crazy Occupy Weekend Recap

I can't believe this all happened in 72 hours . . . this is really insane. I can't believe how out of control things have gotten and how absurd it all is. Here we go . . . you're not going to believe all this!

Occupy Responds to Parisi’s Offer

They are suggesting we should move to Token Creek Park Campground. Here is our response.

Occupy Still There . . . County Should Stop Bluffing and Communicate

It's all beginning to blur together, county threatens to kick us out or give us tickets, we rally troops, nothing happens. Lather. ...

Gosh the County Can Be Rude!

Is it just me? Or is this lack of responses kinda stunning. How do you resolve a conflict when one party is simply ignoring the other . . .

Why is a Tent in the Cold Better than the Shelter?

During some down time between meetings yesterday, I asked folks to tell me what they didn't like about staying in shelter and why a tent in the cold is better. Here is what they had to say . . .

Occupy will Move by December 9th if . . .

Another long day yesterday, but probably one of the most significant things that the group decided is that they can move by the second Sunday in December if . . .

It was a long day yesterday

I took the day off and spent it with Occupy folks, and here's all the updates. Short story: County said they had to be out by noon. They didn't budge. Nothing happened. Homeless Services Consortium groups admit no one has rooms available for people who are homeless. Services simply don't exist.

Parisi Makes Soglin Look Like a Kitten When Dealing with the Unhoused.

Last night, Alder Anite Weier and County Board Supervisor Melissa Sargent held an alleged listening session. Before the meeting I heard that they were preparing to make the Occupiers move, and half way through the meeting Chaous walks in with a laminated 4 page letter that was hung on a stake in the ground in the dark telling people to be out by noon today - not even 24 hours notice. After an hour and a half of the meeting, they dropped the bomb and then didn't answer any questions. Short story: we won't be moving. And we have no idea what they are going to do.

Occupy Updates

Well, they have a new location. The neighborhood is up in arms, of course. And public officials are scrambling to figure out what they want to do. Here's the story.

County Week Ahead

Their budget will be done tonight. Another 15 minute meeting?

City Week Ahead

A little shorter than usually due to budget deliberations . . .

County Board Supervisor Heidi Wegleitner: Human Rights Crisis and We are Responsible

Kick ass email! I wonder if she got any responses. I suspect not.

Occupy Updates and Action Plan

So, eventful day again yesterday, here's all the updates and what you can do to help

The Mayor Said What?!

He loves to stick his foot in his mouth. "Mayor suggests involuntarily commitment for homeless at Occupy site". Knowing the people there,...

Yesterday was a Bad Day for Progress for the Homeless

Occupy got their eviction notice and the county board's Personnel and Finance Committee took the operating funds for the Homeless Day Center out of the budget. Always more work to be done and I knew the steps forward lately were just too good to be true. So, what's next for Occupy and the County Board?

It’s Time to Maximize the Return on State Highway Spending

With Wisconsin’s State Senate flipping back to Republican control, Scott Walker is now has a clear path to implement his agenda.  Walker has stated...

The County Board Rocks!

Rumors are circulating that County Executive Joe Parisi is gearing up to veto some of these initiatives. However, the county board supervisors are...

Bus Fare Increase Hearing Tonight

This is the real hearing, the one that matters, since the Transit and Parking Commission is the one that makes these decisions unless it is appealed to the council.

Stand Up or Stand Aside?

New Madison Metro military recruiting ads . . .

Scott Walker’s Next Bomb?

Coming soon but conveniently after the conclusion of state elections, Scott Walker will announce his plan for state infrastructure spending. While his administration has been tight-lipped about what the plan contains, there are hints of the general direction it will take.

County Board Budget Amendments – Personnel and Finance Recap

Part one today, the rest on Wednesday. These were all capital budget amendments.

Where Should the Homeless Go?

Madison still wants to know! Coming soon to a neighborhood near you?

Tanya Lohr in the 20th District!

Do you want someone who makes education a priority in Wisconsin" Tanya Lohr is ABSOLUTELY, THE best person to be the next Senator from the...

Occupy Needs . . .

Ok - people keep asking me what they can do for Occupy, and here's the list . . .

County Week Ahead

Didn't even get this started last week, again, apologies.

City Week Ahead

Completed! Sorry about last week - I taught a seminar, attended one and took a day off an there just wasn't enough time in the week!

Republicans Take the War On Women Too Literal!

We all know that there is a "war on women" being waged by the republican party! The problem in Wisconsin is that some of...

Vote Andy Jorgensen!

Due to redistricting, which was done unethically and in complete secrecy, and is now costing Wisconsin taxpayers close to $2,000,000 that could have been...

Kelly Albrecht in the 63rd!

If you read Forwardlookout, you know that we have a serious problem in Madison and elsewhere taking care of the needy. You also...

Desperate Times, Call for Desperate Measures!

Summer 2012, the Wisconsin republicans had the world by the balls. They had control over the State Assembly, the State Senate, the...

Council Recap I

Was at Occupy meeting last night, but here's what I got off Tivo this morning.

An Apology and Some Assistance!

Police Chief Noble Wary apologizes to the homeless people who had their things thrown out by the city, says they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. County Executive Moe Parisi and Mayor Paul Soglin allow Occupy to stay and are sending staff to help them find housing.

Occupy Update

Today is day four of being back at the 800 E Washington site and the police or other city departments have not been back to ask people to leave or inspect the camp.

A Better Occupy

All summer long we searched for better options, but we found none. So, we're back at 800 E. Washington, but hopefully have learned from past experiences and remain open to better locations - but there is no doubt, there is a need for somewhere to provide limited shelter, minimal heat and a sense of community.

Financing Voodoo for the Edgewater – $66 Million!

No big deal, don't pay attention. Won't effect us.

City Week Ahead

Wow, November is on the way! Lots of missing links this week.

Occupy Returns!

Existence, not Resistance.

Tenant Resource Center Fundraiser Tonight

I've been a housing counselor for the Tenant Resource Center since 1991 when I was a volunteer housing counselor, I was the volunteer coordinator for about a year and a half, served on the board of directors and in 1995 (17 years ago!) I became the Executive Director. Things sure have changed over the years . . .

We need An Apology, Compensation and Report Back!

Homeless Issues Committee Unanimously agreed to ask the police and city officials to apologize to the homeless persons who last all their worldly possession on State St. when the police and parks department broke the law and threw their stuff in a dump truck.

Do you really believe this?

I've been sitting on this since last Friday. Partially because it is so unbelievable, but also because I was just swamped with things to blog - there is so much more going on that I also have blog materials for - but this one is just amazing. Just when you need one of those damn police video cameras . . . it wasn't working?

Board of Estimates Budget Recap, Amendments 32 – 38

Some day I will perfect the skill of being in two places at once and it won't take me three days to blog one meeting! Here's the final amendments.

Board of Estimates Budget Discussion Recap (Amendments 20 – 32)

Sorry to make you wait. Here's more of the meeting on Monday.

Double Feature Tonight At the Barrymore

Getting tired of the Wisconsin State Journal giving you a watered down version of the news and basically no coverage of the damage that...

Board of Estimates Budget Discussion Recap (Amendments 1 – 19)

The meeting was a little over 5 hours long, I wasn't even in town for the first 2 and a half hours, but I tivo'd it, so here's what I got.

County Board Budget Hearing Recap Meeting

Carousel Bayrd running the meeting! Packed house! So, briefly . . . .

City Budget Amendments

These are the amendments that the Board of Estimates will be discussing after 18 other items. I was guessing that they will be done with the other items in about 45 minutes, but you never know.

County Budget Public Hearing. Amendments and Confusing Process

I gotta say, I am just confused this year. Just when I think I know what is going on, I guess I figured out that I have no clue what is going on. Luckily, I can call supervisors and ask . . . but their process shouldn't be that confusing that you need someone to explain it to you.

County Week Ahead

Also a big budget meeting - on the same night as the city.

City Week Ahead

Big news this week is mostly on Monday - all the budget amendments at Board of Estimates. That should be a long meeting. Also Thursday the Council decides what their priorities are for legislative action.

$25,000 for “Greyhound Therapy” In the Mayor’s Budget!

"Greyhound Therapy" is the mayor's term for how he would solve homelessness - give them a one way ticket out of town. And he actually has $25,000 for it in his budget!

Support Housing and Homelessness Resolutions at HHN Tonight!

So, the Health and Human Needs Committee of Dane County will be looking at several amendments tonight on housing and homelessness. I have no idea how people would know if you don't know a supervisor who gave them to you, but here they are!

Anyone Want to Coordinate the City’s Housing Policy?

We have a Housing Strategy Committee and a housing coordinator for the city, right? Wrong.

Common Council Recap (Part 1)

I know I don't have it in me tonight to really do this, so its going to be brief.

Liars.

Can you believe this?

New Rule – Voting

New Rule: When the Wisconsin Republican Party, prosecutes BS likes this: n the town of Albion, new residents and young people who have...

City Week Ahead

Well, this is what they claim the agendas are . . .

County Week Ahead

Enjoy!

New Community Development Director

I like Jim, but this seems like an odd choice.

Police Chief and City Attorney Respond

See any inconsistencies here?

4:30 Rally at City-County Bulding . . .

Please read Tami Miller's words that were posted on Feeding the State St. Family Facebook group and then tell me, won't you be there today at 4:30 if you can!

My Impressions of the Neighborhood Meeting on a Day Center (Updated!)

It wasn't one of a neighborhood up in arms about all kinds of NIMBY issues - they just wanted what most of us want - information and to be treated with respect. And based on their vote at the end of the meeting . . . I think many are comfortable with this happening in the neighborhood - but think it is not the best option. And they learned of another option.

TIF tiff – Give the companies as much as they want?

Dualing TIF committees and other issues. Yeah, live blogged again. This is the EDC subcommittee on TIF. For the geeks, and...

TIF Subcommittee of the Economic Development Committee – Oct 2nd 2012

The Mayor came to the EDC a few weeks back and asked them to talk about TIF policy. The EDC created a subcommittee, which met for the first time on October 2nd. Behind the jump are my notes, and the audio of the meeting. The subcommittee meets again today at 3:30pm in LL130 of the Madison Municipal Building. For extra confusion, this is not the TIF subcommittee that CCOC discussed on October 2nd. No one I've asked can tell me what that committee is going to do that the EDC committee isn't.

Board of Estimates Operating Budget Discussion – Community Services

This is separated out because it contains some pretty big news for non-profits and their supporters. In fact, if you ask me, it was the only news of the evening.

Board of Estimates Operating Budget Discussion Recap – Part II

So, here we go again, will do my best - "live blogged"

Board of Estimates Operating Budget Discussion – Madison Metro

Bus fares, bus wraps and empty buses. What's on the council's mind?

Simpler City Budget Schedule

It's much less complicated and much more certain. And by the way, no one showed up to talk about the city budget last night at Board of Estimates. Not. one. person. So, all is well?

County Board Budget Schedule

At the moment . . . it changes . . .

What do the Bus Fare Increases Actually Mean

All the prices are going up, not just the one-ride price. Monthly bus passes would be up to $64. And the low-income price, essentially unaffordable.

City Operating Budget – Part II

Here's what the Board of Estimates will be discussing tonight.

City Operating Budget Discussion – Part 1

Here's the discussion on the budget - kinda live blogged - the meeting lasted til nearly 9:30. Too little time for anything else.

Board of Estimates Recap – Without Budget

Live blogged - only 4 members present to start.

City Operating Budget – Part I

This is what the Board of Estimates will be discussing/asking questions about tonight.

City’s Affordable Housing Plan?

Hmmm . . . its been 1 year and 6 months that the current mayor and alders have been in office and what has happened with affordable housing so far . . . here's an even worse plan.

City’s Anti-Poverty Plan

Search high and low, I don't think you will find anything else in writing that includes the city anti-poverty plan, except in the largely dismissed obscure HUD report. i.e. Don't hold your breath waiting for something earth shattering.

County Week Ahead

Also, County Budget season!

The City Week Ahead

Operating budget season begins . . .

ACLU Urges Reconsideration of Panhandling Ordinance

Ya pretty much saw that one coming, right?!

Madison Police Cracking Down on Free Speech

What!? Taking a page out of the Capital Police playbook?

County Board Recap

Live blogged - not much editing.

Community Services Takes a Hit In City Budget

So much for taking poverty seriously. As needs and expenses go up, agencies are looking at decreases. Again, for the geeks and those from agencies affected . . . and all their clients. The real issue here is that most non-profits will see a 5% decrease in funding

Additional City Budget Information

This comes from the city Finance Director. Explaining more details of the budget.

Soglin Explains His 25% Number

I just had to ask, and he answered.

Warming Shelter Snafu

So, it's not going to be opening on November 1st at Wright St. and they are backing off on a few other things too.

Council Recap

Sorta live blogged again - this time, with a giant cup of diet Mountain Dew! (Yes, not Diet Coke, so watch out!)

Tid Bits From Common Council Organizational Committee

This committee is the only committee that has only alders on it, so it is a good sign of things to come

Am I Worthy? Am I from Madison?

Wow, I said Soglin has gone nuts - now is he just lying? This Mayoral hatred of the homeless is getting really bizarre

Parisi Changes to Human Services Budget

Alphabet soup time . . . good luck interpreting . . .

City Week Ahead Do-Over

They added 6 meetings since yesterday morning and I can now access some of the agenda's that were previously unavailable.

County Week Ahead

If you don't understand all the alphabet soup - its ok, I don't either, so I can't really help you out.

City Week Ahead Is Really Messed Up

October! Already!

Soglin has gone nuts

He wants to bus the homeless out our of Madison. Seriously. Demonstration today at noon.

Stunning Disrespect for a Neighborhood

It just gets worse and worse. Check this out - Alder Maniaci's last minute proposal for the James Madison Park Neighborhood was sent to EVERYONE, except the neighborhood.

My Neighborhood Is a Nightmare

Politically, that is. My alder, at the last minute and without consultations with anyone, wants to up-zone it tonight at the plan commission . . . which is making me think again what a disaster this situation is. It's definitely an only-in-Madison situation.

The Craziness in District 46!

Wisconsin's District 46, has been very ably represented by Sun Prairie Democrat Gary Hebl. Since Representative Hebl has the market cornered on...

Things Going on Around Town

Still trying to clear out my email . . . here's a bit, I have a bunch more!

Half Time Council President Proposal is Silly

This reeks of someone trying to score political points and ignores the real issues they should be addressing.

Board of Estimates Recap – TIF Discussion

There were three amendments in the capital budget regarding TIF - the discussion is 20 - 25 minutes long.

Board of Estimates Recap – Sans Budget (w/ Union Contracts)

This part is short and sweet . . . Getting Started Shiva Bidar Sielaff calls the meeting to order. They do roll call -...

Special Union Contract City Council Meeting Thursday

Here it is, when the agenda is out, I will link it.

Ooops, 17 Amendments!

I missed the revised version . . . and there are two LETS GIVE THE DEVELOPERS WHAT THEY WANT TIF Amendments. This is absurd.

AFSCME Local 60/City of Madison Agreement

Here's the agreement that should be approved by the union on Tuesday and then the City Council may have an emergency meeting on Thursday.

15 Capital Budget Amendments

Its been so quiet, I"m surprised there are this many amendments. Is anyone paying attention? Board of Estimates will be discussing tonight.

County Week Ahead

13 meetings here, but probably more complete!

City Week Ahead

Only a dozen meetings this week, I'm guessing there are several that are missing. However, the 4th week of the month is usually a little light. However, there may be an emergency meeting of the Council on Thursday to pass the union contracts.

County Board Recap, Part I

So, here we go . . . mostly live blogged . . .

The mysterious resolution . . . on the Homeless Day Shelter

It is essentially a brand new resolution - I just got it around 3:00. New language is bold and old language is deleted.

That Was Then, This is Now!

Madison Radio Hate sqwuacker Vicki Mckenna, appears to be trying to bring back the Monkees song from 1986. Which is actually a nice...

Mayor Explains Why TIF Needs Fixing

He spoke to the Economic Development Commission about why he thinks they need to review the policy. The mayor was 10 minutes late and they...

So, Secret Deal to Create a Warming Shelter Finally Public

Yay! There will be a warming shelter for the homeless this winter again. Boo! The process sucks and the details matter.

Need a Traffic Light?

Here's how you get one . . .

More Things Going on Around Town . . .

There was a lot, lot more . . . might have to do this again tomorrow!

Council Recap, Part II

Panhandling and Taxis.

Council Recap, Part I

Essentially a live blog - I'm not going back to edit . . . sorry.

What the City Council is Talking About Tonight

September 18, 2012 Common Council Meeting Proposed Consent Agenda Exclusions

Things Going On Around Town Round Up

Not a media round up - but a round up of various emails I get about events, presentations, input sessions, etc.

More Meetings That Didn’t Make It In by Monday Morning

I don't know why its so hard, but there is a definite patter to which staff care enough to get their stuff in and those who don't. I don't always follow up - but PSRC and Board of Assessors are frequent offenders.

Hey, Let’s Change TIF Policy . . . AGAIN!

I've been hearing rumors of this, saw an email that went out last week, and now we have the official word from the mayor . . .

Homeless, but still deserves respect

Daniel Callahan was recently ruthlessly kicked off the homeless issues committee and called a racist by County Executive Joe Parisi - but he is willing to fight back. Demands apology in the least, reinstatement or appointment of another homeless person in the least

County Week Ahead

Also no meetings tonight, but a packed rest of the week

City Week Ahead

Another day, another week, more meetings. But none tonight.

Elections Matter!

When Judge Colas ruled that parts of ACT 10 were Unconstitutional, the Governor was quick to personally attack Judge Colas but never once mentioned...

It’s NOT Working at The State Journal!

Recently, Capital Newspapers announce that they had cut 26 more jobs. Which is surprising since you would think that their union busting and...

Careful, Loiter or listen to music in city parks, you could be banned!

Ok, I know it sounds silly, but the city parks department is considering a new parks policy tonight and here's some of the silliness, including that your neighbor can turn you in without the parks department staff seeing anything, you could be banned and there is essentially no appeal.

Joe Parisi Can’t Be Serious!

I haven't seen anything so petty and disgusting and hearless since the days of Dave Cieslewicz

Chief Erwin Has To Go!

New Capitol Police Chief Dave Erwin has really put his stamp on the new job since taking over from Charles Tubbs. Unfortunately for the...

Homeless and Affordable Housing Advocated needed Tomorrow!

So, I send out one of these emails for the Affordable Housing Action Alliance and another person sent out the other from Occupy Madison/Activist...

County Week Ahead Sans Monday

Didn't get up early enough yesterday . . . but here's the rest of the week.

City Week Ahead

90% done . . .

Guide to the $250M Human Services Budget

This is the "social workers guide" to the human services budget, with bk comments to make it easier for those who do not work in human services. Remember, this is what was submitted by the department, we will hear how County Executive Joe Parisi makes changes to this the first week in October.

Upcoming Demolitions

Haven't done these for a very, very long time.

Who’s spending hours every week with developers and lobbyists

Wow. Some of these numbers are a little disturbing. And find out what alders would rather be doing.

Summer is Over County Week Ahead

Three days of meetings as well, but none yesterday, so I procrastinated til today.

Common Council Recap

Whoa! The return of the council recap! But, uh, I kinda live blogged it at the meeting and don't have a ton...

Crash and Burn

Ya kinda saw this coming.

Council Briefing Tonight?

On sister cities? Wasn't on the weekly agenda . . .

Council Meeting Issues for Tonight

Here's what they plan to talk about tonight . . . .

Summer is Over City Week Ahead

Short week . . . three days of meetings.

Partial City Week ahead

Last week of the summer . . . already? Wow.

Strangest Meeting Location Yet . . .

You know how I pick on the city from time to time about silly meeting faux pas . . . well, the county outdid them times 100! Check this out . . .

Wake Up Call: Gaps in the Homeless Services “System”

So, as homelessness is getting more attention, you hear the mayor say the city is spending $3M on services and the county handing out lists of the services available and non-profits are telling us that services are "readily available" but lets take a look at what is really going on.

County Week Ahead

Here's a start on it . . .oops, no, I finished!

Possible Common Council Issue work

They are working on a list of issues that would be their legislative agenda. There is one glaring problem with their current potential...

City Week Ahead

Yup, here we go again.

With Friends like These . . .

The Homeless Issues Committee has had two meetings and voted on three different resolutions so far . . . and as expected, the Homeless Issues Committee is supportive of solutions for various homeless issues . . . for the most part. The interesting thing is the people on the committee that voted against the solutions.

Moving Daze Extra Dazing this Year

The Tenant Resource Center really doesn't need any extra publicity this time of the year, we are slammed with calls and people stopping by, and this year its extra confusing with all the law changes, so we are open some extra hours. Here's some info for movers.

Union Corners Proposals

If you haven't had time to be following this closely in the middle of the summer, here's some helpful summaries. Next meeting on Wednesday.

Some Endorsements for the Primary!

* Yuri Rashkin in the 44th District. * Joe Wineke in the 80th! In Wisconsin, we have to have people willing to step up...

Hippie Christman Grinch!

Before you take something off the curb this year, beware, the City is cracking down and may ticket you!

County Tries to Help Homeless

While the city tries to pass a panhandling ordinance and gets all grinchy about Hippie Christmas, the county tries to address basic needs of the homeless.

No Lull County Week Ahead

14 meetings at the county . . .

August Lull City Week Ahead

Only 9 meetings? So far . . . check back with the weekly schedule, as it is certain to not be complete on Monday morning!

I hate this last minute slimy campaign crap . . .

Seriously! When overly exuberant kids on campus do this crap its one thing you might overlook, when people who have been around politics for...

Legal Obstacles to County Board Exercising It’s Authority.

The most offensive thing about this memo is that it was written 5 days before the meeting, yet not shared with the public or the lead sponsor. With staff like this . . . who needs political enemies.

Offending County Parks Memo

Following up from yesterday, here is the memo that they had all written that the public didn't get to see and they blindsided everyone with. I added a few comments.

Scott McDonell for County Clerk

I wrote a long explanation of why Scott McDonell has my enthusiastic support for County Clerk in a discussion on a list serve. Facebook...

Some good news for poor people in Dane County

Well, the job center is really not all that notorious for being a friendly place to go, but to not have it at all would be even more problematic. So, I guess this is good news!

What’s All the Fuss About

In my last post, I told you how the county parks staff sucks. Well, here's the resolution in question, the situation at Occu-Camp...

Staff Foul!

Wow. Last night the County Parks Department staff outdid even former Mayor Dave in slimy process. This is usually done when people don't want to look bad on the issues or can't win on the merits.

What the hell does this mean . . .

If you have income, and it doesn't come from a job, you're apparently not worthy to live in Madison Development Corporation affordable housing unit. Um, I think that's discrimination based on (legal) source of income. Ahem, hope the Fair Housing Center is paying attention!

What would it take for the Edgewater to move forward . . .

Read it and weep, neighbors . . .

I’m So Disappointed in Kelda Helen Roys

And it appears, I'm not alone. Fellow legislators call on her to clean up her act! Legislators Call on Rep. Roys to End False...

Ride the Drive – Northport!

Change of venue . . . could it be as cool as downtown? 🙂

Even More “City Week Ahead” Meetings

I don't know what the point of a "weekly meeting schedule" is if half the meetings are missing.

East Isthmus Planning Council Update

Wow, big changes in the works. Volunteers needed!

Why the “City Week Ahead” is a joke . . .

Garbage in, garbage out. Here's just a few (5 . . . 6 . . . 7 . . .) extra meetings that showed up in the 9 hours AFTER I tried to tell you what is going on this week.

City Week Ahead

Another week . . . more meetings . . . here's what is on-line this morning, expect it to change, watch the schedule.

Occu-Potluck at Occu-Camp!

The Occupiers are back! Well, they've been scattered all over, but they never went away . . .

Progressive Dane Garden Party

Will you be there?

Metcalfe’s Union Busting

This is frustrating, remember the cool project everyone loved on E. Washington and how great everyone thought Metcalfe's was, or next time you bite into a brat at Brafest . . . well think again.

Food Deserts and Swamps

So, I went to a presentation about food desserts yesterday, it was a presentation for the common council, and here is what I learned.

Items Council Members Want to Talk About Tonight

Everything else on the agenda (see items of interest here) will be passed with the recommendation unless someone shows up to talk about it or its a public hearing or a council member pulls it off at the last minute.

B&B Bash!

That's right, WYOU LIVES! And still going strong, a year and a half after we were supposed to die . . . but we didn't! Come Celebrate my birthday, and Barbara Vedder's retirement and birthday with Mark Pocan and others!

S. Livingston Railroad Crossing to be Closed

Proposed order was released yesterday . . . here are the conclusions:

Did you hear me rejoicing!

After working closely with and getting to know my new friends, this service is greatly needed for a few of them!

Landlords Indignant About Helping Voters

This amuses me!

“Cars First” is not a Progressive Policy Position.

So-called "Progressive" talk show host John “Sly” Sylvester doubled down on the “Cars First” rhetoric last Friday, flipping his rationale from “because we pay...

Panhandling Ordinance Delayed

Legal issues . . .

Ahem, Madison, Where’s Your Cooling Center? (Updated x 3)

Other communities have theirs open . . . where's Madison's?

The Complete City Week Ahead

Well, complete as far as the info that is available currently, they always add meetings after Monday morning tho . . . but I finished it all this week!

Sly Delivers Fact-Lite Screed on Bike Path Lighting

Stridently declaring that “Cars come first!”, WTDY Progressive Talk host John 'Sly' Sylvester issued a litany of unfounded justifications for treating bike path users...

The Week Ahead

Um, that's a lot of meetings this week!

Maybe Republicans Will Come Round on Global Warming Now?

The record-setting heat we have been experiencing this week may actually help convince Republicans to change their stance on global warming. It is not...

A Beautiful Mural on an Ugly Canvas

It seems I have stirred up a bit of a hornet’s nest over on Facebook in a thread about the beautiful mural being painted...

The week ahead . . .

I felt bad for not blogging this morning but I had a really good excuse, and now that I look at the week ahead, well . . . no need to feel bad.

No ID Necessary to Vote, But Necessary for Food Pantry?

I find it interesting that people are outraged that they would need an ID to vote and worried about people being disenfranchised, but find it completely necessary to have an ID in order to give people food to feed their families and so they don't go hungry.

Where do the Homeless Go in this Heat?

Word on the street is that you will get arrested for trespassing if you are in the city-county building and that the city has...

Mayor’s New Policy on Department Websites and Social Media

Hmmm . . . let's check it out!

What Happened to Brenda’s Blogging?

Seems a little sparse lately. Why?

City Week Ahead Revised

Well, Monday and Tuesday ahead . . .

Mysterious Meeting tonight

Ok, I'm presenting at it, its for the County Board Supervisors and Alders, but I can't seem to find it anywhere.

Decoding the changes to the Downtown Plan

Wondering just what's changed in the Downtown plan since November? Thankfully, we have very helpful City Staff who've made it easier to figure it out.

Some feedback to Metro on future farecards

The RFP for updated farecard systems in Madison is moving forward. Here are some suggestions on how to write the RFP so that we can unleash the full talent of our community and the world in making it better.

Easy to Fix Important Issue for the “Home Challenged”

A friend who stayed at Occupy and now has no safe place to stay sent this in an email to a bunch of us yesterday . . . an issue you may have heard me talk about before and likely cost me my election in 2009, but its real. Listen to what he has to say . . .

Downtown Plan Passes Plan Commission

Final step . . . common council . . . have you been paying attention? I haven't, I gave up a while ago (and it includes my neighborhood!), I have no idea which changes from the Economic Development Commission and others made it in. Lets find out what the lobbyists have to say about it - warning: they love it!

City Week Ahead!

Ha! I finished it. Summer and my schedule and my time off at work is making blogging challenging for me, but hey, I finished the week ahead this morning! Of course, its subject to change, as usual.

Don’t swim in THAT water!

Madison and Dane Counties disgrace . . . our lakes

4th Annual Tour des Coops & Art Walk

Not cooperatives, chicken coops!

New Library Director

Their candidate accepted, its up to the council to now approve.

Wow, What a Consent Agenda . . .

4 pages long, really? And there will probably be changes . . .

Water Utility Meter Issue Likely Referred . . .

To much controversy, briefing isn't til next meeting.

Rainbow Bookstore is Doing a Play!

Yup - it's a fundraiser for your favorite bookstore! And a true community treasure that needs your support!

Drinking Cooking Sherry?

Ok, so apparently, some homeless and low-income people drink cooking sherry to get drunk. Given that what is in it and it apparently takes terrible, one might ask, why?

Today’s Shitty Housing News

Wait years to get into affordable housing in the City of Madison.

Soglin’s Thoughts on State St.

I attended a meeting with the Capital Neighborhoods neighborhood association and heard Paul Soglin's thoughts on State St. I didn't take my super detailed notes, only whatever I could type on my smart phone, but here's a summary - on a wide range of issues.

Goodman Pool Opens Tomorrow

Just in time for the hot weather this weekend.

City Week Ahead – Revising (In s-l-o-w Progress)

Back to work . . . .

Obligatory Post

Yesterday sucked.

I have a new appreciation for . . .

So many things . . . . here's why . . .

Last Minute Voting Info

Sent to neighborhood leaders to help with questions about today . . .

Sunlight on the “Mushroom Patch”

There just is no end to the crap our state is dishing out . . . Tuesday can't come soon enough.

Worst Reporting Ever?

Or . . ..

Fancy New City Software

Have you seen it yet? New ways to find out city legislative information . . .

Voting Info

I thought this would be helpful given the amount of questions people are asking me . . .

What’s the FBI Doing in Cherokee Marsh?

Oh, not that FBI . . . .

Rick Marolt: Why Scott Walker Should Be Recalled

Guest editorial . . .

Short City Week Ahead

Tuesday, May 29, 2012 11:00 AM DEFERRED COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ROOM 414 CCB - Emergency withdrawal 3:00 PM MADISON COOPERATIVE BUSINESS CONFERENCE ROOM 313 MMB - Update on Program...

Why Cottage Grove Desperately Needs a Library!

So the people in the village who so adamantly oppose the library, will not make a fool of themselves when they try and write...

Soglin’s War on the Poor

He must have mis-spoke while running for office, he didn't want to solve poverty, he wanted to move poor people out of town (I guess that reduces poverty), demonize them and criminalize their behaviors. Here's his latest.

Board of Estimates Recap

Short meeting, few agenda items, privatizing ambulance billing and water meters were discussed and a capital budget briefing.

City Week Ahead

As of Monday morning, these are the meetings that are scheduled, but expect it to change . . .

Occupy: Oh, the Needles! The Hazards!

This is probably, personally, one of the most offensive comments that I have heard about Occupy. And the reason is, that in my...

Porchlight Breathalyzers

Uly explains why staying at Porchlight is problematic.

What did Will Say?

In the middle of the press conference the other day, I got distracted by something Will said . . .

MTI Shows Support for Occupy!

Thank you MTI, check out what they had to say . . .

Importance of Occupy

Life, or death.

Occupy Residents Have Something to Say to Soglin

Press Conference at 11:00 at Veteran's Park at the top of State St., behind the Veteran's Museum.

Go Dane County Board Women! It’s About Time!

They hold half the leadership positions for the first time ever!

Very Brief Common Council Update

So, I'm totally out of blogging practice, I'm used to staying up later and not getting up early. Gotta get my sleeping schedule back to "normal". So, I'll spare you the gruesome and mostly boring and repetitive discussion on 800 E Washington. The meeting lasted 3.5 hours

What Will the Council Talk About Tonght?

According to their consent agenda, only the things listed below and the items that people show up to talk about . . .

What is going on with our Bus Shelters/Stops?

Seems like extreme mixed messages . . . replace and remove?

What do you think of Madison’s Community Policing?

Having learned all about community policing as an undergraduate with a Criminal Justice degree - I have lots of opinions. Madison was always held up as the model police department - but when I got on the council and watched us erode our community policing efforts, it was horribly sad to me. Now, you all have the opportunity to let the police department know what you think about their "community policing".

Soglin Says More Capital Budget Cuts Needed

Last year it was easier . . . since there was so much that Mayor Dave was putting in the budget that never got built . . . this year, more cuts . . . this ought to be interesting.

Homeless Men to get 90 days in Shelter this Year

The May extension to accommodate Occupy has resulted in all men getting an extra 30 days in shelter - this year only. Details below.

City Week Ahead

My sleeping schedule has not changed yet to accommodate my blogging, so sorry this is late, will work on getting back to blogging properly.

Soglin’s Anti-Poverty Plan

Pat Schneider did a good article on Soglin and his anti-poverty plan. The Mayor is sounding a little defensive, which is a bummer,...

Intimidation of political signature-gatherers in Wauwatosa?

While attempting to collect signatures for my friend John Pokrandt's State Assembly campaign on the sidewalk outside of Jefferson Elementary School in Wauwatosa this...

Wisconsin State Journal a Division of the MacIver Institute

We all remember what happened last year, the teachers of the state, led by MTI, stormed the Capitol when ACT10 was introduced. Their...

Bus Stop Voter Registration!

More volunteers needed . . . League of Women Voters and City Clerks office is registering people at bus stops . . .. the process to get qualified to do so it outlined here as well. Remember, there is only one week to get people registered! Starting yesterday . . .

City Snubs Tenants – 50% of its residents

Last November, 6 months ago, the state passed a law removing many of the tenant protections in Madison. In March, they passed another bill eliminating tenant rights and increasing landlord rights. With a 2% vacancy rate right now, its a housing crisis for people looking for housing, rents are increasing at alarming rates and the city is doing what?

Upcoming Parks & Community Events

Olin Turville, Warner and others! Olin-Turville Park Events Join the Friends of Olin-Turville Park (FOOT), Madison Police Department, and Madison Parks for some fun, free, family...

Social Justice Center Turns 12 years old!

12 years . . . seems like only yesterday. Gives awards to Chuck & Connie Smalley and the TAA!

Downtown Ride the Drive Coming Up!

I post this mostly as a warning to my neighbors . . .
Ride the Drive – Downtown A Festival on Wheels!
June 3, 2012 10a.m. – 3p.m.

WYOU Classes

Extra Camera Class this week, regular camera classes and editing classes coming up!

Voter Registration Allowed for One Week Starting Today!

From the city clerk, they need people who can help register people to vote for the next week if you have some time!

Blogger is BACK!!!!

Yippeeee!!! I think my 60 hour work weeks are over . . . kinda.

Verona Road Updates

The latest newsletter and upcoming meeting.

Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale Time!

This Saturday! Just in time for Mother's Day!

Lessons from Walker’s Lack of Leadership

If there is any silver lining in the last 15 months of Walker as Governor of Wisconsin, it is that he has taught us...

What a Nightmare Job!

Ok, I think this is needed, but yikes, I don't know who would be a good person for this job - they'd have to be completely and totally politically tone deaf and yet quick on their feet to avoid the political nightmare this could become.

ex-Mayor Dave, the Whiner

Seriously, give. it. a. rest. Look, I don't have to deal with ex-Mayor Dave any more. He doesn't have to deal with me. ...

Tenant Resource Center Housing Law Seminars

Coming to an area near you!

Occupy: Not As Soglin Says

I can't believe how irresponsible Soglin is being in talking about the Occupy site. I wish he had visited it to see for himself and taken the time to meet some of the people staying there and find out about who they are, so he'd know how offensive his statements are

Council Recap

Live, kinda - i.e. no editing and briefer than usual.

What Will the Council Talk About Tonight?

Items people show up to talk about and . . .

City Week Ahead

This might be the city week ahead, expect additions, since deadlines for the weekly meeting schedule now seem non-existent

Occupy: Should They Stay or Should they Go Now?

Police are telling them one thing, the court and the city attorney said another . . .

Whoa, What Just Happened?

Occupy. Summons, Complaint, Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and Brief in Support filed, parties served (they deny it), hearing held, no order issued but an agreement reached that people can stay past noon on Monday (til 4:00), structures (hoophouses) can stay til Wedensday at noon no matter what and after a hearing on Monday at 4:00 they may be able to stay even longer!

Where is the City’s Affordable Housing? Or . . . Rental Housing?

So, I have some staff people who are themselves looking for housing, and they are coming back and telling me new horror stories every day. The statistics are there to show things are bad . . . but in looking around, here's what I found.

Who is the People’s Attorney?

Attorney's argue. They raise points to protect their clients. So, when the city attorney feeds us something, do we just swallow it whole? Or could the media or someone else stand up and question that opinion? Where is the people's attorney?

County Board Committee Appointments!

Who will be primarily working on which issues . . .

Campus Bus Changes?

Input needed. UW-Madison Transportation Services will be making changes to campus bus service and is seeking input at two upcoming May meetings. The changes are necessarily...

Occupy Madison Events – The Final Countdown?

Party Saturday, clean up this weekend, rally and march Monday and . . . stay tuned.

Scott Walker Just Cut Your Pay

If your in education! Cross Posted @bloggingblue: I wrote earlier about Scott Walker's latest attack on teachers. This morning Katy Lounsbury was on SLY...

About those City Budget Conversations . . .

They seem really poorly attended this year, which just means if you have a special issue, you'll get all the more attention!

Board of Estimates

Had a jam packed meeting yesterday (parking rates, affordable housing trust fund, E Washington Ave. property, Southwest Safety Initiative, two-way Johnson and Gorham, etc., here's some highlights:

Soglin Fighting for One-Way Johnson and Gorham

Over neighborhood objections.

City Week Ahead

Kinda short.

Seeking Protest Videos, Photos, Etc for Archives

Honestly, I can't believe that this project is all coming together, but its really cool. Thanks to the many, many volunteers for the time and talents and materials!

Assessments are Out!

Bad news Friday! Likely yours stayed the same, or went down.

Sunny Take Two

Recently WPRI hack and Herald - Independent Columnist Sunny Schubert wrote a column congratulating Gannett Newspaper for checking the Verify the Recall database,...

Will they, or won’t they?

Um, that City Housing Committee . . . can they manage to meet to disband themselves in their current format?

County Board Will Address Occupy/Homelessness Too!

Thanking Occupy and creating the same committee the city did . . . despite council concerns that they wouldn't. They can't really fix what the council did, since they don't control the land that Occupy is on, but they're doing what they can.

Occupy Tear Down Incredibly Ironic and Unfair

Volunteers needed . . . along with laundry facilities, tools, etc. to help recycle Occupy.

Free 30 days in Shelter for Single Men

So, many people are missing the point of the Occupy tent city and what it provides to the homeless.

Here’s an Stupid Wrinkle for UW Student Tenants

Wow. Thank you Scott Walker. (yes, that's sarcasm) This sounds like it might even lead to deportation of international students?

What passed the Council Regarding Occupy

I hope this is right, I think it is . . .

I’m feeling the Council was Lied to

Something isn't adding up. And I think the homeless people at Occupy are the victims of a some cruel games that were played at the council meeting the other night.

I had this plan . . .

It's really hard to edit at work when there are all kinds of interruptions and lost trains of thought, so I thought I'd edit at home and blog at work . . .

Merit Pay In Education -A Case Study

The Wausau Daily Herald recently penned an Op-Ed stating that under the last legislative session school reform "took a step forward" The reforms establish...

Council Evicts Homeless Occupy Residents

When April 30th comes, almost 100 homeless people will have no where to go. Last night the council tripped all over themselves trying to convince themselves that they really cared about homelessness and affordable housing, but came up with excuse after excuse, helped by city staff, about why they had to vote to evict homeless people from their limited shelter and a place they spend with their new family that they call home.

Legal Issue with Occupy Easily Solved!

Move it across the street.

Council Agendas and Others that Popped Up Yesterday

So annoying, why call it a weekly schedule, it should be the "kinda sorta maybe the weekly schedule".

Occupy Extension Tonight?

The City Council will be voting on a resolution tonight, and the County Board will vote on a similar one later, temporarily extending the time for Occupy/homeless tent ciy and looking for better solutions for the homeless camping there.

Congratulations Connie Deer!

One of our stalwarts here in Dane County gets a Statewide Fair Housing Award. Well deserved! And more! Our new County Board Supervisor...

McDonell Official Announcement Running for County Clerk

Not really news, but its official with some big endorsements.

Mayor Behaving Badly, Part II

Ok, when we left off, he was about to go into a rant/lecture.

Mayor Behaving Badly.

I listened to this twice before blogging it, and I'm still stunned. This one has some bk comments.

Soglin’s One Year Report Card

Yeah, grading the professor

City Week Ahead

Ok, I finished it this week!

Answering Bridget’s Question

Why can't homeless get services?

So, What Does the Council Want to Do About Homelessness?

Here's the council discussion after some very moving testimony about Occupy Madison and what it means for homeless individuals living there, about what it is like to be homeless and about how the homeless services in this town may not work for everyone who is homeless.

Occupy Madison Voices

Powerful. Listen to what they have to say. You may be surprised. I think the Council was. At least, it got their attention for a change.

Sunny Schubert – Have You No Shame?

"The State Department is infested with communists. I have here in my hand a list of 205—a list of names that were made known...

Why Doesn’t the City Hire Women in Leadership?

People of Color and People with Disabilities get hired - wages not so great. Women, not so good - in both getting hired and wages.

Council Meeting and Wed – Fri City Week Ahead

Ok, here's the rest of it. They added several meetings yesterday, so it got a little longer.

Neighborhood Meeting on Hovde Proposal/Downtown Firestation

Neighborhood meeting . . . Thursday. Busy week.

Moving the Steensland House

Neighborhood meeting Wednesday. . . .

East Side Water Quality Meetings

April is a busy month, starting tonight (not on the weekly schedule)

Crane and Wolf Hunt in Wisconsin

Ribeye in the sky? Should we be hunting endangered species? Speak up tonight.

City Week Ahead

So, here's part of it. Slowed down by having no council agenda on the Weekly Schedule this morning.

Need Leaf Mulch?

Get Mulched!

Urban Land Interests to Meet with Neighborhood

Ok, so Willy St. Coop has said they have been discussing a new location and now Urban Land will be meeting with the neighborhood. Guess they need to get caught up on their marketing since Metcalfe's grocery stole the show!

You Know What To Do Today!

Vote!

League of Women Voters to Look at Housing

Tomorrow night.

The Beginning of the End of Bus Wraps?

Music to my ears! Sanity returns to City of Madison government!

Limited County Week Ahead

Only 6 meetings.

City Week Ahead

2 week hiatus over - my Tenant Resource Center work is not done, but after working 65 hours last week, I need a break before I go back to another 65 hour week.

Want to Influence How the City Deals with Homelessness

Now is the time, this is the place.

Affordable Housing Group Endorses Candidates

The Affordable Housing Action Alliance recently announced its endorsement of three candidates in the upcoming Dane County Board races. These candidates are knowledgeable on housing issues and are committed to helping low-income residents and renters by encouraging availability of affordable housing in Dane County.

Open Forum On Tenant’s Rights Tonight

Tonight, March 29, at 5:30 pm at the Fifth Quarter Studio (2nd Floor) in Union South. there will be an open forum on the past and future of tenants rights in Wisconsin.

Hariah H. Hutkowski Wants Your Money!

And he wants as much of your taxpayer money as he can get his hands on. If you live in Sun Prairie...

Budget Time! (Yup.)

Now is the time to get involved in the city budget - not budget night in November.

My Testimony

The Monona Grove School District recently held series of public hearings regarding proposed budget reductions in the district. As a district...

Neighborhood Center Meeting Added

Your neighborhood need a neighborhood center?

Willy St. Coop IS Looking at E. Washington Location

Just looking. But they are in the very early stages of considering it.

Bus Windows NOT shot out on North Side

Grrrr. How'd this happen?

Progressive Dane to Discuss Achievement Gap

I'm guessing this discussion may be a little different than others, but we'll see.

On your own again this week.

Sorry, one more week of weak blogging.

Help Take A Bite Out of Homelessness!

You know it! The chef's are back and ready to rumble!!!! Kitchen Stadium will be in the ballroom at the Brink Lounge (701 E Washington) tonight 5 - 7. 100% of the funds will go to PREVENT homelessness for families and individuals (unless you want to designate funds for TRC operations). Suggested donation $25, but everyone welcome, donate as you can.

Mifflin St. Block Party Meeting (DATE CHANGE!)

You can give feedback on what they've been talking about - Thursday night.

MG&E’s Poor Judgement

I don't know, this sounds like really bad judgement. And the fact they weren't trying to fix the problem is awful. Business interests vs. safety.

Spring is Here! Leaf and Yard Waste Details (No Free Mulch!)

Um, I can still blog the easy stuff like this . . . tho, looks like next week I'll return to blogging more in earnest.

Ooops, Major Screw Up in Tenant/landlord Legislation

I've been frantically trying to figure this all out this weekend . . . what do the new laws really mean, what are the arguments that tenants and landlords should make while going to small claims court, but I didn't even think of this one since I'm focused on residential . . . check this out!

Miserable Monday and Beyond

So, sad blogging news.

The Legislature has really Destroyed me this week

I keep trying to pay attention and find out if the tenant laws are changing and I guess I'm going to be on pins and needles again all day . . . and all night . . . again . . .

How Unaffordable is Madison/Dane County’s Housing?

The National Low Income Housing Coalition does my favorite, most useful report every year called Out of Reach. Their information is the easiest place to start to find out how bad housing is in Madison. Here's their snapshot of the area.

Robin Vos’ Slumlord Bill May Pass today!

So, this is it, the bills destroying tenants rights, and tipping the scales in favor of unscrupulous landlords is headed for passage.

This is a Crazy TIF Deal

If the TIF boundary change isn't accepted, the city will go ahead with a TIF-like deal for a project not in a TIF district. They'll still "pay back" the "loan" with their taxes.

Update on City Council Legislative Analystic Position

City Alders plow ahead despite concerns (motion failed) by Personnel Committee, you know, the experts

Cottage Grove Politics

April brings us another election and in Cottage Grove, WI it brings us almost full circle. In the April elections bring the Village...

City Week Ahead

Here it is . . .

Time is Running Out to Protect Wisconsin’s Comprehensive Planning Law

With the current legislative session set to close on March 15th there are only a few days left to ensure that Wisconsin's comprehensive planning...

Remembering . . . One Year Ago Today

Reposted from a year ago.

How Much is the Redevelopment of East Washington Going to Cost Us?

So far, here's what has been approved or on the table.

Early April Fools Joke?

Life is ironic.

What are we tearing down now?

Yup - 9 more demolitions. Most aren't controversial and they seem pretty frequent, I post these about once a month.

Monona Grove Budget Reductions!

Monona Grove School District will be holding three meetings regarding the $1.2 million dollars in reductions that we need to make for the next...

Personnel Board Doesn’t Approve Common Council Policy Analyst Position

And, apparently, no one say it coming.

Time to Start Thinking about the 2013 Budget

Yes, by the end of the week, survey's will be out, meetings scheduled and the city will be looking for your input.

City Citizen Input to be Limited?

I've been hearing rumblings, but yesterday at the Common Council Organizational Committee (CCOC) there was a proposal to reduce the number of committee members...

Green Party Looking for True Progressive Candidate to Challenge Walker

You can call it being a spoiler if you want, but so far, the choices to challenge Walker are uninspiring.

Tonight the Council Will Talk About . . .

Not much. Not much on the agenda since they just met last week. The only thing I expect to be talked about is the "thank you".

When is saying “Thank You” actually something completely different

Like um, undermining your efforts. Of course, my alder is involved

Two-Way Johnson/Gorham Study Results

Of course, the results are no surprise given the staff dislike of the project. Do you even need to look at the results?

Months Later . . . City Attorney’s Office Chimes In

Finally! The official word. These tenant/landlord laws changed December 21st - now here's the city attorney's interpretation. And they seem to have changed their mind on Section 8.

County Week Ahead

Let's not forget about them . . . MONDAY Mar 5 12:00 PM Lakes & Watershed Commission Room 5415, 1550 Linden Dr. - Nonregulatory Subcommittee - Review and discuss materials...

City Week Ahead

Here it is . . .

Thank you Channel 3 for Advancing Civility!

So, Neil Heinen's editorials are not always hard hitting. Getting a board to have a definite agreed upon opinion on a subject without disagreement is probably not always easy, but they got it right on this one! And in the process, helped me make a point about nasty internet comments on other websites, like madison.com or thedailypage.com forum and how they should have a more responsible commenting policy.

Johnson/Gorham Traffic Study Informational Meeting Tonight

Well, this kinda snuck up on me . . . not sure I can make it but . . . Looks like 9...

Need An Attorney, Ask the Court to Appoint One!

Usually, they only appoint attorneys in criminal cases or in guardian ad litem cases, but now, you can (and should in some cases) ask...

Need a Neighborhood Center – Speak Up!

The city is taking a year off from making decisions about which neighborhoods get resources and doing a study. If you feel like your neighborhood has needs, now is the time to let them know.

School Board Forums – The Isthmus, Sustain Dane and Ex-Mayor Dave Redefine “Fairness”

It is Board of Education candidate forum season and everyone is getting into the act (full list at the bottom).  That includes Sustain Dane...

Benford Endorses Wegleitner

Since some members of the press kept trying to make a story out of Progressive Dane's wonderful dilemma of having too many candidates who want to run - I thought people might find this of interest.

Public Hearing – What Should Community Services Priorities Be?

There's a public hearing tonight that will set the priorities that will be the basis for funding . . . well, maybe, if they...

Major Correction!

Council fixes their mistake.

Council Recap

Honeybees, nuisance parties and fireworks.

What the Council Will (Not) Talk About Tonight

This consent/non-consent agenda thing is always awkward to talk about. They will likely talk about nothing except these items and any item someone shows up to speak for or against. Even then, they usually vote and move on.

WYOU: One Year Stronger

If you had asked most people a year ago if WYOU would be here today, they would have said no. Well, HERE WE ARE!!! ONE YEAR STRONGER!!!!

What a GREAT! Bill

Of course, it has no chance of passing. Just had to point this out. SB511 actually does something good - so it wouldn't...

Wisconsin Uprising – The Art Show!

Recently, Steve Nass and his spokesman got wind that the UW School for workers was putting on an art show. They then...

I May Have Done Something Stupid

But, thanks to the following people . . . I think its ok! 🙂

Don’t Forget the County Week Ahead

The press virtually ignores them, but they do some interesting and important things. When you can figure out what they are doing ....

It’s Monday Again, City Week Ahead

Personally, this week is going to suck, so I could use another day of the weekend.

Watch this.

907 homeless kids in our schools. 16 sleeping in their cars.

Snow Updates From the City

What is that white stuff out there?

Complain About Alternative Transportation on Leap Day!

With this being a leap-year, and the great day fast approaching, I hereby declare February 29th as "Complain about alternative transportation day."   So how about...

What a Good Idea!

Transparency in local government! I applaud Melissa Sargent for her proposal!

What’s In A Comment Policy

Comments on Madison.com and the Isthmus thedailypage.com can often get rough. Harsh comments and personal attacks and name calling - mostly done anonymously - are common. Check out the differences in the comments on these two posts about the same thing and the difference in the commenting policy

Downtown Plan Wrapping Up

The plan commission is having its final meetings for final changes to the Downtown Plan. The business community and all their paid loobyists are all over this thing, coming up with their own proposals and suggestions. I hope the people who live downtown are paying attention too.

Where Do You Buy Your Healthy Food?

Hope to see you tonight . . .

I’m horrified . . .how did this happen?

I don't know how I missed this, but there is so much going on . . . but this is horrendous . . .

Tenants’ Rights Rollercoaster

I'm sitting in the capital, waiting for them to NOT do something, and to hear what they say about their inaction. Absurd, I know.

Dane County Conservatives(should scare you)

Today is primary election day in Wisconsin, so please go vote. I recommend Heidi Wegleitner and Carl Chenoweth. Unfortunately...

Short, Mayorless Board of Estimates Meeting

Short but sweet.

Expect New Voting Procedures Today

Bring your ID . . . a photo ID.

Military Advertising on our Buses

This is why I voted against all this advertising - is this worth $10,000? Info I got from very helpful staff! The Wisconsin National Guard is...

Poll Workers Still Needed for Tomorrow

Kinda surprised - but I guess there is no sense of urgency since there is only a judges primary and a primary in District 2 in the City of Madison.

County Primary Week Ahead

A few county board primaries this week.

Bloggity Alders

Do you have one?

City Primary Week Ahead

Yup - its Monday again. Primary elections tomorrow.

Help with WORT Pledge Drive Coming Up

Phone shifts available for people to answer phones and take pledges! I'm sure they would appreciate the help!

County Thumbs Up, City Thumbs Down

The benches are back! Thanks especially the County Board Supervisors and County Executive Parisi - for doing the right thing. Now, where were the alders? And why were they returned?

Evidence of Increasing Poverty

Warning: This isn't pretty.

Dane County Rocks! Free Birth Certificates for Voters!

Nice job folks!

Anti-Tenant Bill – Back to the Drawing Board

It was a "hot mess" as the kids say! So many issues with AB561/SB466 were raised during testimony yesterday, that they have to redraft the bill or make multiple amendments to clarify and fix unintended consequences.

Most Effective Sit In Ever!

It would have happened today at noon and 6:00

Details of How Tenants Are Going to Get Screwed

So, we finally finished (as much as humanly possible) the analysis of the "modernization" of landlord-tenant law bill- this is the best we could do to explain the bill and issues in plain English.

One Year Stronger & Remembering

Here's my video from last year on this day and the video from the Wisconsin Day Rally on Saturday.

Wisconsin Tenants About to Get Screwed

There's just no other way to put it . . . see what fresh new hell the Republican landlords have in store . . . 2 hearings and one vote on Wednesday, even tho it just got a bill number and became public late Monday.

the Village of Cottage Grove is on (DaneCom) Welfare

Dane county has been in the process of (a desperately needed & federally mandated) upgrading of their communications system for some time and we...

Interim City Community Development Director Named

And the lucky person is . . .

Benches have to be removed, but not . . .

Check this out, in the hallway, leading up to the clerks office there is this . . . and it was there last week too.

One Year Stronger, County Week Ahead

Sorry I skipped last week - too busy. It's hard to feel bad tho when most of the agendas are either incomprehensible due to alphabet soup or jammed with reports and updates

One Year Stronger, City Week Ahead

I got the whole thing this week . . . sorry about last week.

A Brief Update on Two New Anti-Tenant Laws

This week there were two new anti-tenant bills that have been circulating up at the capitol. This is a brief update on what I know so far . . . subject to more investigation and interpretation! These will affect not just Madison and Dane County - this one affects ALL Wisconsin tenants!!!

Nevermind, You’re still on that committee! For Now.

So annoying when the council members don't do their jobs and ask questions - in advance. Luckily, they are fixing this one and the people I blogged about will NOT be kicked off the committee - yet! Here's two explanations.

Help A Family Keep Their Housing Assistance

You may have read the article in the paper about the mother who is going to lose her section 8 because her son, who is in jail, was is facing charges that he was involved in a shooting. As a result, she is going to lose her housing assistance, even tho he will not be returning to the household any time soon.

Can you ban people from a public building?

The next salvo from the mayor's office is to institute a procedure to ban people from the city-county building like they do at the library or Lisa Link park. I think it raises a few questions.

AFSCME Calls for Humane Solutions for Homeless in City-County Building

This is a GREAT! letter from AFSCME - they rock! Thank you so much!

Kaleem Caire’s Initial Response to the Plan to Close the Achievement Gap

Ok, I've never done this one before, but this is from the interview on Channel 3 this morning.

Rename Breese Stevens Field?

Sell naming rights? I don't know why I had such a visceral response to this, but I find it offensive. I...

Does Anyone Register to Lobby in the City Any More?

Or fill out expense forms? Lobbyists are required to register and fill out expense forms twice a year. Either the clerks office is terribly behind, or wow, there are a TON of violations! I only noticed because I have been getting contacted by nultiple people on multiple issues about lobbying and I was wondering why all the recent interest.

Frautschi/Rowland Ultimatum to Urban Design Commission

Do what we want, or we walk!

The Voters are Going to Trample the Homeless!

There's a primary in district 2, quick, move the benches! It's a safety issue! Ya gotta be effing kidding me, I couldn't make this shit up. (And yes, call 911, I dropped the F-bomb)

Trapping in Dane County Parks: Action Needed Tonight

A letter and call to action for tonight - trapping in county parks?

Who Pays to Bury Poor People?

The county used to have a fund, it became a state function in last year's budget, but seems like that is not working out so well. Check this out.

About 40 people kicked off City Committees Last Night . . .

for failure to fill out their statement of interest forms. Not a word was said. Not a question asked. So, here's the people who are very likely to be surprised since I didn't hear them being reminded at the city committees I attended or watched on TV.

Mayor’s Alternative Economic Development Issues

Short and sweet.

New Overture Center Director

Here's the hype.

What will the council talk about tonight . . . .

All kinds of interesting things on the agenda, but I guess they think there is not much worth talking about . . . here's the two items council members have separated for discussion - kinda.

Wow, Interesting Madison Prep Debate.

Allen Ruff has been blogging about Kaleem Caire and in pointing out the facts, he has drawn criticism for attacking Caire. However, I...

The City’s Transportation Plan: Monorail?!

I fought for and was a lead sponsor for a transportation plan when I was on the council, therefore, Mayor Dave (and therefore staff) opposed it. Now we have a Mayor that is more interested in doing what is right then what is politically expedient. The plan commission got an overview last night.

How to Close the Achievement Gap

There is no doubt that almost every agrees this is an issue for the school district. Just not on how to get there. Tonight we get to hear Dan Nehrad's take on it . . . in Fitchburg, where the buses don't run.

Week of Action to Celebrate the Wisconsin Uprising.

February 11th-19th, 2012 - One Year Longer, One Year Stronger! These folks will be my guest today on WORT A Public Affair

The Tree Butchers are Coming!

Is MG&E coming to V your tree? Will your lovely street trees get hacked this year and will you be stuck looking at V trees? Or will the trees be completely removed? Here's the list of the "lucky" folks who will get their street trees butchered by MG&E this year.

Food – Do you take it for granted?

You need food, you go to the grocery store right? Well, for many in Dane County, its not that simple.

City Week Ahead

Monday and Tuesday Ahead . . . sorry, the rest is coming yet . . .

Does your Neighborhood need a Neighborhood Center?

Now is the time to speak up and get involved . . . the city is doing a Neighborhood Study and here are some...

Very Tall E Washington Project Gets Blessing

The 700 block of East Washington Gebhardt project gets initial approval from Urban Design and a recommendation for spot zoning/change of ordinance for a taller building . . . did anyone notice? Why isn't it controversial?

Parisi: Reform CARPC

CARPC you ask? Its the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission.

Navel Gazing Part II: Mayoral Alder Appointments

This was one of the great points of tension, they spent about 25 minutes on it, then kicked it to the Common Council Organizational...

Is it working?

Recently, Monona Grove Elementary teacher Jeff Knudson was the "star" of an ad for Scott Walker. Mr. Knutson looked directly into the...

Council Discussion on the Downtown Plan.

Well, kinda a discussion.

If section 8 isn’t income . . .

Then how is it that SB107/Wisconsin Act 108 which restricts the city and county from having ordinances prohibiting landlords use of monthly household income purportedly negates our section 8 ordinances at the city and county level?

Months later . . .

The Mayor's office staff writes a really good letter about admittance polices in the downtown bars . . . which are not necessarily limited to downtown any more

Navel Gazing I: Should the Council Have a Shared Agenda?

The retreat the council held, according to the news, was going to be about punishing Brian Solomon, taking on the mayor and all kinds of sexy topics - but, none of that really happened. Instead, it was about a shared agenda, a job description and a short discussion on how alders are appointed to committees. Audio files are here (part one and part two). This is part one, the shared agenda.

Why Teachers Need a Union –

Now that Act10 has been enacted making it next to impossible for teachers to bargain teachers are going to be left vulnerable. ...

A Billboard Coming to a Neighborhood Near You?

Yup - billboards, which have been essentially phased out of the city are making a resurgence of sorts. And at least one is getting bigger as a result of a lost lawsuit. And, while it resolves some issues, the Don Miller lot seems to have been forgotten in the deal. And when they site the 5 new billboards, there will be no city process.

Co-op Conference Coming: June 7th Tentatively.

A city Economic Development Conference. While everyone else was at the Landmarks Commission meeting last night, I was at home, sick, on my couch watching Board of Estimates and there's a few gens in there that weren't reported in the news.

Thinking you need a Union?

Well, learn how to do it yourself! As "management" I probably shouldn't be encouraging this . . . but it would...

Services Available to the Homeless

We rarely get notice that there is an opening! So, here is a spot for one person - with conditions!

4.1% Increase for City Managers?

I feel conflicted, we have a great staff in the City of Madison, but . . . seems a little goofy given what is supposed to tight budget times.

County Week Ahead

My best guesses about what might be important in an information vacuum.

City Week Ahead

Highlights this week - Landmarks Commission on Monday (100 State St), Council discussion on the Downtown Plan on Tuesday and Urban Design on Wednesday (100 State St and Gebhardt development on E Washington and changing law)

This is why Economic Development can be Hard!

Confidentiality. And rarely do you see a letter as open and honest as this.

Staff Recommendations on 100 State St. Block

This report is from the landmarks staff in the planning department. This is the summary, the whole report is here. They will be discussing this on Monday at the Landmarks meeting

Have Abacus Will Travel

I have written before of the the right wings veiled attempts to privatize public education. I have also pointed out that while they...

I hate it when developers do this . . .

That is, have all kinds of showy public meetings and get your project in the media but not really provide the city decision makers with the information they need - and then probably show up with it last minute if at all. The latest example - straight from the bad developer playbook - is the 100 State St. project.

Downtown Placemaking: The Power of 10

The Power of 10 is an idea developed and promoted by the Project for Public Spaces: http://www.pps.org/articles/the-power-of-10/ From the Project for Public Spaces web site: “At the...

Support the Elephant Ban?

Here's some things you can do

Detox: The Other Side of the Story

Something seems potentially duplicitous about Chief Wray's letter that came out at 3:30 on the same day this memo came out from Lynn Green, perhaps they just crossed in the mail, but the timing is a little goofy.

Common Council Navel Gazing

Saturday, all the fun you can take 10 - 2 at the water utility. Still no agenda or sign of it on the weekly schedule tho.

Drug Test People Who Use Food Pantries?

I hosted A Public Affair on WORT on Monday and that was the question of one of my callers, who said he works in a food pantry. Seriously, it was.

More antics by my alder in sale of the Collins House.

More head-spinning Maniaci antics and questionable ethics.

Maybe its not the Strategy, but the Attitude.

So, I posted about the strategy on downtown snow removal and the snow emergency zone (SEZ) and my unhappiness with it. I'm largely not affected, but annoyed as hell. People probably don't understand why, but its because of the attitude of staff about it and their unwillingness to do anything different. Here's a few examples of that attitude, and why I get so annoyed.

Mayor’s Office War on the Homeless, Part III

Ok - so that list of police calls in Part II was a little bogus and over-exaggerated, but there were some real issues in there. Yesterday, two gems of emails came out from the Mayor's office. Here's the latest on the Mayor's office campaign to rid themselves of the homeless in the building

Mayor’s Office War on the Homeless, Part II

I told you this was long, be patient. In this post, we have people calling the police when people are singing or dropping the F-bomb! Imagine if we called the police every time someone got in an argument in the city-county building or dropped the F-bomb!

Mayor’s Office War on the Homeless, Part I

And they are passionate about it - I haven't quite figured out why its so important for them to get the homeless out of the City-County Building, but they are determined. And holy crap, I forgot about the Sargent vs O'Lauglin divergent views of the county. Do we have stockholders we need to watch out for? Or are we a community with a safety net? Or will we build an island for misfit toys to put people on?

James Madison Park Houses

I haven't had time to watch the plan commission yet, but I understand it was all full of wonderful comments from my dear alder . . . meanwhile, here's a bit of info.

Upcoming Demolitions

I just did this a month ago, but there are enough for another post . . .

Headstart, K-4, K-5 and Open Enrollment Registrations/Applications

Just passing this along . . .

Poor City Meeting Planning

On wells for the near east side of Madison.

Big(ger) Protests to Return to the Capitol?

Wednesday and Thursday this week - regarding the mining bill and saving the environment. The hearing is on Tuesday.

County Week Ahead

I'll see if I can make any sense of their agendas . . .

City Week Ahead

The agenda list is long, but there are many repeats . . .

City’s Downtown Snow Plowing Strategy STILL Sucks

Big Time. But it sure is profitable.

Downtown Snow Emergency/Ticket Night! Move your cars!

This is not a drill. Park on the odd side of the street or in the ramps or get tickets!!!

Rally Against Citizen’s United/Occupy the Courts Tonight!

We can't have a real democracy if we can't have fair campaigns with candidates that are not bought by the highest bidder.

Downtown Snow Emergency Tonight?

They're saying yes if there is more than 3 inches of snow . . . as if its a rule. But when there was 5 inches of snow last time they didn't do it. So confusing.

Future of the City Could Be Decided Here

Input needed by February 1 regarding a potential Community Services/Development reorganization. I'm so glad the this Mayor is asking, "how can we do better?" As opposed to Mayor Dave who asked "how can I get these people off my back?"

Detox Dispute: Chief Wray vs. County Executive

Chief Noble Wray asleep at the wheel last fall when the county board was debating their budget . . .

Input Needed for Madison’s Cultural Plan

That means arts. Music. Theater. Dance. etc. What do you think Madison should be doing better or more? Your input is needed starting next week.

Another County Board Showdown Coming Tonight?

Chairman Urges Board to Approve Infrastructure Appropriation $7.85 Million Needed to Fund Basic Operations Ahead of Annual Borrowing; Spending Already Approved in Capital Budget

Wednesday Round Up

Nothing about who is running for governor or which websites went black yesterday here, just local stuff that I can find!

35 Minute Council Recap

The B team is in charge. Shiva Bidar-Sielaff is in the chair, Joe Clausius is making the motions.

Falk Announcing for Governor. Really? (Updated)

I've been listening to Rob rant for the last 20 minutes about what a bad choice this is . . . and of course, I'm not a Dem insider so I don't know what is going on but . . . this is bad for poor people

Tuesday (Everything but the Recall) Round Up

It will be short. Very short.

What the Council Will Talk About Tonight? (UPDATED)

I suspect this is misleading. These are the things that the alders picked to talk about, or require special votes, but if someone shows up to speak on something, it will also be discussed . . . so, this probably isn't real accurate.

Snow, no snow emergency

Again, downtown, don't plan on getting our streets plowed to the curb . . . making the streets narrower and parking options less.

Thurs. – MLK Day Round Up

You'd think 5 days of news would be quite the challenge but besides the Packers and MLK day, there's not really that much.

Recall Observations

Here is My Letter to The Editor regarding my observations from collecting signatures. Congratulations to everyone who collected signatures for...

MLK County Week Ahead

5 days of meetings, cuz they meet on Saturdays too.

MLK City Week Ahead

Another short week. But lots going on.

The Ghost of Public Education Future

I wrote about this subject recently, but want to expand a little more, on the topic (especially in lieu of the ongoing Madison...

You Mean I Could Have Been Drinking at the Council Meetings?

Apparently, its against the rules, but the police can't do anything about it without an ordinance. They didn't really talk much about that tho, didn't even question it, it was more about who was stepping on who's toes . . . and the homeless.

You gotta be kidding me . . .

Madison Prep wants another vote in February. Smells like an elections stunt to me. I really wish instead of cramming their ideas...

It’s Gonna Snow, Really This Time. Watch out for Tickets!

We've dumped gallons of salt brine on streets and it hasn't been needed til today. Watch out for a snow emergency to be called and make sure you park on the correct side of the street!

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Round Up

Bad blogging week for me, internet and webhosting issues - so here's the round up that has a little older news included.

How Not to Address Poverty

I've been looking into the county's efforts around poverty. I was going to give them a report card on the Task Force on Poverty Report, but of course, its near impossible to do on-line research on this so it is taking quite some time . . . but here's what I've found that I can share so far.

Madison’s 1%’s Vision for Downtown (Part 2)

Ready for Part 2? Sorry I didn't stick around for the end, I'll just warn you now. Had another meeting to go to.

How Do you Make Vicki McKenna Laugh?

Wish death upon all who disagree with republican Governor Scott Walker! Tom in Grafton was Super Caller of the Day! Nothing...

It might actually snow . . .

And there might actually be a snow emergency . . . so you'd have to park on the even side of the street Friday night.

Madison’s 1%’s Vision for Downtown (Part 1)

So many of the recent meetings about the Downtown Plan are during the day and I haven't been able to make the meetings - so last night I checked in to the Economic Development Committee and got a really bizarre vision for the downtown. You gotta check this out.

Turning our tech dreams into reality: how do we know what to buy?

The city is buying some technology upgrades for Madison Metro. We can come up with cool things it should do all day long, but if we don't think about how to write the RFP, it won't matter. What can we learn from other cities?

Ideas for Downtown Madison

The Downtown Plan contains great goals and big ideas. I am not suggesting that anything be changed, but am offering some additional ideas that...

Sing! For Martin Luther King!

Sorry, that was a little cheesy.

Annual Meeting reminder on Absences and Roll Call Votes for City

For the geeks . . . or for anyone else who actually wants to know how committee members voted.

County Board Week Ahead

Also a day late, sorry

City Week Ahead – 28 or 29 meetings

I had technical difficulties yesterday as I was out of town and had internet connections issues . . . so sorry its late. However, I did do it in its entirety since it Monday was already done.

That wasn’t on the agenda!

I hate it when committees do this - and you can't blame the media for not covering something when they don't know it is going to happen. But when the mayor shows up - it probably should be on the agenda.

Combine CDBG and Community Services Committees?

Are you insane?!

Pathetic Round Up

This is kinda why I stopped, there just isn't much . . .

An Internal Contradiction in Thinking

There is an internal contradiction in thinking among Republicans who are anti-train and anti-transit while at the same time being anti-tax. It is more costly...

1st Council Meeting of the Year Recap

45 minutes, short and sweet.

Funny Thing about the New Fire Chief

Hmmmmm, there will be a press conference at 10:30 to announce who it is! Uh, yeah.

Round Up Resumes

The holidays made for weird news, so I didn't want to resume yesterday with the rounds, so I'm starting today and will try to do it several times a week if not daily. I'm only going to do local politics, so until the student papers resume printing, it might be a little sparse.

“Bizarre” Alder Weirdness Continues

My alder proves in writing why the Isthmus gave her the Cheap Shots 2011: Shame "Most Bizarre Rant Award".

Alders Behaving Suspiciously

So, when someone submits a proposal to the city, with a clear scoring system, you expect those doing the scoring to be fair, right? Well, two alders can make a big swing in the scoring if they want to. Check out what happened with the one of the James Madison Park Houses.

Learn about Alternatives for Frautchi/Rowland Vision

The 100 block of State St could be sleek and modern and exclusive, or . . . it could honor our history . . . you can learn more about an alternative vision for the block and why it is important and how we can save the landfills and reduce our carbon footprint.

County Board = Lots of Free Rides, Only 15 Races of 37

Shoot, now I got that song stuck in my head! Anyways, here's the county board candidates as of the filing deadline!

Only One Topic for Council to talk about Tonight?

Only one item separated for discussion - not sure if the Council is still on vacation, or if this is really all they have? It was a light agenda as it has been.

I gotta start paying more attention . . .

When did our library director resign? Work is killing me, no time to pay attention! Two more months . . . . Or was it just the holidays?

COUNTY???? Week Ahead!

Ok, I should really start trying to do this again . . . with spring elections county board elections coming up . . . people should know what is going on, even if the mainstream news doesn't cover it.

Happy New Year City Week Ahead

Well, lets hope this year is better!

Slip slidin’

It's kinda winter, snow expected to fall, but sounds like no snow emergency cuz it will just melt.

An Open Letter to Christopher Mertes

Christopher Mertes, managing editor and far right wing idealogue, of the Sun Prairie Star, recently wrote one of the most ridiculous editorials I...

It might be too soon but . . .

If you were confused about Madison Prep and feeling a little liberal white guilt about not supporting it, well, there is good reason for the confusion (you'll have to decide on the liberal white guilt). But take heart, if you were against, you have the NAACP on your side.

You’ve heard it said . . .

Homeless people are dirty and smelly. Maybe even said it yourself.

The actual story – MGSD

Recently, the Keep scott walker in power campaign funded largely by out of state special interests, ran an ad where he used a...

Jill Stein, Green Party Candidate

If you missed her when she was here in Madison, here's about a half hour of her talking with Matt Rothschild and then some Questions and Answers with the audience.

How Much Can You Get from the City for Carrying a Gun into Culvers?

Looks like about $2,000 but you have to pay for your attorney.

Recyclopedia’s Now Available . . . On-line

They are no longer printed, and there are some changes you should know about- many more items can be recycled.

Dane County Tenants Lose Rights Starting Today

Tenant Resource Center: Ready for Your Questions!

Central Library Delayed Over Technicality

Contractors don't want to hire women and minority owned businesses. Threaten legal challenge.

Edgewater Games Continue

They just don't want to follow the rules, and the alders want to continue to back them on that.

Upcoming Demolitions

I have done this since the end of October so here are some since then.

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day

Want to help the homeless. Raise awareness and do something practical - that could help save a life this winter.

A Pretty Full City Week Ahead

Surprising, since this time of year so many meetings start getting cancelled.

Snow Plowing Update

Can't deny it any longer, winter is here. But looks like it won't last long. No need to move your cars.

Porchlight Homeless Day Center Issues

I'm not really sure the drop in center was the right thing to do, but given the time constraints I didn't have a better answer, but here's my issues with the project.

Brief Common Council Meeting Recap

Sorry, this should have been posted on Wednesday, but I ran out of time and then lost the first version of it. The meeting was a little under two hours and uneventful - almost half was about the ordinance on second hand dealers (pawn shops etc) which there was consensus on, so I'm not sure why there was so much talking.

City 5 year Parks and Open Space Plan

I feel like I've been in the dark. I've gotten at least 15 emails in the last few months on the county parks and open space plan, but didn't realize the city is getting ready to pass theirs too. They asked for input last February, but I haven't heard anything much beyond that until last night, and I'm not sure I liked what I heard.

Not the Holidays yet City Week Ahead

A full week of committee meetings.

Wake up and Smell the Coffee!

Especially if your in Verona, WI! Local Verona small business Tuvalu Coffeehouse has come under some scrutiny(both positive and negative) for...

Edgewater Responds to City Attorney

Well, the kinda did. Sort of.

I’ve Had it! Have you?

So . . . will we rally to defend more of our rights the state is taking away? I sure hope so.

Sign the Landlord Pledge?

If you were a landlord or are one, would you sign the pledge?

REALTORS Claim “Big Victory” In Stripping Tenants of their Rights

Yesterday, Governor Walker Signed SB107 into law, it will likely be published by the Secretary of State and go into effect on December 18th - details below. You can watch here to see the REALTORS claim victory and ask for contributions to continue their work.

Monthly Water Bills Could Be Coming

This is from a neighborhood listserve from someone who follows these water issues closely.

More Service Cuts

You gotta be REALLY poor to get free clothing from Community Action Coalition, who in the last year cut their hours, now they are cutting who they serve.

This is What Democracy Cooks Like

They're here!

Extra Meetings added for this week.

Two of them are tomorrow. Cutting it close.

Neighborhood Meeting on the Rushed Through Project

I haven't gotten any notifications from my alder about this (go figure), but the neighborhood association has now sent me two notices. Of course, its not my neighborhood association, they are just good neighbors.

City Week Ahead

December . . . things will start tapering off as we get closer to the holidays, but we still have a full week this week.

Vicki McKenna Banned in Cottage Grove!!

Recently, the Cottage Grove village board passed a resolution calling for civil public discourse. Their resolution no. 2011-07, A...

Edgwater Financing Not Secured?

Hm. Looks like they might not really have the money for the financing secured.

WORT Turns 36 Today!

Happy Birthday WORT! Send them a little love! I wonder if they knew 36 years ago that WORT Community Radio would be such a success?

Help Build a Hoop House this Weekend

Gotta hand it to these Occupy folks . . . they are tenacious and creative. And still here!

Here We Go . . . 1st Snow Plowing Update of the Year!

Yup . . . its that time of the year again . . .

A Moment of Silence Please.

A former Common Council member Kent Palmer, representing the 15th district on the east side where Alder Larry Palm now represents passed away on Monday.

Consent Agenda for Tonight’s Council Meeting

Here's what they say they want to talk about tonight, but you just never know what happens!

Tenant Resource Center Further Reduces Services

Yeah, bad time to be a tenant in need! SB107 has reduced tenants' rights and will go into effect in a week or two, TRC is reducing services because federal, state and county funding reductions. Yeah, it all rolls down hill! Which makes us all the more thankful for the wonderful community who really helped us out during our fundraiser! The best since 2008! THANK YOU!!!!

Pathetic Public Process, Again

So, last Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, I attended the meeting of the Urban Design Commission to hear the latest on the 700 E Washington/Gebhardt project. I showed up at 5:20 at the same time as 2 of the 4 members of the public that showed up - and the item scheduled for 5:25 had already finished the presentation and taken public comment.

What Do You Want to See in Our County Parks?

Give input on line, get info, attend meetings, let them know.

Oddest Budget Moment – Joe McCarthy Appearance?

It was Thuy-like.

City Week Ahead

Monday, November 28, 2011 11:30 AM MADISON BOARD OF POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSIONERS 16 N. CARROLL ST. ROOM 500 - Fire Chief Appointment process (no links,...

Purge the Merge and other Village Business

The Village/Town of Cottage Grove merger talks merger talks have been put on hold. I have written before on the...

Hello McFly!

Recently Cottage Grove Village Trustee Micah Zielke went on a little rant about local participation in Government during his officer remarks. "I would like...

New Rule – part 2.

This should be a given, but here goes. New Rule - Staff from really bad politicians make really bad politicians! While there are...

Worse than the Edgewater?

Epic public participation FAIL! I think I found a project that has even WORSE public participation than the Edgewater.

County Board Races are On!

Heidi Wegleitner announces she is running to replace County Board Supervisor Barbara Vedder and filed late last week. Vedder announced her retirement earlier...

Civil Public Discourse – Cottage Grove

Is a great idea to strive for, but personally, if I had to pick, I would prefer INFORMED public discourse. Tonight, at...

19 meetings this week in the City Week Ahead

Wow, I'm surprised . . . usually the holiday week is not so busy.

I Know, Poverty Sucks

I don't ever really talk about these things, but I really do know how badly poverty sucks, and I was kind of lucky because it was rural poor, not city poor.

Awful Federal Housing News

It will be interesting to see how this impacts Madison, looks like we could be losing Section 8 vouchers and maybe some staff. There were also cuts to CDBG (8%) funding as well. Looks like they cut 100% of the funds for Economic Development Initiative, Brownfields Redevelopment, Energy Innovation Fund and Hope VI - which I believe the city was working on an application for Truax for (not sure which fiscal year. Wonder if the council took this into consideration in passing its budget - I didn't hear it mentioned.

Council Operating Budget – Part III, Vetoed, Not Vetoed

Sorry, computer malfunction and I didn't get finished last night, but here's what happened after the Mayor said he would veto the budget and they reconsidered the offending amendment. It's all the drama

Council Operating Budget Live, Part II

Ok, questions of staff and then to the now 19 amendments.

City Council Operating Budget – Live Blogged

Here we go again . . .

County Board Budget is NOT Good News

The spin is killing me. Saying there are a "few concerns" but a lot of good news is pure bullshit. After 10 years of constant cuts and flat funding (essentially cuts as costs rise and funding stagnates) for non-profits that are the work horses of the human services system, this is nearly laughable . . . or cryable.

Budget Reflects our Values?

Yesterday I tried to speak to the common council about how a budget is allegedly a reflection of our values, and I had concerns that this budget is all about the Overture and Edgewater and not what struggling people in the community need. I asked if that really reflected our values, a luxury hotel and high end arts facility. I wasn't that articulate, I was tired and burned out and emotional about it after working too many hours listening to people's stories with so few answers. Fortunately, Heidi Wegleitner said it much, much better than I, so . . . um, what she said.

Capital Budget Part two . . . Edgewater gets $3.3M, not $16M.

Sorry, see part one, technical issues . . . missed a bunch of amendment 11, but will pick it back up now.

Capital Budget Live Blog, of sorts

If I don't live blog it, it won't happen, so this is what you are getting, a lazy live blog of sorts, sorry . . . my job sucks and is sucking it all out of me.

Council Amendments to be Considered Tonight (Tuesday)

For what it is worth . . . here they are.

Mayor to Bob Dunn: Time is Short.

2011, you can have it all (but good luck! it's getting pretty late). 2012, TIF is reduced. Dear Mr. Dunn I read with...

Walker Administration Refuses to Open Capitol Basement

From Chris Taylor . . . no surprises, Walker doesn't want the homeless using the Capitol basement.

Last Minute Process for Council Budget Meetings

Makin' it up at the last minute, staff deciding how the council will do things? How are people supposed to know this? Does the council get a say in their own process and shouldn't this have been worked out months ago when they passed the resolution on the budget process?

Do you live near James Madison Park?

Do you have opinions on what is going on in our neighborhood? Concerned that a landlord/developer who is/was not even a paid member of the neighborhood association was elected the chairperson for the neighborhood group by 7 people? Will the neighborhood vote to support the Edgewater but make it harder for the homeless and the Occupy Madison people? Probably. Last time they spent a great deal of time complaining about the people who bike on Mifflin St. Unless you show up and express a different opinion, these folks represent our neighborhood.

Too Angry to Blog this Morning.

All that comes out of the other end of my keyboard is venom. I can't stomach watching what the county board did last night and what the council will do the next two nights. And then think about the reality that I see every day at work and the people hurt by their inactions. It's unconscionable. Their priorities are so screwed up.

New Rule

With Apologies to Bill Maher, I thought I would steal his famous segment. New Rule: You can't advocated...

The People’s Mic!

Tonight, finally, The Mic 92.1 FM, is making a commitment to local programming again. I actually pretty much boycotted the station...

Will the Landmarks Commission Get the Informaiton they need?

Stuart Levitan fired off a letter to George Austin last week, the staff sent out a damaging report and tonight Landmarks Commission and Urban Design are holding a joint meeting to discuss the Frautchi/Rowland Plan for State St. and the destruction of a couple Madison Landmarks.

County Board to Vote on their Budget Tonight?

This budget season at the county board has been harder to follow than ever, and that's saying something since its near impossible to figure out their budget. But it might all be over tonight.

City Budget Week Ahead

Budget meetings Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday make it so there are very few other meetings this week beyond tonight.

Silent Auction Items for Tonight

Great holiday shopping opportunities, and you can help a great cause (Tenant Resource Center) at the same time!

Tenant Resource Center Fundraiser Tomorrow Night

Music, free food, silent auction, cash bar. 5 - 7:30 Brink Lounge (701 E Washington Ave.) We really need your support, donations of any size welcome, suggested donation $25 at the door (but give what you can within your means, we understand!) Tons of details below.

Cool House, Cool Cause

And, its for sale.

New Proposals for Houses in James Madison Park

The house furthest West has a likely use. Now we have more proposals for the Collins House and the one in the middle (The Ziegelman House)

Central Library Closing on Friday

And no place for the homeless to go has been found starting on Saturday. With the snow coming today, and all the rain last night, could you imagine being outside through all of this? Anyways, here's the details.

Mayor (not WSJ?) Confuses Me

Wait, I read a headline that said one thing, and a direct statement that said another. I'm confused. And I'm not even sure anymore who it is that is confusing me.

Edgewater Continues Heavy Lobbying

I wonder how much they will put on their lobbying report for making the video?

Free Fair Housing Training

Hey, its free! I'm guessing you can also learn some of the laws that the state legislature took away with SB107. There are still...

I Hate it When Developers Do This!

And its even more annoying when someone you like does it! Grrr.

Landmarks: Save As Much of Garver As Possible

A report about Garver Feedmill came out a few weeks ago, the Landmarks Committee has toured the property and they had this to say about it.

City Week Ahead . . .

Hey, looks like we have several agendas in that are usually missing Monday morning . . . interesting! Always remember to check the weekly calendar as there are usually meetings added throughout the week, usually 3 - 8 of them.

Hydrite Meeting Tonight!

Hydrite Chemical is a company that has a location in Cottage Grove that many people are not even aware exists. With the...

WYOU – Documenting the Wisconsin Uprising!

Don't you wish there was an archive of all the video and photos that were taken last spring during the Wisconsin Uprising? Well . . . there could be! There will be!

City Not Doing Enough to Stop Discriminatory Practices of Bars

I'm disappointed, but with a little attention to this issue, maybe we can get them to do the right thing.

Parisi Limits County Board Options, Now Threatens Walker Wheel Tax Veto

Er, vehicle registration fee. There are a lot of people who have signed on to the idea of a Walker Wheel Tax, and Tuesday night the Personnel and Finance Committee heard from many about the their support of a Walker Wheel Tax.

County Budget – Making Progress

We have more info!

Details – Requirements for Conversion of Don Miller Site to Day Shelter?

Ok, here's the devil, er, details. Doesn't sound as bad as I thought it might be, but there are a few hurdles and I wonder who will pay for all of this? Hate to see improvements done to buildings that are going to be torn down.

Occupy Madison to Be Shut Down Today? (Updated)

They don't plan to apply for a permit. You might want to get down there if you care and you can.

Don Miller Properties to be Used as Daytime Homeless Shelter?

Still trying to get the details on this, I've heard a little, have a few thoughts and think the devil may be in the details (still looking for them - not attached to emails I got).

The next AppleTV, and the future of newspapers

It's long, but I can draw a path for how an unannounced AppleTV is part of the future for newspapers.

Neighborhood Issue Resolved?

Well, the developer is once again communicating with the neighborhood and the meeting will go on. Here's the details.

What the Council Will Discuss Tonight (Amended)

At the moment, here's the issues alders want to speak about.

Restrict Conceal Carry = Landlord Discrimination Complaints?

The Apartment Association of South Central Wisconsin recently sent out an informational handout for landlords. I was going to pass it along as being useful, but I noted one glaring error.

SB107 Won’t Create Jobs, Just More Work

At the Tenant Resource Center today, we will be watching the State Assembly hearing today while trying to do our other work. We're just waiting for the hundredth shoe to drop, so we can start updating all our written materials

Absolutely Confused by County Board Budget Process

Apparently, its not just me. This year appears to be worse than ever. Trying to follow it, even when talking to various...

Neighborhoods Not Allowed to Talk to Developers?

Alright, leave it to the near east side to get embroiled in a big misunderstanding based on personalities and political agendas and a whole lot of mistrust.

Still $XXX in Cuts to Human Services

It seemed like good news when County Executive Parisi announced he would "restore" $1.9M in funds, and more good news for some came from Health and Human Needs, but even if Personnel and Finance pass all the amendments, there are still XXX in cuts to Human Services.

SB107 – Landlords’ Rights Bill

It's likely to pass tomorrow (3rd Reading in the Assembly) and for those of you who lost track of all the evil that is...

Not so Spooky (City) Week Ahead

Here is its . . .

Madison Property Management – Doesn’t Care about the Law

Students, renters, beware. They have no qualms about violating your rights if you live downtown this weekend, or anytime else.

(Tenatative) County Board Budget Schedule

I don't know that this exactly makes sense, but here it is . . . 2012 BUDGET – TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (REVISED)

More Bad News for the Poor

You're not surprised, right? Need legal services, you might get through the screening if your problem is bad enough.

Soglin: Resources For the Homeless when Library Closes

Alder Rummel got this response from the Mayor. I, of course, have some comments.

A really long post about the Don Miller projects

The most important redevelopment effort in the City of Madison for the next generation is getting started in the Capitol East District along East Washington Avenue. Read on for a look at some of the projects that could be starting soon, as well as some thoughts on what we can be doing different, and the challenges we would face.

Demolitions . . . More on the Way

A few demolitions coming up . . . more than a couple dozen

Important Neighborhood Meetings Coming Up

Tenants' Rights, Garver Feedmill, Two-Way Johnson St, Bassett/Johnson/Dayton Development, 700 E Washington, Mansion Hill Neighborhood. Willy St Coop Driveway on Jenifer

I Can’t Tell You Why

The Monona Grove School District recently held held their annual meeting. Typically these are sparsely attended and uneventful. This...

First Part of Budget Discussions – Operating Budget Amendments

The second half was more interesting to me, but I had to go to the County Budget hearing. Which I hope to get to later, but I was kicked out of my media seat because I testified for 5 minutes, even tho I spent two hours there taking notes. Not sure I'll blog it as a result because my notes are not very good.

Pre-Budget Board of Estimates Discussions

Ok - here's everything except the budget discussions. CDBG and Office of Community Service merger, University AVe/Whitney Way TIF, sale of house in James Madison Park and police overtime.

Today’s Must Read

Comes from Dave Zweifel at the Cap Times, with a brilliant way to save money in WI. This kind of vicious...

The (City) Week Ahead

Budget at Board of Estimates tonight and a quieter week, since it is last that week of the month.

What is the Purpose of these Tavern Dress Codes?

I've heard about them . . . now you can see them! (without going to these bars that most of my readers would never go to!) Yeah, I sacrificed my Thursday night and took a field trip!

Seven Families Sue Kipp

Lawsuit filed over dangerous levels of contamination.

Recall Repercussions

The results were in this summer with the democrats flipping two seats in the Senate recalls. While the republicans lost two seats,...

More issues with Logans

So, I recently did a training for TRC volunteers and the community and one of my new volunteers got really interested when we were talking about disparate impact and discrimination and wanted to know if these same rules and concepts applied to bars . . . here's why.

Isthmus May Have Pulled the Blog Post, ALRC Applauds it.

It's common knowledge to the ALRC members that there are bar policies out there that discriminate against people of color. They applauded the blog statements and thanked Sconzie for writing his blog post, even tho the Isthmus pulled it.

Read this.

Wow, I was involved in the Edgewater early on as alder, and even I learned about what was going on in this article.

How to Decide to Demolish a Landmark

George Austin kept saying that we had to think about what was going to go in place of the landmarked buildings or that is should "add value" if we demolished a landmark when talking about the project on the 100 State St block. That was still bugging me, I don't see that anywhere in the standards for demolishing a landmark. He also said that Landmarks Commission made a recommendation to the Plan Commission about a demolition, which also, clearly was not true. They issue a Certificate of Appropriateness and its appealed to the council (think Edgewater). For his comments see here. For the real standards and procedure, see below.

Updates on Proposals for Don Miller Properties on E. Washington

Yesterday the Council was briefed on the proposals and all the "challenges" to policies that the projects will face

Short Council Meeting tonight!

What do they want to talk about . . . mostly nuthin. These are the items that are separated "for discussion". Proposed Consent Agenda Exclusions Please note...

Knock Down Landmarked Building for Better View of Capitol?

Really? And completely remove and then rebuild/replace another landmarked building? That's not a facadectomy, that's just offensive. Why are they doing this? So the Overture can host more weddings that can have a better view of the capitol?

City Week Ahead – Almost 30 Meetings!

Nearly 30 meetings this week . . . and they always add more . . .

Don’t Take Your Guns To Town…

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall...

The City’s Anti-Poverty Strategy

The Council will vote on this tomorrow night.

First Casualty of New Policy

Not enough time to get liquor permit, event cancelled. Bummer, because Tenant Resource Center would have gotten part of the proceeds

Rubber? Or Wood?

What do you want on your playground for your kids to fall on? Yup, that's the question!

Benches Reinstalled on State St.

Yup. Unilateral decision of the Mayor.

Hmmm, City digs itself a hole.

Yeah, watch them scramble over the discriminatory bar policies they "support" but did not encourage. This is one of the goofier email strings I've been openly given, without request, since I've been off the council

Firefighters Turn their Back on the Wisconsin State Journal

Drop their subscriptions. $6,000 worth.

Love the Lakes!

We all want to . . . so keep your leaves to yourself! Loving the Lakes is Easy Football, chill in the air, kids back...

Don’t Forget to Vote Today!

I'm not sure who I'm am supporting yet! But, please vote! Maybe even twice! 🙂 The City Clerk’s office will hold a...

City Week Ahead

Monday, October 10, 2011 8:30 AM MONONA TERRACE BOARD OF DIRECTORS STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE 1 JOHN NOLEN DR, DANE ROOM - Review of Mission Statement, Vision...

Immigration as a Moral Issue – Day Two

Slowly catching up on everything, here is day two of this series - Leila Pine and Ramona Natera discuss immigration issues and the laws.

Two More State St. Benches Removed

We're up to 12 now. Despite police testimony that removing the benches won't solve the problems, some confusion about if this was about homelessness or drug dealing or homelessness and no data to help them sort it out, the loss of many benches already, the committee voted unanimously to remove benches in front of Monday's (doesn't like the homeless) and Taco Bell (homeless and drugs) based on the testimony from downtown businesses.

Dane County Budget Schedule

Mark your calendars for the following important dates!

Wow, Racist Bar Policies Ok with Police and Mayor?

I'm not even talking R Place. I'm talking about the policies where you have to have a state DRIVER'S LICENSE (ID not ok) or...

About that City Housing Position . . .

I AM NOT APPLYING FOR IT! I have lots of thoughts about it and the useless Housing Committee tho. But let me repeat . . . I AM NOT APPLYING FOR THE JOB!

Emerald Ash Borer Task Force Recommendations are Here!

This is the Executive Summary and Recommendations, but the info is a bit confusing.

Wall Street Occupation Coming to Madison

Tomorrow (Friday). Reynolds Park. Starting: When people show up. Those who live in the downtown area have probably already seen the chalkings. For those who...

Dumpster Diving while Black and Homeless Illegal

I heard about this ticket a while ago and yesterday I finally got the police report. I just had to share it. When you and I engage is "dumpster diving" or "Hippie Christmas" in August in Downtown Madison it's hip and cool and we're saving the environment. When you're a homeless black man you are committing a crime, ticketed and required to leave the area. Even after the police confirmed nothing was stolen.

What Council Thinks They will Discuss tonight

Here's the items the council members want to discuss. The public may add items to the list by showing up and speaking and then the council may or may not discuss.

Immigration as a Moral Issue (Day One 9/18)

Leila Pine and the James Reeb Unitarian Universalist Church have embarked on a class to explore the issues. They asked me to video tape it and I felt the issue was important enough to do so. So, here's day one (September 18th). Later this week day two, and hopefully day three!

Items of Interest at the Council Meeting Tonight

Sorry I didn't get to this yesterday.

Simpson’s Soliloquy on Words of Reason

This weeks Herald Independent, the paper of record for the Monona Grove School District, had an interesting column from their latest Cottage Grove...

More Changes to the City-County Building Policies

I'm not sure this was voted on by the City-County Liaison Committee. Parts of it may have been, parts of it have not been as far as I know.

The City Week Ahead.

I kept getting distracted this morning . . . but here it is, finally! Monday, October 3, 2011 8:00 AM MADISON DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION HOUSING COMMITTEE ...

Human Services Still Facing Drastic Cuts

It seemed like good news when County Executive Parisi announced he would "restore" $1.9M in funds. But here's the what still isn't funded . . . the list is extensive and breathtaking.

Changes to Neighborhood Resource Teams

Returning them to what they were intended to be . . .

Random Round Up

All kinds of things going on, they are not full posts on their own . . . so here they are mashed together! WILLY ST...

Miss your Bus – Risk Getting Suspended

Yeah - this won't apply to most . . . but it applies to some . . .

Edgewater Project-Labor Agreement Still Elusive

I've heard back from everyone except Bruer and Maniaci and the Building Trades. See the alder responses below.

How much are our Kids/the Poor worth?

Let's face it, the military preys on the poor, who have few options. Madison Metro is helping that happen - at what price? Or profit?

Community Benefits – What we should get for our TIF Dollars

Here's a good example from Milwaukee (and other places). Of course, here in Madison, we've heard about some benefits, but weren't not allowed to see what the agreement is.

Madison Metro (Buses) = National Guard Recruiting Center?

Ok, I've been watching people report in . . . and here's what I've heard so far.

Vote Oct 11th!

Just another way Voter ID or the Voter Suppression Act is costing us more money.

Schlicht!

I have said over and over that the new brand of "fiscal conservatives" mean that if they are for it, there is no amount...

Short (City) Week Ahead

Rosh Hashanah and last week of the month have combined to make for very few meetings this week.

Fire Chief Position Only for Insiders

This kinda smells . . .

Next Salvo Against the Homeless

I was at the Economic Development Committee yesterday and got a heads up on the next issue to ward off the homeless. You just knew this one was coming . . . remove the State St. benches?

Follow Up on the Video Cameras in the City County Building

So, I got a few answers from county staff. I'm not happy with the answers, but grateful for the quick response.

Where is that mysterious Project-Labor Agreement for the Edgewater?

No one seems to know . . . has anyone seen it?

WTF . . . oh I’m not done . . . Part III

Ok, back to the city-county building and something the supes and alders I talked to knew nothing about . . .

WTF Part II – Imagine my surprise . . .

When I saw this at the MUNICIPAL building! Not the city-county building, but the one across the street.

Council Recap – MInus the Church Wars (Part 1)

The rest of the meeting was done by 8:10 . . .

Mayor Dave’s Evil Ways Continued!

City Attorney and Council leadership don't want to follow the rules and let you speak . . . so they are making up their own.

Items Council Plans to Talk about Tonight

This is what is NOT on their consent agenda . . .

City Keeps its AAA Bond Rating

Tho CDA, Water Utility and Sewer Utility not quite that high . . .

How to Count the Votes!

It's the first thing every elected official should learn. Tonight's council agenda, just like last week's county board agenda were the subject of some special rules. Here's the ones for tonight

Florida Gets It . . .

Ahem . . . why doesn't Dane County and Madison?

City Week Ahead – Do Over (Packed Council Agenda for Tonight)

Ok, looks like Legistar is working, I'm feeling a little better after staying home yesterday (I hope!), committees have had time to be late, so lets try this again.

County Board Conservatives Gone Wild – Wasting $100,000 or more?!

Wow . . . I thought conservatives were all about saving money, not wasting it. This concerns an items that normally most people wouldn't have...

Even in Dane County the Fiscal Conservatives are Breaking Us!

We have been chronicling how the fiscal conservatives are breaking the bank, now we see it "trickling down" to the Dane County Board....

Merge

The talks between the Town of Cottage Grove and the Village of Cottage Grove have been continually advancing (as has the cost to the...

The City Week Ahead

Is broken. Legistar doesn't seem to be working, so I'm not going to be able to complete it this morning.

Random Not in the News Round Up

Lots going on in the community, and I needed to clean out my inbox . . . so here's a random list of things you should know about!

Foreclosure Victory!

So many people in foreclosure don't know what to do, this story is inspiring, because it is a story of victory!

The Myth of Education “Reform”

My LTE made the Cap Times website, in a slightly edited version. Here is the full letter(with links): Now that school has resumed,...

Dane Dems, AFSCME 171, PD, and over 100 individuals Sign on

We just got done writing this letter at 4:00 on Tuesday, less than 48 hours later, we have major support from 20 organizations and over 100 individuals.

Teacher Appreciation

From My email inbox: If you love to cook/bake you may already know Penzeys, the wonderful Wisc-based spice and herb store. Their newest catalog...

Unions, Enviros, Non-profits, Faith Communities and Allies United!

Message to our elected officials: Go ahead, charge us a fee for our cars and find other alternatives to prevent drastic cuts to the Dane County Budget. We will support you!

Tenant’s Rights Rally Tonight at 5:00

All that is left is for the Assembly to pass SB107 which will prohibit Madison and Dane County from finding local solutions for local problems including removing laws on the books that prohibit a landlord from requiring 3 times the amount of income as rent, protecting people from being required to give their social security number, removing our protections that require a landlord to deny tenants for only housing related arrest and conviction records and limit that to two years, lets a landlord wait to ask you to renew your lease til 1/4 of the lease is over, limits security deposits to one month's rent, and requires check-in and check-out sheets and photos beofre the landlord takes money from your security deposit.

TIF Primer for City Staff, New Alders and YOU!

Board of Estimates started out last night with a TIF presentation . . . and it wasn't by the you-just-love-to-hate-him TIF Coordinator Joe Gromacki,...

How Bad Have the Needs/Funding Gaps in Dane County Gotten?

Here's a little taste from a few non-profits, NOT the Tenant Resource Center.

Which Human Services Is The County Planning on Cutting?

SEEMS LIKE ALMOST ALL OF THEM! Not quite, but the list is extension. Grab something to drink and settle in, this is overwhelming.

The City Week Ahead . . .

Here we go again . . . I'm spending more time on the County side of things (Human Service Budget Hearings tonight and tomorrow night - Alliant Energy Center 6:00), at the Tenants Rights' Rally tomorrow night (5:00 State St steps) and the Poverty Coalition meeting on Thursday (6:00 Edgewood College).

Follow up to CCB Signs to Get Rid of the Homeless

City-County Liaison Committee met to discuss, but postponed to the next meeting after a little very annoying information was shared.

James Madison Park Houses

Final action on what will happen?

An Open Letter to National Conservative Groups from Wisconsin’s Liberal Bloggers

To: Chris Chocola, Club for Growth The Honorable Jim DeMint, junior Senator from the Great State of South Carolina It is with great disappointment that we...

Urban League’s Closed Meeting

Yeah, I wasn't allowed to go, because I'm a blogger. A few folks who have similar community media roles, but also are heavily involved in the community were asked to leave. Leaves me a little suspicious . . . and curious. I'm not buying it that you can't have this type of conversation with media present.

Now, you can have input.

We've named it, decided the major elements and where they will be implemented, put money into funding it, applied for grants, staff started planning it . . . now you can tinker around the edges and we'll call it a public process. Look, you're invited to the first meeting! Classic.

Baldwin -> Pocan -> Taylor . . . Roys -> ?

Let the games begin! The dominos are falling. I sure hope that this all works out . . .

Mayor’s Bicycling Vision: “A” for effort, “C+” for Execution

Wednesday’s “Moving Bicycling Forward in Madison” Event was packed with supporters of better bicycling infrastructure for Madison.  On the surface, Mayor Soglin hit the right...

Evil Returns . . .

September 13th . . . the Legislature goes back into session. There are two rallies planned for that evening. We're starting to hear what's on the agenda, here's a little taste of the treats they have in store for us!

Council Recap, Minus R Place

Here's everything that happened, minus the discussion about R Place, that merits a little more attention. ROLL CALL Everyone there except Verveer, who will show up...

Items Council Members Want to talk about tonight . . .

So it will be these items, public hearing items and anything the public speaks to that will be discussed tonight.

Some thoughts on the changes to the Edgewater TIF

Some quick thoughts on Soglin’s expected move to cut the TIF assistance for the Edgewater redevelopment.

Short Packed City Week Ahead

24 meetings packed into three days . . . so far.

Some Light Shed on Sunny’s Numbers

Recently The Herald-Independent columnist and writer for the right-wing "think tank" WPRI, recently "reported" on the state of the Monona Grove School District....

What Did You Do On Summer Vacation?

While I worked, we were able to get away for a family vacation in Hayward, WI. Monona Grove School District teacher Brent Schacht...

League of Women Voters Challenges Voter ID

I'm sure they could use your help! I was excited about this for about 2 seconds until I remembered that Prosser is still on the Supreme Court . . . but I think it is important they do this. Find out more and who it will impact.

Today’s WTF?! Moment

Remember way back when . . . we had just elected a Mayor and County Executive that said they understood and were going to do something about poverty. Do you remember last April? (yes, a mere 5 months ago) Based on the way the budgets are going, at the moment it seems as tho they have forgotten those campaign promises. But even when it comes to non-budgetary items . . . it seems the message has not gotten through, check this out.

No Wonder it is so Absurd . . .

The other day I blogged about how absurd running a non-profit can be these days . . . yesterday, I had this chart sitting on my desk and I think I stared at it for an hour, trying to figure out how it got so absurd. A death of a thousand cuts, I guess. Check out the real numbers behind the anecdotes about why nonprofits are struggling, at least for one non-profit I am intimately familiar with.

Thursday Morning Links

As the kids start school today there will be lots of "Scott Walker has saved our schools" misinformation running around the right wing airwaves....

“Eutheanize Welfare Kids”? Seriously?

Fighting Poverty Coalition, Madison Urban Ministy, Community Action Coalition of South Central Wisconsin, UTI (Union de Trabajadores Inmigrantes), Take Back the Land - Madison, Freedom Inc, Progressive Dane and our many and growing coalition members are speaking up, because this is unacceptable.

Other Not in the News Round Up

Upcoming events, requests non-profits, neighborhood association news, etc. It's been a while, so my apologies if your events have already gone by and I didn't post them . . .

Three Important Events This Week

Ok, besides the event at the Labor Temple (see details below) . . . that makes four.

Greyhound Moving . . . Again.

Yeah, I'm not kidding, the 8th time in 2 years

Hey! Where’s the Public Notice on This!?

So, um, if the Mayor and alders are getting together with the business community tonight . . . don't you think you should know?!...

County Board Budget Meetings

Now, more than ever, we need to get creative. But, we can't do that at the expense of the most needy in our community. This is no longer just for budget geeks, this impacts everyone!

Kudos to the Clerk’s Office and EOD!

Consider me impressed!

Proposed County Human Services Cuts

On Friday, the County Department Budget proposals came out. And many non-profits "got the call". Here's some of the cuts that I've heard about so far.

Prosser Cleared?!?!?!

Cross Posted @bloggingblue, because, in lieu of the right wing attack on Justice Bradley and inexcusable defense of Justice Prosser, this story needs...

City Week Ahead

5th Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of August, so fewer meetings than usual. Short blog post.

The Absurdity of Running a Non-Profit . . .

Two things that happened in the last 24 hours have made me stop and think about how absurd my job of the last 16 plus years as Executive Director of the Tenant Resource Center has become . . . and makes me wonder how much worse it will get

Annoying Meeting on 700 & 800 Blocks of E. Washington

This blog post is going to be annoying, especially the end, so not only was the meeting annoying, but prepare to be annoyed with me! And the local media! 🙂

35% FAIL! for Homeless Shelters

Well, 35% FAIL! for our community!!

700 & 800 Block E Washington Meeting

What's going on with the proposals on the 700 and 800 blocks of East Washington Avenue/Don Miller properties . . . here's the latest...

Paul Ryan Ignores Meeting Request from Jobless Constituents, Locks Them Out

Giving Forward Lookout a sneak peek at this piece, which is running in Socialist Worker tomorrow. We socialists are cool and like to share...

Police Report on Mifflin St: End. It. Now.

Here's the findings and recommendations from their report. I'd like to see a longer comparison besides 2008 to 2011, I'm sure they have the data, the very limited comparison seems strange and seems to leave out a big piece of the picture.

Operating Budget Department Requests – Part III

Ok, one more post after this one, see part 1 and part 2 for more info.

Operating Budget – Part II

Part I is here. Here's more of what the departments are proposing.

When Considering Infrastructure, Build for the Future!

Popular culture would tell the city leaders of Madison that in our current budget we need to focus on providing basic services like expanding...

James Madison Park Houses

Presentations on the proposals and input from the public from Thursday evening . . . if you're one of the many who left after the questions, you missed the last 20 minutes of discussion and may want to check it out.

City in August Week Ahead

Whoa, this is a ton of meetings for August . . . when committees routinely take the month off.

Operating Budget Department Requests – Part I

Here's what the departments submitted to the mayor for the operating budget - what the Mayor chooses to do with it we won't officially know until the first Tuesday in October. And then we'll see if any of these budget community discussions has any impact on the requests.

Horror Film Festival/WYOU Fundraiser

Hey, this isn't exactly my thing (but I have some freaky friends/boyfriend who think this is fun), but that is the beauty of WYOU . . . there's something for everyone!

Jim Carrier: Is Rhythm & Booms Worth the Cost?

This was in the Cap Times yesterday, but is worth repeating.

More Not in the News Round Up

Still catching up on my long list of blogging topics . . . so here some more things you should know that I didn't get to yesterday! More for the "good news" portion of the blog!

Drug Sniffing Dogs in our Schools?

Could be . . . have an opinion, take the survey! Do you support the use of the Madison Police K9 unit to conduct drug...

How Will the New Zoning Code Affect Where You Live?

Check out the maps to find out . . . then attend a meeting to give your feedback.

Rick Marolt: Cruelty is bad . . . Unless money is attached to it.

Continuing the series about symptoms and causes of “The Problem” …

Not In the News Round Up

Well, I haven't really had time to read the news, so I'm presuming these are the types of things that don't get written about . . . see how I did . . .

John Nolen Drive Closed this Weekend

Hopefully, you have already heard about this . . .

Drug Sniffing Dogs in our Schools?

Could be . . . have an opinion, take the survey! It'll only take a minute - seriously. Do you support the use of...

Infrastructure?

Snooze. That's the topic of tonights budget conversations with the Mayor . . . but before you give up . . . think about Economic Development (yes, that's one of the topics) and Madison Metro! And neighborhood planning and historic preservation! Now you interested? I'm sure the business community is and will be out in full force, so I hope to see you at the Senior Center tonight! 7:00! Here's more details of what will be covered.

Solidarity for Verizon strikers from Wisconsin

FYI: US Uncut-WI will meet again to plan more solidarity actions at 6pm on Friday, Aug. 19 at MATC Downtown. When workers rights were under...

Work is Kicking My Butt

Sorry, I'll return to regular blogging by Wednesday, maybe even tomorrow . . . I've hired some temp people to help out and it...

Tenant Resource Center Rent Party Toninght

Join us tonight for our Rent Party, buy a raffle ticket, enjoy some live music (Electric Spanking), free food, cash bar and help us thank Megin McDonell for her more than 14 years of working at the Tenant Resource Center!

Tips for Moving Tenants

Er, Tenants who are moving! 🙂 Know any? I bet you do! TOP FIVE FOR 2011 MOVING SEASON! 5. Landlords may not require tenants...

Which Side Are You On?

UPDATE: Josh Eidelson writes to respond to my riff on his piece. These are all good thoughts. Josh did a good job portraying the...

Rent Party and . . .

Megin McDonell is leaving the Tenant Resource Center Celebration! (Whoa! Big changes!)

Housing is a Human Right Resolution

I think this is the final version! Will you or your group sign on?

Not in the News Round Up

About a weeks worth had piled up . . . so here it is in a separate post. Pssst. This is the good news portion of the blog usually. 🙂

Salvation Army Cuts Sunday Morning Community Meals

More service cuts, Tenant Resource Center, Community Action Coalition . . . and now, the Salvation Army

Letter to Paul Soglin’s Assistant

What are you going to do to help the homeless?

Which Recall Elections are Today? And Next Week?

Here's the list.

Erdman Building Hearing Should at least be Held.

At Least one landmark's commissioner finds that the Erdman Building should be heard to be landmarked.

Tenant Resource Center Hiring and Volunteers Needed!

Know anyone who speaks English and Spanish? If they like working with people, we have a job for them! We'll train them! Looking for a volunteer opportunity? We need volunteers too! No need to speak Spanish for volunteers!

City Week Ahead

Let's see if I can finish it this week . . .

Community Action Coalition Reducing Hours

More wonderful - eyeroll - news.

Depressing Housing and Homelessness Facts

As we are putting together our Housing is a Human Right Resolution (still draft for a few more days) we are gathering facts about housing in the Dane County area, and its depressing. And, I have two anecdotes to share to drive that home.

That’s My Madison

Isthmus ran a controversial cover piece this week, called Not My Madison. The author, Terry McCoy, a returning member of the Peace Corps, thinks...

Johnson/Gorham Two-Way Study Discussion at the Council Meeting

From last night's meeting, with bk comments.

Non-Consent Agenda for tonight

If its not on this list or a public hearing item, it will likely be passed as noted on the council agenda.

Report/Thoughts on 2nd Budget Conversation

This one went a little smoother, but . . . there is still room for improvement and with the changes, the final results will be skewed.

Random Round Up

Slightly unorganized and random . . . but of interest.

A Few Arguments for Two-Way Streets

I know two-way Johnson and Gorham is unimaginable to some, but remember, when Gorham was being reconstructed, all the traffic went somewhere and we all survived.

East Side – Lights Out!

Ok, Eastsiders!! It may be a little dark in your 'hood tonight. Be careful! From: Dettmann, Dan Sent: Monday, August 01, 2011 2:07 PM To:...

The Week Ahead

Reminder, they often add meetings to this throughout the week, so you should really check back with the Weekly Meeting Schedule, which is the closest to the official schedule that you can find on the internet. The official notices are hung outside the clerk's office.

Labor’s New Normal: No Concessions

Hello Forward Lookout readers. I'm Andrew, a friend of Lukas and a fellow Madison-based activist. I also write. Nice to e-meet you all. If you...

Tenants Have Rights in Foreclosure!

Hmmm . . . I didn't have much/anything to do with this, but its good info to know!

Not In the News Round Up

Well, since I haven't taken the time to read the news, this is what I'm guessing is not in the news . . . either way, items of interest.

Central Library Plans for Moving

Here's the details of the move.

Meet Randy Hopper

While you have been able to get the latest news on Randy Hopper right here at this humble little blog, there are a...

First Community Conversation about the Budget

Was more about how to improve the conversation, and not much of a conversation.

Board of Estimates Recap

Why we do so many reclasses, a new Finance Director and Overture employee payouts for sick leave . . . with bk comments.

Unions and Community Services, Together!

Wow, this is a first!

Steve’s Liquor – What does the City Owe Them?

Or Dane County, for that matter. From the council meeting the last week. With a little follow up and some bk comments.

Another City Secret?

Ok, how the hell does this happen? Bids have already gone out for two-way Johnson and Gorham traffic study, a nearly $5M project! Staff have already interviewed the respondents

Care about Poverty? Three Important Meetings You Should Not Miss

So much political activism necessary . . . I hope some folks can step up and attend some of these events in the next two weeks and get involved in these important initiatives!

Back to Work Week Ahead

My blogging is about to get really crappy as TRC is about to get really, really busy for the next three months and we have the least amount of staff we have had in probably 10 years.

Step Right Up…..

Wisconsin, the original headquarters of Ringling Brothers circus, which has brought us such acts as Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, Zip...

The City’s Secret Committee

This has been bugging me for a while, my (kinda) open records request was also denied, but the real issue is that the business community has a member on the committee, but the neighborhoods don't. And I think they are in violation of the open meetings law. Thanks to Joe Tarr for his article and reminding me to look into this again. I'll share the little info I do have.

Misplaced Priorities

The Republicans are the party that says government doesn't work and then get elected and prove it. P.J. O'ROURKE, Holidays in Hell The Village Board in...

Overture Discussion at Council Last Night

This was my favorite part of the meeting, so I"m recapping it first. After all, its my birthday and I can do whatever I want, right? And I can't resist a few bk comments.

Weekend, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Not in the News Round Up

Um, I'm horribly far behind and all this stuff is just sitting in a draft folder, so I'm just getting this out there, done or not

City’s New Finance Director

The best of the two, and the only one left standing since the other top candidate pulled out

All Aboard “The Magic Bus”?

With 20 Madison Alders? Is the picture in your head right now this . . .

Kinda Dismal Overture Update

So, how are they doing on their commitments in the structural agreement?

City Budget Process Needs You

Ok, I'm not as excited as I used to be after taking that silly survey . . . but don't let that prevent you from taking the survey or attending these meetings. I plan to attend at least 2 of them.

I’m Furloughed/Laid Off this Week, Week Ahead (Final)

Ok, have some extra blogging time on my hands this week, I'm furloughed and can sleep in, but then watch for posts throughout the day.

Saving Privatized Ryan (brothers)

The Village of Cottage Grove is at it again. They seem to be working very hard to lower the quality of life for...

Why Save the Erdman Building?

Why is it historic? Here's info from the Landmark's nomination.

Another Trip to Europe with FANTASTIC results!!

Ok, I think this just shows really poor judgement and it looks terrible, but I'm glad it changed this elected official's mind.

City of Madison Redistricting

Maps, polling places, process and just about everything you probably want to know . . .

ALEC and Wisconsin

So, Center for Media and Democracy has exposed ALEC and they need your help! Plus, here's some Wisconsin specific materials.

It is Thursday, So Here’s a Round Up

You know the routine . . .

Parisi Threatens Lawsuit over CARPC’s 21% tax increase

'Dem is fightin' words! He sounds like he means business!

Another reason Greyhound really sucks . . .

Ok, its not often I think about motorcycle parking, but this is kinda annoying. Greyhound moved around so much, bumped parking and now doesn't even need the space since they moved. I don't even know where they are any more. Anyways, more than you need to know about motorcycle parking and Greyhound. This is also on the Transit and Parking Commission Agenda.

How should Dane County Grow?

County Board Chair Scott McDonell shares his thoughts . . . two year moratorium on sprawl.

Wednesday Morning Round Up

Here's the little I have for today.

City Redistricting

Info that would be good for tomorrow's hearing - how our maps are impacted by the Republican plan.

Tenant Resource Center Reduces Services in the Face of Dwindling Resources

This is the blog post/press release I've been dreading for about 2 years, we knew the day was coming . . .

Excellent Reminder/Refresher for All Involved in Local Government

Um, yeah, we don't run like a business, there are open meetings and records laws that are important. So, committee members, committee staff, elected...

Community Vigil Thursday

Yadda, yadda, yadda, another protest, another rally, another vigil. No, seriously, pay attention to this one. It's for the little boys killed week.

Madison Metro’s Stroller Policy

Just a reminder of the policy and the consequences. This is on the Transit and Parking commission agenda for Wednesday. And its not just about strollers . . . even tho that is the name of the policy.

Tuesday Morning Round Up

Relevant local news I can find, plus state and "not in the news" news . . .

What You Need to Know if Voting Today

Voter ID bill has some changes that go into affect already today . . . so read up on what to expect. This information is for the 48th primarily, but affects everyone.

More Capitol B.S. -Only Public Hearing on Redistricting Wednesday 10am

Short notice. check. Limited public input. check. Public likely to be ignored. check. Angry and pissed off Wisconsinite....

Weekend Round Up

Here's the news I have . . . city, county, schools, state and things that didn't quite make the news.

The city week ahead . . .

This was 3/4 of the way done yesterday . . . and I just didn't quite get it done.

End of Slow Week Friday Morning Round Up

Here's what I have . . .

Immigrant Workers “Thrown Under the Bus” by Senate Dems

It's hard to believe, but it seems that in this climate of fear and social conflict, Senate Democrats have decided to make life harder...

Council Recap, Part I of III

Everything except the alcohol issues . . . sorry its late, but there were 26 pages of notes and I went out for a beer after the meeting . . . that's what you get for free! But you won't find it anywhere else . . . this is what didn't make the news. There's some interesting issues that were discussed for a change.

Hmmm, still not much news Round Up

Guess everyone is on vacation? GENERAL M&I PAYS MILLIONS TO LEADERS WHO FAILED Good job if you can get it. And we all pay. But...

Business to Cozy up to Local Elected Officials

City Council and County Board schmoozefests planned. Sponsored by DMI, the Chamber, the Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Smart Growth Greater Madison -...

Wednesday Morning “Not Much News” Round Up

Holiday week . . . so, this post is weak. GENERAL NEW DOWNTOWN BED AND BREAKFAST I'm so glad someone is doing something with this house! ...

Council Talks Naked

Two amendments to the ordinance. From: Clear, Mark Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2011 1:55 PM To: ALL ALDERS Cc: May, Michael; Mayor Subject: Proposed amendments to item 93 (public...

What will the Council Talk about Tonight?

Getting naked and downtown drinking. No joke, that's what they are planning to talk about tonight, check it out for yourself.

4th of July Weekend Recap

Not much by way of news, at least not the news I'm interested in

Organics – City Program to Collect Food Waste, Etc.

Week three of the pilot program.

Don Miller Proposals Update

Why are they so afraid to release the proposals? Why keep them secret?

More Budget Process Info

The dates and places are set, the meetings run 7 - 9 with doors opening at 6:30. Here's more detail on the topic areas and committees that are involved.

Soglin Message to City Employees

Scott Walker impacts overwhelming, but he'll try not to make it worse. Watch for a budget process for employees to participate in.

Short Week Ahead

One day already down . . .

“This Fourth of July is yours, not mine.”

Samuel Johnson's pronouncement about patriotism being "the last refuge of the scoundrel" has been widely misinterpreted - he was actually denigrating members of the...

ALDO under attack!

Hmmmm, looks like the Alcohol License Density Ordinance in place for downtown is facing some challenges. We might actually see some changes not just in the ordinance, but in the attitude and begin stepping away from this goofy, arbitrary ordinance (that for the record I voted against!) Alternatives in the works!

Update on Budget Participation

Everyone has been asking me about this, so here's a little news from today! Complete with dates and times of when you need to participate.

Local and Not in the News Round Up

Sorry its late, had the day off so I slept in . . . and then when I was half done, I lost it. 🙁 But I soldiered on!

Madison Metro Routes This Weekend

Holiday schedules, detours around Warner Park, Paratransit rides cancelled.

David Ward: Sweatshop Chancellor?

With Chancellor Biddy Martin's departure to Amherst following the New Badger Partnership fiasco, UW System picked a familiar face to serve as Interim Chancellor....

Local News Round Up

This one is easier to do, since there is so little news. This round up goes back to last Friday, so 7 days...

See YOU at the Capitol Today?

Solidarity Sing A-long, Tenants' Rights and Local Control Rally and Get Well Soon Unions!

Not in the News Round Up

Uh-oh, I haven't been so good lately. Time to clean out the email.

This is a BFD: Selkowe endorsed by Madison Teachers, Inc.

With a nod to the Vice President, this is more than a big deal: Vicky Selkowe earns one of the biggest endorsements of the campaign in the 48th Assembly District. Read on the for the release!

Random Thoughts….

I went to the District 48 candidate forum at Talula tonight. I arrived late and was only able to see the last half...

Have We Missed the Moment?

Matt Rothschild has it right: "The mood in Wisconsin is dejected." It was just a few months ago that the whole country had its eyes...

The Landmarks Commission’s Dilemma

When is it appropriate to say a building should be saved? And when is it too late? And how to the give their opinion about something if they don't have it before them?

Will the State Journal Editorial Board Ever Change?

One reader sent a scorching letter that has gone "semi-viral". And yet, he hasn't given up yet, but instead, wants your help

Mega-Short Board of Estimates Recap

Very, very short.

The Purpose of Ride the Drive

I have a problem with the way Mayor Soglin seems to be framing the issue of how to improve Ride the Drive.  When the...

Mayor Paul Soglin’s Speech to Capitol Neighborhoods

This is why I voted for him. He gets it.

Collective Bargaining

Recently, former Monona City Administrator Dave Berner, a "guest editorial" regarding the evils of collective bargaining. While working on my response...

City Week Ahead

5th Wednesday and Thursday and going into the 4th of July weekend makes it a shorter week.

Wednesday and Thursday Round Up

You know this routine, this is what I have . . . sorry I didn't finish yesterday morning, distracted by work and SB107

Wednesday & Thursday Morning Not in the News Round Up

This got long, so I made it a separate post, the rest is on its way.

City Attorney as Policy Maker Council Recap

Seems funny when the council and now the mayor end up arguing the law with the city attorney on the council floor. That shouldn't happen, they should trust that he is giving good legal advice, but when the City Attorney acts like a policy maker and tells them he doesn't need to answer their questions, what's an elected official to do. With bk comments.

Council Consent Agenda for Tonight

Looks like two items are of interest.

Want to Learn to Make Your Own Video?

Camera and editing classes this month as well as July and August!

Channel 3000 Irresponsible Editorial.

Either they have inside information about something and are doing the bidding of the developer, or they are WAY off base. This is the editorial in question. Sorry, its about the Edgewater, but hey, they brought it up!

Tuesday Morning Round Up

Here's the items I found of interest in the news, and a few that were not in the news.

Brief Plan Commission Recap

As I'm writing this, they're still talking and I just didn't feel like typing 5or 6 or more hours so I watched the meeting and here's the highlights.

Tenants and Their Allies Should Watch Where They Shop!

Here's the M&I and Johnsonville version of businesses tenants and their supporters might want to avoid as they are members of the Apartment Association of South Central Wisconsin who supported SB107 and are supporting AB155 that is up before the Assembly Housing Committee Wednesday at 10:00 that will strip tenants in Madison of their current protections. (Read more here)

Not in the news round up

Ok, cleaned up some of my inbox . . . . this is what I've got after sorting out over a weeks worth of 100s of emails. I feel like I might have a handle on my to do list now!

Long Weekend Round Up

I took Friday off and went to Ifdakamp . . . so here's a bit longer round up.

(City) Week Ahead . . . Maybe, Kinda, Sorta

Certain to change . . . but here's what I have for now.

Of The Midnight “Revision” of Paul Revere

I had been meaning to let this go, but it has been on my mind as a microcosm of the political events of recent...

Wisconsin Professional Police Association Endorses Vicky

Recently the Wisconsin Professional Police Association Endorsed Vicky Selkowe "In a crowded field of outstanding candidates, Vicky Selkowe's experience and expertise are second-to-none," said WPPA...

Capitol OPEN!

Well, lets see if they follow this court order . . .

Dark, Gloomy Round Up

And I'm not referring to the weather, but the mood of Wisconsin. Sad days. Sad, disgusting, gloomy days.

Lookin’ At the Supreme Court Decision

Particularly, Abrahamson's awesome dissent. Rudy Moore, a friend of mine from Foley & Lardner helps break it down. Rudy was a judicial intern for Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson. Besides being an attorney, he's also an electrical engineer, recipient of a Congressional medal for service in Antarctica after spending 13 months there, and he's a commercially licensed pilot.

Assembly Passes Budget

I watched til about 2:45 and fell asleep. It passed around 3. Each Democratic Party amendment met the same fate . . . "gentleman from the 69th", "table", good arguments made, falls on deaf ears, vote 60 to 38. But still, I watched. Here's Barca's statement.

Tenant Protections Further Endangered by Senate Yesterday

So . . . just when you thought we had avoided the worst but it was bad enough . . . they threw in something new to SB107.

More Demolitions

I did a demolition round up, but they keep coming, so here are a few more.

What a Shitty Day Round Up

Ok, I took my camera and went back to the capitol yesterday. The best sign I saw simply said "a sad day". Indeed. If you think yesterday's round up was depressing . . . well, today's is worse.

Board of Estimates Recap

Short meeting.

Weekend and Monday Round Up

Didn't round up yesterday, so here it is from the weekend and yesterday.

He who must not be named….

There is an incredible amount of fake outrage on the right regarding Anthony Weiner, from head nerd Reince Priebus on down. ...

Week Ahead . . . for now

Til it changes, in a matter of hours . . .

Republican Horror Extends to Animals, Too

The forces of justice and progressivism are more active than they've ever been in response to the Republican state budget. But one issue that has...

LED Street Light to be Installed. Near You?

The city has been installing them since 2009, here's the latest efforts, plus the pros and cons.

Another Day, Another Round Up

Well, lots of blogging to be done, but this is the best way to get out a bunch of the basics, so here it...

Vicky Selkowe earns endorsement of entire Madison School Board in AD48 race

Remember, ForwardLookout is a multi-author blog, and we're not all supporting the same candidates. I'm supporting Vicky Selkowe, and I thought this was pretty impressive news: in very strong Democratic field, today she announced the endorsement of every elected member of the Madison School Board. Now, I'm biased, but more and more I'm hearing her described as 'front-runner'... read on for the announcement!

Think Globally but Pay Attention Locally…

The Village of Cottage Grove meeting this week was very telling of four members of the board. This item: e. Ad Hoc...

Wednesday and Thursday Morning Round Up

Didn't blog at all yesterday . . . too much to do, too little time. So double round up! LOCAL NEWS BLOGGITY-BLOG...

Focused Deterrence? Does Madison Need it?

I got this notice about a meeting about public safety and set it aside for further review and never got to it, but luckily, someone else did. So, here's a quick overview.

Capitol Happenings Not to Miss!

Nicely summed up by the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice and others, just passing along information.

County to Require Electronic Filing of Campaign Finance and Economic Interest Reports

In a time when we are seeing less and less transparency at the capitol, its good to see that the county board is trying to add transparency. Meeting tonight if you'd like to support this effort! Thanks Kyle Richmond and county board supervisors supporting this!

Should We Allow Trapping in Dane County Parks?

Thanks to Ann Emerson for the contents below . . . last day to comment is today.

Soglin’s Side of the Monday Protest Story

Kyle drew a little attention with his post questioning the Mayor's role and promises with the protests on Monday. Blaska vowed to get to the bottom of it. I had already asked and got and answer from Soglin but not the police and shared that with Kyle, so Kyle made a clarification . . . but here's what Soglin said.

Redistricting Updates

From city staff . . .

A Clarification

Not to drag this issue on longer than it should, but I feel it necessary to more clearly elucidate a few things said in...

Tonight’s Council Agenda Items

Well, for what it is worth, this is what they may or may not talk about. There are a couple retirements, a forensics presentation and Steve's Liquor that will take longer than all this probably.

Why Did Soglin Call in the Cops on Union Protesters?

Yesterday's march from Madison's Fire Station 1 to the Walkerville camp and around the Capitol - stopping by the criminal M&I Bank along the...

Scott Walker was right….

Governor Scott Walker appears to have been correct when he said: "We're Broke and Can't Negotiate." Unfortunately the members of the legislature did...

Walkerville Takes on Healthcare

Today's topic! Healthcare! Complete with a boxing match! Join them at noon and 7:00!

Fall Ride the Drive Back on?

On again, off again, on again?

Help the City Save $8M

No, not this year's TIF for the Edgewater, but another neighborhood issue, this one on the far west side.

Local Officials Speak Out Against Pridemore’s Arizona Style Immigration Law

A County Board Supervisor and City of Madison Alder make a statement. Good to see their leadership on this.

Tuesday Morning Round Up

Sorry I skipped the weekend, but here's this morning's round up.

Cottage Grove – Leadership Institute

It has been said that the people lead and the government follows. There have been many examples of this throughout history. Pressure...

Bus Riders Needed!

Please read, your help needed.

This Might Be the City Week Ahead

What it looks like as of this morning, as always, watch for adds to the weekly schedule, cuz there are always meetings they add throughout the week.

Support Nonviolent Civil Disobedience to the Budget

As Brenda  posted earlier today, protesters interrupted yesterday's Joint Finance Commitee meeting, reading prepared declarations against the massive cuts to education and elimination of in-state...

Friday Morning Round Up

3 days in a row, not a habit yet . . . but forming. And with a little attitude this morning. It's nice to have more opinion, less reporting. 🙂

Ride the Drive Details – Including some info on how to move downtown

To me, this event is kind of a pain in the ass. Because of the one-way street we live on, we're kind of trapped . . . along with the about 15 - 20 cars per hour that drive down the one way street the wrong way risking car accidents by not stopping because there is no stop sign when going the wrong way. Kinda fun, kinda scary to watch. No police or volunteers in sight to help with the traffic issues people just fend for themselves and make up the traffic rules and the poor visitors are just completely confused because there is no signage about where to go. In short, it creates a mess in my residential neighborhood that is outside the loop. But maybe that is the intent?

Civil Disobedience Comes to Joint Finance

In a new and different way. People carried out of the Joint Finance Committee meeting yesterday. Here's the statement on that action and what they were trying to read as they were carried out.

Boombox the Wasteland!

The creativity of Madison is always intriguing to me . . . looks like another creative event!

Get Thyself Back to the Capitol

Rallies ramp up as the budget is set to be passed. I can't keep all the events straight, but here's a few alerts taken from several sources. Please add some in the comments if I missed them!

Thursday Morning Round Up

Day two . . . of attempting the return of the round up.

28 Demolition Notices This Year . . . So Far

I've been kinda slacking on the demolition notices, so here there are since January 1, in case I missed some. Will remain more vigilant moving forward. In all, there 28 demolition notices so far this year. If I got this right, it is 7 multi-unit residential properties, 9 single family homes, 8 commercial buildings plus the Bethel House and St. Paul's Chapel and 2 vacant lots. Some of the information is pretty vague.

The Return of the Round Up?

I'm not making any promises, but here's a round up of Monday news and maybe a bit from the weekend. It's a little tough, cuz there isn't much news left in this town, but here's my shot at it.

No Room at the Inn.

15 nights this year, families were turned away from the Salvation Army's overflow shelter, because even the overflow homeless shelter was full. Why is it that families and children get turned away, but single men have multiple overflow shelters? And the men's shelter doesn't turn anyone away when it gets too cold but the families have a strict lifetime limit in shelter.

Garver Feed Mill Art Incubator Proposal Pulled

Common Wealth Development withdraws its proposal to create arts incubator at Garver Feed Mill.

An Empathetic Education

Advocates for accessible, quality and public higher education should count the recent news as a definitive victory: The Martin/Walker plan to split UW-Madison from the...

Beaches Closed!

See which ones below . . . very few seem open.

Alder Non-vite!

I've never seen an alder with so much contempt for a neighborhood and the people who live here.

Short Week Ahead

An not much time to add more meetings . . . this is what it looks like at the moment.

Protesters are Responsible for Striking Down Anti-Union Bill

With Judge Sumi's ruling striking down Walker's collective bargaining law, it's worthwhile to recall just how it came to be that the Republicans ended...

Citizen Dave . . . double speak.

Seriously. He's a nice guy, so he gets away with this, or he did.

Traffic Nightmares for Memorial Day Weekend

Yeah, that's not news . . . but there is a marathon going through town on Sunday that will be snarling up traffic, not...

New Info for Tonight’s Redistricting Meeting

Plenty of time to pour over it, right?

County Budget Instructions

I'm really confused by this memo. Why can't we have a community discussion about priorities? Isn't that exactly what we should be doing? How is that precluded? Also, the across the board cuts don't work, its much more complicated than that, why have departments that have huge income from state and federal sources have the same cuts of 5% and 10% as those that are dependent on local taxes. There's no creativity in these instructions. Why not have people cut 5% and 10% of their GPR instead?

Maybe I am divisive….

Showing a case of Sour Grapes, former appointed Cottage Grove Village President Mike Mikalsen, submitted a LTE to our local paper attacking me....

Fitchburg Passes Resolution in Support of the RTA

I know the State Legislature and Republican leadership hates Madison, but this isn't just about Madison.

Council Discussion on Participatory Budgeting

This discussion was from the CCOC (Common Council Organizational Committee), two days before the Mayor discussion on the budget There's a little discussion about this on thedailypage forum, which I don't really totally understand what they are talking about, I don't know if its about this discussion below, or this post or information from this post. Either way, it started out mis-informed and has just twisted all the facts. (Shocking! I know!) So, here's the discussion that was had about participatory budgeting.

Debate Scheduled for District 48

Election dates to fill Parisi's seat finally announced! July 12th for the primary, August 9th for the general. So, time to have a debate!

May is Historic Preservation Month

Event on Thursday, Walking Tours this summer, and don't forget about the FREE house!

Issues the Council Members Want to Work on this Year

This is from the CCOC (Common Council Organizational Committee) last week. The issue is what will this committee, which is the only "council members only" committee will work on. It's a chance for the members of the committee to talk about what they thought were priorities for them to work on. Generally, these would be council related issues. Here's what they came up with. And my comments.

Redistricting Update

Update from Brian Grady, the city staff for the City Redistricting Committee. Meeting tomorrow night, but its not on the weekly schedule. ...

Board of Estimates Recap

Police overtime, but not Overture . . . and an interesting discussion about pesticides, green roofs, downtown multi-modal transportation plan and the sustainability plan. More cheers for Paul Soglin! Love this guy! [with bk comments]

What a Goofy Press Release

"Click it or Ticket" is about what?

Gypsy Moth Spraying Starts Today

Watch for those low flying planes. 15 sites in Dane County, 12 in the City of Madison.

Google and Smart Phone Apps for Madison Bus Schedules

Ah, all these technology upgrdes in the city . . . it's lovely!

Meetings Added Yesterday to the Week Ahead

The "Weekly Schedule" expanded as usual . . . here's the updates.

Andy Heidt Condemns Proposed Unraveling of Wisconsin’s Health Care Safety Net

Defending BadgerCare and Medicaid . . . and condemning Scott Walker's plans de jour to decimate the state.

What Might be the City Week Ahead

Watch for additional meetings of Senior Center Board, Vending Oversight, Redistricting and likely others

A Note on Jeremi Suri’s Departure from UW-Madison

The campus buzz is that History Professor Jeremi Suri is off to UT-Austin, set to double his salary from $113,000 to $220,000. In the Cap...

CityCampMadison

This Saturday, May 21st, is “CityCampMadison” http://citycamp.barcampmadison.org/ The idea behind a CityCamp is to bring together people who are interested in "Civic Entrepreneurship" - creating solutions...

A New City Budget Process to Include YOU!

Wow. This is what some of us progressives have been dreaming about for a long time. Words like "participatory budgeting" being spoken by the staunchest Democrats! And Soglin has a vision for how to do city budgeting better. The council seemed a little more trapped in their ways and couldn't seem to figure out how it might work, but had some ideas.

Participatory Budgeting in Madison?

Meeting tonight to hear initial projections for the budget. Rummel has requested that CCOC talk about participatory budgeting. Here's some info on tonight and participatory budgeting.

Will the Voter ID bill be in effect in every ward?

The Wisconsin Assembly passed the "Keep Democrats From Voting in Wisconsin" bill in a 60-35 vote (all republicans and inexplicably 2 democrats) voted...

City Council Recap – Part I

A day late, but here it is!

School Board Budget Meetings (Updated)

Wow, this was totally off my radar this year! Budget hearings are tonight and Sunday afternoon.

County Redistricting Delayed

They would have voted on it tonight, but are delaying for more input from areas like Sun Prairie and others.

To Merge or Not To Merge….

In the Village of Cottage Grove and the Town of Cottage Grove that really is not the question of the moment. The question...

Items to be discussed at Common Council tonight

Here's the items the alders separated and want to talk about for one reason or another.

Let the (Capital City) Budget Begin!

Mayor Paul Soglin puts out his capital budget targets with an eye towards how much money we have to spend in the operating budget to pay back our capital spending spree we've been on.

“Proposed” B-Cycle Locations

Um . . . "proposed" but phase one will be done by Sunday. And phase 2 will be done 10 days later.

Plan Commission on Comprehensive Plan Changes (Part 1, Mostly Grandview)

This is one of the first discussions on the controversial items in the Comprehensive Plan. This caused a few more people to show up.

In Support of Take Back the Land

Organizations come out in support of Take Back the Land and their attempts to show how the banksters can't have it both ways. They got the bail outs and the homes! They are calling for an apology from Alder Lisa Subeck and creative leadership from her and the Mayor.

Tenant Resource Center Opens Office on UW-Madison Campus

That's right, we now have 4 offices! Our Willy St office, our Housing Help Desk on Aberg Ave. at the Dane County Job Center, our Milwaukee office and now ASM Office on campus!

The Plundering of Village(Cottage Grove)Government!

“Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day.” – Thomas...

The City Week Ahead

This will either get finished before 11:00, or tomorrow.

Comprehensive Plan – On to the Controversial Items

The phase one, the easy part is near done. Now, on to the changes the developers want, and the neighborhoods don't. The big changes people were aware of were at Grandview Commons Grocery and Cherokee Marsh, but you will want to check out the other changes too.

No More Real Player!

Ok, this is a bit of a geeky matter, but we should see some very real improvement to the city channel on-line presence. They've crawled out of the cave they were in and moved forward . .. . check it out!

M&I Shoves Protesters, Evicts Homeless Woman

Despite what some people might think, I had nothing to do with this action, or organizing this, or writing the press release. I've been too busy with work and WYOU to have time to participate or even support the group. I'm simply an ally that supports the efforts of mainly homeless and formerly homeless people to do what they need to do. Cuz what we are doing, is not working.

Some Good Tax News For Madison

An extra half a million dollars in nothing to sneeze at . . .

Paul Ryan Watch

A bunch of us started up a new blog today.... The Paul Ryan Watch With everything that has happened in Madison at the...

Rookie Mistake, Or Bad Aldering?

Wow. I'm blown away by the following press release that Alder Lisa Subeck, former advocate for the homeless and affordable housing and the poor, turned politician put out earlier today.

This Board of Estimates is Different Recap (Part II)

Sister cities, farming city parks, BREWD grant for Royster Clark, Development Review Process Report, undergrounding utilities (who pays and how the work gets done)...

Heidt Questions Voter ID Need and Cost

$7.4 million? I thought we were broke, but not too broke to prevent people from voting.

This Board of Estimates is Different Recap (Part I)

No Tim Bruer, No Dave Cieslewicz, No Jed Sanborn. No Mark Clear. And a return to ,minimal bk comments.

Troy Drive Historical Society Storage Project

Update from the community meeting.

Heidt Condemns Fast Track Mining Approval

Ah, campaign season, without an election date . . .

Dust off your green tights . . .

And prepare to do your best Robin Hood . . .

Maybe This is the (City) Week Ahead

So frustrated with meetings being posted late . . . who knows if this is even close, but as of this morning this is what is posted.

Scott McDonell: Smaller County Board Bad for Us

This is in response to the repeated calls from the Wisconsin State Journal for a smaller county board. As usual, the FACTS matter.

Have Bike Projects You’d Like to see done?

Mine are, finish the bike boulevard on E Mifflin and fix the bike issue with the one way traffic on the Ist block of E Mifflin off the square. What are yours?

County Board Recap

County Board meeting and hearing on redistricting, in less than 45 minutes.

Capitol (Legal) Updates – Court Cases Galore!

Here's an update from the City Attorney on some of the court cases going on about all the events at the capitol in February and March.

County Board Redistricting Meeting Tonight

They are a little more political than the city is on this . . . so its more important to have more input and...

Housing Committee gets a Wake Up Call!!

Uh, yeah, we have major problems with affordable housing. I think this was a sobering meeting for the committee members. I don't think they realized the depth of the problem with affordable housing in Madison. And honestly, I think they have more to learn. Many thanks to staff from Salvation Army and YWCA for coming to speak to them.

Willy Street Eats

I thought this was too important not to pas on. Madison magazine recently posted a list of Willy Street restaurants that will be...

1 Hour City Council Recap

At the end of the meeting, which only started 2 minutes late, someone called the Mayor 7:30 Soglin. Question is, will this short meeting trend continue? Or will the council find something to talk about?

Show me what democracy looks like….

PLEASE!!! Here in cottage grove, we found out last night, that we have a royal family and no one is allowed in...

Consent Agenda for Tonight

For now, until it changes . . .

Andy Heidt Demands Walker Immediately Schedule Election

You know, people have the right to be represented!

City/County Consider their Protest Sign Policy

Who knew the City-County Liaison committee could be so interesting, and man, did this meeting make me miss Ben Masel!

The Governors “tools” and the President’s “stimulus”.

Governor Walker has been in office for just a few months and they have been an eventful few months. Before he even took...

The “E” Word

Yeah, the issue that just. won't. go. away. City briefs due May 14th, and the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation has a request of the new Mayor.

Cottage Grove – Where Democracy is a dirty word!

We recently held elections in Cottage Grove where Mike Mikalsen, lost his appointed position of Village Board President. The new Village President,...

Other Possible Meetings this Week Including Council

This is what else you can dig up if you look in legistar, but you never know if these meetings will happen or not. I'm guessing, however, that the Council meeting will happen. 🙂

People of Color UP, Women DOWN

It's still a man's world baby! Even here in the City of Madison.

This Might Be the City Week Ahead

I have absolutely no confidence that this is actually what the city week ahead is, since they managed to miss the Council meeting. But, here's what's available at the moment.

What You Need to Know if you are going to Miffland

Here's info that I've been told as one of the volunteers that you might like to know if you're going to Miffland tomorrow.

Random Round Up

Oh yeah, remember the round up? I should probably start doing that again, eh? Anyways, here's a bunch of random things I have from this week.

WORT Needs Help from Cooks!

For all of you who have that special recipe . . . this is your chance to be in a cookbook!

Revisiting the Battle of Miffland

I'm volunteering for Capitol Neighborhoods at the Mifflin St Block Party to help inform people at the event what to expect (I feel obligated, I voted on the exec committee to help sponsor the event) . . . we've come a long way from where it started.

Are you kidding….follow up

I wanted to follow up to this post. Where some anti-education individuals from Cottage Grove complained that a note was sent...

Average.

I asked someone in city hall, who has been around for a long time, what they thought of the "new council" and after first pausing they said it was "average". I laughed. That sums it up perfectly.

We Have No Money.

I recently talked to an alder who said every conversation with the new Mayor starts off with "we have no money." Here's why.

Spring Bike Fair

Want something less political this weekend, on May Day, this might be it.

Dane County Recount Report

Here is a report from Steve Brist in the City Attorney's office.

County Redistricting Update

They will also be having public hearings in May. Updates thanks to Melissa Sargent.

Green Madison

Energy efficiency assistance for homeowners.

Redistricting Updates

Committee meets tonight, the council meets tomorrow and community meetings coming up. If you care about who your next alder might be, and who else might be in your district, now is the time to pay attention.

May Day Rally

Madison will March for Immigrant and Workers' Rights on May First

Students Confront Biddy Martin over Privatization Plan

More than 150 students and community members rallied on Bascom Hall yesterday and and confronted Biddy Martin with a list of demands regarding the...

Not Very Exciting Week Ahead

The last week of the month usually is a little slow, but what is exciting is several agendas that usually pop up late are in on time. I wonder, is this a new world order?

Brett Hulsey is Worse Than a Grandstander

Bill Leuders pens a really revealing piece in the Isthmus this week, detailing Brett Hulsey's widely condemned attention-chasing during the upheaval at the Capitol....

Clean Sweep is Back!

Dispose of your chemically items correctly, please!

Council Recap Part II

Well, I'm ready for a new laptop! But for now, this external keyboard will do. Here's the rest of the meeting.

New Council and Mayor First Meeting Recap

And Mayor Soglin was in his seat and started the meeting on time!

Noon Council Meeting, Part II

Keyboard totally being random . . . so I got this the best I could.

What Will the New Council Discuss tonight?

Well, we'll see, but this is what got pulled off the consent agenda. Theoretically, the rest will be passed as indicated on the agenda unless members of the public show up or they pull it off the agenda tonight.

Community Gardens on the Library?

Staff report says no. Community group has a lot of good information and a different opinion. Council votes tonight.

Landlords want registration service, no fees

Um, so everyone else should just pay for it? Do they think this stuff just happens for free?

New Badger Partnership Propaganda

While most politically active students - from the Teaching Assistants' Association to the Student Labor Action Coalition to many members of the Associated Students...

Madison’s Economic Development Plan

In these economic times, doesn't this plan seem kind of underwhelming? Where is the creativity and responding to immediate concerns. This is just more of the same from several years ago. How many jobs will this create? How much will it increase the property tax base? What are the real measurements for this work? I'm not inspired.

Paul Soglin’s First Substantive Legislation

From tomorrow's council agenda. One for city staff. Restoring the cut of Arthur Ross's position. Mayor Dave unceremoniously cut his position from the...

Union Corners Update

From Alder Marsha Rummel . . . what exactly is going on with that pile of rubble at Union Corners? And new plans for the site.

New Mayor and Council City Week Ahead

Change is coming, will it be all that we want it to be?

Vicky for assembly

I attended my first ever candidate announcement the other day when Vicky Selkowe declared her candidacy for the 48th assembly district, replacing Joe Parisi....

Assessments are Out!

Unclear where to find the bottom line on what is means for the city in terms of revenue. The best I could tell...

On Which Committees Will Alders Serve?

What a nice Mayor, not holding the appointments til hours before the meeting.

Maniaci Illegal Electioneering

Oooops, busted.

Alders Comments on Redistricting

Several alders sent out notices about redistricting meetings coming up and a few of the east side alders added some of their own comments...

Renters in WI Struggling . . .

166,090 renters and 6,525 homeless people in Wisconsin are barely hanging on. How much more will this increase with Walker's assault on Wisconsin? Check out these numbers:

Falk Recommends Disolving CARPC

Yup. I'm not kidding.

Landmarks Commission on the Sustainability Plan

Many, many hearings on the sustainability plan this week. I covered one of them here, two others were tonight.

Whose House? Our House! Is M&I Listening?

On Friday, Take Back the Land held a rally and press conference about a house being foreclosed on by M&I Bank. Check out their proposal on how to match housing with people.

Bikies Updates

Arthur Ross to keep his job? Updates on Wilson St and biking with Willy St. Construction

Parisi To Resign on Thursday!

From the Assembly! (Not County Executive!) There are already several people running for his seat and more jumping in.

Parisi Continues Putting His Staff Together

Dane County Executive-Elect Parisi Names New Communications Director/Executive Assistant Joshua Wescott is his Chief of Staff, his campaign manager is now his media person. Casey Slaughter...

Why the Choice for County Clerk Matters

I believe that the appointment of the next Dane County Clerk will have a significant impact on the future direction of our State, our...

Federal Housing Counseling Money Gone!

Once upon a time (about 7 years ago), the Tenant Resource Center got $60K for housing counseling from the federal government to run a statewide toll-free line. Then it went to $40K, then $25K, then $20K, then $0, then $20K and now back to $0. And now, no chance of getting any money, because the entire program has been zeroed out in the federal budget. Check out what will be lost!

Tea Party Rally (Counter Rally) on Saturday

It's amazing how many people forwarded this to me . . . they must be casting a very wide net to get people there. But I'm not sure it's the people they want there. How much will we outnumber them by this time?

More Meetings Added to the Weekly Schedule

Ok, this is just crazy this week. Yesterday they added 4 more meetings for today and one for tomorrow.

A Sign of Things to Come

Sorry, no more services for the poor and people in need.

Committee Members and Staff Needed

Soglin is looking for you! Women and People of Color, now encouraged to apply!

Housing and the Federal Budget

Not so good news . . . of course.

Want a Free House?

Seriously. It's free.

Full Circle

One of my first posts on this site was in regards to a column written by Chris Rickert. In the column...

Board of Estimates Recap

Police department overruns on the training facility take up most of the time . . . and probably will again at the council.

WE ARE WINNING!

I received this in my email today and wanted to share it for a couple of reasons. The first is do not get...

CNI Geranium and Impatiens Sale

Just as April showers bring May flowers, so too does Capitol Neighborhood’s annual Geranium Sale.

Important DNR Conservation Congress Tonight

I promised to blog about this, then promptly misplaced the papers with the details, but . . . here's a note from another party...

Let the agenda additions begin!

Ooops, there's a plan commission meeting tonight . . . yeah, that's a major miss on the weekly agenda. I wonder, how is it legally noticed now? 4 meetings added for this week in the last two hours.

Madison Parks Watch

Do you want to help watch your park to make it safe? Upcoming training for neighborhood groups.

City Week Ahead

Here's what it currently looks like, but there are regularly meetings added, so check the weekly schedule yourself for additions.

SEIU Heathcare WI want Ballots Impounded & Recounted

Revelation by Waukesha Republican Official with Known Credibility Issues is Questionable & Eerily Familiar to Previous GOP Efforts to Disenfranchise Voters, Re-Write History

Redistricting Updates

Some of this info has been out for a while, but I was distracted. Here's the maps, public meetings and a legal opinion. MAPS Several...

What Does a Paul Soglin Win Mean?

It could be a real game-changer. Here's some things to watch out for in the next few weeks.

Joanne Kloppenberg Officially Wins!

Press release from the campaign.

The Conservatives Are Doing it and You Should Too!

Conservatives are launching a massive campaign to find reasons to overturn votes.  Even a blind squirrel gets a nut once in a while, and...

Cottage Grove/Monona Election results!

Thanks to the Herald-Independent! The new Mayor of Monona and President of Cottage Grove: Monona results: Bob Miller has defeated Council President...

Open Records request findings…

I recently did an open records request from our Village Board and found a couple very interesting documents that I felt needed to be...

Election Night Parties! (Updated)

Here's what I know, will update when I know more.

Election Day Advice! (Updated)

Go vote! Tell your friends to vote! Tell your family to vote! Tell your co-workers to vote! Take someone to vote with you when you go vote! Vote! Vote! Vote! (and here's who I would vote for . . .)

Where Do D20 Alder Candidates Stand on Bicycling Infrastructure?

A couple weeks ago I sent a quick questionnaire to the two District 20 Alder Candidates, Dave Glomp and Matt Phair:  Can you tell me...

Think before you vote!

There are so many reasons my alder makes me a little crazy. Today, there are two things bugging me. One, is forgivable...

Still Haven’t Decided Who to Vote For?

Here's a few things that will help if there are any of my blog readers that are still undecided.

Won’t someone think of the children….

We recently had Budget listening Session in Cottage Grove, conducted by our State Representative Gary Hebl and Legislative Fiscal Bureau Head Bob...

Most Important Thing This Week Not On Week Ahead Schedule

Here's this week's schedule, but the most important thing to do to decide the future of our city is to vote tomorrow!

The Great Cookie Caper!

I received this email from a local Village resident(thanks for putting me on the mailing list). While I am not surprised that one...

Allied Drive Neighborhood Says Hold On Mayor Dave, We’re Not Done Yet!

Mayor Dave says Madison has no more troubled neighborhoods, and data will prevent future problems. Allied Drive Neighborhood disagrees.

No Problem With Poverty In Madison?

The Darbo-Worthington Neighborhood begs to differ Mayor Dave! Dear Mayor Dave, Along with several hundred of my eastside neighbors, I attended last week's People's Forum for...

Lawton and Lautenschlager Endorse Soglin

Soglin Campaign: Barbara Lawton and Peg Lautenschlager endorse Paul Soglin for Madison mayor plus Terese Berceau commercial. Former Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton and former Attorney...

Let’s Never be Edgewatered Again!

Edgewatered: "1. To approve a project by sweeping aside ordinances, plans and policies and by giving the developer a large financial incentive. 2. To employ favoritism and expedience. 3. To govern without consistency and predictability." What's Manaici got in store for us next? What kind of paybacks has she gotten? A lap top and some fancy fundraiser food, I wonder if they had steak?

Weekend and Monday’s Capitol Events

Monday is the anniversary of when Dr. Martin Luther King got shot, so the unions are pulling out the stops and wanting to get everyone to the capitol in a Memphis to Madison rally. Here's the events they are promoting. And some others I think are of interest. And please, ask your favorite local candidate what kind of help they need this weekend, Monday and Tuesday as they struggle to get the word about about their candidacy with all these distractions.

Lies

The on thing that drives me the craziest about politics is the lies. Check out the lies about Kloppenberg.

Who’s House? Our House!

Join Take Back the Land-Madison, and community partners, for a series of actions to put pressure on M&I to take social responsibility, and show respect to renters and homeowners.

Details on Free Cab Rides to the Polls!

Thank you Union Cab! And now Badger Cab too! I'm sending in my donation!

Dane County Republicans Gone Wild!

What more crazy shit could they do? I want someone to apologize for this. I love my facebook friends, check out this awful/crazy press release about Judge Sumi if you haven't already seen it, their behind the scenes explanation of what they really meant and some of the comments from my friends.

Spring 2011 Election Endorsements

The Spring 2011 sample Ballot is out and its time for my spring endorsements for the local election. 1. Wisconsin State Supreme...

Council Recap (Part I), Sans Zoning Code Rewrite

Well, I got done what I could, I was triple booked last night. This includes the discussion on the hijacking of the Madison Metro bus for the Republican Senators . . . so enjoy! Part II and III may appear later this week if I have time!

Tonight’s Council Consent Agenda

For now, until it changes . . . here are the items they expect to talk about on the agenda. Here's some other items of interest they won't talk about . . . unless someone signs up to speak about them.

Clean Wisconsin Action Fund: Vote Parisi

No surprises, but for the record.

Realtors “Embarassed by” Realtors Association

It's about time! From the Marquette Neighborhood listserv: Dear Neighbors, Many of us Realtors have been very embarrassed by our state associations (WRA) endorsements and candidate contributions....

Representative Gary Hebl Listening Sessions

Representative Gary Hebl will be holding listening sessions in both Cottage Grove and Sun Prairie before next Tuesday's election! For Immediate Release ...

Dane County Education Meeting

The community wide education meeting was very much a success. With a solid crowd and great speakers, the Sunday afternoon meeting...

What?

I'm having a hard time reading between the lines here, did they seriously say the TIF Coordinator won't answer questions except from the developer and policy makers after his report is out? What's the mayor's role in here in the first points? Can you say Cieslevistan?

Calendar!

We've been working on updating the community calendar we have, and you will start to see events there again. If you have events...

Short City Week Ahead

I dunno if the agendas just didn't get in, or if the week is really this short . . . I expect more agendas to roll in.

City Sustainability Plan: Input Needed!

Take the on-line survey, attend a meeting, get involved!

Teacher Pay – Part 2 – Solutions!

I have been accused of just complaining and offering up no solutions. Since I offered up we need to pay teachers what they...

Teacher Pay

I wrote a LTE regarding teacher pay last year, and in Lieu of The community wide education meeting, I thought I would bring...

PolitiFact

I was listening to WIBA-AM recently (Here and here)and the President-select of Cottage Grove was on Mitch Henck's show(I am not sure why...

Madison

Saw this video made by some guys from Oakland, CA and it rocked and needed to be shared!

New Parisi TV Ad

The Dane County Way . . .

Sundays Community Meeting

Hope to see everyone Sunday, March 27, 3-4:30 Monona Grove High School Commons 4400 Monona Drive, Monona How did we get here? What do we anticipate with the...

Republican Bully’s

H/T to Jay Bullock for catching this. Last week UW-Madison's own professor of history, geography and environmental studies penned this op-ed in the NY...

Tenant Resource Center “Iron Chef” Cook-off Tonight!

5 - 7 Brink Lounge (701 E Washington Ave) . . .

Cottage Grove Village elections (redux)

I wrote about this in detail here, but i recently came across a letter I wrote to the village board prior to the 19...

Just for fun

A nice tribute to badger hoops and the desperation of the Bruskewitz campaign.

Clerk for a day . . .

Will our engineers, garbage collectors, parks staff, city planners and police and fire staff all be serving as clerks for election day?

Styrofoam Saturday?

Ok, that's odd. But good.

Fair Wisconsin . . . Not Fair?

Fair Wisconsin often has progressives rolling their eyes about their endorsements that usually follow the Democratic Party endorsements. This one, has me scratching my head . . .

Racial Disparities in Criminal Justice System

Talk, study, talk, study, talk . . . lets see some action! This meeting could be a place it gets started, for real.

Parisi Favorite of Sheriff and Deputy’s Association

Interesting, aren't the conservatives usually the cop favorites, since they blindly fund whatever the department wants so they can "get tough on crime!". . . interesting times we live in.

Union Cab Rocks!

Check this out! This is why they are simply the best! Ok, just one of the reasons . . .

Unrepresented Employees would like to negotiate . . .

If ever there was a question about if public employees had enough protections under the law, without being in a union . . . here's an answer for you . . .

Scott McDonell: Which Eileen Bruskewitz would we get?

If she won the election, which Eileen Bruskewitz would we get?

Furloughs for Non-Union City Employees?

Really? What a deal! Not.

Madison is “Open for Business!”

Yeah, that was proclaimed loud and clear by a local Downtown Business Leader at the Plan Commission. No, not before Walker was elected, but just last night.

The “Spring is here!” City Week Ahead

After a week, I still have the plague, it seems to have gotten worse over the weekend, as I lost my voice.

Are you kidding?

The members of the Dane County School Board Consortium and WAES (Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools) have gotten together to sponsor a public meeting...

Nolen Centennial Project Public Meeting Saturday – and a thought on Rhythm and Booms

The Nolen Centennial Project is hosting an informational meeting on Saturday at 10am at the Alliant Energy Center. That got me thinking about bigger uses for the Nolen Causeway and Lakefront right now - possibly this July

Court Cases for the Revolution

Here's the dates/times on two of them:

Parisi Scoops Up Endorsements!

22 County Board Supervisors and Scott McDonell . . . this is from Tuesday, but I doubt it was covered.

Carol Lobes: A Bill of Pariculars

Governor Scott Walker and Republican Co-Conspirators’ Blatant, Divisive Actions to Destroy Cooperation and Collective Bargaining in the State of Wisconsin

State Budget Information Forum

Tonight from 7:30 - 9:30.

Neighborhood Assoc.’s: Allied-Dunn’s Marsh/Dunn’s Marsh NA Seeks Help

Join them on the Square Saturday at 3pm.

Development Process: UDC and EDC Discussions

The Urban Design Commission and Economic Development Commission both had this item on their agenda last night. I was the only member of the public to make it to both, and only two staff did, which is a shame, because I think the UDC was grossly misrepresented at EDC.

Irritated with Urban Design Commission

Pssst, pay attention to how you impact others . . . if we've learned anything in the past month, its that public process matters....

Mark Pocan To Fitzgerald Brothers . . .

The State Legislature over the past few months has been transformed into a vindictive and malicious institution with severe repercussions. March 16, 2010 HAND DELIVERED Senate...

Support the Scene – 3/17 – 3/19

Thursday March 17th I know I did not post anything last week, I was busy with band stuff. We opened the show for Jackie Greene...

D. A. Complaint that was Filed on Open Meetings Violation

Here's a copy of the complaint. It names Jeff Fitzgerald, Scott Fitzgerald, Mike Ellis, Scott Suder and Doug LaFollette as defendants. And, it asks to find them in violation and make their action void.

Discrimination Complaint against Waukesha County!

Wow. Everyone is getting radical!

Its not about anger…its about hope.

Scott Walker recall   H/t to Harris Lemberg I wonder if any other politician in history has been on both sides of a recall? At least...

Common Council Recap (Minus Zoning Code Rewrite)

The Zoning Code Rewrite was referred after a public hearing, but they will vote on the 29th which is amazing how quickly this is now moving. I'm sure unintended consequences will be felt for years. They spent about an hour and 10 minutes listening to testimony from what mostly looked like lobbyists. Here's the rest of what they discussed last night.

Dane County Executive Candidates Interviews

John Quinlan and myself interviewed Eileen Bruskewitz and Joe Parisi.

Meeting to discuss Walkers’s $900M Cut to Schools

Scott Walker's path of destruction continues, with a huge cuts to schools and more . . . here's a meeting to try to find out more information about how it will affect the schools and what can be done about it.

Items Council Members Will Discuss Tonight (Updated AGAIN)

These are the items that need more than 11 votes or alders want to talk about tonight. And of course, there is the Zoning Code Rewrite public hearing tonight as well.

Alders Seek Reimbursement for Inappropriate Use of Madison Metro Buses

By the Republican Senators . . . Larry Palm, Shiva Bidar-Sielaff and Chris Schmidt will likely be joined by many others in asking...

AFSCME Endorses Dave, Gets a New Contract

I thought there was something fishy, how could AFSCME endorse a guy that recommended automating the parking attendants and privatizing the Overture. Maybe...

Which MM is more popular? Mark Miller or Mike Mikalsen?

Tonight in the Village Of Cottage Grove, appointed village president Mike Mikalsen and Dane County Supervisor David Wiganowsky, are holding a...

See You at the Wedding Tonight?

After you're done protesting M&I bank tonight, make your way over to High Noon . . . for a wedding!

Alternate Side Parking Ends

This press release looks like one of my worst blog posts . . .

Absentee Ballots Available in City of Madison

Absentee ballots are now available for the April 5 Spring Election.

Madison Schools Make Up Plan

Revolution or not, the kids still have to be in school a certain amount of time, so here's the plan to add a few minutes to the school day to make up for the days kids walked out and teachers didn't show up.

Landmarks Commission Recap

Catching back up with what is going on with the Economic Development Commission report on the Development Process revisions and the landmarks ordinance and procedures.

The Late (City) Week Ahead (In Progress)

Slowly catching up on everything . . . very . . . slowly . . .

Christopher Richter: Why I’m Upset

Some thoughts about what is going on in Wisconsin.

Sights and Sounds from Inside State Capitol Yesterday Morning.

It was crazy. While you were all locked out, I got a view from the inside. It wasn't pretty. People not arrested, but being physically dragged out of the area in front of the Assembly Chambers, media denied access to the event, Assembly Dems locked out of the chambers and in the middle of it all, Jesse Jackson. I explain the series of videos I posted yesterday, so you can see what you were denied access to.

How you can make a HUGE difference!

I saw it posted on a few different blogs, people asking the author (how can I make a difference?). h/t Jessica Ace...

Comprehensive Plan Amendments: Track One

This item is a list of potential non-controversial changes to correct errors or omissions or to include things that were approved in other plans. They would prepare the amendments if this list is approved.

Board of Estimates Recap

A little short, but at least I'm back to paying attention to city business AND my keyboard works which makes blogging much, much easier! Yay!

Plan Commission Live Blog (of sorts): Bethel Church

Now that I have a keyboard that I can rely on, I feel comfortable doing this semi-live, you'll have to live with the typos. First item of interest for me was the Bethel Lutheran Church Informal Presentation.

Various Labor Panel Discussions

I don't have the video done from the event at the Orpheum yet, but here some more labor panel discussions.

East Side Cancer Causing Chemicals in the Water?

Do you live in the Carpenter-Ridgeway Neighborhood? The Eken Park Neighborhood? The Emerson East Neighborhood? If Yes, then your kitchen tap water probably has a tiny bit of the 'likely' cancer-causing chemical PERC in it.

Zoning Code Rewrite, Comprehensive Plan Review and Development Process Revamp

It's all going on and coming to a close in the next month or two . . . so if its important to you, your last chances are coming up. I wonder if this political climate will tip these discussions, or if our local bigger businesses will continue with their favored status vs normal citizens who live in the City of Madison?

The Return of the City Week Ahead

Yeah, its back . . . after a three week break.

You Can’t Shame The Shameless!

In the midst of the whole "budget repair" bill fiasco and Governor Walkers re-igniting of the progressive movement in America, the republicans in wisconsin...

Tomorrow Noon: Responding to the ENTIRE Walker Agenda

In the first mass rally organized to respond to the entire Walker agenda . . . WE ARE WISCONSIN! RALLY Saturday, March 5th ~ Noon to...

Can they really hold Senators in Contempt?

Here's a legal opinion saying why they can't . . .

Crazy 20 days: Wis Labor Protests

This is day 20 of my video taping the current events. The last 24 hours were clearly the craziest. Twice I was told I was risking arrest during the last two weeks, but nothing happened either time, and in the end, justice prevailed, for now . . . here's what happened in the last few hours.

News Links

News Links Build yourself a Micro House and beat the sytem! Hillary Slams Pro-Wrestleing. I may have to unleash the Crusher on you. Earmarks = BAD,...

Capitol Lockdown: New Rules for Today

Today's events of note I know of . . . 12:00 - Arts WI marches to the capitol from the Concourse 1:00 - Trial Resumes 5:00 - Funeral March from Bascom Hill 5:30 - Rally at State St. Side. Now, the rules.

Support the Scene 3-3 thru 3-5

Thurday March 3rd Today in 1931 the "Star Spangles Banner" officialy became the US national anthem. Here is a version by The Grateful Dead. Umphrey's McGee...

Local Conservatives Stymied by Lack of Understanding of Open Records Law

A while back I reported that local conservative groups were launching a series of open records requests with the Madison School District that targeted...

Apologies . . .

So, I haven't posted in several days. Have 16 days of video footage with some good stuff and no time to edit ....

I did it – did you?

I recently asked people to check with their local politicians, on how they feel about Governor Walkers "budget repair" bill. I sent...

Highway Funding Grows 14.7% in Governor’s Budget

The budget has been released, and the big transportation news is that the Governor is proposing to increase highway spending by 14.7%.  The money...

Trumka- “It already has!”

I was recently given the opportunity to sit down with AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. Mr. Trumka was very cordial and positive and had...

What the People of Wisconsin Want to Cut

I have brought up this poll before, but it is worth repeating as we brace for the Governor's Budget speech Tuesday at 4pm. A November...

Weekly New Links

Weekly News Links Welcome to this weeks news links, plus a couple that I just found interesting. It's tuff being a Republican in Hawaii.Churches open doors...

Cottage Grove – open for clients…

Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, and honest lobbyist, and an old drunk were walking along when they simultaneously spotted a hundred-dollar bill ...

Update from Madison Police?

Where are they getting their information from . . . the Assembly is voting today . . . around noon possibly. And, it...

WMC Message: Support Walker

Here's a flyer from today's Wisconsin Manufacturing and Commerce meeting at Monona Terrace COMMUNITY and Convention Center, which is closed to the public today....

ballot box solutions…..

Having spent lots and lots of time at the Capitol, many of the great speakers there keep mentioning recall. Not only of Scott...

Support The Scene 02-24 thru 2-26

Thursday - February 24th Happy Birthday goes out to Lonnie Turner from the Steve Miller Band. Here is a clip of them doing The Joker on...

More Sunny….

I addressed the fact that Sunny Schubert kept her affiliation with WPRI to herself here, and she addressed it here. Looking between...

Heritage Foundation’s Spin on Protests

A wonderful example of the reality distortion field that Scott Walker is putting Wisconsin into: Wisconsin Union Protest: Myth vs. Fact In the video, protesters...

Walker FAIL! 2 – 1

Building a Stronger Wisconsin Poll Finds Voters Overwhelmingly Think Walker has Gone Too Far in Proposals Related to Public Employees

Protests everywhere . . .

In several states and throughout Wisconsin.

Video from Day 5 and 6

And more coming!

Liar

I really hate it when politicians do . . . well, what SOME politicians do. Stretch the truth to ridiculous lengths. I never did this, and I don't expect my elected officials to get away with it either.

The Day or So Ahead . . .

So distracted . . . .

Conservative Activists Launching Counteroffensive Against Teachers and State Senators.

Conservative activists have begun mounting recall efforts for at least 4 state senators: Mark Miller (Monona), Fred Risser (Madison), Jim Holperin (Eagle River), and Bob...

Rallies today, 10:30 and 4:30

I had heard noon - 3, but the South Central Federation of Labor says this: URGENT: You are needed in Madison. The whole...

Maxwell John Love: On the Budget and the UW

It's tied to the Walker stuff. An important read.

WORT Live at the Capitol – Jesse Jackson

From WORT:

Volunteers Need: Labor Rallies

A few requests I have heard of . . .

A Word from ACLU on Protesting

ACLU of WI Legal Observers Protect Right to Assemble and Speak

Wisconsin State Journal Editorial

In regards to  this editorial, I sent the following letter: I just wanted to let you know that with today's ridiculous editorial, If the...

CAST (Communities and Schools Together) Stands with Teachers!

CAST defends public education, supports protests.

WisDOT Head Discusses the Future (Roads, Roads, Roads)

WisBusiness.com just put out an interview with WISDOT head Mark Gottlieb.  During the interview, the word "transit" was never used.  WISDOT's priorities seem to be...

Weekly News Links

I surf around and read plenty of news stories every week, here are a few that I enjoyed and wanted to pass along. Dems Vs. NASCAR ...

10 years later . . .

The County is finally going to require electronic filing of campaign finance reports. The city has been doing this for years.

Sights and Sounds, Day Four Labor Rallies

Wow, it just keep going and growing . . .

Sights and Sounds from Day Three, Political Rallies

I'll keep posting video here as it comes in. Here's what I have at the moment from the WYOU family and friends. Monday, 1,000 people, video here. Tuesday, 10,000 people, video here. Wednesday over 30,000, video below. And today . . . expect more as the UW schools walk out, over 35 area schools closed, Madison holding a rally and special council meeting tonight. Senate votes today. Talking to many of the "old timers", no one has ever seen anything like this.

Sights and Sounds from Day Two, Political Rallies (More Updates)

REPOSTED DUE TO MAJOR UPDATES: Ok, vote first, then make your way to the Capitol or the Orpheum. Here's some bits and pieces and I'll add the video as I get it done.

Middleton Common Council Passes pro-RTA resolution.

Yesterday, the Common Council of the City of Middleton passed a resolution supporting the Dane County RTA, placing a 1/4 sales tax increase on...

How Walker’s Proposal Affects (City of) Madison Employees

From a memo from City Attorney Michael May.

About those predictions . . .

How'd I do?

So, did you vote?

Was there a pathetic turn out yesterday? Do the results mean anything?

Support the Scene 2-17 thru 2-19

Hello and welcome to my attempt to create an interesting and informative blog. My current plan is to post two or three shows that...

Go Vote!

Election Day votes and predictions.

Changing Four Laws to make B-Cycle Legal

You knew it was coming. 4 laws "Thus far" need to be changed. The bikes aren't allowed where they want to put them, the signs don't comply with the sign code, a charter ordinance is needed to advertise in the Right of Way and something about the permit process. You can't make this stuff up.

Mayor: Give City Employees Latitude on the Rallies and Organizing

Be flexible and understanding but follow the law and contracts.

How Will W’s Budget Repair Bill Impact the City of Madison?

Here's a brief run down, the staff will be further briefed at 10 am this morning at a Division and Department Heads meeting room 354 in the City-County Building.

Mayor Calls Emergency Council Meeting

Yeah, more shameless political pandering in an election year. Eyeroll.

Video from Today’s Labor Rally at Wisconsin’s Capitol (More Video Added)

Adventures in video, with Brenda . . . it's not terrible.

Policy on Undergrounding Utility Wires in a Flash!

Board of Estimates today, Board of Public Works Wednesday and probably approved by council a week from tomorrow. So, if you're interested in how much you pay and how and when and why, you might want to read this.

Defense of Not Inspecting New Furnaces

Channel 3 did a story on how the City of Madison does not follow up on inspections of new furnaces because the contractors do not tell them they are done with the work. The city responds:

Let’s get them on the record!

Governor Walker came out last week with a union busting bill - Lots more information here. A couple of things have been overlooked...

E Washington Public Informing, Not Public Input

Right before I left office, you could see that the public input was not really wanted on East Washington and I was having trouble getting information from staff, they have gone from a 25 member committee with lots of input, to public informing in the last two years.

Worker’s Protest (City) Week Ahead

It's hard to focus on anything local or tomorrow's elections with the latest Walker assault on our Wisconsin way of life. But, here it is.

Random Round Up

Lots of things in my inbox to share . . .

Don’t forget to vote! . . . this Saturday?

Don't have time on Tuesday? You an absentee vote tomorrow morning 9 - noon.

Where does the Chormium VI in our Water Come From?

Coal Ash? MG&E?

City Still Making Money by Towing Your Car

West side and Willy St.

TAA Endorses Szarzynski

Oooops, missed on this morning . . . got buried in my email!

Stop Piling on….

I know Chris Rickert, is fairly new to the Wisconsin State Journal, but I usually really like his columns. Today however, his...

Democrats Favor McDonell

Who do the members of the Democratic Party think should be the next county executive? The straw poll says . . . Dane...

Ethics . . . Is there hope?

After attending the Ethics Board meeting last night, it really feels like there need to be reforms in the ethics process. "Complainants" hardly have a chance of being successful in the current system.

More Towing Tonight and Tomorrow

I keep hoping that S Few street shows up on the list since one car has screwed up about 3 or 4 parking spots...

Last Pre-Primary Dane County Executive Debate Tonight!

United for Funding, a group of coalitions and agencies that work in the human services field will be asking questions about Human Services issues, which is half the county budget.

Wineke on TV

Fightin', he's fightin!

McDonell Record of Creating Jobs

Jobs, jobs, jobs . . .

Parisi on TV: The official announcement

I scooped them on their own story by accident . . .

Wineke Endorsement: Operative Plasteres and Cement Masons

Operative Plasterers & Cement Masons Endorse Joe Wineke for County Executive

Dane County Executive poll

The Spring Primary is less than a week away. With the questions surrounding the poll released by Joe Parisi's campaign, I thought...

Soglin = $50,968 Cieslewicz = $19,829

What do the latest campaign finance reports mean? Is Cieslewicz in trouble?

Start Reading!

91 page report is out from the Economic Development Commission on how the development process should be modified. I lost track of the process somewhere along the line, so I'm not sure what changes were all made. There are many, many (over 80!) attachments in legistar with lots and lots of input, but this is the final report. Of course, there will still be public input and there could be more changes, but I'm kind of doubtful much will change. Additionally, check out the input our new Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development gave . . .

Issues with Parks and Open Space Input

You have until Feb 15th, next Tuesday to fill out the on-line survey, last chance to give public input tomorrow. Some of the concerns I've heard about the input process follow, as well as details on how you an give input.

Buses, RTA and Irony.

So precious.

More on Snow

Fire hydrants, more towing, bus stops . . . only one post, so skip it if you're tired of snow.

Sometimes, I love the Student Newspapers

They accidentally tell the story just a little too truthfully! 🙂 Yeah, we're not discussing the project with the public openly ....

Parisi Up on TV too? (Ooops, link fixed)

Stumbled across this, only 4 views, so it's very new.

McDonell Endorsed by Affordable Housing Action Alliance

Only Scott McDonell and Joe Parisi sought the endorsement and Scott McDonell's answers were more substantial came out far ahead. That, along with his record of working on these issues put him over the top. Check out their answers.

Progressives Endorse Szarzynski

Oooo, first alder press release in the races . . . at least the first one we have received since the announcements.

Brandon on TV

He may not have filed his campaign finance report with the rest of them, but he apparently has some money . . .

McDonell has double the Money in the Bank

Twice as much as the other candidates. Will money win in this election? And, ahem, Brandon, where's your report? McDonell Continues to Lead Money...

Plan Commission FAIL!

Stunning. Did they even read their packet?

City Wants to Tow Your Car if You Live . . .

Here . . . or there . . . here's the list.

Wanna buy a house in a park?

We got three and they're about to be up for grabs! In yet another abnormal process. Seems as tho abnormal is now the normal.

Public Cut Out of Planning for Downtown

This is just backwards. There's 12 blocks of Downtown that are being planned by an un-named staff team and the public is not being involved at all?

Comprehensive Plan Revisions Discussion Returns

Plan Commission discusses PROCESS ONLY, tonight. As plans to revise the Comprehensive Plan moves forward on two tracks. One for the non-controversial items, one for the others. (i.e. Grandview Grocery and Cherokee Marsh area)

The All-We-Can-Talk-about-is-the-Packers City Week Ahead

When I'm posting this, I don't know if they won or lost yet, but either way, we'll be talking about them all week, I"m sure.

Wisconsin Republicans Planning to Secure Road Funding, Destabilize Transit Funding.

An e-mail sent out by the Wisconsin Urban and Rural Transit Association reports strong rumblings that either the Governor or the Legislature will try to...

McDonell Endorsed by Countywide Local Leaders

Town Chair, Mayor, Alder, School Board etc.

Teamsters Endorse Wineke

Here's another one . . .

Caprenters (Dual Endorse?) Parisi

Hmmm, looks like the carpenters didn't just endorse Wineke, but Parisi too?

Wild and Crazy ideas for downtown development

The loss of the rail connection to Milwaukee and associated train station project in Downtown Madison has caused us to step back and reconsider redevelopment plans for the two blocks at Government East. I have just a few long-shot ideas – the public market should be just off of State at North Henry, and the new hotel should be at the state office building at 1 West Wilson. These are quite possibly totally infeasible ideas, but they at least illustrate larger issues that we need to think about.

Sidewalk Snow Removal Deadline Extended

Til Friday at noon. We had ours done by noon today, as did many of our neighbors. The streets tho, wow . . .there's just a path plowed down the middle still.

Move Your Car or Get Towed (Tonight and Tomorrow, Day and Night)

And tomorrow night and Friday. I hope you dug your car out or paid to park in the garage.

Carpenters Go For Wineke

Another endorsement, and why . . .

Scott McDonell Starts Running TV Ads

A link to the ad included.

No Snow Emergency Tonight Either?

Wow, this is an odd new strategy. 6 inches of snow last night, no snow emergency. 6 - 8 inches of snow tonight and no snow emergency. I think we need to define what a snow emergency now means so people can know what to expect.

Sunny Kept Us In The Dark…

In the Monona/Cottage Grove area,while we are a decent size community and many people read www.madison.com for their print/online newspaper, we have a respectable...

Brandon’s Radical Idea #4

Had to get it in yet this month . . . just barely.

Soglin Campaign Outraises Cieslewicz, Diverse Supporters

I'm surprised the fundraising is so lopsided.

Wineke Says He’s Raising the Most Money Per Day

But not the most money.

Electricians Endorse Parisi

IBEW also endorses pre-primary.

Snow Updates: No Snow Emergency Tonight

Well, ok.

Tenant Resource Center Annual Iron Chef Cook-off

It's that time of year again. Find out how you can help!

Dave Cieslewicz: B-Cycle LLC Bike Sharing Program

Ooops, Dave did get his answer in . . . he was just late . . . and I went off to work!

Paul Soglin: B-Cycle LLC, Bike Share Program

My question this week. Paul answered, Dave didn't.
Sure, its cool but . . . is it a good idea to make a sole source deal with Trek to provide bike kiosks for the City of Madison at a cost of $300,000 ($100,000 from this year's contingent reserve) to the taxpayer in this current economy? Should there have been an RFP, why or why not? Is it appropriate to use money from the contingent reserve?

City Week Ahead

Snow. Snow. Snow. Hope Snoop Dogg makes it to Madison!

Blotz Drops Out of Mayor’s Race

Of course, his name will still appear on the ballot . . .

Volunteer to help Tenants (and Landlords) in need!

Tenant Resource Center is looking for volunteers!

Chamber of Commerce Endorses Cieslewicz

In case there was any question about Cieslewicz not only abandoning the left, and moving to the middle . . . he's now gone completely to the right side of the political scale . . .

Weekly Round Up

So distracted with the elections, that I have not had time for the usual round up. Here's a round up, non-elections related, not in the media items. Will do an all elections/news round up for this week this weekend

Barrett goes for Parisi

Another endorsement for Parisi.

District 1: Candidates Top Issues

District 1, Far West Side/SW side of Madison.

Progressive Dane, Not Dead Yet.

Not taking over the world either. Just doing what we do. Progressive Dane announces endorsed candidates for 2011 spring elections.

One of these things, is NOT like the other…

Dane County Supervisor Kathleen Falk, recently announced her decision to resign in early October. Falk said she also wanted to give candidates...

David Cieslewicz: Three Changes

What would be different a year from now if we re-elect our current mayor?

Oregon Progessives County Executive Debate . . .

I can't believe I forgot to post this, its been playing on WYOU for the past week . . . doh!

CNI Mayoral Debate . . .

all the details . . .

Unfreakingbelievable.

You'd think, that after all this time, if the Mayor is being lobbied by his buddies, he'd have them register as lobbyists, right? Especially when it is a high profile and unusual budget item. Yeah, B-cycle LLC and Trek aren't registered as lobbyists. Time to file another complaint.

District 13: Candidate Issues

District 13 is the near south side, Bay Creek, Vilas and Brams Addition.

Nick Hart: Three Changes

Perhaps, the most honest answer.

Changes at Overture

The Foundation changes its name and adds board members. Will any of it make a difference, now that they are allegedly on their own and can't come back to the city? Or will they fail and will they be back? They have a lot of money to raise every year in a bad economy.

Parisi endorsed by Planned Parenthood

I'm surprised by the endorsements coming out, since many are waiting til after the primary.

Wineke Endorsed by Steelworkers

More endorsements in the endorsement race for County Executive Candidates.

District 8: Candidates Top Issues

District 8, usually known as the "student district" covers a portion of Langdon St, the Spring St. area and the dorms.

The Wisconsin Highway Stimulus Rebate

Dear Scott Walker, You have pledged to control runaway government spending in Wisconsin and focus on "Jobs, Jobs, and Jobs."  Many of your backers from...

Know Your Candidates: District 10

Tom Farley, Nelson Donovan and Brian Solomon.

Dennis DeNure: Three Changes

Can you guess what he says? Actually, there might be something new here . . .

District 10: Candidates Top Issues

District 10 stretches from the near west side (Regent St) to Allied Drive. Nelson Donovan and Tom Farley are challenging Brian Solomon.ddddd

MABA Endorses Brandon, Not Bruskewitz

MABA = Madison Area Builders Association. Usually MABA, the Realtors, Apartment Association, Chamber, Smart Growth Madison (developers) go for the same candidates. ...

Late City Week Ahead

Sorry I was slow on this one, work, video, Packer's game etc. got in the way.

Give $300K to Trek to Rent Bikes in Madison Parks?

Wait, we're going to pay Trek $100,000 for three years so they can make money renting bikes in our parks? a. This is money...

Paul Soglin: Three Changes

I asked the Mayoral candidates, "If you're elected Mayor, name three things that will be different about Madison this time next year as a result?"

Zach Brandon: “Radical” Idea Number 3

Build Meaningful Relationships with Human Services Providers

District 18: Candidates Top Issues

District 18, on the northside has a primary election on February 15th. Candidates Steve Coleman, Peng Her and Anita Weier share their thoughts. Watch throughout the week for the rest of the primary races in 1, 8, 10 and 13.

Know Your Candidates: District 18

Steven Coleman, Peng Her and Anita Weier running. This race had a strong contrast in style and presentation of the candidates as well as experience.

A Drug(store) Problem in Cottage Grove…

The Cottage Grove Planning Commission recently approved the plans for the new CVs/caremark in Cottage Grove, "with almost no debate." ...

McDonell: On Charter St. Plant

Walker has to making people angry in the business community . . . what's up with the war ON jobs.

The Ladies Like Joe . . .

Parisi that is. The endorsement wars continue . . .

Joe Parisi: Corporate Personhood and Money as Speech

And Joe Parisi's answer to: Do you support a referendum on restricting corporate contributions in campaigns. Why, or why not?

McDonell: Corporate Personhood and Money as Speech

Does he support the referendum? Q: Do you support a referendum on restricting corporate contributions in campaigns. Why, or why not? Yes I support...

First Dane County Executive Debate

Here's the full debate.

Is a Rollback of Car Insurance Minimum Coverage Needed?

On the surface there seems to be a tension between protecting people from a relatively slight risk of excessive bodily injury costs versus saving an inconclusive amount of money on their insurance. Why not provide both? Keep the 2009 minimums and help Wisconsin motorists save money by promoting Pay As You Drive (PAYD) car insurance to allow Wisconsin's drivers to control their costs. As an added benefit, research has shown that PAYD can reduce crash rates and congestion.

17 County Board Members Endorse McDonell as County Exec.

17 of 37, given there are 5 other candidates, and some tough choices, that's kind of impressive.

Gov 2.0 and Madison: An Introduction

The citizens of Madison are a fairly tech-savvy bunch, but when it comes to technology in the civic space, we’re not as far out it the lead as we should be. I’d like us to change that, and join the list of cities developing applications as part of a Gov 2.0 movement. This is a brief introduction, and what follows below is a three-part set of posts.

Gov 2.0 and Madison, Part I: Government as a Platform in Madison

This is Part I of a three part series. What is this Gov 2.0 stuff I’m writing about, and how is it even relevant to Madison? We’ll use Madison Metro as an example application.

Gov 2.0 and Madison, Part II: Establishing the Platform in Madison

This is Part II of a three part series. In Part I, I briefly motivated Open Government and Government as a Platform, and used Madison Metro as an example of how we could do better. Unfortunately, we’re not doing much better elsewhere in the city, but there are ways to change that.

Gov 2.0 and Madison, Part III: Civic Applications for Madison

This is part III of a three part series. In Part I, I focused on how and why we should look at Government as a Platform, and why it could be beneficial to Madison to think that way. In Part II, I looked at how Madison is and is not participating in the Government as a Platform movement, and what we can do increase our participation. In Part III, I’d like to look at some ideas on bringing modern technology to civic applications.

CVS in CG

Tonight the the Cottage Grove Plan Commission, will be discussing the impending CVS pharmacy with representatives from CVS showing up to present their...

Jessica King: Greyhound Bus Move

A letter from a concerned citizen . . .

Spring Referendum on Corporate Personhood and Money as Speech

Are Corporation People? Is money speech? You get to vote on it!

Consent Agenda for Tonight

Edgewater, edgewater and edgewater related items. Plus, redistricting to be discussed.

State Legislators Go For Parisi

With 4 Democrats running, its interesting to see who breaks in which direction. Here's a bunch of state legislators for Parisi. Local Legislative Leaders...

County Executive Candidates want YOU to Know!

Ok, I've probably just been to too many of these events to be anything but critical . . . but this isn't really what I expected to hear in the first 3 minute opening statements of the County Executive Candidates. They seemed odd to me. What do you think?

MLK Weekend Round Up

Short week, lots to do . . . City Council meeting, County Board meeting, Mayoral and County Executive debates . . . among other things.

MLK (County) Week Ahead

Also short week, but also many meetings.

MLK (City) Week Ahead

Short week again . . .

Scott McDonell: County Union Contracts

Bonus question: What are your thoughts on the union contracts approved by the County Board last Thursday.

Scott McDonell: How would Dane County Be Different?

Question One: If elected, at this time next year, what are three things that would be different about Dane County as a result of your actions?

Snow Removal Reminder: Clear Sidewalks by Noon Today

From the City of Madison: The snow that started to fall on Friday, January 14, 2011 continued into Saturday morning. All snow and ice shall...

Cottage Grove is open for business….or is it?

After a long, secret and unsuccessful courtship of Walgreens which included a costly and controversial change from a roundabout to new stop lights. ...

And the Killer of the RTA Enabling Legislation Will Be…

I just got back from a meeting hosted by the Wisconsin Urban and Rural Transit Association downtown.  The event featured an impressive array of...

Bad/Bury the News Friday

Economic Development Director Tim Cooley resigns at the end of the month. Just barely two weeks notice. New (Temporary) Economic Development Director anointed.

James Madison Park Surplus Property Committee meeting, January 13 2011

The City’s James Madison Park Disposal Surplus Property Criteria and Selection Committee met on January 13, 2011. The tl;dr version: The committee will accept proposals that would move two of the houses, but won’t require a move and will in fact give a slight boost to proposals that leave the houses in place. No proposal that moves the Collins House will be considered. Proposals for the Collins House will be biased towards uses that have some sort of public accommodation. The committee drew up a list of criteria they’ll use to evaluate proposals as well as the weight each criteria will receive. Staff will use that to prepare a final version of the RFP, which the committee will vote on at their January 26th meeting. The target referendum (required because its a shoreline property) is February or April of next year.

Overture Update!

Ok, its not that exciting. Transitioning . . .

It’s Friday, Before a Holiday Weekend, So . . .

How about some new information about the Edgewater issue to be decided on Tuesday.

Wisconsin Transportation Spending Graph

This chart I found at  Milwaukee Rising says it all: Click the graphic for a larger view.  The graph is from a 2010 WISDOT report on transportation budget...

Info On City Council Candidates . . . Part One

I recently looked through all the files, and the clerk's staff asked me why I was doing it . . . what do we get out of it? I'll tell ya!

Enviros Support Parisi

It's a Joe Parisi lovefest! Sorry other candidates, send me your stuff, I'll post it! 🙂

Dane County Turns 175!

Older than any of us will ever get! Or most of our houses!

End of Grusome Week Round Up

Two intense board meetings, a couple grants and generally just too much work to do, means the blog got a little neglected this week. Not sure its going to get better any time soon. Special thanks to co-foorwardlookout blogger Erik Paulson for filling in with the EDC meeting and the James Madison Park Committee meeting (see post later today).

Zach Brandon, A “Republican?”

Special thanks to the forwardlookout spy network for this one . . .

RTA Draft Plan for Transit

Some anti-RTA folks are trying to play up the lack of specifics in the RTA's plan that recently made the news.  To assuage their...

City Loses Tax Fight with Adams Outdoor Advertising

A cool million or more for the taxpayer to pay . . .

Development Process Review Subcommittee of the EDC meeting, Jan 11 2011

The Economic Development Committee is continuing its work on improving the built-environment development review process in Madison. At its November 29th meeting, the EDC realized that it was hopeless to try and edit this document as a full committee, and appointed a subcommittee to hash out language over the next few weeks and months. That subcommittee met for the first time on Tuesday night. Read on for a flavor of what happened.

Monona Grove School Board.

A quick introduction: I have lived in the Monona Grove School district for 7 years now and Wisconsin most of my life. I...

DCTA seeks RTA restructuring, not dissolution.

The Dane County Towns Association included the following in their January 2011 update: DCTA seeks RTA restructuring, not dissolution. The Towns Association Board voted Wednesday, December...

Joe Parisi: County Union Contracts

What are your thoughts on the union contracts approved by the County Board last Thursday?

Joe Parisi: How Would Dane County Be Different?

Question One: If elected, at this time next year, what are three things that would be different about Dane County as a result of your actions?

Midweek Round Up

I have a big grant due tomorrow, so this has to be quick!

3 inches of snow but . . .

no snow emergency. And we wonder why people can't figure out when to move their cars . . . perhaps all this inconsistency is part of the problem.

National Transportation Group Takes Notice of Wisconsin’s New Governor

While Scott Walker is talking about dubious emergency measures to "right-size" government and create jobs, a 2005 WISDOT report estimates they had $1.36 billion in highway cost overruns in the previous 15 years. I am hoping Mark Pocan, who is on the newly formed Government Waste Commission, will be bringing this up regularly at their meetings.

Ch-Ch-Changes to the “Weekly” Schedules

Geez, lots of changes . . .

Monday/Tuesday Round Up, Part I

Partial Round Up . . . more coming.

Public Access to the Edgewater

Yup . . . still talking about that. It was at Plan Commission last night, here's the scoop.

Board of Estimates Recap

Annoyed blogger.

County Board Week Ahead

Wow, the list of committees is not very helpful . . . since they are really meetings of subcommittees of the committees listed.

City Week Ahead

Buying Brayton lot, Edgewater, Moving historic house in Bethel parking lot, James Madison Park Surplus mystery committee and more.

Capitol Neighborhoods, Inc Mayoral Forum: January 20th, 7pm.

The Capitol Neighborhoods, Inc (CNI) Program Committee is hosting a Madison Mayoral Forum on January 20th at 7pm. John Nichols of the Capital Times...

WISPIRG Funding Report Follow up

Earlier this week I posted a quick heads up: WISPIRG Releases a Must Read Report on Road Funding. On Wednesday I talked with WISPIRG's...

Martin Luther King Day/Weekend Events

Mark your calendars for the the 17th and the weekend before . . .

Friday Round Up

First week of the year nearly over . . .

Wednesday/Thursday Round Up

Here ya go! Enjoy!

Common Council Recap – A Day Late

Not much interesting, but here it is for what it is worth . . . only an hour long meeting and really only one issue discussed - high end rental housing project (i.e. watch for the "not students so its ok" bias) that completely defies the comprehensive plan and yet wasn't a complete disaster process wise, unlike the Edgewater.

What’s up with the Blogger Slacker?

Sorry, no post today, here's why . . . .

What will the council discuss tonight?

Not much.

Radomski Out!

Radomski ends Mayoral Bid; Endorses Paul Soglin

WISPIRG Releases a Must Read Report on Road Funding

Just in time for Governor Walker's special session to address the budget, WISPIRG has released a report on road funding entitled: "Do Roads Pay for...

Candidates! (5:00 pm Update)

I'll update this throughout the day. The deadline is at 5:00 today. Yesterday, there were three new candidates that filed, one against Marsha Rummel, two against Brian Solomon. And yes, Solomon filed yesterday, the only incumbent left . . . Paul Skidmore.

Campaign Registration Deadline Day Round Up

By 5:00 today, we'll have the final list of spring candidates for County Executive, Mayor, Alders, School Board and some judgeships.

Zach Brandon “Radical” Idea #2

Get out the red tax caps and the over-sized pledge forms . . . and say it with me . . . "Zero-based budgeting" . . .

Bad Way to Start a Race for Alder

By completely forgetting an entire neighborhood . . .

Edgewater Meetings Coming Up

What are we getting for public access for our $16M? Come find out . . . AT THE DEVELOPERS MEETING Date: January 5, 2010 Time: ...

Holidays Round Up

Ok, enough slacking, back to work!

Equally Light County Week Ahead

County Exec switcheroo . . . Kathleen Falk gets her job back.

Happy New Year (City) Week Ahead

Seems suspiciously light, I suspect there will be some changes.

Bicyclists Ring in the New Year With a Brisk Lake Monona Bike Ride

Twenty degree weather and strong winds were no match for Madison Bike Winter’s first event of 2011:  A 90-minute ride around lake Monona.  Four...

Soglin, Homelessness, and a better Madison for everyone in 2011

A few months back, Paul Soglin linked to a piece about services for homeless people in Ann Arbor. Paul wrote a few lines after the...

New Year’s Bus Service

Extended rides tonight, limited rides tomorrow . . .

2 More Potential Alder Candidates

Almost half the alders still show no signs of an opponent, still no word from Solomon or Skidmore. Claussius draws and opponent and there is a potential contest for Compton's seat.

Dead Trees

Happy, happy. Joy, joy. The city will pick up your tens of thousands of dead trees . . .

City Plans to Buy MORE Downtown Land

At what point do we exceed our capacity to get things done?

Alder Races Rundown, Rumors and 2 New Candidates

Deadline for Alders to Declare they are not running is past, 6 alders out. A new candidate in District One (Sanborn) and Sixteen (Compton) a run down of who has filed at least some papers. And where there are rumors of additional candidates running.

Blogger Break

Um . . . I got nothin'. Or, almost nuthin'.

Zach Brandon is a WSJ Editorial Board Democrat

You know, the ones that endorsed Walker and Bush . . .

Who’s Filed for County Executive?

Officially, no one has the paperwork in to be on the ballot. And, there are five people who have filed paperwork aren't who you think they are. The one with the most paperwork filed isn't a name you've seen in the news.

Wineke Faux Pas

When running for County Executive in Dane County . . .

2 More Common Council Candidates

Possible primary in district one.

State Republicans Doing Their Best to Make Wisconsin a Great Place to Drive!

While Scott Walker has managed to deliver early on his promise to “Stop The train”, it appears that he has already backed away from...

To riprap or not to riprap.

BB Clarke Beach . . . that is . . .

Joe Wineke Announcement

Here's the video and the speech.

Elevator Disruption

Everyone's favorite elevator . . . to be fixed . . .and cause some disruption.

Soglin Announcement

Yes, he's running for Mayor . . . here's the press conference, in its entirety.

Wineke Announcement today at 3:00

Since I have the camera checked out, I'll try to make it!

6th District Alder ISSSSS Running

Sorry I gave some people cause for alarm with my headline yesterday . . . and yes, Rummel is running!

Hump Day Round Up . . .

For some, today is Friday . . .

6th Alder Tossing in the Towel

Judy Compton joins Eagon, Schumacher, Kerr, Sanborn and Pham-Remmele.

4 New Alder Candidates (Updated)

2 primaries if they all file all their paperwork . . . here's the new filings . . . .

Weekend + Monday Round Up

News is slowing down . . . less local government to cover . . . except for spring elections.

Snow Emergency Tonight (Updated)

They say there was 3.1 inches of snow, so they'll plow residential streets and declare a snow emergency . .. . is there any question about why this is confusing to people? Didn't have to move your cars that night, but yes for the next two nights if you live downtown. And yesterday they said they wouldn't plow the streets, today they are.

It’s OK, Drink the Toxic Water

That's what they're saying . . .

Dean Brasser Retiring

Sigh . . . this is a bummer. Knew about it last week, was hoping it wasn't true . . .

Zach Brandon’s Radical Ideas: Number One

Apparently, we can expect two every month . . .

Not Planning to Plow . . .

Your residential street . . . again . . . .

Short Week Ahead . . .

7 meetings . . . .

Spring Elections Update

The observant, have noticed a new tab on our website, called Spring Elections . . .

WYOU Moving On . . .

This is what has been distracting me all week, (I'm on the board of WYOU as well as being a producer) . . . laying off three very good people and trying to figure out what needs to be done to keep the station running. What the station will become in this new era is up to us! If you want to help, let me know! And, hey, if you can donate, please do. It's more important than ever!

Mayor Loses Another Staffer

Perhaps he'll be back as comptroller . . .

Message to Overture Employees

Oh . . . and . . . the council. From: Carto, Thomas Sent: Thursday, December 16, 2010 11:34 AM To: ALL ALDERS Subject: FW: Message to Staff To...

Pssst . . . Mayor Dave . . .

Please take me off your campaign list.

TGIF Round Up

Sadly, it'll be more than an 8 hour day . . . and . . . I'm on the radio (Mitch's show) at 9:00 with Blaska . . . and Jed Sanborn.

Sleepy Thursday Morning Round Up

Overslept . . . but here's what I got!

Metro Computer Glitch – Exchange your tickets

Check your 31 day passes and 10-ride cards . . . they may be accidentally expiring . . . you need to exchange them....

James Madison Park Surplus Property Committee meeting of December 9th

The saga of the homes in James Madison Park continues. Neighbors show up and say "just do what you already decided to do", Alder Maniaci says "just do what we decided to do", and the Mayor's staff continues to look for a different answer while insisting they're not, to hilarious effect. Read on for more.

Dec. 21 – Homeless Person’s Memorial Service

The longest day of the year . . . also one of the saddest.

Overture’s Over Round Up

I missed the first 3.5 hours of the meeting, so I have no recap of the council meeting this morning . . . other, more important things to do last night . . . here's what's going on around town.

Alder Verveer Amendment on Overture for tonight

Michael May sent this out with a note that says: "Alder Verveer asked that I distribute this amendment that he will offer from the floor tonight. This language was agreed to by Alder Verveer, the Mayor’s office, the HR Director and me." Since when does an alder negotiate with staff for what they can and cannot propose to a resolution?

Nothing to Discuss Tonight at Council . . .

Just one item separated by alders, and its not the Overture . . . what is this, wishful thinking?

Overture Parties Approve Deal Unanimously

All three Overture Boards (201 State, Overture Development Corporation and MCAD) unanimously approved the Overture deal, version 5. Dear Colleagues, I have just come from a...

Overture vs. Community Services Contracts

I keep hearing the Overture contract will be like the non-profit contracts. Cool . . . lets do it! Give us the same deal!

Tuesday Morning Round Up

1/3 of the way to making this a habit . . . 21 days, right? On day seven of consecutive round ups!

Overture – Version 5

Well . . . I was there, but I'm not sure I understood the explanation about how this is different . . . and the strike out and underline version wasn't available to the public, and it wasn't complete anyways.

Overture Deal Explained

No TV cameras, major Overture parties not here, just the alders, and its 10 after 5:00 - perhaps they are holding their own press conference elsewhere?

Overture Agreement?

A tentative one . . . more at 5:00.

Snow Emergency: We’re Towing! (jk)

No sign of towing in my 'hood. If they say they are going to tow and don't, then it just adds to the problem of not being predictable. My guess is tonight, people won't think they have to move because it is the third night of snow and the plowing was kinda atrocious/not so evident.

Bitterly Cold Round Up

Brrrrrr . . ..

Snowy City Week Ahead (Updated)

So, how's that blizzard working out for you?

Overture Updates

This is from yesterday . . . update on Thursday, Friday and Saturday meetings . . .

Plowing Updates, Snow Emergency, Metro Not Running

Most people moved their cars last night, thinking it would be a snow emergency . . . now, if they don't move, they'll be towed. Makes me think of that Phish song, every time . . . .

No Snow Emergency Tonight

So, for the next two nights, you'll have to alternate side park downtown . . . .

Snow . . . plowing might be on hold

They may just plow and salt the main street . . . .

Neighborhood Member Responds

To Bridget Maniaci's characterization of their last meeting on the Edgewater . . .

Ken Golden Drops Out of Mayor’s Race

Oh . . . shit . . .

Round Up! 5 Days in a Row!

Ok, I met my goal of doing the round up for a week in a row, and hopefully this is back on a daily basis . . . because it is very popular . . .

The Collins House as a Hacker House

At the most recent James Madison Surplus Property Committee meeting, I testified on an idea I’ve been kicking around about enhancing the local high-tech startup scene in Madison. Wondering what the hell that has to do with James Madison Park? It comes down to Collins House, and if the people who wake up there in the morning should be tourists or hackers.

New Director of Planning and Community and Economic Development Nominated

When you think of good planning, do you think of Atlanta?

Expect Snow, Not Plowing

At least on your residential streets . . . .

4 days and counting . . . Round Up!

Ok, one more day, and it will be a whole week and I'll be back! I hope! So much going on, so little time.

Neighborhood issues with Edgewater Public Access Management

This is a partial list of issues . . . but others are in this post.

More Edgewater Craziness

I'm trying to make heads or tails of the most recent emails flying around. I wasn't at the meeting in question, so don't know what happened, but this is a good indication of why there are so many problems. The parties don't have even the most basic level of communication skills, and Alder Maniaci seems to add to, not help resolve the communication insanity. Check it out.

Overture – Version 4 Expanded Language

This is a much more readable version of what the council workgroup offered to the Overture parties. And, a list of the potential meetings coming up, every day.

Spring Elections . . . Boys, Boys, Boys

It is a Boys Club still . . . check it out, where are the women candidates? Only a few women in the alder races. Here's the latest as the close of the day yesterday of who is running.

Three Days In a Row Round Up!

Overture, Library and High Speed Rail meetings last night . . . and Radomski and Brandon announce for Mayor and County Exec . ....

Overture Version 4 Discussion (Final)

Ok, another "live blog" . .. . to the best of my ability.

Two Days in a Row Round Up!

It's not a trend yet . . . but trying to make it one . . .

Plan Commission Discussion on the Edgewater

This was kind of "live-blogged" until the end when my typing skills didn't keep up, so, I didn't post the final until I could correct the end this morning. The big news here is that when the agenda says something is going to be referred, it really means they are going to discuss it anyways. And Alder Bridget Maniaci appears to be a pathological liar.

Overture Update

Today we'll see the version 4 of the Overture resolution and negotiations with the Overture Parties in open session. 3:45! Here's the latest update...

Plan Commission Recap on Downtown Plan

Also, live blogged, kind of . . . updates posted as I went along, kinda.

Board of Estimates Recap

Sorta live blogged (I'm not a fan!) so I can go to Plan next . . .

Cathy Dethmers And “Just Say Ho!”

There's just no right way to say that, sorry Cathy! Check out my interview with Cathy Dethmers from the High Noon Saloon talkin' about 16 Years in the Madison Music Scene, along with what's going on at WYOU this week! WYOU's Rockin!

Two Overture Meetings Tomorrow

Council Workgroup and Overture Development Corporation.

Hotel Business Boomin!

City expected to take in $663,000 extra in hotel taxes . . . sadly, that can't go toward police or streets or community...

Maniaci: Screw the Public

They don't need proper notice . . .Maniaci sees no reason not to proceed with a vote at Plan Commission this evening on the Edgewater . . . so I'll explain it to her.

High Speed Rail Meeting in Madison Tuesday

WISDOT will be holding a meeting on high speed rail in Madison Tuesday night from 5 to 7pm, at the Crowne Plaza, 4402 East Washington Avenue. You can help promote high speed rail by attending!

Weekend Round Up

Try as I might, I haven't gotten back into the daily grind of doing the daily round up, but I'm going to try again this week, there is so much going on, that I haven't been able to keep up with!

More on Overture . . .

Council Workgroup still meeting, but not ready to meet with Overture parties yet . . . Thuy Pham-Remmele's Boogey Man and more.

Edgewater Discussion: To be, or Not to be?

No. Yes. No. Wait. No. Maybe?

Overture Updates/Round Up (Updated)

Lots and lots of meetings this week, most not on the schedule yet. The meetings Sunday and Monday are on the weekly schedule, without the agenda, but there are here and here. Here's some updates on the meeting on Friday, and plans for the council to meet on Thursday. And, a few not so smart moved by Overture folks.

Snowy (City) Week Ahead

Overture, Overture, Overture . . . all in closed meetings . . . .

Snow Emergency Declared: Park Odd

Here we go . . . winter's here!

Cars vs. Street Sweeping: Details Matter!

The age old dilemma, how do you get the downtown streets taken care of, when there are so many cars in the way? Apparently, not with the cities new "no parking 8 - noon on XXXX" policy." They will ticket, but STILL not sweeping the streets. I'm annoyed, only because with some attention to detail, the policy could have been done right and it could work for downtown. All pictures in this blog taken yesterday.

You Will Be Salted!

Please keep informed and move your car! SNOW PLOWING UPDATES by Alan Schumacher, Streets Superintendent posted December 2, 2010 7:44 AM First Significant Snow of Season...

In Defense of the Council

I find the Mayor's comments about the Council Overture discussion absolutely offensive. I am not a big fan of this council for many reasons, but this media campaign to blame them is just unfair and dishonest.

Overture! 3:15 am, still Committee of the Whole

My computer crashed on me around 3:15, so I took the rest of the half hour or so of notes by hand. These are the motions that were made after they went around the room and took their straw vote of sorts. The alders start getting a little testy at this point.

Overture! 1:15am Committee of the Whole

More live blogging.

Overture! 12:30am, and now, Questions of Staff . . .

Live blogging, part 4, 7 hours and still going . . .

Overture! More Questions of Speakers!

Yup, still live blogging, still more questions of speakers.

Overture! Questions of Speakers

More live blog . . .its 8:45 . . .

Overture! Public Comment & Ad Hoc Committee Report

Live blogged.

More Last Minute Overture Documents

Sorry about all the new information today, its just all flying out today . . .the latest less than a half hour ago.

Pre-Council Meeting Live Blog (on the Overture)

Professor Undercoffler starts it off, talking about his report . .. .

Revised Alternate, Alternate on Overture

I really don't know what to call these things anymore, but this is the Schmidt/Bidar-Sielaff and now Rummel proposal for tonight, revised.

What the Council Plans to Disuss Tonight

These are the only issues unless someone registers on another item or an alder decides they have something to add . . .

MCAD/201 State: Sorry Council, No Delay

You must decide on Overture tonight, not two weeks from now.

Rally Against Overture Privatization

Tonight! 5:30! This is a slight re-write of an action alert on how you can help. I can hardly wait to see which...

City Attorney Response to Overture Alternate, Alternate

i.e. the Schmidt/Bidar-Sielaff version that labor is supporting. I bolded the highlights for you. Since I'm throwing so much at you this morning....

City Attorney Responds to Council Amendments

I think the city attorney concluded that most of the amendments were policy, not legal issues. There are a few notes and comments, but almost all seem ok by him.

Why Does it Matter if We have No Affordable Housing Plan?

Seriously, isn't our housing affordable here in Madison? Take a look . . .

MCAD/201 Reject Nearly All the Council Amendments

Here are the amendments again, with the responses from MCAD/201 on the Overture proposals. Of course, the council will have to first discuss if they are amending the alternate, or the alternate, alternate. And likely, few of these will pass with the responses from MCAD/201. I'm beginning to think they won't have 11 votes for anything. And we'll be doing a repeat on the 14th.

MCAD/201 State Response to Alternate Resolution

They like the Mark Clear/Lauren Cnare version, with some amendments. They don't like the labor supported Chris Schmidt/Shiva Bidar-Sielaff version. This is getting confusing . . .

High Speed Rail’s Next Stop: A Public Meeting Near You!

With a little more than a month before Scott Walker takes office and a series of public rallies behind us, the momentum is building...

Monkeys and Ethics

Um, this has nothing to do with the Overture.

16 Ethics Complaints Filed Re: Overture

Davin Pickell has been a busy man. He's filed ethics complaints against the Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, Mayor's Staff Paraino, Tom Carto, Dierdre Garton, Council President Mark Clear, Council Pro Tem Lauren Cnare and Council Office Staff Lisa Veldran. The Ethics Board hasn't seen this many complaints in at least 15 years, there's 15 of them!

Approving Edgewater’s “Public Improvements”

Board of Public Works items on the Council agenda can be some of the least informative, so I'm not sure I really know what is proposed to be approved but here is what I do know . . . and it includes our first glimpse of the "Public Access Management Agreement"

The City’s Grand Housing Plan?

Seriously, after years of study, this is what they have come up with?

$250,000 for Tenney Park Shelter in Exchange for . . .

Donors, can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. Check this out, from the resolution WHEREAS, Donor, as defined below, has expressed a desire to close...

Alternate, Alternate Resolution for Overture

And SCFL (South Central Federation of Labor) approves . . . This came out late Wednesday . . . From: Schmidt, Chris Sent: Wednesday, November...

County Week Ahead

Relatively few meetings . . .

Back to Work (City) Week Ahead

Back at it! As the calendar rolls into December and election season officially starts! I wonder how many meetings get added this week because they got lost in the shuffle during the short week last week.

Overture Amendments

The "Plan B" or private-private model, which is still a public-private model has a few issues yet to resolved. As many as the first model, I suspect. The council has just 21 recommendations for changes. If this takes as long as budget, they'll be there for a good 7 hours or more on just this item alone.

SCFL on Overture

South Central Federation of Labor has a thing or two to say . . .

$25,000 Overture Report

Here's a quick synopsis and links to the chapters. The consultants will be in town this weekend and at the council meeting on Tuesday.

How Development Really Gets Done

Send your lobbyist to talk to the Mayor and get the State Journal to print a favorable story.. It's so commonplace and understood, it appears in public documents, as a matter of fact. Nevermind the rules.

Ethics . . .

I'm a bit behind on the promotion of my show on WYOU, but here's the show I shot a few weeks ago on ethics.

Ready for Snow?

The city thinks it is . . . here's their update from yesterday: SNOW PLOWING UPDATES by Alan Schumacher, Streets Superintendent posted November 22, 2010 1:26 PM ARE...

Behind on Demolition Updates

Here's the latest, from the last month for so, for what it is worth. 11 notices, mostly downtown.

Monday Morning Round Up

Sorry, there was a pause for budget . . . which I still haven't finished blogging, but I will throughout the week . . . which I have off! Yay!

Next Steps on Overture

I hope alders are paying attention, they got less than 48 hours notice of how it will be and what their homework is.

An Overture Must Read

Former MCAD/201 State Treasurer speaks up . . . Gives the Council his two cents on the Overture . . . a kinda grim outlook. But hey, that's his job, to be the fiscal conservative voice, perhaps they should listen. Prepare to have this conversation again in a few years, he says.

Short County Week Ahead

7 meetings . . .

City Week Ahead: Two Days

Meetings Scheduled for Monday and Tuesday only . . . there will be Overture meetings by MAD and 201 State on Tuesday as well, at least that is what they announced last week, they just don't have their agendas in yet. Cuz, you know, they love to keep the public informed.

Madison’s “Save The Train” rally is just the first step!

Today’s “Save The Train” rally in Madison was a call to action for High Speed Rail proponents.  Elizabeth Ward of the John Muir chapter...

Overture Part II, Live Blog

Sorry, was getting too long. Here's part two.

Council Overture Discussion Live Blog Part I

. . . to the best of my ability. My "c" on my keyboard is a little finicky so be kind to my typing skills.

City Capital Budget – Amendment 14

Landbanking with bk comments. Just what exactly are they doing with the money and why? and what is the strategy?

City Operating Budget: Cliff Notes

I have 42 pages of notes . . . and not enough time for all the details right now, but here's the cliff note version until I finish all my budget blogs in the next few days.

Did Anything Happen Yesterday Besides the President’s Visit Round Up

Four city meetings cancelled, but most not til yesterday, but they still had the Library Meeting, the Overture Meeting and the Emerald Ash Borer...

And That’s the Ball Game

The deal has been sealed. The cat is out of the bag. The chickens are roosting. Choose whatever finale-themed cliche you wish. ...

School Board Decision on Edgewater TIF

Brief. I got the feeling they were threatened with a law suit or something by their lack of discussion. And, despite previous...

POTUS visit: Extra Metro Buses tonight; accessible entrance WILL close 15 minutes earlier

Good news from Metro - from an email: ...we are going to have extra buses on the street after the presidential visit. Our regular service...

Round Up! – Over Due.

Well, here's what I have, but is seems there is so much! Summer vacation is over . . . back to work! SURREAL F.B.I. Agents Cheat...

Latest Library Design Revealed Tonight

In case you have nothing better to do tonight . . . . I'm not sure how to cover Overture, the Emerald Ash Borer...

Changes (Adds and Cancels) to City Weekly Schedule (More Cancellation Updates!)

You knew there would be changes! Currently, 5 of them . . .

State Journal Blows It!

What? Try again!

Tenant Resource Center Turning 30!

Read below to get events in your calendar and, let me know if you want to sponsor the events! We've had many challenges over the years, and your support is what keeps us going! Please consider donating!

Central Library and Budget Meetings

Get these in your calendar if you're interested!

The Partial City Week Ahead

Yeah, there's meetings missing, as usual, but here is what I have before going to work . . . undoubtedly, more meetings will show up. Including the meeting for the Joint Review Board to vote on the Edgewater.

How Are We Doing with Diversity On Our Committees?

Women, people of color and people with disabilities all are under-represented on our city committees, so says a new report.

Explanation of How We Got our Bike Boxes

This is an informational memo on the Ped Bike Motor Vehicle Commission agenda . . . there was no process, "staff" just decided to do it. No doubt with urging from the Mayor's office.

MMSD No Vote on Edgewater TIF Recommended

This isn't a surprise, but the agenda for Monday's Board of Education meeting includes a recommendation from the administration to instruct their rep on...

Obama Holds Your Bike Hostage!

Well, not really . . . but a good notice below about where NOT to park bikes (and cars) while he is in town.

Capital Budget Amendments Out!

They will be considered at the Board of Estimates meeting on Monday.

80 Degrees Today? Round Up

First day of fall . . . 80 degrees! Must be too hot for the news . . . so I'll make my own.

Taking on City Hall!

Yeah . . . learn how!

A Lesson in Why You Look Beyond A Press Release

Courtesy of the Mayor's office and his claims he is helping neighborhoods with his capital budget. I actually would not believe it if...

Long Council Night Hangover Round Up

I didn't get home til 1:15, and I didn't go to the bar after the meeting! . . . so I have a lot of blogging to do today, luckily I'm. working 10 hours on Saturday, so I have a few hours to burn this morning. Here's the news I find of interest from the last day.

Tonight’s Common Council Exclusion List

Here's what to expect, if someone doesn't register on items not on this list, they likely won't get discussed and will pass with the recommendations from the committee.

Should the City Purchase Union Corners?

Are we sure that there isn't another willing buyer?

Changes to the Weekly (City) Schedule

Imagine that! Water Utility meeting for today canceled, not properly noticed.Nice job council office staff and leadership . . . ya gotta get...

Tuesday Morning Round Up

All the news you can . . . I was going to say use . . . but I'm not sure some of it is all that useful. Here's what I've got.

One of the Best Services in Low-Income Neighborhoods . . .

Another casualty of the County budget?

Bad Aldering & Misleading on Edgewater TIF

I sat through the Landmarks Committee meeting yesterday, and it was hard to stay in my seat and keep my mouth shut. I was stunned by the misinformation my own alder gave the committee about capital budget requests and the Edgewater TIF plan the council is voting on tonight.

Do you want monthly water bills?

It'll probably help your finances a whole lot better than the tax bill item them Mayor has arguing with the county over, but its not in his budget. The council will get a briefing on it tomorrow, even tho its not on the weekly meeting schedule . . . yet . . .

The Problem with George Austin & the Public Market Square

Has nothing to do with George Austin . . . per se.

Weekend Round Up

Well, here's the media's version, further edited by me, about what you need to know about local issues!

Edgewater Round Up

Yeah, it just won't go away . . . it's at the Council meeting Tuesday, UDC Wednesday, going back to Landmarks soon, and of course, the Joint Review Board on the 29th. And the management agreement still has to be approved by Plan Commission and Council.

City Maintains AAA Bond Rating

Yup . . . no surprise . . .

The County Week Ahead

It's so hard to know what is of interest, since there are no attachments and its hard to find information about the agenda item . . . but here's my best educated guess about what is of interest.

The City Week Ahead

The first full week in a while where there wasn't a holiday or date where meetings couldn't be scheduled.

“Monkey” Business

Madison, WI is considered by many to be the non-human primate research capitol of the world. Both Covance and UW-Madison utilize thousands of...

Overture Round Up (Updated!)

This is one of the many meetings I didn't make it to last night, but here's some of the information you might be interested...

TGIF Round Up

Another week over . . . and so much left to do . . . . lots going on last night, look for blogs over the weekend as I catch up . . . meanwhile, here's what the news covered, and a little more . . .

Which Community Service Programs Will Get Funding?

There is a public hearing at the Labor Temple tonight and many groups are losing money compared to the funding they got in the past. Here's the winners and losers and those who are keeping their flat funding for two more years, which one might (and should) argue is a loss. You can't continue providing the same services with the same amount of money . . . costs go up every year.

Demo, Demo, Demo

More demolitions . . . I think I've neglected to post a few, so some might be repeats . . . or not! There's 13, and a couple may have been acted on already.

“Broken” Process Primer for Tonight

The Economic Development Committee is holding its only public hearing on this topic tonight at the Monona Terrace Hall of Ideas. Here's the background info you might be interested in! No shortage of opinions here!

Tiny Round Up

There's just not much out there today to round up . . . and so much to try to cover tonight!

Why Arguing with Blaska Is an Exercise in Futility, Part I

First, there is so much he is wrong about, its hard to know where to begin. Second . . . check this out . . .

Sheriff Open Records Requests Run Around

I recently sent Sheriff Mahoney two open records requests . . . which ended up being a little more work than I anticipated.

Sickly News Round Up

If you've seen me lately, you may have noticed I"ve been unusually quiet (except for the terrible hacking cough) . . . cuz I pretty much lost my voice and have been sick for the last two weeks.

The New York Times on 3D Printing

NY Times: 3D Printing is Spurring a Manufacturing Revolution Moving the technology beyond manufacturing does pose challenges. Customized products, for example, may be more expensive...

Yard Sign Wars!

Since people are thinking about elections today (If you're not, you should be! Don't forget to vote!) I thought I'd post some information about when and where a tenant and when a landlord can post yard signs.

Edgewater TIF Expansion “Suboptimal Choices”

There just "wasn't enough time to do it right" so it barely passes with a 3 - 3 tie with the Mayor breaking the tie. The proposal is more messed up than usual. And I think that puts it more in jeopardy than I had imagined. Contains BK comments.

Add 5 More Meetings . . . or 6?

One is even today.

Why I’m voting for Spencer Coggs on Tuesday

I had a long and complicated piece mostly written on the race for the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor, but I’m going to go...

County Board Week Ahead

No shortage of meetings here either. 25 meetings plus maybe more on Friday, I couldn't get to the second page, kept getting a...

Security Deposit Problems?

Yeah . . . you and everyone else!

Lets All Meet on Thursday Week Ahead!

12 City meetings in one day, including two big public hearings and I'm sure they'll add more meetings to it. Brilliant planning by "leadership".

Blaska/Mahoney’s War on “Illegals”

The recent dust up at LaFollette West, with a LaFollete student got Blaska blathering again . . . or did he, himself, say "whining" . . . .

Illegal Meeting?

I see a newspaper reports of a meeting. And I see the weekly schedule and that meeting isn't on the weekly schedule.

Mayor Dave Perfects the Snub

Ok maybe you think its no big deal when he holds a press conference in an alders district and instead of inviting the alder,...

Amazingly offensive, even for Blaska

What possesses a person to write a sentence like this?

Long Overdue Round Up, Part II

Still going . . . have some more since I haven't done this since . . . . last Thursday . . . I...

Long Overdue Round Up

You're probably wondering why I'm slacking . . . well, I've been sick for the last week. If you go to a...

Blaska’s Baffoonery

From yesterday's post, two items. Taxicabs and RTA.

Mayor’s Capital Budget

I haven't had time to read through it enough to form final opinions, but there is some interesting things to consider, here's my little run down.

Madison Council Briefing on High Speed Rail

These are kind of silly, hey are scheduled for a half hour before the council meeting starts, they start late, have to end early for city channel to switch over to the next production and are hugely rushed. But . . . here's what I've got.

Kyle Szarzynski: Is Dianne Hesselbein really pro-immigrant?

She certainly intends to portray herself as such in her bid to replace Spencer Black, the outgoing representative for District 77 in the State Assembly.

No Ordinance Prohibiting Sleeping on Benches

Yeah, there isn't one, so what are the police doing?

Blaska Fact Check: Section 8 Causes Crime

Ok, so, I don't read Blaska's blog, it gives me a headache. It's hard to follow, it doesn't make sense and facts seem irrelevant. So, I just ignore it . . . however . . .

That’s Just Not Right . . .

Sometimes, intelligent citizen volunteers on committees get led astray . . .

Here We Go Again . . .

I think we already did this . . . maybe even twice, or more, depending upon what you count . . . what should we do with the Houses in James Madison Park? Read it and weep.

I’m Sick (and Tired) Round Up

Why do I have a cold this time of the year? This is stupid. Anyways, slept in since I worked til 11:00 last night, so my blogging will be slow this morning.

A possible future for Miffland

The Downtown Plan is about to take the next step, with draft recommendations due from City Planning staff on September 23rd. The draft recommendations...

Be the Media!

I'm not kidding. You can be the media . . . radio, tv, blog . . . your choice! It kind of sucks to...

Hammes Company/Edgewater wants you to know!

About the Downtown Plan . . . which means you should probably be paying close attention, I wonder what else they want ....

Wednesday News Round Up

A little more news today . . .

Extra Meetings this Week

By 8:20 Monday morning, there were three new meetings . . . seriously . . . why can't these meetings get noticed by Friday afternoon along with everything else?

Where’s the News?! Round Up

Hard to round up . . . when there is not. much. there.

What’s Going on at the County?

Last week, not only did I have a little chat with County Board Chair Scott McDonell . . . I also had a little chat with County Executive Kathleen Falk . . . check it out!

Report from Community Services Committee

Mostly, there was 3.5 hours of testimony about how the cuts would impact agencies, then a lot of confusion and then they got kicked out of the building.

Board of Estimates Recap

TiVo'd, but it was a much shorter meeting than I had anticipated . . . Edgewater TID and Affordable Housing Trust Fund raid by CDA referred. Money for McDonald's approved.

Are Police Going to Start Ticketing the Homeless for Sleeping?

I wish I had more time to dig into this issue, but here's what I know . . .

Am I Running for Mayor?

It is a question I get asked daily these days . . .

Pham-Remmele v Schumacher

Oh yeah . . . too good not to share . . .

Ugly Picture for Funding for Local Non-Profits

At the last public hearing on the budget, the Mayor seemed confused by non-profits coming forward saying they were getting cut by 20 and 30%. He said we'd be held harmless this year. Too bad he's not paying better attention. Here's a taste of who is getting cut at the moment . . . Community Services Commission meets tonight to decide who might get additional funding. When we have 17% of our population in the City of Madison living in poverty, this is ugly, ugly news.

Monday Morning Round Up

Here's my weekend round up of local news and other items. Enjoy!

The Alleged City Week Ahead

Watch out, they're sure to add important meetings throughout the week.

More Info on Overture

I missed the meeting where they discussed all this . . . but here's the documents that were discussed. From: Mayor Sent: Thursday, August...

Friday Morning Round Up

It's August, and there isn't much to round up, but here's what I've got.

TIF “Discussion” – Live blog kinda.

Oh boy - I got here a little late . . . and the room is packed, they are taking more public testimony - I'm on the floor in the hallway . . . again. Can't see the committee, but can hear . . . .

Sometimes, it is GOOD to be WRONG

Yesterday, I wished that the Statement of Interest forms for the City of Madison elected officials and committee members were on line. And guess what, for the first time ever, they are!

Thursday morning Round Up

This is so much easier when I keep caught up!

EDC Changes Plans . . . New Hearing Date and Time

Uh . . . duh . . . shows you how close they are following one of their allegedly important issues . . . makes me wonder if they have any credibility discussing planning . . .

Midweek Morning Round Up

Two days in a row . . . I hope I'm back on track for daily updates!

Mega Round Up

I hate it when I take a few days off from blogging . . . I never know how much to try to catch...

“Broken” Process Public Hearings Rescheduled

I missed the Economic Development Committee meeting last Wednesday, so I was a bit confused about why the public hearings were not on the...

New Edgewater TIF Info Available . . . Kinda

There's a meeting at noon on Thursday, and new information (not previously attached) came out yesterday. I'm not sure how much most of...

Meetings Added Since The “Weekly” Schedule Appeared.

As usual, several meetings added. 3 for tomorrow, 1 for Thursday.

Operating Budget Department Requests – Part One

If the info was released, its here, there are several departments who did not submit their information yet. This is part one. The basic documents. The supplemental information will be in a second post. Hopefully tomorrow will be part two of both Capital and Operating Budgets.

Incomplete City Week Ahead

Yeah, I already know of missing meetings . . . like the Economic Development Committee hearings on the "broken" development process.

Capital Budget Department Request Highlights – Part I

So, here's many of the big items, minus streets, parks, water utility, sewer utility, etc which will be in part II. Items of particular interest in red. BK comments in purple. Note all the new TIF districts and the $62 million to fix up the area around the train station . . . and $70 million to move the bus barn . . .

Help Get Move To Amend on the Madison Ballot!

Corporations are not people, money is not speech and corporate contributions to the political process do not violate the 1st Amendment!

Will CDA Raid the Affordable Housing Trust Fund?

CDBG is considering this issue again tonight, and I'm not the only one concerned about the CDA raiding the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. I'll try to catch you up on the issue.

Overture

I've been on a quest to find information on the Overture, so far, I've been able to get this . . . it will cost the city up to $50M over the next 15 years. I'm hoping I made an adding mistake.

Round Two: Neighborhood Summit

This part asked what's working well, favorite suggestion today and important lesson today.

Round One Results of Neighborhood Summit

Ok - so the summit focused on a brainstorming session followed by a dot exercise to see what was most popular by attendees. What follows is the results of the first exercise.

Monday Morning Round Up . . .

Going old school . . . there's a bunch of stuff at the end that I didn't yet add to the events calendar, so they are here for now . . .

Fruits and Nuts Victory Challenged

Fruits and nuts decision being challenged based on open meetings laws . . . but when similar issues are raised elsewhere, there are no violations that they are concerned about . . . I'm tired of double standards in this fair city.

What’s to be Done About the High Lake Levels?

A new ordinance introduced to help control the impacts when the water levels are high.

DATCP Notices Students!

Wow, I've been in the tenant/landlord business a long time and rarely, if ever, have I seen the state agency (DATCP = Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection) that is supposed to be dealing with tenant/landlord problems step up during the August 15th time period. That changed this year.

Partial City Week Ahead

Looks a little better than usual, perhaps they are trying harder?

A rapid post on rapid prototyping

This is a really cool technology that a lot of people don't know is out there and available: 3D printers. They're exactly what they sound...

Try, try, try again . . .

Anyone want to be the Director of Planning and Community and Economic Development? The last 83 people who applied apparently weren't good enough . . .

Alleged Gang Members Denied Due Process

This is an awful policing tactic, why bother with evidence and probable cause and all those pesky rights and due process afforded people in our criminal justice system if you can just accuse them of something they have not done yet and get them deported without letting them have an opportunity to defend themselves . . . and this time, its not the Sheriff, its the Madison Police Department . . .

Is this about City Staff or the Public?

Obsessed with an elevator. . . don't know how that happened, its just so absurd and gets wackier by the day.

Elevators Woes Update . . .

Tonight's TIF Joint Review Board meeting moved . . . .

Immigration Rally at Capitol at Noon . . .

Here's the information I have . . .

101 Ways the City of Madison Would Be Different . . .

If I were Mayor . . .

2 Demolitions for Large Project on Planned Parenthood Site

Their old site, on 400 W Mifflin . . . the heart of Miffland . . .

The Chamber of Commerce and their “Presumptive Approval”

Yesterday the Chamber of Commerce put out their press release, stating what they think is "broken" with the development process and noting their recommendations. I'm not sure their main recommendation is all that practical or will get them what they want. Talk about unintended consequences.

What’s Wrong with this Picture?

This notice went out yesterday, can you count the things that are wrong with it?

Protect Your Security Deposit!

Seriously, its your money! My favorite story ever is the person who got charged for carpet cleaning . . . and she had wood floors. The best part was . . .

“Broken” Process Primer, Major Updates

For those of you looking for the background materials and information about the development process, here's a compilation of everything I could find. ...

Tuesday Morning Round Up

Here's a slice of recent news . . .

This Just In: More meetings this week.

So, three more meetings for the "weekly schedule" and a very, very interesting question.

Who attended the Neighborhood Summit?

One spin, from Tim Cooley, the Economic Development Director would be that it was only 10% of the neighborhoods in the city. Here's some facts for you to determine for yourself . . . pesky facts.

Moving Tips for Next Weekend

Brought to you by . . . the Tenant Resource Center

Tenant Resource Center Extra Hours for Moving Days

It's that time of the year, you've seen the moving trucks and extra garbage on the curbs . . . brace yourselves, here it...

Favorite. Sign. Ever.

Compliments of the City of Madison. They can't even blame it on the county . . . not this time . . .

Alders Dissed Harder than Neighborhoods and Committees

Wow, this is just embarrassing at this point . . . it's like they can't stop making the whole "broken process" issue worse . . .

Update on Changes to the Landmarks Ordinance

The Landmarks Commission has discussed this at 8 meetings already, and I missed most of them, so I went back through the minutes to see what I missed, here's my summary/highlights of the discussions they had in case you're also interested. They will be discussing this again tonight.

The Prop 8 ruling and the Supreme Court

Judge Walker’s decision in the Prop 8 trial is brilliant, and a wonderful affirmation of the liberty of all people to marry whomever God’s plan has ordained for them, regardless of the genders involved. I also agree that it’s clearly aimed at Anthony Kennedy, for a potential Supreme Court showdown. But there’s a good chance it will never get there.

County Week Ahead

They have a new system for their meetings, listing more than a week at a time, but I'm not sure how accurate it will be moving forward. So, here's the meetings for this week.

Useless agenda week at the City.

It's August, so there are fewer meetings, but not this many fewer . . . watch for additions through the week, making the "weekly" meeting schedule a joke of serious proportions . . . usually, this is about 65 - 80% of the meetings for the week. i.e. they don't really care if you know what local government is doing, in fact, they really don't want you to know. Why isn't the mayor calling for transparency and predictability here?

Nothing to do today?

Unlikely, I"m sure, but just in case, here's a couple ideas . . . Greetings! Make Saturday a day of Northside festivity all day long....

High Speed Rail Updates

This is the updated timeline for the High Speed Rail Train Station and a few tidbits from the council presentation on Tuesday.

SCFL Fails to Endorse Mahoney

Hmmm . . . major labor group doesn't recommend sheriff for endorsement due to his ICE policy . . . I'm glad someone is...

Council Cranky about Overture

Wow. They weren't very happy about voting for either of these items, the "comfort" resolution or the review committee.

2 Day Round Up

Due to technical difficulties yesterday . . . here is a 2 day round up!

Construction In Middleton Starting Tomorrow

From the City of Middleton:

The Mayor’s First Public Hearing on the Budget!

How'd it go? You're never going to believe it!

Council Recap Sans Walgreens and Overture

Sorry this is slow, more technical difficulties with the web hosting for our blog, making me very, very unhappy.

Additional Meetings this Week

I waited and did my run down later on Monday, but still . . . more meetings added . . .

New Exemptions from Dog Ordinance

Here's the exemption for Willly St Parade and probably Cows on the Square? Or something else?

Council Tonight: Not on the Consent Agenda

Walgreens, Overture and dogs.

The Most Expensive Meetings in Town?

The Edgewater? I'm thinking probably not. I was at a meeting last night with probably 20 paid non-profit staff in the meeting, and over the next few weeks and months, that will play itself out over, and over, and over. And it makes me wonder, how much of the money we are vying for is being spent in these meetings? Despite efforts to streamline the process, it still seems silly. More complicated than the development process that is getting all the attention, take a peek!

Dogs at Festivals

Tonight the Council will be voting on if you should be able to bring your dog to local festivals. I read the newspaper...

CDA again attempts to raid Affordable Housing Trust Fund

Three years ago, I attempted to make some changes to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (nice, they've changed history and removed my name entirely) to allow more use of the $4M that is in the fund. The Mayor opposed those changes. Michael Schumacher removed my name and introduced it last January and still, the changes went no where . . . until now, when the CDA again wants to bend the rules to get the money. $1M of the $4M to create no new units and make current housing less affordable.

Tuesday Round Up

Here's a few scraps of news and comments for today.

The Sure to be Completely Incomplete Week Ahead (City, of course)

I got home last night and looked at the Weekly schedule and the Common Council meeting wasn't even on there yet. No kidding. They've added 5 meetings in an hour this morning, so I'm going to get this one done a little more slowly as more meetings appear. This is absurd, annoying and awful for democracy, but maybe that isn't what the city really wants. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words.

Monday Morning Round Up

Catching up from a weekend away . . . slowly . . .

News from the Neighborhood Summit

Don't worry, I'm not dead, dying or deathly ill, I took the weekend off . . . so I missed the Neighborhood Summit.

“Broken” Process Primer

For those of you looking for the background materials and information about the development process, here's a compilation of everything I could think of. It might be helpful to review if you're going to the Neighborhood Summit tomorrow! (Saturday, 9 - noon, Trinity Lutheran Church, 1904 Winnebago).

Band Girlfriend Update!

Haven't done this for a while, but I have to admit, it's kinda cool to go to Triple M website and see Baghdad Scuba Review there . . . and there's some good shows coming up. I"m most excited about the show at the Majestic with Soul Shaker.

Mayor Names Committee to Review Overture Center

8 people chosen to review the Overture Center proposal, will council approve them on Tuesday?

Smart Growth Madison’s Recommendations for the “Broken” Process

I got a copy of this, but I never heard them show up in public anywhere and talk about it. So, I'm randomly...

DRAFT Marquette Neighborhood Response to “Broken” Development Process

Here's their initial responses. They are still taking input until tomorrow at noon, so if you live in the neighborhood and have some thing to add, please do! Info on how, below.

I Suck Round Up

Sigh, I suck. Sorry, here's my attempts to get back to doing this . . . some older things might get snuck in for the rest of the week as I catch up . . .

More Messed Up Meetings

This time, its the state. Is the High Speed Rail meeting tomorrow about the corridor or the station? Here's another contradicting message from the top.

2 More Meetings this Week with Little Notice

Yeah, they did it, dipped down to the "Weekly Schedule" being only 65% complete on Monday morning. Why isn't the leadership in the city fixing this?

Mayor’s Budget Hearings Start Next Week

He really wants you input, so he's giving you plenty of notice of the meetings that start Monday and holding them in a month where the most people can attend.

NOM in Madison: Nobody Shows

The National Organization for Marriage's (NOM) appearance at the Wisconsin State Capitol today was lots of hype and not much substance.  The organization dedicated to...

Racial Disparities Implementation Team Work

I'd kept half an eye on the Dame County Task Force on Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System, but my interest and hope...

20 Supervisors Call for Action on LGBT Civil Rights

Twenty Dane County Supervisors signed a letter on Tuesday asking President Obama and members of Congress from Wisconsin to take action of four items...

Last Minute Changes to Edgewater TID Rushed Through Plan Commission

Last night was one of those nights that sucked to try to cover things in city hall. I managed to catch part of Landmarks, part of Plan, part of Landmarks again, park of Plan again and none of Board of Estimates. And, the kicker, my TiVo died so I couldn't compensate. Boo. Anyways, here's what Plan did on the Edgewater TID with bk comments.

Is Your Alder Doing Their Job? (Part Two)

Part Two. More messed up information.

Tuesday dose of Additional Meetings

Apparently, its too hard to get this information to the clerk's office by Friday . . . grrrr . . . the usual suspects. Everyone else seems able to notice their meetings on time, more or less. 5 more meetings out of 18 means that they only published 72% of the schedule on Friday.

The City’s Housing Policy Solutions

Sigh, what do you do when the Mayor gives you a task with a ridiculous timeline and no money. I talked with the Chair of the Housing Diversity Committee, Brian Munson and committee and School Board Member Marj Passman to find out.

Post-Birthday Round Up (Part One)

I was slacking last week, lots to round up . . . so little time.

Is Your Alder Doing their Job? (Part One)

It's really hard to find out! I noticed my alder and a couple others missing a lot of meetings and I was interested in finding out how many. It's not as easy as you would think . . . thus, the three part series.

Reviewing Sheriff Mahoney’s Campaign Finance Reports

I took a look at the endorsement list and was surprised, found out some folks were improperly listed and so I thought I'd look at the campaign finance reports, because support there is unmistakable. And of course, I found more interesting stuff that I expected. And I'm wondering, do these folks all support his ICE policies? Many of the names, of course, are the same.

Slow/No Wake Zone for Lake Monona

I probably should have posted this over the weekend . . . since it started on Saturday.

The Partial City Week Ahead

I wonder how many meetings will be held this week, that they haven't told us about yet. Here's the one that are noticed at the moment.

Library Costs Incurred to Date

We seem to have consultants and experts and lots of activities, and surprisingly low "costs incurred to date". Somehow, I think she...

Explaining the “blah, blah, blah” . . .

Oh, I'm so busted. Good call on that one Erik. You should go read his post, and then mine will make more sense. And, because its a really good argument for how you can get involved with citizen journalism.

Forward Lookout, beyond the blog

This is a little bit of a geeky post about Forward Lookout and Citizen Media, but it also includes a link to an audio recording of most of the July meeting of the Economic Development Commission. So, if either of those sound interesting, read on...

SCFL opposes privatizing the Overture Center

Here's the email to alders from Jim Cavanaugh:

EDC Discusses the “Broken” Process (Illegally?)

Interesting discussion at the Economic Development Committee, sounds like there is some backing off of the bold statements by the Mayor and the timeline. Perhaps some "misinformation". And, the message to the development community is clear, if you want to see changes, you have to show up, don't just send your staff for your various groups, cuz there's no data to support the concerns. And there are more open meetings concerns.

“Big Dream” for John Nolen Drive

After being on the council for 8 years, and plan commission for 3 years, I was a little surprised to hear that there are some plans the city has been taking a look at for years . . . here's the report from the EDC meeting.

Staff Revolt at Madison City Channel?

As the Madison City Channel ad hoc group is getting ready to make their final recommendations, the staff dropped a little bomb shell on...

EDC Reviews the Downtown Plan

How will the Downtown Plan affect Economic Development? And did they violate open meetings laws?

Where is the representation for people who LIVE in District 2?

This ticked me off. I won't lie. We're having a neighborhood summit, and who does our Alder want to make sure attends? I'll let you read for yourself.

Marquette Neighborhood Meeting on the “Broken” Process

I hope many more neighborhoods are finding time to do this, but the timeline was really short to get feedback. I'd say they should hold the meetings even if they miss the deadline, as the discussion will continue for the next few months.

Neighborhood Summit on the “Broken” Process

Here's the official invite.

Project Plan for Edgewater

Here's the document that shows the plan for the TIF district.

Do These People Support Sheriff Mahoney’s ICE Policy?

Check out the people endorsing him, its a pretty disappointing list.

More Important Library Meetings

In addition to the 4 public input meetings, here's two more of interest.

Second Half of Overture Discussion

I listened to the live stream . . . so far, all I can see is standing around, presumably deal making.

Overture Discussion at CCOC

Also, live blogged. Heavy skepticism about the city's role.

Council Members talk Snow (In July)

Ok, the snow report is done, now, what are they really serious about? Will they spend millions to get more employees for the...

Tonight’s Council Consent Agenda

Looks like another Thuy Pham-Remmele show tonight. She separated almost all the items for discussion this evening. The Exclusion list is below. Here's...

Search Reopened for Director of Planning and Community and Economic Development

Looks like Olinger could be around a little while longer.

Changes to City and County Schedules

6 new meetings for the City and a goofed agenda and extra meeting at the County. The City has managed to only get out 81% of the agenda again - at least that's how the math works out at this point.

Susan Schmitz (DMI) and Bill White on the “Broken” Development Process

Turns out, they say the development process isn't broken. And they back off of many of the other statements in their report.

Near Eastsiders, Watch for Brown Water Starting Today

They're turning well 8 back on . . .

Would You Care if Madison City Channel Went Away?

Over the past few months, a committee has been looking at what they can to do save $250,000 or about half the budget of the station due to loss of PEG funding. The first draft of their recommendations are out.

Paying Attention in Cross Plains….

Hopes for better water quality and for redevelopment in Dane County do not have to conflict...or do they? The Village of Cross Plains has proposed a...

What I can decipher of the County Week Ahead

These agendas are tough with their alphabet soup and jargon and lack of details. Here's my best attempt . . .

70% of the City Week Ahead

I'm less optimistic after last week's performance of the so-called "weekly schedule", so instead of 80% I"m going with 70% and I'm hoping it doesn't dip into the 60's like it did last week.

Reward to Find Dog, Please Help

This is from the dog bit outside La Fete de Marquette, please help if you can.

People’s Affordable Housing Vision Tomorrow

Planning the next steps . . . and where to begin . . .

John McNamara: On Pre-Payment for Cab Drivers

Guest column by John McNamara on pre-payment of cab fares.

Fruits and Nuts Victorious! (In Progress)

Yup, the Parks Commission agreed to the Memorandum of Understanding that does not require a lease or insurance that would have been prohibitive.

Lisa Link Peace Park Code of Conduct to get more scrutiny

Final decision postponed until September for a little re-write.

Live Blog of the TIF for Edgewater

An attempted live blog of the meeting to determine process adn procedure to expand the State St. TID #32 (think University Square) to include the Edgewater, since it currently isn't in a TIF district.

4 More changes to the Weekly Schedule

Mostly cancellations . . . perhaps because people get late notice and there is no quorum? Or something else, I'm not sure.

Wednesday Morning Round Up (A little late, ahem)

Always too much to do, too many meetings unreported and too many obligations getting in the way . . . here's what I have this morning. Anyways, here's a whole bunch of not-newspaper-links for this morning and a some newspaper links.

Police Department Pushes for More in the Budget

I'm sure its no coincidence that the Mayor's memo and the police department memo came out in the same day, but the police seem to completely ignore the mayor's request for a 6% cut, as usual. Cuz, you know, they're special, they get whatever they want. Which is a compromise of only 20 more officers (instead of 34) and millions more for their training facility cuz they botched the original budget.

Mayor Asks for 6% Cuts to Budgets, Again

More of the same.

Friday, Monday, Tuesday Morning Round Up

Slackin' on the round up again . . .

The other 35% of the City Meetings for this week, so far.

Turns out, the 13 meetings that were on the agenda yesterday were only 65% of the meetings that we know of for the week....

Demolitionpalooza

7 buildings for the Erdman proposal.

The Dane County Conservation Fund in 2011

This spring, the State Journal asked Dane County Board candidates if we should spend money on land acquisitions through the Dane County Conservation Fund. As we approach Budget Season, it’s worth noting the answer to that question isn’t “Yes”, it’s “Hell Yes.” Here’s why.

Activities to be Banned at Lisa Link Park “Visitor” Center

Some of these things are completely reasonable, but beware, no drinking a glass of wine and asking for directions, or stopping between beers to use the ATM, no staring, no offensive odor from hygiene (excessive nasty perfume, ok), no kissing (or holding hands?), no political materials (on State Street!) or charity work without permission, no kids running in the area with their shoes off after running in the splash park, no more than two bags in your possession (don't do too much shopping!), no changing your clothes in the restrooms (you hear that bikers?), no moving chairs or putting your feet on them, no eating that ice cream cone in an unapproved area, no taking Visitor Center materials into the rest room etc etc etc.

Multi-Media Brenda

Blogging, TV show and now . . . Radio.

County Week Ahead – RTA and County Board

RTA meets this week . . . and County Board.

Here’s About 80% of the City Week Ahead

Think that's about right, there's 13 meetings on the schedule this week, I might have aimed a little high and been a bit optimistic, might be 70% or less. We'll see.

Monkeys, War, Pot and Press for the County Board

Long meeting, most of it monkey testimony. But the most interesting issue was the one that you couldn't tell what it was on the agenda. How does the County Board get the word out about what it is doing? A relatively short recap of the meeting.

What’s a Billboard Worth?

We still can't figure it out, apparently, as we lose another lawsuit.

Which Neighborhood Wins?

This time around, its the Regent Neighborhood Association. Why pick a resource rich, dense urban area? Why not pick something like, um, East Washington Avenue, where sustainability is a goal for an area that needs more planning and some good urban infill? And, it has so much more potential for economic development. Once again, I don't get it.

The Mayor’s New Aide

I wonder if he hires anyone that is not a state employee or not from out of state? Not sure what to make of his...

Mulchless.

Until at least the week of July 19th. What to do? Well, not quite mulchless according to this email you can get yours today!....

Do we need cashiers in the parking ramps?

I didn't even know this was an option, probably a budget saving measure for the Mayor's budget, which he's first handing out instructions next Tuesday. And the staff will have about a month to come up with a budget that is in compliance.

High Speed Rail Updates for the City

This is the discussion and updates from CCOC (Common Council Organizational Committee) on Tuesday, and some of the concerns and some really good questions from some of the alders. With [bk comments.]

Thursday Morning Round Up

Here's what I found for this morning . . . two days of info

DCB Exec Comm: 3 Important Issues Thursday at 6!

The Executive Committee of the Dane County Board meets at 6:00 p.m. in Room 310 of the City-County Building on July 8, 2010.  Here's the agenda with accompanying resolutions: EX20100708attach.pdf

Demolitions coming up . . .

Funny how many there are that are not controversial . . . .here's four more, see any controversy here? Fish Hatchery, Willy St, Mineral Point and a lake house.

Changes to this Week’s City Schedule

Yeah, they didn't disappoint me, plenty of changes.

Common Council Recap: Part I, The Thuy Game

Play along, won't you?

The Great Great Plains – and what Madison can learn about economic development

Work at Epic? It may be the best thing you can do for Madison is to quit your job. [...]

What Will the Council Discuss Tonight

Here's a clue, its the exclusion list. Everything will be approved or decided upon as on the agenda without discussion unless it is...

Quick Monday Morning Round Up

Hope you all had a good three day weekend . . .

County Manages a 5-day Week

Information deficit, makes it hard to know what might be of interest, here's my two cents.

City 3-Day Week Ahead

3 days, not much time to add more meetings, but I bet they will . . .

Thought Google Gigabit fiber was cool? Check out the UW’s 100-Gigabit network

In the rare holiday-Friday news that isn't bad, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced today that they were funding a $62.5M 100 Gigabit network upgrade for a consortium that includes UW-Madison.

Stoopid City

Three things bugging me this week, so it gets its own post.

TGIF Round Up

A full week of round up, computers are all fixed, I have access to all my notes and pictures again. All is good....

Businesses in the downtown: more openings than closings

This is a good trend: more businesses are opening (21) in the downtown than are closing (9). I think I knew about most of these, but it was pretty impressive to see the full list. Thanks to Mary Carbine of the Central Business Improvement District for the list.

What’s Going to Happen to the DOA Building Employees?

Will they get run over by the train?

Big Surprise.

Not. Who didn't see this coming. After further consultation with the public, yeah, sure. Which Monona Terrace Station do you want is not much of a choice.

Afterthought: Neighborhooods & Affected Committees

So, as a complete after thought, after the business community has been asked to provide their input about the "broken" process and they have...

Overture Agreement

All the gory details.

Thursday Round Up

Ah, totally back in the groove, 4 days in a row . . . its official, the daily Round Up is back!

Overture Resolution To Come Before Council

Here's some insights into what the council will be asked to decide and when . . . Looks like they may have learned a few things about negotiation from the library debacle.

People’s Affordable Housing Vision Complete! Sign on!

The Inclusionary Zoning law went away about a year and a half ago, a committee was formed, they were told to solve the problem without money and they have talked and talked and talked and talked and nothing has happened, cuz, how can it, without money? Now more than ever, we need a concerted grass roots effort to make sure our local government is doing more to expand housing opportunities for everyone in our community.

5 more (City) meetings added this week

The County seems to be able to not have so many changes, what's wrong with the City?

Wednesday Morning Round Up

Back in the swing of things . . . 3 days in a row I'm getting to the round up!

Some Apex Properties In Foreclosure

Well, here's a little more info for the tenants caught in the Apex/Anchor Bank fight . . . at least for 4 of the properties.

Economic Development Commission’s Timeline to “Fix” Development Process

Here's their plan. Note what is missing. The special meetings will be from 5 - 9. June 16* ...

Allied Drive Residents Not Happy with Boys and Girls Club?

I've heard rumblings about the Boys and Girls Club role in the community for quite some time, so I wasn't surprised to see this email sent to many in the community. It's something to think about.

Tuesday Morning Round Up

So, I don't get behind again . . .

Train Station Comments Due TODAY.

Comments are due today. My guess is the decision has been made, but you should try anyways. Here's Alder Rummel's comments, fwiw.

People’s Affordable Housing Vision

2nd Notice: See the Forward Lookout Calendar for more community events. Come learn about the People's Affordable Housing Vision and how you can help! ...

Want A Library?

Partner with a private developer, have only one entrance and stand alone building is preferred.

Monday Morning Round Up.

Hopefully, I'll be back on track with the daily round ups now. DAVID DRYER'S CONTRACT They tried to push this through at the last minute at...

County Week Ahead.

Sorry, I've been kind of delinquent on the county end of things, my social life was in overdrive.

City Week Ahead: Welcome, July.

I've been gone the last few weekends and I'm looking forward to being home . . . and getting caught up on all my work.

Join the People’s Affordable Housing Vision!

I lied, I am posting! Here's a quick re-post on an important issue! Come to the meeting on Tuesday, join the facebook page, sign the petition and get involved in real life! Lets get the affordable housing and related services we need in Dane County for the homeless and lets create a truly diversified city and county that supports our families, our schools depend on it!

No posts today . . .

🙁 Sorry, it wasn't my plan, but my plans got changed by others. Will return next week with a whole bunch of posts. I planned on doing posts about . . .

‘Nother Demolition

Single Family home, but it must be a rental?

Additional Meeting this Week.

There were less meetings added than I thought, but this one serves as a great reminder of what the rules are. Thanks to the Clerk's Office!

Chicken Coop Time!

Tour des (Chicken) Coops

What is the City Changing in their Approach to Snow?

Here's the unedited version of the recommendations that were discussed at and the notes from the final meeting of the snow committee with [bk comments.].

Current Round Up

This one has items from the last 48 hours or so, sorry I missed quite a bit in the last week, will try to do better.

What is a HAWK light? And why do you care?

If you drive east on Johnson and fly around the corner at Blair St to get to East Washington, you might care. Here's a somewhat...

Those High Speed Rail Station Meetings

Didn't really know what to expect, but it was more of the same. And the format was odd, they should have told the public what the format was in advance. Tho, I suspected that was the way it was going to be.

Please Hold . . .

I have three or 4 blog posts coming this morning, but . . . I came in to work extra early this morning to...

Photos from a storm

Pictures of yesterday's street flooding, from E Dayton and N Blair St, along with a bit of a history lesson.

How to “Fix” the Landmarks Ordinance.

The Edgewater folks are paying attention. Are you?

Our Response to Snow Plowing Debate

I sat through quite a few meetings and took a lot of notes, but this is what it all boils down to. If you don't like their ideas, you can show up tomorrow (Wednesday) at 4:00 in Room LL110 in the Municipal (Post Office) Building (215 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd) to let them know. They send the notice of this meeting out late yesterday.

Additional City Meetings this week.

Three were added yesterday.

Long Overdue Round Up (Part One)

I bet you were wondering if I gave up on the Round Up . . . I haven't, just got distracted. I'll be better, I promise.

Overture Deal Reached

Stay tuned, press conference planned for today . . . This came out about 11:00 last night. I was at the bar reading...

Willy Street, The 1970’s & Art

Learn how the Willy St. Fair started, what role art played in the development of Willy St and much more.

DMI’s Draft Recommendations for Fixing the “Broken” Development Process

This has passed their Economic Development and Executive Committees and the Board is voting on it tomorrow. If you know anyone on the DMI Board you may want to try talking to them.

The Only 11 Meetings City Week Ahead

Yeah, right. Looks like it will be a busy week updating the following, cuz you know there isn't really only 11 meetings this week. This really sucks.

New Traffic Signals on Mifflin Bike Path

This sounds like a good idea to me! Public input needed Tuesday.

Bill White’s Magic Development Memo

Wow, this is just kind of funny now. Bill called me the next morning, then sent me the memo and encouraged me to share it. Here's the bombshell mystery document and my responses to it.

County Board Recap

I didn't do the week ahead, but I did make sure to cover them, on time! Medical marijuana referendum and war costs audit introduced. Lots of announcements including tractor pulls, turning down a road project and discussion of an economic development project (the one with the plastic Disney posters.)

John Norquist to Speak at Capital Neighborhoods Annual Meeting

Capitol Neighborhoods presents speaker John Norquist at Annual Meeting

BREAKING NEWS: Lawsuit Filed Against City on Edgewater

I gotta say, he'd have been a fool not to. Just got off the phone with the person who filed . . .

The “Broken” Development Process

This rant came out of my head in 5 minutes or less . . . its a start to a conversation, what would you add?

Updates on James Madison Park

When your alder doesn't work for you, sometimes you just have to do it yourself. Thanks Joe and Aleen!

More Demolitions . . .

They seem to come in groups . . .

Mayor, Economic Development Committee and Development Process

The Mayor visited the Economic Development Committee yesterday to talk about his State of the City Address and his charge to the committee to look at the development review process. He answered questions and they discussed how they would get this done by Labor Day. [With BK comments]

Today is Dump the Pump Day

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Marriage Equality Key to Economic Recovery

An editorial by Henry Sanders, Jr.

Far East Side Neighborhood Walk

Neighborhood Walk , June 17th at 7 pm - Heistand Park

Mayor’s State of the City Address

For those of you who are not members of the Rotary or invited by one of them . . .

Public Workshops on Monona Terrace Station

The meetings are next week . . .

Who Lobbied Against Raw Milk and Why?

Someone compiled the list, and it wasn't what I suspected. Are all these folks afraid of competition? I understand the couple of health organizations,...

Feelin’ Better Round Up

I still feel a little crappy, but much, much better than Monday, and even better than yesterday, so I call that progress. Here's a quick round up of things that I found over the last few days.

Council Recap

Honoring resolutions, liquor licenses, committee appointments, Biolink TIF requirements removed and the City-County tax collection dispute with a goofy Pham-Remmele/Mayor exchange and [BK comments].

Explaining the Consent Agenda

Ever wonder what that funny motion is that the alders make that has a bunch of numbers in it and you can't follow along? Well, I'll try to explain using tonight as an example.

The City Week Ahead

Sorry, this is a day late, I felt AWFUL yesterday, still not feeling great today . . . sigh . . .

Thuy Pham-Remmele to Sheriff Mahoney

What in the world is this about? And why were others cc'd on this?

When “welfare” isn’t welfare

The short answer apparently is when the recipients are white and middle class. At least that's what I get from Chuck Lacasse of DePere in...

Metro Stroller Policy: Feedback wanted

Safety concerns with strollers? Do you care?

A View from the Ladder House (Day One)

Here's the music we got to see at the Steel Bridge Songfest. And a little bit of Brenda the music critic.

Round Up from Door County

I know, I know, I should just step away from the computer . . . if it helps, I'm drinking a Guiness while writing a portion of it . . . and even tho we camped last night, I'm finishing it up a comfy hotel room.

People’s Affordable Housing Vision

Sign the petition, come to the next meeting, get involved, there will be very little additional affordable housing without a demand for it. As far as I can tell, no politicians have made it a priority, so the people need to.

DATCP At It Again (Amish Raw Milk Farmer)

I just got this update, DATCP is out there again this morning.

Central Library Public Input Meetings

Here's when you'll be able to give your input. There's 4 chances and they have said that the meetings are sequential so if...

More Business Recycling Please

People who have been in my car know, it is usually littered with aluminum cans. Why? Partially because I can't always find a recycling bin. Partially, cuz I don't clean my car that often.

Thursday Morning Round Up

Here's what I found of interest from that last 24 hours or so.

Blog Feedback

As I wander around town, I've been collecting feedback on my new blog layout, and we've made several changes as a result, keep the ideas coming.

Back to Summer Round Up

Sunny and 80 degrees today, a little different than yesterday. Today is Friday for me, I'm off to Sturgeon Bay for the Steel Bridge Music Festival tomorrow morning. Bringing my computer (and work) with me and intend to be on-line to keep blogging, but the schedule might be a little off. I'll be mostly hanging out at the Ladder House if you make it up that way.

Concession in City/County Tax Collection Dispute

It seems like they might have a proposal to solve one tiny portion of the dispute, but we still don't know what tiny percentage of people will take advantage of this, there's still the foreclosure/delinquency issue that is not resolved and the question of if all the costs for new software, reprogramming and other staff headaches are going to be worth it.

Unbelievably, City Week Ahead, Take III

Yesterday, I was annoyed by the addition of 12 meetings to the weekly agenda, today, there are only three more. Including big news at the Overture and police department input. However, that is a record 15 meetings added. How are people supposed to participate in local government when notices of meetings go out 24 - 48 hours before the meetings start?

The Week Ahead, Take II

Yesterday, the City added a record 10 meetings to the weekly schedule, giving little functional notice to the public. Here's the meetings that were added and what might be of interest and you might want to change your plans for today or tomorrow.

Rain, Rain, Rain, Tuesday Morning Round Up

I'm not complaining, its good for the plants.

Scam Alert

From the Madison police department: A West Side resident called for police late last month after two men came to her apartment door offering to...

Additions to the Weekly Schedule

This is annoying. There have been TEN, (nah make that TWELVE) additions to the weekly schedule this morning in 5 (now 7) hours.

Takin’ Sides on Immigration

Blaska announced on Friday he is taking sides. He attempts to define "the other side", so lets take a peak. What side would you choose?

Talkin’ Taxes

3 Polish guys named Dave (hey, the Mayor said it, not me) and the tiff between the City and County on quarterly tax payments for the City of Madison and the E word. Talking to Lucy Mathiak about the Schools and the Edgewater TIF.

Monday Morning Rainy Week Ahead Round Up

It's a 3-day work week for me and I'm beginning to wonder how I'm going to get any work done in June with all the long weekends we have for music festivals and weddings, and Summerfest. Well, I know, I'm taking some work with me! Sigh . . . no worries, I keep up on the blogs, better than I've been doing lately.

The County Week Ahead

Here's my shot at it, with little information easily accessible to guide me . . .

The City Week Ahead

Here's the items they want the public to know about . . . and then later this week other items will be added. I don't know why there isn't a rule that it has to be posted prior to Friday at noon, but it seems like there should be.

How to Escape the Isthmus During Ride the Drive

Apparently, there was an informational meeting for downtown neighbors at Gates of Heaven on the 24th, somehow, I missed that.

RETHREADS: Benefit for the Respite Center

Who can pass up Sreamin' Cyn Cyn and the Pons at the High Noon? It is for a good cause.

Water Main Flushing Schedule

Just so you are not surprised.

Dane County Turns 175 in 2011

A day late, but interesting none-the-less.

Some Beaches Closed

I don't really know anyone that swims in the lakes, but you might, or your pets might, and any contact could be nasty.

BOOM! Car Action.

Wow, Chief Wray sure listens to Thuy. Is it a reward for helping get 30 new officers, a pay back?

Cool Rainy Late Friday Round Up

The short work week is nearly over and the plants are getting watered.

County Board (Brief) Recap

Short and sweet.

Final Immigration Task Force Meeting: Sheriff told “No.” Again.

Two nights in a row the sheriff was told that people want him to change his policy. This time, he was on the committee, and tensions were running high. In case you missed it, Alder Bidar-Sielaff said he was "racist" and "sexist" at the council meeting and now he accuses her of acting inappropriately. Like I said, tense.

2 Day Round Up

Didn't have much yesterday morning, so I skipped it, so here's bit more than usual.

A Cowards Call to Arms

Steve King didn't hold back when he talked about the opponents of Shiva Bidar-Sielaffs resolution on immigration that passed the council unanimously. And they are fighting back.

Breaking News: MPO Releases High Speed Rail Money

Thanks for the update from former Alder Robbie Webber.

Meetings Added this Week

I under-estimated the ability to add meetings on this short week, here's what they've added!

Two More Demolitions & A New Preservation Planner

You know, none of these have been too controversial and they seem to be growing day by day . . . interesting, eh? Oh, and old news about the new preservation planner.

Immigration Common Council Recap (Part II)

Questions of Chief Wray and some comments from the council members. And people ask to be added as sponsors.

Immigration Common Council Recap (Part I)

There was a lot on the agenda, only one issue that was discussed.

Breaking: Madison City Council Passes Immigration Resolution

Wow! Unanimous vote for Immigration resolution. Solomon, Sandborn, Clausius, Schumacher and Pham-Remmele absent. Compton co-sponsored even.

Hispanic Family Attacked

Wow, this kind of makes you stop and think . . . http://host.madison.com/ct/news/local/crime_and_courts/article_80f94600-6da0-11df-bd37-001cc4c03286.html How long did it take for someone to call the police? ...

The County Board Short Week Ahead

I hate doing these more and more every week, because you can't tell much from their agendas TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2010 5:45 p.m. ENVIRONMENT, AGRICULTURE &...

Call to Stop Parachute Jump in Middleton

Veterans Call for Cancellation of Planned Middleton High School Paratrooper Parachute Drop into Student Pep Assembly Veterans for Peace (VFP) is calling...

Draft City of Madison Blogging Policy

This was on the agenda for the Common Council Organizational Committee to discuss the night of the Edgewater, and the meeting was cancelled, and...

NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin Names Award in Dr. Tiller’s Honor

Nominations will be accepted through June 25, 2010. Wisconsin - This week marks the one-year anniversary of the Sunday morning Scott Roeder walked into a...

Long Weekend Round Up

I have another day off, can't let my vacation build up like it did for years, so I'm trying to use it a little...

Don’t Click On These Facebook Links…

Facebook worm (a virus) in the wild.  Mashable has more more details, but the key part is the fake messages/links that are used to...

3 Day Week Ahead

Well, here's what I have for now, not much time to add anything this week, but I'm sure they will . . . Tuesday,...

This Side of Town is Moving . . .

No worries, it will still be This Side of Town, it will just be be at . . . Forward Lookout. We're hoping...

For fun . . .

Some Grasshopper love . . . My first music footage I'm ready to share . . . the grannies weren't my footage, just my...

Lazy Day Off Round Up

I slept in today, til 8:30, and with no deadline to be done, I'm slow this morning, or maybe it was the guinness' at...

High Speed Rail Meeting a.k.a. Madisonians Behaving Badly

I really believe there is something in that east side water that doesn't belong there. Well, that's not fair, there were people there...

Meetings Added this Week

When I do the week ahead, I have the information from Friday, but during the week many meetings get added, here's what we have...

News Coverage Round Up

Some of this will be repeats from the other round up, this is the medias version of the same information. And, a little...

Still trying to Catch Up with the Round Up

Here's a whole bunch of things not in the media per se. i.e. no links to local news stories in this post,...

Is Your Beach Safe to Swim In?

Well, don't swim in the beach, swim in the water, or wait, don't do that either, check the list first! Here's how they...

A Little Bit of Fun . ..

With the Raging Grannies! Enjoy!I've had the pleasure of meeting some of the grannies I haven't known before and seeing some of the...

Immigration Issues Heating Up

A rally, city and county meetings all coming up in the next week or so!So, here's my show from this weekend on Immigration, the...

Catching Up Round Up (Partial – Final)

I skipped yesterday and last weekend, so lets see what I can find . . . I'm trying to get two video's...

This Week’s Show on This Side of Town at WYOU

Immigration, the Sheriff and ICE with Shiva Bidar-Sielaff and Ramona Natera.It will run from 5:30 - 6:00pm tonight, and again at 6 and 6:30...

RTA Meetings This (County) Week Ahead

It's kind of a joke trying to review these agendas with very little information to go on and bad descriptions of what they are...

DMI’s Plans for Mansion Hill

Oh yeah, the Edgewater was just a start . . . and they have plans to spend more of the TIF and keep the...

No More Spending Like Drunken Sailors (On Credit)

The Mayor has all his bright shiny toys, now, he says, its time to cut back. It's about time.May 18, 2010TO: Department &...

Recovering from a HOT Sunday (No Attachments) Week Ahead

Well, this is a frustrating week, there are many, many, many discussions on issues with no attachments on the agenda, but I can guarantee...

Watch Allied Grow!

Call me a cynic, but I tend to think $9M spent towards these types of efforts would have a much bigger impact on the...

Call Today to Support a National Housing Trust Fund

National Housing Trust Fund Vote moved to next week. Please call NOW! Take Action!H.R. 4213, the American Jobs, Closing Tax Loopholes,...

City Attorney Responds to My Open Letter on Ethics

Mostly, he seems to think, nothing to see here and this isn't within the committee's purview. It's sort of his mantra ...

Rainy Friday Round Up

Not much today."WORKFORCE HOUSING" AT HILLDALENo controversy, so far. Of course, its not really "low income" housing so I'm not surprised.EDGEWATER JOBSI hope...

Take the poll!

Yeah, the Edgewater . . . the PR continues.From: Kelly Starr-King Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2010 5:22 PMTo: Kelly @ Dane Buy LocalSubject:...

Edgewater Round Up

Here's some of the press coverage, plus a few moments I found interesting from my blog, in case you didn't read all the way...

Non-Edgewater Round Up

Edgewater free for those of you who are celebrating the big push being over, but this isn't the last you'll hear of it ....

What you really want to know . .. .

About that nearly 14 hour meeting . . .. Conditional UseMotion passes on voice vote, seems unanimous. The motion was to support the...

Live Blog of the Common Council Meeting, Part V (Final)

5:00 am . . . and I'm not kidding its getting light out.VERVEER NOISE/HVAC MOTIONHe reads a long motion, explains that they have had...

Live Blog of the Common Council Meeting, Part IV (Final)

12:55, 26 more speakers . . . no breaks!Dennis Davidsaver lives and works downtown, asks them to follow laws and look at benefits and...

Live Blog of the Common Council Meeting, Part III (Final)

Ok, all we had in part two was presentations by Dunn and the neighborhood and now we will get to the 61 speakers.During the...

Live Blog of the Common Council Meeting, Part II (Final)

Public Hearing begins . . . PROCESSMayor explains how he and council leadership, each person could speak 21 minutes, 3 people in one hour....

Live Blog of the Common Council Meeting, Part I (Final)

Well, I'm attempting a live blog, because after 11 hours or so of meeting, which is what I am predicting, I suspect I won't...

Rules for Tonight’s Council Meeting!

This was LONG overdue and crappy to put out right 5 hours before the meeting with no notice to the public. But I...

Edgewater Round Up

Here's some of the stuff that has come flying out in the past couple days.DOCUMENTSTIF Staff ReportEngineers ReportPublic Access AgreementMansion Hill Steering Committee ReportStaff...

Nothing "Brief" about this TIF Briefing for the Council! (Part I)

4.5 hours, the first half talking about TIF, the second half a long winded sales pitch by Bob Dunn.Who showed up: Bridget Maniaci, Lauren...

Brenda’s Blog This Week

I worked an extra 20 hours in the last two weeks, so I only need to work 20 this week, and I've already worked...

School Board Discusses Edgewater TIF

It was a brief discussion, happening at the same time as the Council "briefing" on TIF, but interesting in that they seem to think...

A Challenge to Edgewater Supporters

So, we've heard how this project will be good for economic development and the city in general, but how do you justify voting within...

Non-Edgewater Monday Morning Round Up

I'll try not to mention it, not even once!SCHOOL BOARD PUBLIC HEARING TONIGHTOh yeah, if you're not going to the meeting on that-which-shall-not-be-named, there's...

Dane County Week Ahead

Sorry I skipped last week, ran out of time . . . here's this week . . . MONDAY, MAY 17, 20106:00 p.m. LAKES...

Council Agenda Items and How to register to Speak on the Edgewater

Here's a list of the issues of interest on the council agenda besides the Edgewater and the issues that are likely to be discussed...

Edgewater Finale Week Ahead

This is it. A meeting on Monday to talk TIF, the vote is on Tuesday (or probably 5 am Wednesday morning) and then...

The Mayor Thinks Democracy Was a Poor Choice

Wow. The discussion at the Board of Estimates about recessing and possibly referring the meeting was very interesting. Maniaci apparently didn't even...

Get Involved to Take Back The Land!

Join those crazy radicals who have the audacity to believe that Housing is a Human Right! Events this weekend and next week!Take Back...

Non-Edgewater Round Up

Silly, but the Edgwater eclipses so many other things at times, this is one of them, so I separated it out, here's the rest...

Edgewater Ramping Up Round Up

More new information flowing out of the city and the latest marching orders from Hammes Company.CITY ATTORNEY MEMOPALOOZAThis document has several memos from the...

It’s All About Transit

Here's the show that ran last Monday at 5:30 pm and Tuesday at 6:30 pm on WYOU. It's all about transit! Taped...

Demolition Time

Another single family home . . . probably "too small" for our modern world.Please be advised that JENNY ACKER will be filing a demolition...

Busy Day Round Up

Lots going on tonight, SJC 10th Birthday Party at Olbrich, Immigration Task Force Public Hearing, and What's going to happen to City Channel with...

Shelter is FULL.

It's not a surprise, but the homeless shelter for families is full. And so is the over-flow Warming Shelter. Check out the...

Tuesday/Wednesday Round Up

I got another seminar out of the way yesterday, but there was no time for blogging in the morning. So here's an extended...

The Meetings they are a changing . . .

The city committee schedule is hard to keep up with, 7 changes in the last 48 hours, for the next 48 hours. ...

Live Blog of the Landmarks Meeting (Part 3 – Discussion and Decision)

I hope there is a decision sometime tonight, I had to get Rob to set the TiVo longer. My understanding is that at...

Live Blog of the Landmarks Meeting (Part 2)

I started a new blog, cuz the other was going on and on . . . so here's a new part.I missed the speaker's...

Live Blog of the Landmarks Meeting (Part 1)

NOTE: For those of you wondering, Board of Estimates will start at 8:30. Not sure we'll be done in an hour.It's all...

Wanna Be CDA Director?

Someone has to, it'd be great if it was someone good! I've tried to convince a couple good people to apply - they...

Tough Blogging Week Ahead Round Up

It's going to be a tough blogging week, due to work, lots going on today but I have to get up early and be...

Edgwater Monday, Week Ahead

Let's just do everything on Monday and take the rest of the week off.Monday, May 10, 20108:00 AM MADISON METROPOLITAN SEWERAGE DISTRICT ...

Social Justice Center Mural Dedication

Despite the fire at Jolly Bob's last night and the electricity outage this morning, and the rain . . . the party continues on!...

North Mendota Parkway County (Isn’t Going ot Happen Anytime Soon) Board Recap

Besides Jack Martz being confused and the award for the Tree Board, the North Mendota Parkway was the biggest issue discussed on the agenda.A....

Alder Thuy Celebrated Cinco de Mayo a Little Too Much?

Or is Blaska writing this stuff for her? Or did someone hack her account?In response to the news that Mark Clear or "council...

People’s Affordable Housing Vision (Short Version) DRAFT is out!

If you have concerns, want to see some tweaks or love it, we want to hear from you, tonight at the Central Library at...

Tenant Resource Center is Hiring!

Part time, if you speak spanish . . . BI-LINGUAL HOUSING COUNSELORTerms - 10 12 hours/week, possible additional hours in summer, $11.66/hour. Qualifications• Good...

Mark Clear doesn’t get it Council Recap ( Part III)

My sincere apologies, here is the rest of the the recap, parts one and two are the rest of the meeting. This is...

Mark Clear Doesn’t Get It Council Recap ( Part 2)

Every. Alder. In. The. Room. Had. To. Speak. Plus, the mayor. And the vote was 18 - 1. In their defense,...

Lost Belongings: Anyone see anything?

I have a bit of a mystery that I'd like some help with.A person came in to the Tenant Resource Center and was concerned...

Edgewater: This Is NOT Acceptable

As Nan Cheney would say "DO BETTER!". Look at this cluster^%$# for the 10th of May and discussing the Edgewater. This is...

Apex: Read the Comp Plan, Not the 1988 Document . . . .

For those of you interested in the Apex project on Merry Street, this may be of interest. It's at the UDC this evening.May...

Mark Clear Does’t Get It Council Recap (Part 1)

He doesn't get it, why all this fuss about process, just give him his library - he all but said, the ends justify the...

Do you want to serve on a city committee?

Or do you think its useless because as one person responded to the below "Who wants to be a rubber stamp for Mayor Dave?"...

We don’t want to hear about the Geese!

City Attorney says that you can't talk about the geese tonight. Of course, full counsel/legal advice would have reminded them that they can...

Immigration Task Force Draft Recommendations (Final)

Ok - the committee is getting nearly done with their work. They have a list of 11 recommendations and they are working on...

Tuesday Morning Round Up

Here's what I have this morning, and a little left over from yesterday . . . 19 ITEMS ADDED TO COUNCIL AGENDA FOR TONIGHTThey're...

The City’s Economic Dashboard

The city staff spends some time gathering information for this 90 page document, so what can be learned from it? Some interesting stuff...

How Long Would You Have to Wait to Get Into Public Housing?

The note with this notice says that the wait times are changed due to fewer vacancies (i.e. not good news):Public Housing Wait TimesEffective 4/30/2010Estimated...

What’s with this Larry Guy?

And is anyone going to miss Katherine Plominski? Apparently not, they're leaving her position open for a while instead of filling it. ...

Gypsy Moth Spraying

Info from the County Parks Department including a map and spraying areas plus a hotline you can sign up for to get electronic notices...

Renting from Apex: Where do you pay the rent?

Apparently, Apex Property Management and Anchor Bank are in a dispute, and their tenants are caught in the middle. To make...

Update on High Speed Rail – From Alder Rummel

This is information that she sent to her neighborhood listserves, but I think others may be interested as well. Input needed in the...

This Side of Town On WYOU

I have a permanent time (or two) and my first, non-pilot show runs today.My regular time is Monday at 5:00pm right before Democracy Now...

Mifflin Hangover Monday Morning Round Up

Wow - some folks in this town must have really been hurting on Sunday judging by how drunk they were Saturday afternoon. NOTHING...

County (Elect New Committee Chairs) Week Ahead

Lots of guessing here . . . hard to tell with the lack of information available on the internet and other information not easy...

It’s May! (City) Week Ahead

Time to plant some things!! Or at least get ready to . . . which is why this is later than usual.Monday, May...

A Wonderful Life

Nice tribute to a friend, mentor, role model and personal hero. The world needs more people like Nan & David Cheney. The...

Landmarks Staff Report on the Edgewater

The full report is here. More info here. The important part is below.Part 7: Staff RecommendationThis report describes each of the project’s components...

Edgewater (Mostly TIF) Round Up

Yeah, if you can stand to hear any more about it . . . people keep asking how this became a city obsession and...

A long Friday Round Up

I have a separate Edgewater Round Up for this morning, cuz this got long and well, some people just can't stand to hear about...

People’s Affordable Housing Vision Near Completion!

If you want to come and help finalize it and sign on, let us know!Access to safe, adequate and affordable housing is a human...

Edgewater TIF Application

Here it is. I'm working hard to control my potty mouth. You're never going to believe how much the gap is ....

An Open Letter to the Ethics Committee

We all know how popular my filing of complaints are. And trying to change laws has backfired as well. So, here's my...

Edgewater is Back Round Up

Wait, wait, wait . . . hurry up! FOR HAMMES, TIF WAS A PRIORITYWow, seriously? I'd hate to see how long it...

Edgewater TIF Application is In!

I heard this yesterday and immediately fired off my request to get a copy (tho I neglected to request the equally interesting term sheet)....

Holy. Edgewater. Mess.

The conditional use appeal gets interesting . . .and it isn't even Friday. Here's the City Attorney's memo and attachments. 8 pages of...

Demolition of Water Utility Building

A pet peeve of mine - is this former (in the process of being sold) Water Utility Building really in such bad shape...

Almost Freezing Wednesday Morning Round Up

32 degrees. I guess we've been spoiled and really shouldn't complain . . . HERE WE GO AGAINFireworks over the fireworks. Apparently...

1/4 Million Dollars for Government Access TV?

Will the city pick up the tab? We know our city government elected officials jettisoned public access television, will they be as quick...

Another Edgewater Wrinkle

Dealing with the condition of approval this way doesn't concern me as much as the ability to conform with historic preservation standards. It...

Tuesday Morning Round Up

Yesterday was jam packed with meetings, but once again, plans to try to cover more than one thing were foiled by technology. I...

Board of Estimates – Items to Come to the Council in the Future

TiVo'd . . . and a little brief. Downtown Library and TIF are the main attractions. Verveer does a good job setting...

Warner Park Geese are Saved!

Yup - sounds like they found another way to deal with the situation. But yes, it still takes action from the Parks Department,...

Is It Monday Already Round Up

I woke up this morning, thinking it was Sunday. Bummer, no such luck!MONROES STREET MUSINGSVery interesting. On the day where the Board of...

Also Brief County Board Week Ahead

Second, First real RTA meeting this week . . . I like these weeks with at "5th" day of the month, it makes...

Not A Lot of News City Week Ahead

Ooo, this is good, since I have so much catching up to do . . . Monday, April 26, 20104:30 PM BOARD OF...

Another Demolition

Must be demolition time!Please be advised that John Bieno will be filing a demolition permit application on April 29, 2010 for Plan Commission review...

Friday Morning Round Up

I now have 12 posts I want to try to finish this weekend . . . unless I get distracted by something . ....

Behind in Blogging Thursday Round Up

I'm so far behind, with lots of good stuff, but I'm been too busy with work. I think I might have to work...

Another Downtown Demolition

Another demoltion, this one downtown. Some of these demolitions aren't really that interesting, but you never know, so I post them all.Please be...

(Partial) County Board Organizational Meeting Recap

So, I didn't exactly watch this meeting, I listened to it over the live stream while I was at the city council meeting. ...

Two more demolitions . . .

CDA demolishes housing taken from African American landlords and another single family home . . . CDAPlease be advised that Dan Rolfs will be...

Late Wednesday Morning Bike-centric Round Up

I decided to get a full 6 hours of sleep last night, so I'm slow today. Plus I attempted to cover both city...

Common Council Electing "New" Leadership Recap (Part I)

I was pulling double duty last night, trying to cover both the County Board and the City Council. I kinda pulled it off...

New City and County (Newly Elected) Leadership

With the Mayor and County Exec stuck in Europe, here's who is next in line! Not much changed . . . City Council...

Edgewater Updates

Landmarks and TIF1. Still no TIF application. Confirmed this morning. I thought they were trying to get a TIF resolution done...

How Full are our Family Homeless Shelters?

Over-full. I just got an update this morning, here's the run down:THERE ARE MORE FAMILIES WE CAN'T SERVE THAN FAMILIES WE CAN SERVE...

BK Independence Day!

The cone of silence is being lifted! I have been returned to full citizenship in the City of Madison! I can speak!!...

Mayor-Free Tuesday Round Up

Council meeting tonight, Mayor still stuck in Europe and I hear the ash might actually be getting worse even tho some flights did resume.THE...

Mayor Dave (‘s Staff?) Figures Out and Uses Technology!!!!

Yay!!!!! I'm totally serious. Yay!!!!!! Good use of technology Mayor Dave!!From: Cieslewicz, DaveSent: Monday, April 19, 2010 9:03 AMTo: ALL...

Reasonable?

I posted the city attorney's response to the conditional use appeal on the Edgewater, but didn't really THINK about it . . . check...

Monday Morning Round Up

Why do I feel like I am already behind for the week? Sigh . . . CORPORATE FINANCING OF CAMPAIGNS, WISCONSIN STYLEDisclose it...

Wait A Minute, Who Paid for that Trip!?!

A non-profit, so its ok, right? I looked them up yesterday, and look at who it is.Bikes Belong. Sounds like a...

Will Kathleen Falk Miss the Swearing in of New Supervisors Week Ahead?

Ashes, ashes . . . our executive leaders are and the lobbyists are all stuck in Europe, when will they return? Weekly schedule...

Will the Mayor Return from Europe Week Ahead . . .

While it might be tempting to wish he might not return, having Tim Bruer as mayor is much, much scarier! Good thing the...

Talk About Bad News Friday . . .

City Assessments are out! And the day after tax day to boot!From: Hanson, MarkSent: Friday, April 16, 2010 1:00 PMTo: ALL ALDERSSubject: 2010...

Court Decides Unelected Decision Makers Matter

You do see the irony here, right? The right hand trying to take away power from citizen committees because only elected officials should...

Ethics Erosion

This is so depressing watching the city slowly erode what I thought were strong ethics laws. Here's a bit of it, more to...

Support Your Government Access Television!

I've been focusing on the Public part of PEG funding, but the G stands for government and although the city cut the P part...

Friday Round Up!

8 hours off email can really mess up your day! Especially two days in a row. CHOO CHOOThis little waiting game seems...

Edgewater CUP Appeal being investigated further . . .

City Attorney Michael May sent this out to alders today:On March 22, 2010, the Plan Commission approved a conditional use permit (CUP) for the...

Downtown Coordinating Committee Position on the Library

Wasn't able to make it to the meeting, was still in Milwaukee, but here's what they had to say:Downtown Coordinating Committee Central Library Issue...

Somtimes, living downtown is difficult

Bus stop moved, bike lane gone, no parking. Joe Lusson, a downtown homeowner, explains the current issues on Gorham near the construction of...

Early Morning Round Up

I'm sure to miss a few things this morning since I'm doing this so early . . . Work is so inconvenient on...

Tivod Brief Council Meeting Recap

It was a short meeting, less than an hour! The library briefing was longer.Looks like the started late as per usual. Schumacher...

Immigration Task Force Begins Working on Its Recommendations

So, this meeting was really an informal discussion with lots of back and forth, so hard to blog, but here's the highlights.They started off...

Short Tuesday Morning Round Up

Being caught up means its a little less lengthy.A TALE OF TWO NEWSPAPERS, WHICH IS RIGHT?Jin's Chicken and Fish Revoked After Many Violations or...

Plan Commissioner Speaks Out . . . Re: Edgewater Process

Or at least attempts to, I'm not exactly sure what happened as he reports he was "squelched" while trying to make the statement. ...

Greyhound Update

This is from Greyhound to the alders.I guess, at least they are starting to communicate with the alders, but is this what you want...

Bill to Help Save Community Television Moving Through Committees

AB721 and SB582 are bills that would restore Public Access funding for stations like WYOU, and it keeps passing through committees will a large...

Monday Morning Round Up . . .

Here's what I have . . . hopefully caught up from last week . . . I think I heard a loon...

Lame Duck County Board Week Ahead

A couple items of interest. Meeting list here, agendas here. There were several meetings listed that didn't have agendas available...

The Edgewaterless (City) Week Ahead

No Edgewater . . . waiting for them to file paperwork, full Landmarks Commission information and TIF application . . . Full properly...

Friday Morning Round Up

Here's what I had time for today. Sorry its late, despite the flu, I went to my board meeting last night and didn't...

This Stinks: Neighbors Appeal of Edgewater

Check this out, I couldn't figure out how the lawyers would have screwed up the number of signatures required to file an appeal. ...

Looks Official, April 20th meeting for Edgewater No Longer the Date

Straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak: Good day to be home sick with the flu and free to blog away ....

Edgwater Going to Landmarks At Earliest, April 26th

I guess this timeline is blown. Again.From: Murphy, BradSent: Thursday, April 08, 2010 1:50 PMTo: ALL ALDERS; Adam J. Plotkin; 'Amy Supple'; 'Susanne...

Tomorrow, Greyhound moves back to . . .

OHMIGOD . . . my. head. just. hurts.If you're following along:Stoughton Rd until March 31Baldwin and E Washington April 1 to 5North Transfer Point...

Greyhound goes for FOURTH? New Location in less than 2 weeks?

Yeah, I'm not kidding. The press release from yesterday barely had dry ink (it was sent out late) and already they are rethinking...

This Sounds Like a Start to a Joke

An RTA member, an Edgewater lobbyist, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, County Executive Kathleen Falk and other developers/lobbyists go on a bike ride in Europe ....

Edgewater NOT Going to Landmarks on the 14th

I've been hearing rumblings that the council meeting of the 20th is likely not to happen, besides not having a TIF application yet, here's...

Greyhound moving tomorrow for the THIRD TIME!!!

No joke. This is absurd. No longer at Baldwin and E Wash, or moving to the North Transfer Point, back to Stoughton...

Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday Round Up

Yikes! I'm behind! Gotta catch up today . . . Looks a little short, perhaps I was a little too harsh about...

Have You Seen the New WYOU?

Check out the new WYOU and donate to keep the station going! Shows I know about and recommend checking out include:Willy St. TV...

Election Night Round Up

By now, you likely know the results. There are many places to find them, here's a few and some commentary. Clerk's website....

Election Night Results . . . Kinda . . . .

I thought I had the perfect plan. Get to the Argus early, get an internet connection, find some electricity, have a Guinness and...

Don’t Forget to Vote Today!

Elections today . . . kinda hard to tell, but don't forget to vote!! If you need help, here's some tips:The who what...

And Today, the Greyhound Bus Stop Moved Again To . . .

The Northside bus transfer point. Seriously. Here's why.Alder Bridget Maniaci, the Mullins, the Economic Development Director, etc etc etcI'll let you see...

Live Blog Attempt of the Council Briefing on Library (Edited Slightly)

Here's we go . . . NOTE: The meeting got done about 1:14, these are the notes as I got them at the...

Edgewater: Plan Commission did not do their Job

So, the neighborhood filed an appeal. When the council and plan commission approved the change to the Waterfront setback ordinance for the Edgewater...

Return from Spring Break (City ) Week Ahead

Now that everyone has enjoyed their spring break, taken their furlough days and some have celebrated their holidays, back to work. This agenda...

This Side of Town, the TV Version

Well, I survived my first taping, learned a lot, got over my nervousnesss and am thinking about continuing, but now its time for you...

Another Demolition

To expand Farm and FleetPlease be advised that Neal VanLoo will be filing a demolition permit application on May 12, 2010 for Plan Commission...

Furlough Friday Round Up

I was tempted to take the morning off, since I have to work today . . . but, I couldn't resist.Tho, I don't have...

Mayor’s Non-vite to the Alders to Discuss the Library

Wow, the Mayor has become so blatant in his disrespect to the council its kind of staggering.At 4:00 yesterday afternoon - the mayor's office...

Looking for Volunteers!

Wanna volunteer? I can put you to work . . . I'm currently looking for volunteers in a variety of areas for a...

Library (Shades of Edgewater Craziness)

And the twisting and turning and arm twisting continues . . . It looks like the logic behind council actions on the library...

Slow News Week Thursday

The slow news week continues, so I have to make my own . . . luckily I have some material you won't be reading...

Greyhound . . . oh, btw, we’re moving. Tomorrow. In less than 12 hours.

The only story that ends up in my google reader to pass along to you. But the story is more about what you...

Demolition

Tear down a laundromat, put up parking lot. Hey, this is Madison, can't it at least be a parking ramp, or pervious pavers...

Not in the News is What’s Relevant Wednesday Round Up

I'm stretching today . . . it is truly a slow news week. Not much going on in the news except the library....

Somewhat Inaccessible RTA Meeting Schedule

This crossed my mind when they talked about having a meeting in Fitchburg, but I was recently reminded about it again . . ....

Slow Week Tuesday Morning Round Up

In the 70s tomorrow! What else matters?WHAT OUR LIBRARY NOW CAN BEIf we somehow manage to straighten it out.$3.4M FOR THE SCHOOLSMore potential...

And the City Stands Idly By . . .

Sometimes, people email me things that are too good not to share. Thanks to William Peterson for putting this all together and in...

Spring Break Monday Round Up

I love spring break, it means more parking spaces, warmer weather and a bit of a break even for those still working cuz no...

Brenda’s Going to be on TV!

Eh, big deal, right? You've seen me on TV before, but not like this . . . MY LITTLE PROJECTI took a camera...

DCCPA Survey – More than lacking in Credibility.

When Lukas Diaz said at his blog that the Dane County Council on Public Affairs lacked credibility (these are also the folks that brought...

County 12 meeting week ahead

At least they have a board meeting, but still, not much here either. And, they have a furlough day on Friday.MONDAY, MARCH 29, 2010No...

Only 7 Meetings City Week Ahead

7 Meetings total this week, at least that is all that is listed. It's a 5th Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, so we get...

TRC Iron Chef 2010 Competition Tonight!

It's the eight annual event. All proceeds go to help prevent families and individuals from being evicted. Donate what you can at...

FRIDAY! Round Up

I'm so glad this week is nearly over. How'd I get so busy?HOPE TO SEE YOU TONIGHTGood food. Good fun. Good...

School Board Candidate Forum Tonight

From the Urban League:MMSD School Board Candidates Forum - TONIGHTThis African American Communication and Collaboration Council is hosting a community forum with candidates of...

Silly City Edgewater Games

There is just no end to the insanity. This project is turning nearly every city process on it's head. Here's two more...

Thursday means the Week Is Almost Over Round Up

Here it is . . . enjoy!CONSTRUCTION SEASON IS UPON USRoad work!JOHN NOLAN BIKE PATH CLOSEDBikes also will have a challenge getting around this...

What Public Space/Lake Access are we getting for $16M

Half way through the Plan Commission on Monday night, during a break and after the public had spoken, a limited number of copies of...

Still Recovering from Monday Round Up

I don't know why I think I can work an 8 hour day and spend 8 hours in meetings and still get blogging done....

Items of Interest from the Board of Estimates.

There was too much going on this past Monday . . . no uniform vendors qualified due to living wage and sweat-free ordinances so...

Plan Commission Votes to Move Edgewater Forward

I missed all the public testimony, but have it tivo'd. I will do the questions the plan commission asked next, but I know people...

School Budget vs. Edgewater

Tonight, there are big meetings on both. I've thought a a lot about what is more important and it just seems so clear....

Monday Morning Catch Up Round Up

Still catching up. Tomorrow, I'm taking my last "use or lose" day off from work, which I have to use by the end...

City Week Ahead

Here we go again, here's what I think might be of interest this week.Monday, March 22, 20104:30 PM BOARD OF ESTIMATES ROOM...

Preparing Effective Testimony For Plan Commission on the Edgewater Hotel

Over the years, I've heard lots of testimony. If you want to make your testimony effective, here's my recommendation:1. Be prepared, review...

3 day Partial Round Up

I'm a bit behind on the blogging . . . meetings til 11:00 and midnight two nights in a row will do that.UDC ON...

The library is going to go to rehab . . .

Sing it with me, "Unless the council says no, no, no." (Sorry, the Amy Winehouse song has been stuck in my head for...

County Board Recap

Wow. Love the county board - they sure know how to get things done fast! Tho, next time I hear a county...

A Housing/Low Income Advocate Blogger Dilemma

How the hell do you choose which meeting to go to? And when are we going to get cloning . . ...

Wow. Not a great way to start the HOPE VI process.

And you wonder why I have concerns about competency and process . . . From: Olinger, MarkSent: Wednesday, March 17, 2010 9:14 AMTo:...

UDC on Edgewater: Just move it along. (Part I)

Another 4 - 4 tie with the chair voting to break the tie in order to move the project along. Hardly a ringing...

Surprisingly long Council Recap (Part II)

Monona Drive and Thuy Alert! she can't understand 25 cents to pay on line is better than driving downtown to pay in person or...

Surprisingly long Council Recap (Part I – Final)

It was a 4.5 hour meeting, part one is filled with discussions of roundabouts and who pays for them (hint: the county doesn't...

TRC Iron Chefish Cook-off Event Coming Up!

Friday, March 26th—You be the Judge It’s the eighth annual “cook-off ” hors d’oeuvre competition and Tenant Resource Center Housing Crisis Fund Benefit, 5–7...

Edgewater and Landmarks and More Hammes Games

So how does this work, the project has changed dramatically since the Landmarks Commission saw it, but the proposal hasn't come back, so will...

Spring Tuesday Round Up!

I picked up all the beer cans, hard liquor bottles, empty cigarette packs, a spray paint can and several other items left behind by...

Full County Week Ahead

Ok - do over, here it is, now that the info is on-line in a more blogger friendly format.MONDAY, MARCH 15, 20105:30 p.m. PERSONNEL...

Are Property Rights More Important than Cvil Rights? (Final)

And sewers? It sounds like some alders might think so. This is two weeks old at this point, but the Council will...

Sunny Monday Morning Round Up

It's going to be in the 60s this week! No more fog!CONVENIENT MEMORY LOSS ON D'ANGELOFrom bad news Friday. The Mayor remembers,...

Partial County Week Ahead

The weekly schedule wasn't up in it's usual format here, so here's a start from here until the rest other format is up.MONDAY, MARCH...

It’s Baaaacccckkk . . . Edgewater City Week Ahead

Target for council to vote on the Edgewater is now April 20th, that sounds reasonable, but there still isn't a new TIF application. ...

Another Slow Round Up

My excuse today is that I have the day off, so I slept in. I'm starting this at the time that I normally...

$100M: Why HOPE VI Matters to Madison

This is way bigger than the Edgwater for Madison. Way. Bigger.Last night at the Community Services Commission Mark Olinger explained to the...

Slow Thursday Morning Round Up

Alright, a little late, but still up by 10:30ish . . . luckily, it would have been a 11 hour work day...

DMI’s version of County Board Endorsements

I gotta admire them, at least they are sticking to the issues that matter to them!Technically, these are not formal endorsements, but the intent...

NEW (HA! HA!) Edgewater Schedule

Let's try this again . . . this is the latest word . . . We have received revised plans based on the...

They Speak for the Trees!

I call them the Lorax committee, but their real title is the Habitat Stewardship Committee and three of them also serve as the Tree...

Wednesday Morning Round Up

Spring! 50 degrees today! PHOTONo comment.WHEN IS FREE SPEECH NOT FREE?When you try to get a permit to march up State St. ...

Recap of School Board Discussion on Edgewater TIF

I don't think I've ever watched an entire school board meeting. It was . . . different. I'd say the...

Board of Estimates Recap

Everything passed with a few changes and minimal discussion. Here's the items of some interest.25 CENT CHARGE FOR ELECTRONIC PAYMENTSMike Verveer asked quite...

Tuesday Morning Round Up

Here's what I found of interest for today . . . EDGEWATER WAITING GAMEWe still don't have a schedule, a current land use application,...

Google Fiber Meeting Thursday

7:00 at Olbrich . . . This press release went out on Friday, but I didn't find it on the cities website, so I'll...

Weekend/Monday Morning (No Baby) Round Up!

Wow, I will never use the word "Baby" to refer to a "Round Up" again . . . but I did get several offers...

How Will the Schools Fill their $30M Budget Problem?

They need to hear from you! You may have read some proposals about this in the State Journal (and here) or Channel 3...

Dane County Week Ahead

Here's what I could figure out from the limited info they provide . . . My suggestion for an easy fix, instead...

The Likely Incomplete (City) Week Ahead

Here we go again . . . with no Edgewater meetings! They are supposed to get their amended applications in this week, next...

Baby Round Up

You're getting the quick round up today!EDGEWATERBlew their new timeline in less than 48 hours. Special Board of Estimates meeting on the 15th...

27 or 32 Minute County Board Recap

Another short night! I'm getting spoiled . . . GETTING STARTEDYou can tell elections are coming up, several people are taking what...

Ready, Set, RTA!!!!!

Everyone was there! Room was packed with elected officials, staff from various places and advocates . . . oh, and media, lots and...

New Edgewater Schedule Already Really Blown . . .

The schedule is less than 48 hours old and two changes already, it now looks like this . . . I saw Brad Murphy...

Google Fiber – What are our Chances? I think its up to YOU!

After listening to the description last night at the Economic Development Commission, I'm worried and I'd say bad, unless you get involved and help...

Late Wednesday Morning Round Up – Or, Really, Thursday Morning Round Up

I'm slackin' again . . . my bad. There's just so much going on and so little time! THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TARGET AND...

Um, What’s Going on with the Library? Alders want to know!

Many people have asked me to try to hunt this down. Problem is, its being done behind the scenes, deep behind the scenes,...

New Edgewater Schedule? (UPDATED! NOW CHANGED!)

Don't blink you'll miss it. The new/amended TIF and land use applications may fly by in 9 days.Yesterday, the Council got this email:From:...

18 Minute Common Council Recap

One reporter described it as feeling like we were in the eye of the storm.GETTING STARTEDThey started on time!!!! Taking at least Verveer...

Why is there no development in the E. Washington Corridor

I left last night's meeting to update stakeholders on the progress in the E. Washington corridor agitated to say the least. This isn't...

Potential for Serious City Staff Ethics Violations

Sometimes when you look at an agenda, you think it might be kind of boring, but this time, I'm really glad I attended. ...

Tuesday Morning Round Up

Here it is . . . what you need to know for today as of the time I posted it. Just so you...

CDA Executive Director?

Oh, that Friday news. There's no doubt CDA should have some dedicated staff to work on their many projects but . . ....

Monday Morning Round Up

I gotta make up for a kinda short round up on Friday, so, here it is . . . a few staler items and...

Waiting for Elections to be Over, Slow County Week Ahead

Also a little slow, as we wait for elections to be over . . . can't do anything controversial for now . . ....

March is here, Edgewater Free City Week Ahead

Another kinda slow week . . . I suspect there are some meeting that will show up later this week.Monday, March 1,...

End of the Week Round Up

It was kind of a slow week, last week of the month usually is . . . but still a few things to...

County Board Endorsements . .. .

County politics is alot more partisan than city politics, and there, they actually have Republicans on the board! Let's take a look see...

You’re No Longer On That City Committee!

Tuesday night, 31 people were removed from 19 different committees because they did not fill out their statement of interest forms, after what was...

Thursday Morning Round Up

I went to no city or county meetings yesterday . . . there was nothing of interest, how bizarre!EDGEWATER TIF - A...

Edgewater Lite Common Council Recap (Final)

I'm getting spoiled, the meeting was only a little over two hours . . . Sorry this is a little late, I was playing...

Brief Wednesday Morning Round Up

Short council meeting . . . instead of a two-nighter, another easy night for the fingers! Apparently, the less I have to do,...

Truce Between Kathleen Falk and Dave Cieslewicz?

Doesn't look like it . . . From: May, MichaelSent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 2:46 PMTo: ALL ALDERSCc: Cieslewicz, Dave; Piraino, Janet; Plant, Joel;...

Tuesday (Edgewater Lite) Morning Round Up

My fingers are getting a rest this week! 🙂 Perhaps I should get caught up on a few other posts that...

Plan Commission Brief Discussion of the Edgewater

It was brief, but important. Waterfront setback ordinance is different than they recommended, why they are not acting on the 1965 ordinance, what does...

Yeah, Duh!

This, was a no-brainer . . . I don't know what took so long.From: Bruer, TimSent: Monday, February 22, 2010 2:41 PMTo: ALL...

Edgewater: Ch-ch-ch-changes . . . . (Part III)

Ok, sorry to make you wait . . . here's the rest of the meeting:Read Part I and Part II for presentation and public...

Monday Morning Round Up

Bad news Friday Review along with other things that happened in the last three days . . . and some items of interest coming...

Friday Furlough (County) Week Ahead

Yup, no meetings on Friday . . . think anyone will notice? The full schedule is here, the agendas are here.MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22,...

Edgewater Lite (City) Week Ahead

A little less Edgewater than we originally thought we'd have to deal with because they have a new project . . . I'm interested...

More Friday News: Edgwater Waterfront Setback Ordinance Change

Here's the language that the plan commission talked about . . . Dear Colleagues,Earlier this week Ald. Cnare and I crafted a substitute for...

Friday Afternoon News: Protest Petition Filed on the Edgewater

This probably isn't a huge surprise, but it is now official . . . it will take a 3/4 vote of the council for...

Dane County Board Recap – Interoperable Radio System (Dane Com) Part II

Ok, it's past noon, but hey . . . this is what you get for free! 🙂 And sorry, I always save...

Dane County Board Recap – Interoperable Radio System (Dane Com) Part I

I missed the first 15 minutes, I chalk it up to being sick . . . but here's the rest . . . RTA...

Friday Morning Round Up

I'm feeling better, go to work, not go to work? I don't think my staff really want me there lest the catch what...

Edgewater: Ch-ch-ch-changes . . . . (Part II)

Sorry for the delay . . . headache is better but not gone, and now I seem to have a fever . . ....

Edgewater: Ch-ch-ch-changes . . . . (Part I)

Round three, getting closer . . . I think . . . GETTING STARTEDAt about 6:45 the Plan Commission started receiving word that...

Thursday Morning Round Up

Everything except the new changes to the Edgewater, see separate post for that!OK, ONE EDGEWATER ISSUEThe developer wasn't even done presenting the project before...

Do Students Care About their Tenant Rights?

Honestly I don't think so, at least not until they have a problem, then they care. But that's too late. That seems...

Snow – Part III – Budget Review

You thought I forgot about this series, didn't you? Nope, it's all in the timing . . . or indicates my proclivity towards...

Wednesday Morning (Mardi Gras Hangover?) Morning

Not me. You?FEBRUARY WATER QUALITY REPORTWe all drink it and bathe in it, what's in it? My guess is we should all...

Stupid City: Election Day

I was number 4 after 1 hour and 45 minutes of the polls being open. That's stupid, but its not what I'm writing...

Board of Estimates Recap (Including Edgewater Ordinance Change, No TIF discussion)

After the Board of Estimates meeting, one person said the meeting reminded him of this. I thought I might have some fun with...

Tuesday Morning (Don’t Forget to Vote Today!) Round Up

Here it is, up to date! Enjoy! And don't forget to vote today!THE FUTURE OF JUDICIAL POLITICSWould you care if judges were...

City Jobs!

The damn burst yesterday and several city jobs suddenly were all released at once, check out all the positions. Notice, no bus driver...

How Edgewater TIF affects more than just the Edgewater

In anticipation of the Board of Estimates discussion this evening, check out what it does to the neighborhoods and what about the school budgets?...

Monster (Effort) Monday Morning Round Up

Some of this might have gotten a little old (last two weeks), but I've cleared out all my blog topics, google alerts and google...

4 or 5 Upcoming Demolitions

We sure seem to demolish quite a bit with little controversy . . . so much for the story that historic preservationists oppose all...

The County Mardi Gras Week Ahead . . .

Unlike the city, they do have meetings on Tuesday!MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 20101:00 p.m. Public Health Madison & Dane County - Strategic Planning Retreat ......

The Mike Verveer is at Mardi Gras (City) Week Ahead!

Hey Mister, Toss me some beads! 🙂 Sorry, I couldn't resist. 24! meetings so far for next week!Monday, February 15, 20108:00...

Half Done Round Up

I've felt behind all week, and still am! Hopefully I can stay more current starting next week!DON'T READ THISGo read my other post...

I feel like a black person, not just a person.

This was another very intense and tense meeting of the CDA, and quite disturbing. The alternative title for this post was CDA Actions...

That Radio System – How Many Channels Does Madison Need?

Tuesday night I sat in on the County Public Protection and Judiciary meeting on funding the radio system. They're not used to having...

Catching Up with the Round Up . . . (Part II) (Final)

Ok - here's the final of what I have for today . . . there is still much more that has piled up ....

Parks Rules They Are A Changin’

This week, there were 2 meeting of subcommittees of the Park's Department and they looked at changing or creating policies in about a dozen...

Want Free Stuff?

We got desks, lots and lots of desks . . . and much more, come check it out . . . we also have...

Do We Really Need More Hotel Rooms With Numbers Like These?

And how does that fit into the TIF calculations for the operating revenues, is it possible we are being too optimistic?From the ComptrollerThe 2009...

It might not be obvious but . . .

The snow emergency is on for tonight, park on the ODD side of the street . . . or in the parking ramp -...

Catching Up with the Round Up . . . (Part 1)

As I struggle to use all the vacation that I have before I lose it, I have more time off today . ....

Plan Commission: A Profoundly Sad Day for Madison (Part II)

Sorry to keep you waiting . . . seems kinda cruel, but there just isn't enough time in the day . . ....

Plan Commission: A Profoundly Sad Day for Madison? (Part I)

As we were leaving the plan commission last night, one plan commissioner looked at me and said "I didn't think we could make a...

Stay tuned.

I have the day off, so I slept in . . . to find out what happened at plan commission last night, here's a...

Edgewater’s Public Space

You didn't really think there wouldn't be an Edgewater post this morning, did you? Look at this, can you tell what we are...

Late Dane County Board Round Up

Sorry, the Edgewater kinda took over my life last week, hopefully after tonight, we can have an Edgewater-lite rest of the week. So,...

Yeah, we won’t be plowing your streets til tomorrow . . .

Live with it! And they don't mention if they will be announcing a snow emergency . . . Here's your snow alert...

Lengthy Monday Morning Round Up

Just like the city staff who have no time for downtown planning, zoning code rewrite and other important projects due to the Edgewater project,...

What is AT&T up to Now?!

Another fast-tracked piece of legislation with potential wider ranging impacts . . . From the Wisconsin Association of PEG ChannelsWisconsin Association of PEG Channels,...

Demolitions: Charter St. Heating Plant Demolition! And more . . .

Well "portions of" it and a neighboring building . . . and a single family house on W. DaytonPlease be advised that Gary Brown...

The County Week Ahead

Here's the county week ahead . . . For those wondering, their weekly schedules are here, their agendas are here. Items...

The City Week Ahead – There are many things happening besides Edgewater

Here we go again, lets see if something is going on besides adding 83 hotel rooms to the City of Madison for $16M ....

JFC – New Materials . . .

On the Edgewater project for Monday's meeting. This is getting exhausting!This just came out about an hour ago . . . Attached is...

Edgewater Mess – Part Two

My team of IT professionals and editors inform me the easiest way to fix my botched Edgewater post from this morning was to just...

Plan Commission and the Waterfront Setback Ordinance

Last night, after the "neighborhood meeting" on the Edgewater, a bunch of us (neighbors, activists, planning staff, etc) were standing around wondering how that...

Edgewater: We don’t Agree on Anything! (This Project and Process is a Mess!)

Note: I had some technical problems this morning, I have my team of IT people and editors currently working on piecing my post...

Hammes/Edgewater Message to Supporters

Rally the troops, log in to madison.com, show up tonight . . . just helping spread the word! :)Actually, it is interesting to...

So, What’d the UDC decide on the Edgewater Last Night?

I. Don't. Know. I was there, I heard it, but I don't know what it means. Some said they punted,...

Edgewater TIF Questions

Here's the TIF questions that I came up with and wish the council members would have asked last Thursday based on the info I...

Update on Landbanking

The Economic Development Committee met again last night to look at the landbanking program. There is a last minute hand out,...

Edgewater Law Changes & Ethics Violation- Board of Public Works.

What a bizarre meeting. No alder/sponsor of the changes was present to speak to the issue. The super important can't live without...

Edgewater TIF – Some facts to ponder.

I was sooooooooo disappointed on the lack of questions on TIF from the alders on Thursday night. It is very likely that most...

Squirrely Common Council Recap

Ok - early morning blogger's fact finding mission complete. Back to blogging . . . The Council was getting a little uppity last...

Please stand by . . . .

Um, gotta get my car moved by 8:00 and run some errands, will have a post or two up by noon, they are both...

Tuesday Morning Round Up

Here's what I have this morning . . . seems skimpy after the monster round ups at the end of last week!SPECIAL SHOWS ON...

Two Extra Edgewater Meetings This Week

I attempted to find all the Edgewater meetings for the week and posted them here, but here are two more. Sort of. One...

(Day Late, Also Light) County Board Week Ahead

Here it is, a little late. Sorry its late, I had other things to do yesterday.MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2010There was nothing of great...

Non-Profit Swap Day!

Who say's we aren't thrifty! Sigh . . . I guess, you do what ya gotta do! In non-profit world,...

TRC Milwaukee Extended Hours! Volunteers Needed!

The Tenant Resource Center has funding for one year to try to make a Milwaukee office work. Limited funding, but some funding. ...

Monday Morning Round Up – Yes, there is more!

Well, after the 5 part round up this weekend, I'm surprised I have more . . . but I do . . .ROUNDING...

Edgewater Round Up from Last Week (Kinda Long . . . Sorry)

Part V in the Mother of all Round Ups! This includes the items of interest from the Council briefing (mini recap) to open...

Edgewatery Goodness Week Ahead (Updated)

For those of you trying to follow the crazy Edgewater schedule . . . Additional meetings added after this was posted are here. Last...

Suspiciously Light (City) Week Ahead

Only a total of 14 meetings listed . . . so far . . . Monday, February 1, 201012:00 PM MADISON BOARD...

I’m baaack . . . The Mother of All Round Ups (Part IV)

Ok, this has the rest of the week, minus the Edgewater and then, I think, I'm caught up and read through mostly all my...

I’m baaack . . . The Mother of All Round Ups (Part III)

Ok, now there is going to be a likely smaller part IV, for everything except the Edgewater . . . that's next in part...

Demolition . . . Another one . . . er, two

Single family homes, no proposed uses . . . Please be advised that Gene Bohn will be filing a demolition permit application on February...

I’m baaack . . . The Mother of All Round Ups (Part II)

Ok - here's part II, I'm not too focused today, expect a part III plus a part IV on the Edgewater . ....

I’m baaack . . . The Mother of All Round Ups (Part I)

A whole week's worth, so some of it will be stale, some of it not. It's kinda random what made cut one, still...

Immigration Task Force Public Hearing Cancelled for Tonight.

But there are more hearings coming up . . . .As a member of the Dane County Immigration Task Force, I wanted to make...

Tribute to Howard Zinn tonight!

Catch it on WYOU tonight!Tonight Thursday starting @ 8pm ( FREEDOM OF PEACE)WYOU will do a tribute to Howard Zinn who died WednesdayWYOU ch...

Edgewater Cover Up? (Error Corrected)

Ok, maybe? Not sure. It could be minor one, or it might be of great interest?Giggle, that got you to read this,...

Monday’s Bad News Friday

The Mayor's office and by extension the city, always puts out its bad news on Friday. And the later in the day, the...

THIS WEEK: Edgewater Lakefront Setback & TIF Law Changes

People are wondering when and how to give input on the Edgewater.  I say, early and often, but definitely this week! The law to...

Brenda’s Blog on Autopilot!

The internets are taking over!I'm on vacation this week, I've set up my blog so it posts some items of interest throughout the week...

Brenda’s On Vacation (County) Week Ahead

Well, the agenda is not up and I'm leaving in a few hours . . .so you are on your own. The schedule...

Edgewater Meetings Scheduled for This Week

For those trying to keep track as this issue makes its way to the February 23rd Council meeting . . . or not. Monday,...

Brenda’s On Vacation (City) Week Ahead

You're on your own . . . kinda . . . I'll maybe be back on Thursday night for the Council meeting on Edgewater...

Dane County Board Recap (Majority Complete)

Here you go . . . a quick recap! Hookahs! And controversial Falk appointment Peter McKeever to the Capital Area Regional Planning...

Corporations are PEOPLE?!

I think this made all the blood drain from my face and I feel sick. Literally, sick. Read more below...

Edgewater: Middle of the Night, Take 5 or 6, Day Late, $16M Skating Rink (Final)

They Urban Design Commission didn't even get started on the Edgewater until after 9:00 and ended after 1:00. So, you're getting a bullet...

Surprise! Random End of the Day Round Up!

I had some "extra" time this evening I wasn't anticipating, so . . . here it is!IT'S 9:15 AND . . . Edgewater is...

Miscellaneous Common Council Recap (Updated)

Somehow, the meeting lasted til 10:00. A surprise to some, as there was no one major issue on the agenda. Confusion about...

Starting off a Short Week Round Up

A short, but action packed week ahead, here's a round up of issues going on . . . TERRENCE WALL KICKS OFF HIS CAMPAIGNWell,...

Friday + Weekend + Monday Round Up

It's a little long . . . OOPS, I WAS WRONG!I'm a little red faced, but only a little. I didn't realize that...

Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration (County) Week Ahead

I did my best, its always hard without seeing attachments that go with the agendas.TUESDAY,JANUARY 19, 20105:00 p.m. HEALTH & HUMAN NEEDS COMMITTEE/HUMAN SERVICES...

Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration (City) Week Ahead

Here it is . . . Monday, January 18, 2010No city meetings, but Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Events a plenty . . ....

CDA "Steals" African American Land, Just in Time for MLK Day

Yeah, that's what she said. SETTING THE SCENEThe CDA meeting last night was quite tense. I actually felt bad for most of...

Slow Friday Morning Round Up (Updated)

This won't be up for a while, I'm busy working on coverage of the CDA meeting last night where they discussed low offers to...

Rounding It Up!

Thursday . . . here's what I got . . . BUYING TERRENCE WALLIt's amazing to me how transparent some elected officials are about...

Shiva Sums It Up

Rummel rounded it up yesterday, here is Shiva Bidar-Sielaff's summary, sent out on Monday and available on her council website as well! :)...

Edgewater: The Laws They Are a-Changin’ . . .

So, I was in the middle of researching laws that the UDC and Plan Commission need to follow when they make their decisions, when...

Changes to Non-Emergency Police Call Handling

This was discussed last month at the Public Safety Review Committee (fwiw - former Alder Eli Judge says it was a good discussion and...

Rummel’s District Round Up!

I don't usually do this, but Alder Marsha Rummel did a good job of talking about some of the many issues going on in...

Wednesday Round Up

Here's what I have for today!SOGLIN V CLEARI can't believe Clear thought this was a good idea. Soglin pwned Clear. And, while...

Not even death . . .

We have a saying around here at the Tenant Resource Center, "Not even death will get you out of your lease". Sad,...

New City Engineer Dude!

Ok, this isn't much of a surprise, but for the record, looks like its official!From: Phillips, RobSent: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 7:56 AMTo: EN...

Plan Commission Discussion on Edgewater Process

Last night the Plan Commission discussed scheduling their discussion on the Edgewater . . . Brad Murphy (Planning) started out by attempting to explain...

Brief Tuesday Morning Round Up

A few items of interest . . . MARTIN LUTHER KING AWARD WINNERSCongratulations to all! Since I know Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, I can speak...

Board of Estimates (Not Much) Recap

Everything on the agenda passed without discussion in about 20 minutes except . . . NEW IT DUDEPaul Kronberger introduced himself. He's been...

Land Banking – Details Emerging

How will the city decide how to spend $5M on land banking? The Economic Development Committee (EDC) discussed initial ideas at their meeting...

Monday Morning Round Up

Here's what I have for today . . . ON TARGETTarget project is moving forward. BEAT THE WINTER BLUES AND ALL THAT JAZZThese...

County Week Ahead

Here's my best guess, without attachments and materials for the agenda, its a little harder to know for sure.MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 201012:15 p.m. SOUTH...

Edgewater Free City Week Ahead (Slightly Updated)

A more robust schedule this week . . . no Edgewater. With only 7 weeks to work this out, seems like a missed...

Yesterday’s Round Up

I should know better than to think I could quick get something done at work. There was no way I was going to...

Friday Round Up

Stayed up too late . . . check back after 10:30.Sorry, none today, too busy . . .

Edgewater – How is this going to work? (Slightly Updated)

I have a friend, or perhaps more accurately a frienemy, who when we were working on legislation would turn to me and say, "How's...

Michael Schumacher: Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!

That got your attention 🙂 . . . Ok, seriously, his claims he was only out of town 10, 15 or 18 days since...

Snow Emergency . . .

Park on the even side!!!!!The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. That means that alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect...

Two Day Round Up

I'm a bit behind since I didn't do one yesterday . . .OLD HOUSES - RESEARCH, REGISTER AND REWARDSMadison Trust Sets New Series of...

The Week Ahead – Added meetings this week!

6 meetings today and tomorrow that weren't on the weekly schedule earlier this week . . . I think this is incredibly inappropriate that...

Potential Demolition by Fire

Neighbors! Now is the time to pay attention!Please be advised that Monica Hodgson will be filing a demolition permit application on February 23,...

Now THAT is service!!!

A huge kudos to both the City and County Clerk's Offices this morning, for two or three different reasons!First, the County Clerk's office sent...

Common Council Recap (Final)

I took the day off, slept in (a little), so this will be a little slow getting posted this morning, but this and the...

It’s Official: Here’s who is on the Ballot for County Board & School Board (UPDATED)

School Board ends up with the biggest surprise:School Board - NO RACESCity Website infoMaya Cole unopposedBeth Moss unopposedJames Howard walks into the seat vacated...

1 Alder Absent. Other Issues for tonight.

So, the council usually works off a consent agenda that comes out late in the day and many don't ever see. Here is...

Referral Motion Expected on the Edgewater Tonight

Here's the text expected to be introduced . . . From: Maniaci, BridgetSent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 12:39 PMTo: ALL ALDERS; May, Michael; Mendoza,...

Other (Non-Edgewater) Round Up (Final)

There's enough for a full post here . . . just wish there was more time . . . CAP TIMES ON SOGLIN ON...

Catching Up on the Edgewater (Final)

If you haven't been obsessed with the Edgewater for the last two weeks, the last you might have heard was the Council rejected to...

Snow Part II – A Peculiar Discussion During Budget

This is part II of a five part series. This one, was just odd. The Mayor has a public discussion about who...

Jay Rath’s August Post on the Edgewater

Several people have asked me what happened to this post. In short, with the website transfer to the new format, it was lost,...

County Board: Another Incumbent Gets a Challenger

This is updated as of 1/4 at about, 4:15. At this point, papers have to be filed by 5:00 tomorrow, Tuesday 1/5/2010....

Roommate Problems? MTV is Looking for YOU for a Documentary!

Yeah, I'm not kidding. I just got this call and talked with the producer and she asked me to spread the word ....

1 in 20 renters in Milwaukee Evicted!

Yikes! Good thing Tenant Resource Center just opened an office there . . . but we only have one year of funding ....

Snow – Part I (The Report)

This post got so long, I had to break it into 5 parts. The first part is a review of the snow report....

I Don’t Know Where to Start – Monday Morning Round Up

All this vacation time, has me behind on so many blog topics, I'm not sure where to begin, but here's your Monday morning round...

The County Week Ahead . . .

I have more faith that this one will be more accurate . . . but I'll try to double check and update it as...

The (This Doesn’t Look Right) Week Ahead

I suspect, there are some things missing here . . . I'll try to remember to update it.Monday, January 4, 2010This is the...

Please Vote!

Psssst, in the poll, top left of the blog . . . vote!I'm going to use the results in a little project, so I'm...

Happy New Year!

Careful what you wish for!

County Board Candidates: 2 business days left to file . . .

This is updated as of 12/30 at about, 4:15. At this point, papers have to be filed Monday or Tuesday, the deadline is...

New Year’s Eve Round Up

There were too many items yesterday for me not to do a round up - so here it is . . . COUNTY BOARD...

End? of the Week Round Up

This may be my last post for the week. I have the rest of the week off . . . but then again...

Demolition for Parking Lot

House torn down to create parking lot for nearby condo owners . . . Please be advised that John Sveum will be filing a...

Poll Results: Open Records Response

How long before I get at least a courtesy response to my open records request from Council Staff or Leadership? (Hint, its been 5...

Mid-Week (Tuesday) Round Up

Love it when Tuesday is mid week . . . ONE WEEK, THEN A DO-OVERThat's right, the Edgewater is back. Re-do the bingo...

One Week to Go – County Board: Who’s In, Who’s Out? (Updated/Fixed)

This is updated as of 12/29 at about, heh, 4:20. Please note, there were a couple errors this morning, my humble apologies to...

New Year’s (Slow) Week (Weak?) Round Up

Here's what I got . . . I'd have been tempted to skip it, but it looks like there are still plenty of...

The Mayor, Blogging, Council Use of Web Pages & Woeful Use of Technology

Inspired by Kristin's puff piece on Mayor Dave Cieslewicz blogging . . . not her fault its a puff piece, not much news happening...

City And County Meeting Week Ahead

One each . . . . Another short week, few meetings.CITYMonday, December 28, 20095:10 PM ADA TRANSIT SUBCOMMITTEE TO THE TRANSIT AND PARKING...

More Ho Chunk/Union Corners News

From, an unnamed source . . . some more points this person thought were of interest: 1. Ho-Chunk does not plan to need any...

I lied/Can’t Sleep Extra Round Up

So, I wasn't going to blog today, but . . . I came home last night after being sniffly all day, made...

New Poll: Response?

So, I thought I should explain my new poll for those who may not know what its about. First of all, its just...

Poll Results: Edgewater/Alders/Law

To keep track, I'm going to save the poll results in blog posts. So, here's my first poll and the results:Will most of...

Reconisderation . . .

I've been getting lots of questions about how reconsideration works. Luckily, Michael May just resent an old memo on reconsideration, which, unlike more...

2 Upcoming Demolitions

A single family house and a UW Building . . . One . . . Please be advised that Karl Lang will be filing...

Last Round Up of the Week.

I'm likely not going to post for the next three or four days . . . maybe. We'll see what's going on...

Brief Snowy Tuesday Round Up

More snow! Wow. Yesterday was the first day of winter, the longest night of the year, but I'm done with winter already.A...

M.I.A. Alder (s?)

Which Alder has been out of town 65 days since May 1st?I still haven't gotten a response to my open records request I told...

County’s Version of Over Paid (Overtime) Bus Drivers

Only in the case of the county it isn't bus drivers . . . its . . . the sheriffs. Here's...

Short Week Monday Morning Round Up

Edgewater free round up . . . CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MIASo, where is our Economic Development Commission, our Economic Development Director and city leadership?...

Still Talking About the Edgewater . . .

Even tho the project may or may not be dead, it seems it is still the main thing people are talking about, so ....

The Not Much Happening City and County Week Ahead

At the moment, I got, well, not much . . . you take a look . . . CITYThe city only has meetings on...

Lazy Friday Afternoon Round Up

There's so much out there today . . . county and city. No snow or Edgewater today, that'll be saved for Monday.WHERE'S THE...

More (Complete) Information on Who is (is not yet) Running for County Board

So, Matt DeFour from the State Journal asked the politicians if they were running, and got one answer. Those of us who have...

Yawn.

If you're wondering why there is no post here, its cuz I have the day off and I just woke up. I'm working...

Edgewater Hang Over Round Up (Final)

Well, I got some sleep . . . but I feel like I have a hang over or something even tho I haven't had...

Recap of Council Discussion on Edgewater (Final . . . Grades are In!)

At 2:40 in the morning the council finally started their discussion on the Edgewater . . . The first 2 to 2.5...

Very Sleepy (Short) Edgewater Council Recap

Well . . . This is going to be not up to par . . . Here's some numbers for you to help...

Opitz not Running for County Board

Figures, the day after the WSJ confirms who is running . . . its wrong. Not Matt's fault, I just figured it wasn't...

Three Last Minute Legal Opinions On the Edgewater

Since most people aren't likely to know these exist prior to the meeting, I thought I'd share. The docs were sent...

I Can’t Wait!!! Round Up (Final)

Silly, I know, but for those of us on the sidelines, this is like the superbowl.EDGEWATER: IT'S DO OR DIE TIMEGeek Alert: I...

Economic Development Commission Struggles to (Obviously) Support the Edgewater (final)

This was mildly entertaining. A few special moments.At the beginning of the meeting Fred Mohs, Gene Devitt, the model and a small handful...

Who’s Running For County Board?

Matt DeFour sort of beat me to it, three County Supervisors retiring, all the rest say they are running. Here's who have filed...

Here We Go Again, Monday Morning Round Up

Here's what I have this slippery Monday morning . . . MAYOR DAVE IN TROUBLE?Wow. Mayor Dave is the talk of the town....

The (County) Week Ahead

Lots of meetings, all listed here, agendas here, only a few items that appeared to be of interest.MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2009Lots of mmeetings, but...

The "Do Over" (City) Week Ahead With All Kinds of Decisions by a "Handful of Unelected People"

Lets try this again, this time, without the blizzard. Here's the items of note. Full schedule here.Monday, December 14, 20098:00 AM ...

Mayor Dave’s Hunger for Power

First it was the Water Utility, then the Transit and Parking Commission during the recent bus fare debate, now the Landmarks Commission. While...

Chilly Morning Round Up

A few topics to chew on as you drink your coffee or tea, or hot cocoa and try to warm up . . .GOOD...

Snow Emergency Continues for Tonight

Cost me $15.60 to get my car out of the parking ramp where my car was parked since Tuesday at around 6:30. Cost...

Where is the Win-Win on the Edgewater (Or How Developers Make it Hard on Themselves)

The win-win, is on East Washington.A week or two ago, a neighbor posed this question on a listserve.I know most are getting sick about...

Snowy, Tenanty Round Up

Snow related items, tenant items and a few others . . . I almost made it without mentioning the E word . . ....

Will you be towed?

At least they are telling us which streets they are going to target, that's progress. I'm "lucky" enough to live on one of...

Hey! It’s a Snow Day! Round Up

Eh, I slept in, went to Bizzardoke at the High Noon last night. Now I can't decide if its worth it to get...

Council Meeting Cancelled

Sent from the council office:In response to concerns with the weather, the declared blizzard warning, State, County and City law officials requesting that motorists...

Snow Emergency – Declared?

You figure this out . . . As someone who lives downtown, this is the worst public education I've seen. There were no...

It’s About Integrity

David and Leigh Mollenhoff's advice to council members . . . In an email entitled "Tell 'em to vote 'no" then sent this note:Dear...

Are You Sick of This Yet Round Up

I am. I really want the final vote to be tonight (as long as it is safe for everyone involved) and I really...

Hmmm . . . Rescheduled (Edgewater) Council Meeting?

This, could be interesting . . . and convenient. Perhaps Palm and Schumacher will be back . . . but who else might...

Another Opinion on the Law and Edgewater

This one from Mansion Hill Steering Committee:To: Madison City CouncilFrom: Mansion Hill Steering Committee on the Edgewater ProjectDate:...

More Demolition

Downtown Demolition . . . there's no explanation and I'm blanking on what might be going on here. Seems odd to be demolishing...

Monday Morning Round Up

Lots to comment on . . . not just the Edgewater . . . MADISON SCHOOLS GET VISIT FROM POCAN AND MILLERLast Monday they...

The County Week Ahead

Here's what I could tell was of interest. It's harder to predict with the county because they don't attach the materials they way...

The City Edgewatery Week Ahead

There are other things going on in the City besides talking about the Edgewater Hotel . . .Monday, December 7, 20093:00 PM INFORMATIONAL...

The City Attorney’s Opinion on How To Decide on the Edgewater

The key to the Council's decision is . . . Thus, the question comes down to whether the Council finds that “owing to special...

Breaking Down How the Council Decides if they Should Overturn the Landmarks Commission

The decision before the council on Tuesday in NOT whether they should approve the Edgewater project, it is only a question of if they...

Friday Round Up . . .

Ex-alder gives advice to colleagues, Olinger leaving the city, kudos to public health, Kailin service, Brews for WYOU, Homeless Memorial Day, composting, and more,...

County Board Recap

It may have been short, but I'm glad Robin Schmidt and others did what they did. Once again, the most excitement was during...

Edgewater Heavy Round Up, But a Few Other Things . . ..

This is all I have for today, I got up late and thought I could work on it at work, but 20 minutes in,...

Hammes/Edgewater Appeals Landmarks Decision

Get Ready for a Loooooooonnnnnnngggggg Tuesday Night . . . .Here's the letter sent to the clerk.

Board of Estimates (Preview of Issues to Come) Recap

Mark Clear violates ethics ordinance?, TIF falling out of favor with Madison School District and County (could future TIF districts and expansions . ....

E Round Up: All Edgewater, All the Time

Yes, there's enough about the Edgewater for a round up dedicated to this subject alone . . . I expect that this will be...

EEEE Round Up: Everything Else Except the Edgewater

That title sounds like it should be sung to the tune from "All Along the Watchtower" . . . but yes, there are other...

Edgewater: Denied! (Final)

It was a 7 hour meeting . . . I missed the first three hours, which consisted of 1.5 hours to 2 hours of...

The (School Board) Week Ahead . . .

Kinda . . . a little . . . I thought this sounded interesting:Pocan and Miller will speak Monday 11/30 - Agenda of the...

The (County) Week Ahead

Without the budget, things slow back down, but still some items of note . . . and several missing agendas?? Full weekly...

The (City) Week Ahead

Back to the rat race . . . Monday, November 30, 200911:30 AM TIF REVIEW BOARD ROOM 313 MMB- Considering using the...

A little more Round Up

There's a little bit out there to comment on . . . EDGEWATER TOURI considered going, but didn't feel like listening to another sales...

Pre-Thanksgiving Round Up

It's a slow week, but somehow, I still found a few things to comment on.WYOU BLUESIf you ever thought about donating to WYOU, now...

City and County Week Ahead

Well, its feast or famine. Not much this week. Good thing I'm wasting more of the years of vacation I accumulated ....

Continued Round Up for this Week

Less regurgitation of things you should know, more attitude! :)BIGOTED FLASHBACKAs my co-worker and friend Megin McDonell says on my Facebook page "hello?...

Short Recap of Short County Board Meeting

Watched it on TiVo . . . wasn't feeling well so went home. So, you don't really get the same information as if...

Mid-week Round Up

Lots and lots of miscellaneous . . . catching up on non-budget, non-Edgewater related topics! And no long meetings to report on! ...

All Aboard the Thuy Rollercoaster Council Recap

When the consent agenda came out with only Pham-Remmele separating items for discussion, I got several "Thuy Alert!" emails. I struggled with whether...

Dane County Budget – Motions and Votes (Final)

Here's the motions as best as I could understand them without having all the handouts. Enjoy!A. ROLL CALLThe meeting started off with 8...

Monday Morning Round Up

So, it was a very busy week last week and this week looks to be more of the same. Anyways, here's a few...

The (County) Pass the Budget Week Ahead

The City passed their budget, now its the county's turn! They only have 24 meetings this week, much more manageable than the city's...

The Meeting for Everyone (City) Week Ahead

Currently, there are 46! meetings scheduled for next week, and I'm sure more will pop up . . . that is an unusually high...

City Operating Budget Amendment Discussion and Votes (Final)

Ok - I'm done . . . enjoy! AMENDMENT ONEAgency: Miscellaneous Appropriations / Direct Appropriation to Capital; General Fund Revenues; Capital Revolving FundPage(s):...

Capital Budget – Day Two (Minus Chunk of Edgewater Discussion)

Three amendments only took 4.5 hours . . .There was a little staged labor rally outside the city-county building from about 4:30 - 4:50...

Oddities in the Registration Slips . . .

So, the registration slips for the council meeting last night was a couple inches thick. They Mayor didn't read them, but they passed...

2010 City Budget Deliberations – Day One (Capital Amendments 1 – 10 – Final)

7 pages of 2 dozen amendments to the Mayor's Budget, 5 hours of public testimony and questions of the public and after 7.5 hours,...

Guilt Money

One amendment to the budget is of particular interest to me. During the discussion of Lisa Link Peace Park, there was quite a...

Final Personnel & Finance Amendments

These are the final amendments made by Personnel & Finance and the only place I know to find out what is in the budget...

Monday Morning Round Up – A Day Early

I'm taking the day off tomorrow, so here it is today . . . It's a little short, there's been so much...

The County Board Week Ahead – Almost Done with the Budget

Final recommendations for the budget . . . and a few other things . . . Monday, November 09, 200912:15 PM South Central Library...

The It’s All About the City Budget Week Ahead

Budget, Budget, Budget . . . and a few other things. We'll see what else gets added this week?Monday, November 9, 20094:30 PM...

RTA Discussion, Amendments, Votes and Passage!

9:00 meeting for work: 1Blog: 0(I only had 5 minutes left to finish, but I also was running the meeting . . . sorry...

24 Amendments to the Mayor’s Budget

Here's the highlights . . . CAPITALLibrary - Schumacher, Sanborn, Skidmore want to add language to Central Library "The City will not enter into...

County Board Budget Moving Forward (Final)

Conservation fund cut to $1M, Legacy Fund cut to $500,000, Rhythm & Booms cut, THRIVE cut, FSAT funded, County to pay for burials for...

Edgewater – Not Ready for Prime Time

Bottom line: We need more info. Essentially, Urban Design Commission is requesting, in some cases for the third time, additional information they...

November 3 City Recap – The (Almost Complete) "Short" Version

I have 6.5 hours of notes, and not enough time to use them! Here's a shorter version of what happened. I have...

Police Department: About Face!

Ummm . . . wow.From: Chief of PoliceSent: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 1:19 PMTo: ALL ALDERS; Cieslewicz, Dave; Plant, JoelSubject: Proposed Amendment to Ordinance...

WYOU Bequeaths Runyon Tapes to UW Memorial Library

I'm really happy to see this happening . . . a truly Madison moment . . . WYOU Community Television to Bequeath David...

Tuesday Morning Round Up

Ok - here's a few more items of interest, as I try to keep caught up during the busy budget season . . ....

My Beef(s) with the County Budget Process!

Sigh . . . I'm sure to piss off a few of the County Board Sups with this post and get labeled a whiner....

County Budget Amendments – Last Stop/Likely Final Discussions & Decisions

What an odd process. First they announce they won't vote on any amendments til Tuesday, then they vote down two amendments that would...

Monday Morning Round Up

Spinfest, ALRC favoritism - past and present, Mayor goes all out for the Edgewater and Mayor changing rules on Absent Without Pay leave and...

County (Budget, RTA) Week Ahead

Here's what I find of interest.Monday, November 02, 200912:15 PM Lakes & Watershed Commission-Budget Committee 2690 Research Park Dr. # E- They are still...

The City Week Ahead That They Want You To Know About

Check back here later in the week to see what didn't get published on time . . . This is what I find of...

Costume or No Costume . . . See You Tonight?

I have three events tonight where costumes are encouraged and sometimes expected . . . and I am not a fan of Halloween! ...

Illegal Meeting Regarding The Future of the Downtown Alcohol Density Plan?

So intrigued by a very, very vague agenda, I attended the meeting. It just got more and more confusing as the meeting went...

Another Round Up

Panhandlers box, Madison's Cultural Plan, Sheriff's Overtime (doubled what has been budgeted for years), Future Cities, Nancy Mistele screams at County Board Supervisors, Bus...

UDC Makes Zoning Fun and Interesting!

Ok - that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but . . . they did point out several items of interest and...

What Are You Doing Friday Night?

Personally, I'd like to split myself in three to be at three places at once!First of all, I know I will be here!The Brink...

This is just a little too convenient . . .

Seriously?For those of you not following along closely, this was the meeting where they were supposed to discuss 2011 funding priorities and finally, after...

A little late Round Up . . .

I had a little blogging mishap this morning, so . . . this is later than usual (luckily, I have worked lots of extra...

Spending another evening with the Public Works and Transportation Committee

I went there for the Vehicle Registration Fee discussion . . . but got an extra gem while Supervisors where shifting agendas as they...

Board of Estimates Operating Budget Amendments

Ok - here's a partial report . . . public testimony and amendments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (10 &...

RTA Discussion

I was a little surprised by who showed up . . . and who didn't! 7 people spoke against the RTA,...

7:30 AM and still . . . they didn’t show us the money!

7:30 AM . . . I was 5 minutes late, but I beat several committee members and staff . . . This was...

Early Monday Morning Round Up

For the third workday in a row, I have a meeting 8am or before . . . this just has to stop! It...

The RTA and Budget (County) Week Ahead

Budget, budget, budget and a little thing called the RTA.Key to Abbreviations for Meeting LocationsAEC = Alliant Energy Cntr, Rimrock Road MMB = Mad....

The Sure to Be Incomplete (City) Week Ahead – With Craptacular Agenda after Agenda

It's a shorter week because its got a "5th" . . . but I'd also check back Tuesday or around noon or so...

Bloggers Strike Quickly and Amicably Resolved

So, the world's rules didn't anticipate bloggers . . . and we present a bit of a dilemma in many aspects, but its...

Dane County Board Public Hearing on Budget

Here's the update: Bloggers strike! 🙂

Operating Budget Amendments are Out!

Board of Estimates amendments are out . . . 19 of them . . . .

Community Services Priorities – Show us the money! Not.

First of all, 7:30 am is a shitty time for a meeting for work, especially when I also have a 7pm meeting for work....

Round Up! Again!

Here's about a dozen items of interest from the last few days . . . WHAT YOU'RE MISSING IF YOU AREN'T TUNING IN"To WYOU...

Vending and Nuisance Council Recap

Three hours, some good discussion, some maddening . . . yes, I ended up all mad again (second time this week and it was...

Demolition . . . Or Two . ..

Here's another one . . . Please be advised that Roger Bowden will be filing a demolition permit application on November 15, 2009 for...

The People’s Housing Vision Moves Forward . . .

Thursday night at 5:30 at the Central Library . . . Last month we scaled down our long list of housing concerns and possible...

Round Up – A little less fired up today . . .

Catching up on a few things . . . CITY LOOKING FOR NEW PROGRAMS FOR THE HOMELESSWith all the talk at Community Services about...

Round Up – Brazen . . . and maddening.

Blood pressure raising issues below . . . I'm just not sure how many I can get to before I go to work...

Dane County Week Ahead

Here you go . . . items of interest at the County . . .And here's the code to read the locations:AEC = Alliant...

The Temporary City Week Ahead . . .

Until they make a dozen changes on Monday and Tuesday . . . Monday, October 19, 20094:00 PM SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND ENERGY COMMITTEE...

Community Services 2011 Priorities – In 2 Months or Less

Last Friday morning I spent time at a 3.5 - 4 hour meeting, trying to figure out what was going on with funding for...

Health and Human Needs Committee Talks 2010 Budget

Last Week I attended the County Health and Human Needs meeting to find out why non-profits are being cut 3% and if they were...

Housing Diversity Committee – What is the City’s Plan

They plod along with about three or four meetings under their belt . . . and about three or four meetings left . ....

Shoud (Ahem) Police Give Tickets for Landlord/Tenant Violations?

Yes! However half the committee is landlords and at least on of them was getting instructions on how to vote from the Apartment...

A Meeting about Ordinance Revisions

Worst. Agenda. Ever. Ok, maybe not, I've seen some pretty bad agendas, but the county folks should note, I'm not blaming...

In Other County News

I attended the Executive Committee because they were talking budget, moratorium on land purchases and RTA and I was in the building. I...

County Board Recap

Chair McDonell requested that I say something nice about the County Board in my blog . . . ok, I will . . ....

Round Up

It's a little short, due to time, not material . . . I'm waaaay behind on several blog topics at the moment, too many...

BOE Capital Budget Votes: Edgewater, Library & Amts 22 – 27

Here's the rest of the meeting that I didn't get to yesterday.AMENDMENT TWENTY-TWOPlanning and Community and Economic Development/Project #6 - TID 32 - State...

(City) Meetings Added this Week in the Last 48 Hours

Here's some important meetings that weren't on the agenda Monday morning or have since changed, and one I know about that still isn't noticed...

Board of Estimates Capital Budget Votes

Here's the votes and discussion on each of the Board of Estimates amendments 1 - 21. Amendments 21 - 27 including the Edgewater...

Round Up Catch Up

I did the Week Ahead for city and county yesterday, as well as caught up on the last county board meeting. So, this...

October 1, County Board Recap.

With the County Board meeting coming up on Thursday, I'm feeling guilty for skipping the September 17, County Board meeting and not finishing the...

The (City) Week Ahead – Budget! and more . . .

Last week, I missed two meetings I would have gone to, because I didn't check back for all the changes. One of them...

The (County) Week Ahead

So far, I think I'm guessing relatively well what is going on here . . . certainly not as transparent as the city ....

Cardinal Chuckle

Yesterday I laughed at the Badger Herald . . . today, its the Cardinal . . . how could anyone come to the conclusion...

WYOU Strives to Raise Money and Recover Funds

Please see more info below . . .   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 8, 2009Contact: Barbara Bolan WYOU Community Television608-258-9644 barbara.bolan@wyou.org  WYOU Community Television Announces Its...

Round Up

A few quickies . . . too busy at work this week . . . HMMM, THIS BLOG STILL ALIVE?I was kind of interested...

Extremely Short Council Recap

Details later, here's the main points. I had a ticket to go see the Butthole Surfers tonight and passed it up because I...

Preview of Council Discussion on Chronic Nuisance Ordinance

Here's what the CCOC had to say . . . Housing takes it up tomorrow (or today/Wednesday) and PSRB has yet to act on...

Dane County Immigration Task Force

Yesterday, I attended the second meeting of the Dane County Immigration Task Force and I found it quite tense, but interesting. ...

The County This Week . . . Kinda, Sorta

I had to look for work anyways . . . so here it is . . . things of interest at the county ....

The It’s October Already (City only) Week Ahead

Lots going on, not much earth shattering, just moving the boulder further up hill . . . will be interesting to see what shows...

Friday Round Up

It was a long week for me, but here's what I have (for now). . . T Wall loves Delaware more than Wisconsin, Non-profits...

Economic Workplan for 2010 – Council Approves on Tuesday

Economic Development, besides safety, the battle cry for everything we do in the City of Madison. Its one of the most important thing...

Things to do Downtown this Weekend

Alternate Parade of Homes, Downtown Living Tour, gallery night, one cool stump and Harvestfest! Hope to see you at one of these...

CDBG Priorities?

Are these your priorities? This is what is listed in the Annual Plan for 2010. CDBG will be having their hearing Thursday...

Mid-week Round Up

Landlords threaten to not move everyone on August 15th, 10 year rule claims another victim, reserve your park shelter, bed bugs, Kenton Peter's hotel,...

UW Sucks at Supporting Off Campus Student Tenants

Ok - I'm going to rant.The UW SUCKS! at supporting UW student tenants who live off campus. This should be a fundamental service...

City Meeting Schedule – 14 changes in 24 hours!

Changes faster than the Wisconsin weather . . . see what has been added . . . . The weekly schedule for the City...

Social Justice Center is . . . .

hiring, renting and looking for artists . . . . (and volunteers to help with mural)HIRINGSocial Justice Center Program CoordinatorHalf-time position, salary commensurate with...

Short Round Up – Read the full Letter

That Edgewater letter, library battle heats up, comments on Apex proposal and volunteers needed for imporant project . . . more, but I gotta...

September Soon Gone, Week Ahead . . . City and County

Not alot going on this week . . . but there's a few things of interest.Monday, September 28, 20094:30 PM COMMITTEE ON THE...

City Community Services Funding Shake Up

Even tho everyone is focus on the 2010 budget at the moment, yesterday, the Community Services Committee's subcommittee heard about new staff proposed changes...

Did You Lose WYOU?

Or will you? If the station doesn't find funding, it could disappear for good!WYOU MOVED! SEE CHANNEL 95 OR 991 OR VIDEO...

Ooooooooo Doggie! Another Round Up!

Downtown development/Apex, police wasting money, media hysteria, alders looking for input, Madison other Statue of Liberty, Badger Herald fact check . . . ...

Historic James Madison Park Neighborhood – The List

Given Joe Tarr quoted my comments about the historic context of the neighborhood surrounding the Lamp House, I thought I'd share the historic context...

Capital Budget – What’s in, what’s out (Part 1)

Here's a comparison of what departments asked for and what they got plus the Board of Estimates discussion on these items. I included the...

Board of Estimates Preview of Things to Come . . .

This was what happened at the Board of Estimates before they got to the capital budget . . . rifles for cops is...

Quick Round Up

There will be a complete capital budget rundown tomorrow. Meanwhile, here's a few tidbits to chew on . . . Badger Herald fact check,...

People’s Affordable Housing Vision

After taking August off, we're back it!To refresh your memory, here's the work we've done so far (affordable housing, homelessness, discrimination/fair housing and tenant/landlord)....

Saving the Trees!

As you plan your week, if you are interested in the tree canopy downtown, you might be interested in this . . . Preserving...

Library Board Meetings on the Central Library

Not sure how people are supposed to know about these meetings starting this week . . . The Library Board felt it was important...

Demolish houses on 200 E Mifflin surrounding the Frank Lloyd Wright Lamp House?

James Madison Park Neighborhood will be meeting tonight to discuss two proposals from Apex to either demolish several houses on the 200 block of...

The Week Ahead – City and County

Budget time of the year . . . .I added in some county meetings. It's much harder to predict as they just have...

More Round Up!

Rough blogging week, I'm behind on several posts - including the county board recap, but here's some more random thoughts on of course, the...

Round Up!

Here's a round up of interesting tidbits - business schmoozes the council & lobbies for the upcoming budget?, Urban Design Commission musings, more Edgewater...

Another Demolition

A quonset hut house?Please be advised that Paul Ziebarth will be filing a demolition permit application on October 17, 2009 for Plan Commission review...

(Late) Poison Ivy Common Council Recap

No, not talking about Thuy, but she did get in a "was Obama born in this country?" type comment, a bike comment and noted...

200 block E Mifflin – Huge Building, Several Demolitions

Wow! This project is back . . . interesting use of the word "preservation" . . . James Madison Park Neighborhood MeetingProposed Developments...

Update to the Week Ahead

You'd think that they could get all the meetings up by Monday morning, to give the public reasonable notice . . . but...

Holy About Face!

Hold on to you hats, I'm about to say something nice about the Edgewater.. Actually, two things nice.First, the old news. When I...

The Week Ahead

Items of interest for this week . . . The full schedule is here.Monday, September 14, 20095:30 PM PLAN COMMISSION ROOM...

Raise My Taxes!

How often do you hear that? I sat through two nights of Dane County Human Services Budget Hearings - I've been to many...

That Hotel Report

What can be learned if you actually read it? WHERE CAN YOU GET A COPY OF THE REPORT?I dunno.I tried Legistar, and I searched...

Long Overdue (Again!) Mid-Week Round Up

Lots of scattered/random thoughts . . . BIG PINKLooks like "Big Pink" gets a reprieve. That's good news!HAYRIDES?Has someone in the Park's Department...

Lobbying – You’re On Notice!

In Business Magazine instructs people to look at my blog (See Sept 8, 2009 video update) to see if they are on the list...

$16M is a lot of clams!

So, what can be learned from reading the TIF Application for the Edgewater? And what will the public be getting? ...

Greyhound to use Popeye’s Building at Woodman’s East

Because people who should know seemed surprised . . . meeting tonight!Greyhound Inter-city Bus Depot @ Woodman's (Popeye's Chicken)Eastmorland Neighborhood Association MeetingLakeview Moravian...

Today – Last Chance to see "Big Pink" at the Drumlin Farm!

The Last Open House at The Historic Anderberg House, ‘Big Pink’ at Drumlin Farm Tues, Sept 8, 3-6 pm 2849 Oregon Road, FitchburgVisit the...

Meeting Tonight on Cantwell/Thornton/Jenifer Project

In district 6 . . . from Alder Rummel . . . Tuesday, September 8, 20096:30 p.m.Bethany Evangelical Free Church301 Riverside DriveWe will...

Demolitions

One fire, one . . . DEMOLITION ONEPlease be advised that hung nguyen will be filing a demolition permit application on October 14, 2009...

Council Recap – TIF for Danisco and the "But For" Policy

While most of the reporters, especially television reporters were covering the 5 minutes the Council spent on the pink flamingos or the time they...

Edgewater – Q & A

This was probably some of the most revealing and interesting part of the evening . . . so, sorry to save it til last...

The Short Jam Packed Week Ahead

Summer's officially over . . . Tuesday, September 8, 20095:00 PM AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMMISSION ROOM LL-120 MMB- Allowing AA, EOC and Comm....

County Board Recap

A resignation, when "must" means "may" in zoning/ignoring their own laws (sound familiar) and making comprehensive plans kind of toothless. Passing the fair...

666 Wisconsin Avenue

The Edgewater . . .Seems fitting that this flyer was awaiting me when I got home at 10:00 after the Urban Design Commission.  The...

Council Recap – General & the Smack Down . . . Minus Danisco

Ok - this is the quick rundown, minus the Danisco discussion, that will be a separate post. For reals, not kidding this time!GETTING...

Common Council Organizational Committee – A preview of Issue to Come to Council

The CCOC committee is all alders, so discussions here are typically a preview of things to come. Topics on the agenda include residency,...

Council First Budget Discussion

People were supposed to talk about their priorities, of course they didn't, they never do. Instead, this is a briefing by the comptroller...

Housing Diversity Committee Looks at Schools, Race and Income

The Madison School District shared their data with the group and they decided when their next two meetings would be. Compton made some...

Catching Up with the Round Up

Many, many miscellaneous thoughts on things that happened last week - very, very busy during a time when most people are on vacation.DID YOU...

It’s September! Week Ahead

The first week of the month is always very busy, this week is no exception.Monday, August 31, 20094:00 PM HOUSING DIVERSITY PLANNING AD...

Long Overdue Weekly Round Up

I did a bad job filling in for the Cap Times this week! The Edgewater, capital budget grades, Southwest meeting, Danisco BOE discussion...

Dane County Human Services 2010 Budget Recommendations

You can see the entire budget submission here. The summary is here if you want a quick snap shot. The presentation...

Blaska Out of Touch?

So, I went to the meeting about the "code of conduct" on the SW side expecting people to rail against "those people" on Section...

Edgewater – Come to Jesus Meeting

No matter how many jokes and excuses Verveer made, this is just not the right place to hold an official City of Madison meeting....

Edgewater – Review Process

This is the list of things Brad Murphy explained were necessary for approval of the Edgewater Building. This is one part of a several...

Edgewater – Hammes Presentation

This is part of a post that starts here that is a recap of the neighborhood meeting held about the Edgewater project. HAMMES GROUP...

Edgewater – The Neighborhood Presentation

This post is part 3 of a series that starts here, and it will be much shorter because the neighborhood was given less time,...

Please stand by . . .

There is a post or two that will be done by 11:00 . . . just too much to do this morning!

Thank you Kathleen!!

Looks like some relatively good news for the services to the community. . . August 24, 2009Dear Members of the Purchase-of -Service Agency Community:I...

Board of Estimates (Danisco) Recap

Several updates and where issues are at. MPSEA supported in their quest to get rid of residency requirements in exchange for more co-pays...

Grading the Capital Budget Requests

Who passed? Who failed? Who are the brown-nosers (A+), those who did what they had to do to get by, and those who...

The Last Days of Summer Week Ahead

Here's what I find of interest for this week . . . Monday, August 24, 20094:30 PM BOARD OF ESTIMATES ROOM 260...

End of the Week Round Up

Now taking suggestions for a better title for these random comments on the things going on in Madison. Today, the post includes Soglin/Skidmore...

Edgewater . . . the complications begin . . .

Those of us closer to the project have realized the swampy set of complicated issues that the Edgewater needs to wade through . ....

The High Cost of Driving

I thought Robbie Webber's comments on the Mayor's blog post were interesting . . . The email was entitled:It's about time! Mayor Dave explains...

County Board Human Services Hearing Moved!

The date of the Dane County Board hearings on the budget have been moved:Due to concerns that the Public Hearings on the Department of...

RTA Referendum . . . What will the question be?

Last night I attended the Public Works and Transportation Committee of the County Board.  Why you might ask?  For the following item:Res. 69, 2009-10...

So, your new apartment isn’t all that?

Problems with your new apartment? Can't get in touch with your landlord? Tenant Resource Center can help.Follow these quick simple steps to...

Wednesday Round Up

Many more issues to comment on today, Hippie Christmas, lobbying complaints, alternative Edgewater proposal thoughts, why Google came to Madison, a little jab at...

And . . . more . . . demolitions

Apex is demolishing buildings on E W Wilson for their hotel . . . 22 unit apartment building, 4 story office building and a...

Brief Random Tuesday Round Up

Yup . . . lots of small topics again . . . section 8 fuzzy math, lobbying letters sent, Pellitterri registers and reports (kind...

Budget 2010: This year, all the police department wants is . . .

Here's summary of the memo from Chief Wray to the Mayor . . . warning, there is no end to the man's audacity. ...

More Demolitions . . .

Two more . . . A gas station and a "likely" moving a house, which usually means they won't do it. DEMOLITION NOTICEPlease...

Tid Bits from the Plan Commission

A briefer than usual rundown on Cliff Fisher's "accidentally removed house", Burr Oaks Senior Neighborhood Development, Amending TID 39 (Stoughton Rd), Creating Northside TIF...

The Moving In (Not Unpacking) is Nearly Done Week Ahead

So, people have mostly moved, the City has picked up the garbage . . . now, if the landlord who made the huge mess...

Moving Daze, Part VI – Scenes from the Downtown

These photos aren't as good as last year, my car overheated/was spewing radiator fluid and I gave up taking pictures . . . but...

Moving Daze, Part V – Save Your Security Deposit, Be Safe!

Downtown seemed a little cranky this morning . . . I was by the time I escaped the heart of it . . ....

The Third and Final Day of Weekly Wrap Up

There's just sooooooo much . . . cuts at local newspapers, county land purchases, lobbying complaints, tif and economic development, city failure to hire...

Three More Demolitions . . .

Busy week for demolitions . . . house near Willy & S Baldwin, making room for bigger houses on the lake and a former...

Madison Trust Opposes the Edgewater Project

Find out why . . . MADISON TRUST: EDGEWATER HOTEL PROJECTMAJOR THREAT TO MANSION HILL HISTORIC DISTRICTMADISON, Aug. 13, 2009 – The Madison Trust...

Mayor’s/Metro’s Bus Fare Increase a Failure

Revenue falls short, ridership starts dipping . . . but that's not what the Mayor and Metro staff are selling . . . and...

Moving Daze, Part IV

My favorite press release of the year. Not!BUGGING OUT? TENANT RESOURCE CENTER HAS TIPS FOR CURB-PICKING AND EXTRA OFFICE HOURS...IS IT HERE ALREADY?!...

Another Round Up – Moving Daze and More

Between having too much to comment on, and internet issues this morning, I decided to go for another round up . . . moving...

Moving Daze, Part III – Top 5 tips!

Landlords, a friendly reminder . . . don't forget about the photo ordinance and the new smoke detector ordinance . . . TOP FIVE...

Ad Hoc Round Up

I just did this on Saturday, but didn't want to wait for some of these items to get too old, so here's a new...

Downtown Affordable Housing to be Demolished

Ugh . . .Ok, this is part of my demolition watch, which I hardly ever comment on, but . . . boarding houses and...

That time of the year . . . Moving Daze, Part II

Part one is here. Its a crazy time of the year in the landlord/tenant/downtown world . . . people are stressed, emotions are...

Finally, the Edgewater Lobbying Complaint

Even tho the complaint form is actually only one page, there is over 100 pages of attachments to document and explain the situation. ...

It’s that time of year . . .

Let the Moving Daze begin . . . TENANT RESOURCE CENTER OFFERS HELP TO DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS DURING “MOVING DAYS”If you live or work downtown,...

5 Lobbying Complaints

Yup - I'm at it again. So far, I've only filed 5 lobbying complaints, all of them related to TIF applications or anticipated...

The Yup-It-Is-August Week Ahead

Ah . . . August . . . not much going on, but I found a few interesting things to note . . ....

County Board (TiVo’d) Recap – Zoning Petitions

I opted for the library meeting, wanted to see how'd they rehab it. I liked it, will blog about that next. Meanwhile,...

Rainy Saturday Weekly Round Up

We need the rain. I haven't been home on a weekend for quite some time and when I have been home, I've had...

Its Friday!!!

And I suck. I went to the Majestic last night for the Baghdad Scuba Review show and a beer or two . ....

TIF: Playing Poker with Taxpayer Dollars (Final)

At least that's the way Economic Development Director Tim "I am TIF staff" Cooley sees it . . . This Economic Development Committee meeting...

Free Tours!

Of Madison Conservation Parks. The first one was yesterday, but there are more . . . Madison Parks will be hosting free monthly...

Two More Demolitions

One single family home . . . making way for a larger house on the lake . . . Please be advised that Douglass...

Notice: Your Voter Registration Does Not Match

And the Government Accountability Board won't answer the phone . . . what to do . . . In fact, it happened...

Hmmm . . . Section 8 Problem Solved?

At 4:28 today, about a half hour before the two meetings Housing Committee and Economic Development Commission were scheduled to discuss this very issue,...

(It Shoulda been a Shorter Night) Common Council Recap – Final

Since everything was referred because Bruer wasn't here . . . I'm kinda surprised that the meeting still took two hours. Funding for...

Sad, Sorry State of Lobbying Reports

My visit to the clerks office yesterday was . . . depressing. I wish the city attorney would do his job, so the...

Three Items of Interest from Plan Commission

Recycling demolition and construction waste, Midvale-Westmorland Neighborhood Plan and some harsh words for Cliff Fisher . . . RECYCLING DEMOLITION AND CONSTRUCTION WASTEGeorge Dreckman...

August Begins Week Ahead

I know its August but . . . this weekly schedule looks like maybe some more things might show up later this week. ...

Will HUD step up?

Could we get more money from HUD to solve our section 8 problem? Too bad they chose July 31st to potentially solve the...

Partial Friday Round Up

Chamber later reports, TIF, Hotels, Bruer and other miscellaneous stuff . . . CHAMBER, DID THEY REALLY KNOW?A friend of mine sent me this...

Community Services Committee Makes Horrible Decisions

Not because they wanted to, but because they were forced to. Not that their decision making process was bad, they just had all horrible...

More of Bruer’s Sexist Behavior

Hmmmm . . . sometimes, you just need to open your eyes . . . and when you don't, sometimes people need to help...

Help the Daily Cardinal Investigate Your Landlord!

This is an interesting approach to the fall dilemma . . . I've often thought what we need is a class action...

Wednesday Round Up

There's so many things going on, looks like I'm going to do a mid-week round up as I continue to try to catch up...

Board of Estimates Recap

They actually discussed many of the items on this agenda. When can we use Google to plan Madison Metro trips, buying less hybrid...

Edgewater Presentation at Landmarks

I was standing in the hallway for most of this . . . so . . . this will be a little bit briefer...

The Week that Was . . .

Last week, I was on vacation, but there were a few more obscure things that were worthy of comments, so here they are ....

Input Needed on Capital Springs

Here's the info . . . Dane County and Wisconsin DNR to Host Public Information Meeting for Review of Draft Capital Springs State Recreation...

UW Demolition

Another demolition from the demolition alert service . . . Please be advised that Gary Brown will be filing a demolition permit application on...

The "5th" Day Week Ahead

Meetings I think could be interesting this week . . . a low standard I know, but here's my items of interest. Of...

The You’re On Your Own Week Ahead

I'm on vacation all next week, so I won't be blogging and I won't we there to tell you what happens at the Council...

Housing Diversity Committee Meets For First Time!

Report due July 1, 2009. Ooops!Remember this, this is the committee that is going to come up with a plan to accomplish the...

Affordable Housing Trust Fund – How & When Should it Be Spent

The Affordability Subcommittee of the Housing Committee met Thursday to talk about future uses of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Here's a glimpse of...

Overwhelmed Friday Round Up

There is no way humanly possible to finish all the blogging I have planned for today. So, you might want to check back...

Short Story on Section 8

Ok - so what's the plan to help those who are on section 8 and had their portion of the rent raised in some...

Public Safety Review Board Recap!

Yeah, that's right, Public Safety Review Board (ahem, Committee). I think I freaked a few people out by showing up. You might...

Northside TIF?

Find out more about it tonight!We invite you to a public meeting where we will discuss setting up a Northside Tax Incremental Financing (TIF)...

Partnership for Prescription Assistance Bus

Will be at Harambee on Saturday . . . The Partnership for Prescription Assistance bus will be at Harambee Friday, July 17, 2009 from...

Volunteers Needed for Foreclosure Workshop

This seems like a really important thing to do if you have time . . . On Saturday, August 1, The Dane County Foreclosure...

Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Festival

A new neighborhood festival . . . Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood FestivalSat, 18-Jul-2009, noon - 7The first annual Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Party begins at noon on ...

Monday’s Board of Estimates Recap!

There were a few items of interest: money for Catholic Multicultural center, new multi-space parking meters, bus tickets for working poor, state budget...

Possible Housing Solutions

After brainstorming the various housing issues in the areas of tenant/landlord, homelessness, discrimination and affordable housing/development the three groups brainstormed possible solutions to the...

James Madison Park Shoreline Reconstruction

Slowly but surely, after years of fighting for funding for James Madison Park . . . and then fighting with staff to actually find...

Here we go again . . . the budget slip and slide!

WORST BUDGET YEAR EVER!!! The 10 steps we all must go through.Ok, so you know the routine by now.1. Mayor declares it...

No More Coal! 600 E Washington

No, not MG&E . . . it's the state heat and power plant . . . The Wisconsin Department of Administration is switching its...

A People’s Vision – Affordable Housing and Development Issues

This one, the issue is obvious, so it was also a little hard to brainstorm around.Here are the items that got the most votes:-...

A People’s Vision – Discrimination Issues

This was hard to brainstorm, because people just wanted to list the various types of discrimination and protected classes.These are the items getting the...

A People’s Vision – Homelessness Issues

This was one of the topic areas with the most responses . . . These are the items that got the most responses:- Need...

A Robust Meeting Schedule Week Ahead

This is very, very frustrating, not being able to access the agendas this morning . . . Monday, July 13, 20099:00 AM SUSTAINABLE...

A People’s Vision – Tenant/Landlord Issues

I still don't have all the notes done, but this is a start!Just a little background to get you started if you weren't there....

Comments

Sigh . . . let it be so!Conventional wisdom and advice from friends, family, colleagues, advisors, mentors, co-conspirators, professional associates, fellow activists, politicos and...

HANDS ON WYOU!!!

I'll be "bartending" at LeFete tonight 4:30 - 8:00 to remind people about the "Hands on WYOU" event coming up on Sunday at the...

Gloomy Friday Round Up!

Here it is, lets find out who got screwed this week! FEE SPEECHWhile we continue to talk about the impact of money in local...

9th annual Streetball & Block Party

Just passing this along . . . Johnny Winston, Jr.9th Annual Streetball & Block Party“Slam & Jam for Peace”SHORT PRESS RELEASE:The 9th Annual Streetball...

Disrespecting Your (Women) Colleagues

Watching a city committee meeting the other day, I was surprised by how the women were treated by some of the men in the...

The Badger Bus Depot Common Council Recap

GETTING IT STARTED Um . . . Bruer? Bruer? He wanders in, talking to everyone . . . and attempts to call...

Property Tax Exemption Party

Time to Party! Then get back to work and fix the rest of it! (Hope you can read this . ....

Demolition Watch – One more!

Some seem more important than others, but for what it is worth . . . Please be advised that Alex King will be filing...

Bad (Edgewater) Process

Ok - I'll try this one more time - more Edgewatermania. Sure, a developer can hold private meetings on their project. They just...

Upcoming City Discussions

At the end of every agenda, are items introduced for discussion by committees that are supposed to come back every 45 days, but many...

Preparing to be Taxed

Non-profits previously tax exempted prepare to be taxed . . . despite recent fixes to the state law.ATTN: Be Prepared - The Tax Man...

The Basic Week Ahead

(Updated) Nothing fancy or out of the ordinary, but here it is . . . illegally noticed meetings, low-income people have to pay more...

(Late) Thursday Round Up

I've been on vacation this week, so that's why the blog has been a little sparse and erratic with the postings. Also, there...

Edgewatermania

Alot can be said about the the Edgewater project, but I'd start here. Worst. Public. Process. Ever.225 MEETINGS?Is that a...

Too Cool for Pool

Pool and Beaches Closed today . . . Due to the chilly weather, Goodman Pool, Madison Parks Beaches and Cypress Spray Park will be...

Another Demolition

Torn down to expand a yard . . . because the house was neglected.Please be advised that Edwin Tallard will be filing a demolition...

Meetings only 3 days Week Ahead

Really short week ahead or the schedule isn't updated yet . . . Monday, June 29, 20099:00 AM SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND ENERGY COMMITTEE...

The Big Friday Round Up

Oh my goodness, where to begin . . .how about the hairbrained ideas coming out of Meadowood  . . . SCREW THE 4TH AMENDMENTIs...

Tonight! People’s Vision for Affordable Housing

To hear the City's Economic Development Director and the Mayor speak, we don't need any more affordable housing, in fact, we need to send...

Chicken Coop Tour, Garden Tour and Art Walk!

Wow, its a downtown/near east neighborhood pride weekend!!!On Saturday, June 27 from 1-4 will be the "Tour de (Chicken) Coops" - a free, self-guided...

Economic Development Plan – Recommendations 4 – 6

Junkets to Southern California and Germany, yeah, that's what will help economic development . . . RECOMMENDATION # 4 – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOOLKITED PLAN...

Economic Development Plan – Recommendations 1 – 3

Ok, lets rip into this plan and figure out what its about . . . First, here is the code to understand...

2010 Economic Development Plan . . .

So, guess how late they started and who was in charge of starting the meeting . . . and look for the comments in...

Yet Another Demolition

Another house outlived it's practical usefulness?Please be advised that Joan Pregler will be filing a demolition permit application on August 19, 2009 for Plan...

There is Free Lunch!

At the Goodman Community Center! WHAT: Free...

Some things, make too much sense!

How could safe roads be politicized and controversial?Coalition for Safe RoadsFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 06/19/09MEDIA ADVISORYContact: ...

The "What Not To Do" Week Ahead

Well, this week is kind of discouraging, its a great example of what not to do (list at the end of the post)!Monday, June...

Help Needed to Pay for Funeral Services for Homeless Man

Since I know that many of you might be interested in helping, I thought I should pass along this information: Dear Ms. Wallinger:Thank you...

It’s Friday . . .

So, its time for comments on a smattering of things that went on this week and other miscellaneous items!VERVEER SAYS HE IS NOT BADI've...

County Board Recap

Meeting started promptly at 7:00 and ended at 8:35.  55 minutes of Special Matters and Announcements, 40 minutes of business.A. ROLL CALL -...

Westside Crime: In Search of Solutions

So, people have weighed in through several newspaper articles, the Mayor sends staff off to work on various tasks, some emails to alders are...

Property Tax Exemption Saga Continues

On to conference committee at the state . . .So, at this point, the Senate restored the Joint Finance Committee language and slightly modified...

Classes for Job Seekers

I think more jobs in our community is the real solution, but some might find this useful.Madison Public Library, Madison Senior Center, and the...

Tocora Bike Path – Aka Pham Remmele Circus

I've never seen anything like this before, and I've been watching Council meetings since the mid-1990s. And I'm sure, I can't do this...

Common Council Recap – Everything but the Pham-Remmele Circus

They started only 2 minutes late!! We'll call that progress!!! The meeting started with everyone in attendance with the exception of Bruer....

Zoning Code Rewrite – Council Briefing Recap

Only 6 or 7 alders were present at 5:30 when they it was supposed to start (Clear, Kerr, Palm, King, Skidmore, Bidar-Sielaff and Schmidt)...

Declining Council Decorum

The last few council meetings have been something just short of chaotic. I've been trying to put my finger on just exactly why...

Getting Things Done

I guess elected officials can try to legislate through the media, or they can do the actual work to create and introduce resolutions and...

Brief Plan Commission Recap

So, I watched it on TV, therefore missed a little, and there wasn't all that much to report. Just a few interesting points...

The Tid Bit Week Ahead

At the moment there are 25 meetings scheduled for this week, some slightly interesting tidbits . . . and then alot of the same....

Thursday Round Up

Thursday round up, round two this week. I'm not sure if it is lazy blogging or just still too much to blog about....

Wednesday Round Up

Today is Friday for me, as I get to enjoy another 4 day weekend (Steel Bridge Music Festival in Door County!), then panic when...

Public Hearing on Poverty Tomorrow

The Poverty Task Force wants to hear from you!Notice of Listening Session on PovertyDate & Time: June 11, 2009 – 11:15 AM; Location: Wil-Mar...

Health Care Rally Today

Here's the details. I saw them making posters in the SJC conference room yesterday, not know knowing that Linda Farley had passed away,...

World Record for Hugs in an Hour?

Another thing to do at Rhythm & Booms, volunteers needed! This was unusual, so I thought I'd pass it along.Help Us Set the...

Cooling Off This Summer

Plan on taking a dip, here's all the details of what, when and where, you'll have to figure out the why and how:Ready, Set,...

Transit & Parking Tid Bits

This isn't a complete blow by blow or all the agenda items, but here's some highlights - Bus depot, route changes, Carl DuRocher, etc.CARL...

Board of Estimates Re-cap

A bit of a preview of issues to come, some revealing of some issues that won't ever get talked about at the council ....

The Stormy Start to the Week Ahead

Here it is . . . meetings I think are interesting as of Monday morning, but you never know what they might add or...

Take a Stake in the Lakes!

Events started on Saturday and go through the 21st!The month of June will feature a series of fun, eco-conscious, community events. Featuring paddles, clean-up...

What are those Black Spots on my Maple leaves?

Gypsy moths, Emerald Ash Borer and now the Maples? UW-Extension explains, no need to worry about the black spots on your Maple leaves:This...

Join A Committee, Make it Count!

As the Mayor boots people off committees, we have openings, on some of those same committees . . . My advice is...

Resisting . . . Urge . . .To . . .

Spend another day off at Morningwood Farms . . . Two weeks ago I spent the day there with my mom and...

The Friday Snarkarama

I have about 30 blog topics in my queue that I haven't gotten to, I might not have snarky comments about all of them,...

County Board Recap

Not much on the agenda, but here it is for what it is worth . . . all 74 pages and 55 minutes.A....

How to Non-vite the Public to a Public Hearing

A recent example is a good place to start.1. Make sure the notice for the public hearing doesn't include the information the public...

Help the South Madison Library

Fundraiser, Friday & Saturday!Friends of the South Madison Branch Library Just-in-time for Summer Annual Book, AV and Bake Sale! Friday June 5, 9 a.m....

Regional Mass Transit in Action

Portage to Madison . . . started June 1.As of June 1, 2009 there is a shuttle once a day from Portage to theNorth...

Fundraiser to Help with Health Care Costs

Ah, where to begin with the problems with health care and how it can wreak havoc on a person's life. Here's a chance...

Extension of Capital City Trail

Capital City Trail extension hearing . . . Dane County Land and Water Resources Department to Host Public Information Meeting for Phase One Lower...

Council to Get Involved in Economic Development?

So, will they be told, or asked? Will they get to express their opinions and have an impact on the direction of the...

Remembering and Honoring Dr. George Tiller

Sunday, in Madison.A candlelight vigil will be held in memory of long time women’s health services advocate Dr. George Tiller this Sunday evening at...

More to come . . .

I have the next two days off, and lots to blog, it just won't be on my regular schedule. So check back.

Council Recap – The Rest of the Meeting

Continued . . . .BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS#40 SHERMAN TERRACE WATER MAINSRobert Schniker - support - passes on speakingRichard Meyer - Sherman Terrace was...

Common Council Recap – It didn’t all fit in one post Again! (And I’m not done yet!)

A shorter, meeting, still went til 11:23.GETTING STARTEDStarted late as usual. Meeting started at 6:40. There's about 30 members of...

Last Minute Info for Tonight’s Council Meeting On . . .

Property tax exemption . . . here's the city attorney's latest memo . . . The email that accompanies the memo is as follows:Mayor...

Breaking the Law!

You know how the city parks department and the police department think it's ok to just throw away items that belong to the homeless?...

Horror of Horrors

“Unfortunately, (the park) is taken over by folks who sit there all day and hang out."Sometimes, smart people, say dumb things. People who...

MedDrop this Saturday

Instead of throwing your medicines in the garbage where they leach into the water supply or flushing them down the toilet, dispose of them...

Upcoming Demolition

Demolish a building for more parking, from the demolition listserve.Please be advised that Jim Meier will be filing a demolition permit application on June...

The Week Ahead – Revised

Since yesterday, two interesting items of note have been added to the calendar.LIBRARY BOARDFirst, the Library Board is meeting Thursday night and will be...

The Week Ahead

Busy blogger week ahead with City Council and County Board meetings this week.Monday, June 1, 20099:00 AM ALCOHOL LICENSE REVIEW COMMITTEE ROOM...

Property Tax Exemption Meeting

Meeting called to order, a minute or two after noon. Minutes approved, no Mario to give an update. No Bill Clingan to...

The People’s Affordable Housing Vision

Or should that be hallucination at this point?We've been talking about it for years . . . we've taken some steps forward and more...

Friday Round Up

Due to the short week, lots of topics left to cover, so little time, so here's a recap of some important, some snarky, items...

Property Tax Exemption Fix?

Well, kinda, mostly.Yesterday afternoon, news spread throughout the community that the State was going to fix the property tax exemption in the omnibus bill,...

Closing of the Catholic Multicultural Center

As news trickled through the community about the closing (today!) of the Catholic Multicultural Center, I was impressed by the quick responses of so...

It’s Water Main Flushing Season

Water Main Flushing plans beginning Thursday, May 28 (all flushing isdaytime unless otherwise noted). More info here. North (Area 7) -- West of...

Another week: Come, And Gone. 33 days left.

So, remember when the Mayor let Inclusionary Zoning die? He promised a committee that was charged to come up with new answers by...

Will Regional Planning be Emasculated?

That's a question before the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) when they reconsider a Mazomanie development plan. Here's some background on the...

Parks Clean Up Opportunities

The first one is coming on Saturday . . . On Saturday, May 30th there will be an opening kick off event for park...

Will Solar Work for You?

The city is offering free assessments of if a solar system will work for you. One friend I know had a system installed...

Tour de (Chicken) Coops

Ah, my favorite neighborhood tour is coming up . . . mark your calendars!Can’t afford a trip to France this summer to view the...

Propert Tax Exemption Meeting Friday

So, the awaited report from staff will be discussed . . . you know, the one where the City says they can't do anything,...

Help Paint A Mural!

Help paint a new Willy St mural!Williamson Street Art Center announces public painting days at Wil - Mar Neighborhood Center.You are invited to help...

Lost Your Job, Worried About Your Housing?

Here's a meeting you might want to check out!Letter of Invitation“We’re Looking for Work” Town Meeting #3Friday, May 29th, 4:50 to 9:15 PMStoughton High...

Learn about Downtown Architecture

People have been building in downtown Madison for more than 170 years. Jim Draeger, deputy preservation officer with the Wisconsin Historical Society, helps...

Last Public Hearing: Racial Disparities & Criminal Justice System

The last hearing is tomorrow night! Your input is needed!Dane County Task Force on Racial DisparitiesMay 27th, 20095-7 pmWarner Park Community Center, 1625...

The Light Week Ahead

I slept in, sorry its late . . . it's a short week, no meetings on Friday, so I'm stretching a bit here.Tuesday, May...

County Board Recap – Final

I had to tivo it as I had a meeting I had to be at for work, but here it is. The agenda...

Excluding the Public: Formula Point #10

So, yesterday when I posted the 9 point formula for non-viting the public to a government meeting, I did feel like it should have...

County to Pass Financial Woes on to the Poor

So, when someone is getting evicted by the sheriff, it usually means one thing. They have no place to go or no resources...

Lake Levels will be Voted on Tonight

County Board will be discussing the lake levels tonight. Which reminds us all again of the issues with the lakes and makes one...

Is there a chance for Historic Preservation?

With all the pressure for development and redevelopment and economic development and stimulus, is there a chance that we'll agree that there needs to...

County cutbacks trickle down . . .

Wow, who doesn't love a contract where they can just change the amount of money you're getting to do the same services? And...

How to Exclude the Public from Your Meeting

There's a formula, and this one has got it all. Another classic example . . .1. Don't tell the alders the meeting...

Common Council Recap – The Basics (Not quite done . . .)

Bike lanes on Midvale, 600 E Johnson Project, Chronic Nuisance Ordinance, TIF agreement for Capital West, Capital Revolving Funds, the Sign Ordinance and oh,...

CC Recap – 600 East Johnson

Tear down 11 houses and build 3 big buildings on E Johnson Street? Sure, screw the neighborhood plan . . . if we...

CC Recap – Chronic Nuisance Ordinance

The Equal Opportunities Commission was shut out of the original process, promised that they could have their say and asked to report back to...

CC Recap – Bike Lanes on Midvale?

Does Midvale need in street bike lanes?From the council meeting last night.PUBLIC TESTIMONYAbout a dozen speakers came to speak about how they don't want...

Common Council Recap

FAIL!Check back later today. Went out after the meeting which lasted til midnight and just didn't get up on time this morning and...

Cleaning Up the Lakes & Flooding Issues

Yesterday I wondered about this plan and voila!, it appeared in my inbox! (Thank you magic fairy!) Here's how the city is...

The Housing, Housing, Housing Week Ahead

So many meetings, no more affordable housing, in fact, less . . . Well, guess what, I couldn't get Legistar to work this...

Friday Round Up

There are so many issues in my queue to blog about, and so little time, so today, I have a little bit of this...

The Facebook Dilemma

A blog post, an editorial, a facebook status, another blog, another facebook status update, and now another blog post . . . and...

SJC turns 9, Honors Community Leaders

The Social Justice Center will be celebrating its 9th birthday tonight from 5 - 7 at Olbrich Gardens. Lee Rayburn will be emceeing...

Walkers and Bikers: Input Needed

Do you walk or bike in this city and have ideas for improvements? Your input is needed! PEDESTRIAN-BICYCLE PROJECTS SOUGHT ...

Board of Estimates – Council preview of a few issues

Often, what happens at Board of Estimates is considered to be a preview of what will happen at the Common Council . . ....

Forum on Non-profit Property Tax Exemption Issue on Friday

Forum on non-profit property tax exemption issue . . . You are invited! May 15: Threats to Nonprofit Property Tax Exemption: It's Not Only...

Listening Session on Poverty

The County wants to hear from you, near east siders, about your thoughts on poverty!Notice of Districts 2 and 6 Listening Session on PovertyDate...

Tent City Rally Today at Noon at the King St Entrance to Capital

A rally to support a state level fix to the property tax exemption issue for non-profits.“Tent City” rally to highlight need to restore property-tax...

The Week Ahead

Here it is . . . Monday, May 11, 20094:30 PM BOARD OF ESTIMATES ROOM 260- Stimulus money- Mini reorganization in Community...

Compost Bin Sale Saturday

From the lovely George Dreckman . . . (with a few corrections and tidying up the links)The City of Madison will be hosting...

County Board Recap – Basics

Yup - that's not a typo, I know I make lots of typos, but its really the County Board recap. 7 Swine Flu...

Council Recap – Banning Sales of Small Amounts of Alcohol (#41)

The final piece of the Common Council recap from Tuesday . . . banning liquor sold in small quantities.First, here's what would be banned...

Progress for Undocumented workers, Action in Dane County

Earlier this week, there was good news for undocumented workers, and tonight at the county board, there could be more good news!This message was...

Services for Homeless and Jobless

Here's some help . . . but what is really needed is more jobs in the community!From Employment and Training AssociationReceive employment services (resumes,...

Training for Landlords on New Smoke Detector Ordinance

Landlords must have complied with the new smoke detector ordinances by August 15th, and there is training to help landlords make sure they are...

Free Recycling of Electronics!!

Dane County Residents can recycle your electronics for free this Saturday!DANE COUNTY TV AND ELECTRONICS RECYCLING DROP OFFSATURDAY , MAY 9TH 2009 9 A.M....

Common Council Recap – The Basics

A report, from citizen reporter Konkel! 😉 GETTING STARTEDThe meeting started around 6:38, Mayor was in the chair since before 6:30, but it...

Council Recap – Property Tax Exemption Resolution (#24)

Here's a recap on the resolution asking the State Legislature to fix the Property Tax Exemption Problem caused by court cases brought to court...

Council Recap – Curfew (#102)

They really should have moved this item up on the agenda. They didn't get to it until after 10:00 . . . and...

Property Tax Exemption Tonight At Council!

So, the once meaningful resolution has become a feel good resolution, with major modifications that change its intent.1. Originally, the resolution directed the...

Why lowering the Curfew Time is a Not Such A Good Idea

Thanks to Tariq Pasha and the Steering Committee of the Dane County Youth Resource Network for the following information and analysis. Could Madison...

Neighborhoods Denied.

The struggle over neighborhood grants continues. I've worked with others to try to increase funding for neighborhood grants over the years. And...

Another demolition

Another house bites the dust.From the demolition listserve:Please be advised that Deborah Smith will be filing a demolition permit application on May 15, 2009...

A Dilemma – Aldermanic Courtesy vs. Wasting Time

Alder Thuy Pham-Remmele is trying to shake things up again. And it creates an interesting dilemma for the council members. To reconsider,...

The Week Ahead.

Here's what's interesting to me . . . full schedule here. It usually changes throughout the week so check back!Monday, May 4, 20094:30...

What is the Role of the City Attorney?

Michael Basford asked a good question: When was the City Attorney given judicial powers to void Common Council decisions?Answer: He wasn't.Here's what...

Gallery Night Tonight!

Many of you may be attending Gallery Night, I'd suggest stopping by two places in particular:SOCIAL JUSTICE CENTER/ART SURGE III: GLOBAL INSTIGATIONSThe Social...

Unemployed?

An interesting meeting in Stoughton on Tuesday.UNEMPLOYED?“WE’RE LOOKING FOR WORK” TOWN MEETING #2TUESDAY, MAY 5TH, 5 TO 9:15 PMSANDHILL MIDDLE SCHOOL, 1920 LINCOLN, STOUGHTON,...

Additional Hearing on Racial Disparities

An additional meeting has been added for Wednesday in Allied Drive:Dane County Task Force Adds Allied Drive Public Hearing Dane County Task Force...

How many roads should we build?

Last year in the City Budget, we FINALLY got the City Council in on the decision making about roads! The early opportunity to...

Property Tax Exemption: Where’s the "Out"?

So, Attorney Tim Radelet has suggested how the City can get out of this situation. The Property Tax Exemption Subcommittee of the Housing...

Why the Council didn’t meet to Take Back their Power

So, the council is past the time when it could have a meeting to rectify the obliteration of their recent actions on the property...

Thanks!

Yesterday, my blog broke all my "personal best" records. Most visits and page loads in a day. And, it also put me...

Madison City Council Declared Irrelevant

Wow! I've never seen this! Common council makes a motion. Motion passes. City Attorney declares their action null and void....

Dorothy Borchardt to the Rescue

More flack over committee appointments - this time, from the right. I was sent this email, which made me smile. My favorite...

A "Progressive State of the City"

Ok - through a rather nasty cyber-attack, an alleged friend of mine challenged me to lay out what a progressives state of the city...

Don’t throw that out!

If you have "hazardous waste" materials, bring them to Clean Sweep, starting on Friday!The Clean Sweep Program for recycling household hazardous waste will open...

The (5th) Week Ahead

The coveted 5th Wednesday and Thursday of the month means a lighter meeting schedule for this week and allegedly, some time off for those...

State of the City: An analysis

A whole lotta pro-business. A dash of police state and anti-progressive. Zero progressive. Here's the old and new initiatives he talked...

Property Tax Exemption Subcommittee Meeting

Live blogged! (I can do that when I'm not on the committee)David Sparer, Judy Wilcox, Greg Rosenberg in attendance. (Committee members) Joined...

Easier to Access Council Agendas

Thanks to the Clerks Office for trying to make information more accessible and to Alder Palm for pointing this out!I want to thank Tammy...

SLOW DOWN!

It's that time of the year again, time for the Slow Down campaign. Find out where to get your yard signs.The 2009 Slow...

TiVo’d Council Meeting, Part II

The important/juicy part . . . Check here for part 1.PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONAlder Solomon clarified his motion was to figure out the implications...

Mayor’s State of the City

Do you see yourself being helped by what he lays out in his "speech"? Does this sound like the direction you want your...

The TiVo’d Common Council Recap (Property Tax Exemption Again)

I was unable to be at the evening meeting due to the fact that I had to go to a funeral north of Milwaukee...

Property Tax Exemption Stalemate Continues

So, the meeting planned for noon yesterday in the Mayor's office had to be moved from the Mayor's office to room 260 to accommodate...

Low income bus pass program Now Available!

One bus pass per family for $27.50 . . . If you get food stamps and can pick it up during normal working hours....

Public Forum on Public Library

I still think it should be the new (multi)use for the Overture Center! 🙂 What is the Future of Madison’s Central Library...

Aldermanic Appointments

Unlike the ugly actions by the Mayor two years ago, the appointments for alders for this year came out with the agenda. Here's...

The New Council Week Ahead

Many people have asked me what is going to happen with my blog - because it is the only way that they know what...

Earth Day Success at Tenney Park!

Look at all the work done led by Ed Jepsen and the Friends of the Yahara River Parkway with 72 volunteers!!The workday was a...

School Budget Hearings Coming Up

Community members will have the opportunity in three upcoming sessions to learn more about and give feedback on the proposed preliminary Madison School District...

Homelessness Up In Madison – Families and Children

Here's some sobering statistics about homeless families and children. I caught the article in the Wisconsin State Journal, and the predictable hateful comments...

(Not So) Public Meeting on Property Tax Exemption Issue

Classic. How to discourage the public from coming to a meeting: 1. Give late notice2. Make sure the materials are not...

"Just a few" . . . 10 years and You’re Outta Here! (Updated!)

So, if the Mayor follows his 10 year (informal unwritten) rule which is contrary to the law the Council passed, here's who will soon...

Let the Progressive Cleansing Begin!

So, it seems Mayor Dave is not yet done cleansing City Hall of progressive voices. Yesterday, my long time colleague Megin (Hicks) McDonell...

IMPORTANT Downtown Planning Meeting Tomorrow

So, if you live downtown, work downtown, shop downtown, play downtown, now is the time to make your voice heard about what you'd like...

School District Progress Report

Thanks to Arlene for keeping us informed! MMSD Board of Education Progress Report – March, 2009It is a busy time for the School...

Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System

A topic long over due in our community!!Task Force on Racial Disparities Holding Public Hearings in MadisonThe next public hearing will be held on...

Earth Day Challenge – Volunteers still needed!

Here's some volunteer opportunities coming up! April 18, 2009 13th Annual Earth Day Challenge: Coming Together for Our CommunityOn April 18, the Greater...

The Week Ahead

Here it is, enjoy!Monday, April 13, 20094:30 PM BOARD OF ESTIMATES ROOM 260 MMB- Alleged update on stimulus money - but as...

What’s next?

Ok - so, I've gotten all your messages stating your anger, shock, sadness, confusion, etc. etc. etc. And I think we should take...

Um . . . you know what to do!!!

Vote!!!If you don't know where . . . check here!!

Two More Days!!

While the Maniaci campaign, and of course the Police, chose to go negative/stretch the truth/lie on their campaign literature this weekend, we're staying positive!Check...

The "Who will the Next Council Be" Week Ahead

It goes without saying, don't forget to vote on Tuesday! And here's the meetings of interest . . . Monday, April 6, 20099:30...

Community Meeting on 4 Year Old Kindergarden

Tonight!! Hear from School Board Members and Candidates. Dane County United - Public Assembly-Madison School BoardThursday, April 2, 20097:00 to 8:30 p.m.Covenant...

Important Rally This Weekend

When I was on Tony Casteneda's Show on WORT this morning, Allan Ruff was there promoting this, reminding me to blog it! Real Change...

Demolition Watch: 4, 5 & 6

I've now blogged 6 Demolitions since March 25th. I think I plan to keep posting these, so people realize how many demolitions occur...

Hold on

I'm taking an hour or two off this morning and will have a blog or two up before 11:00.

The Briefer than Usual Council Recap

Partially written from the DMV . . . so you know its not a good morning! Waiting to get a replacement title...

More YouTube Videos

It includes the Peter Leidy song . . . kinda fun!Here's the studio version MP3.A few more to come. More video here. ...

The Light Week Ahead

Here's a few items of interest . . . mostly all WednesdayTuesday, March 31, 20096:30 PM COMMON COUNCIL ROOM 201 CCB- TIF...

Another Demolition

Thanks to the update service, here's another one, that's 3 this week.Please be advised that Joan Pregler will be filing a demolition permit application...

Police Auction

Looking for a new bike?This is from Ald. Robbie Webber:Ah, spring, when the police auction off "recovered and unclaimed property." That means that volume-wise,...

Sign Up for Earth Day Projects!

From the Parks DepartmentApril 18, 2009 and April 25, 200913th Annual Earth Day Challenge: Coming Together for Our CommunityApril 18 and April 25,...

Konkel on YouTube

Well, it couldn't be avoided . . . Facebook, Twitter and now . . . YouTube! Enjoy!Here's the latestAnd my welcome messageAnd Pocan's...

Demolition Notification System Up and Running

Sign up to find out when demolitions are proposed!Update on Demolition Notification systemThe Demolition Notification system was recently activated. The system was developed to...

Give Input on School District Goals

Here's your chance to help direct goals for the Madison School District.*Community Engagement Sessions for the MMSD Strategic Plan*You are invited to attend a...

Isn’t this a Kick in the Head

Um . . . remember how we desperately needed the money from bus fares because of fuel costs . . . turns out ....

The rainy week ahead . . .

April showers are here a little early . . . and all the important meetings are once again piled on to a Monday.Monday, March...

Low Income Bus Pass – Limited to One per Family

Here it is . . . think it will work? Check out the bolded part - where'd those rules come from? Passes...

The Ask Yourself Why the Council Meeting Lasted So Long Council Recap

One word: Thuy.Ok, there were a few other reasons, Thuy was just the most obnoxious reason why. The meeting didn't get started...

Poverty in Madison – Part One

Guess what, we have poor people in Madison, and with the economy, that number is growing! That's what some on the Council learned...

The "Spring is Here!" Week Ahead

Well, it doesn't officially start til Friday, but it sure is nice weather out there!Monday, March 16, 20095:30 PM COMMON COUNCIL - DISCUSSION...

Rent Going UP – $1-1.5 Million!

What happens when over 1,000 affordable housing units that were previous tax exempt suddenly have to pay property taxes? Evictions, rent increases, affordable...

Poverty Forum on Monday!!

Yesterday, the alders were told about a poverty forum (for us?) that is going to take place on Monday. And, I was asked...

A New Johnson St. Business!

Old Town Cycles will open its doors on Monday, March 16 in the space formerly occupied by the Glitter Workshop at 920 East Johnson...

Should your group join Community Shares of Wisconsin?

Thinking about new fundraising opportunities? Want to reach more people with your fundraising message? Want to be an option for payroll deduction...

City Historic Planner Needed!

This job opening was just posted yesterday! If you know anyone who might be interested, please let them know.Job Title: PRESERVATION PLANNERAgency: Department...

The City Needs You!

It becomes harder and harder to convince people that sitting on city committees is worth the time and effort. Don't dispair! We need...

Stimulus: How to give input.

After I blogged yesterday, the boys decided to update us on what they were up to . . . here's the memo. But,...

Poetry on the Bus

Check out this new contest:The Madison Arts Commission Announces A Call for Poetry forBUS LINESHigh School Poetry CompetitionPoems on Metro Transit bussesFabu, Madison's Poet...

How Will Madison Be Stimulated?

Are these your priorities for how the City spends its stimulus money? Here's a summaryPOLICE - $0- COPS Hiring Recovery Program - Competitive...

The What-will-the-weather-be Week Ahead

Here you go . . .Monday, March 9, 200912:00 PM LANDMARKS COMMISSION SPECIAL TOUR NOTED IN BODY OF AGENDA- Touring the 11...

Help Dane County Families Stay in their Homes!

It's time for the Tenant Resource Center's "Iron Chef" Cook-off event. It will be at the Brink Lounge from 5 - 7 on...

This Summer’s State St. Projects

Wondering what further construction will be happening on State St. this summer? Here's the list! This list was recently provided staff:1) Gilman...

Don’t Forget! Donate to WYOU!

This is YOUR television station! If we want to continue to have the ability to have a television station that the public can...

The "Alder Rummel’s Birthday" Council Recap

The meeting started 12 minutes late, Alders Solomon and Kerr were not there, Alder Palm was late. And, it was hard not to...

Tonight’s Council Meeting Items of Interest

I didn't get to this yesterday, I should have known I wouldn't! Here's the agenda and the items likely to be of interest this...

City Row: The 600 Block of E. Johnson

The Tenney Lapham Neighborhood Association held a neighborhood meeting last night to provide information to the neighborhood about the project and to get their...

The Adam Walsh "Endorsement" Saga

At this point, I feel inclined to write this after Paul Soglin, John Nichols and now the Badger Herald have chimed in . ....

Tonight: Neighborhood Meeting on 600 Block E. Johnson

What will be the future of the 600 block of E Johnson St. and how will it impact future development of the Tenney Lapham...

The Week Ahead

A light week ahead except for the boatload of meetings on Wednesday, too bad we can't collectively plan this better or get some leadership...

Help Save WYOU

Here's a brief rundown on what you can do! Pledge week is come up March 1 through March 8. Please help save...

Kindergarden Registration on Monday

Kindergarten registration for Madison Schools set for March 2Kindergarten registration for incoming students in the MadisonMetropolitan School District is Monday, March 2, 2009 from...

That Golden Email – Re: Bus Fares

On Tuesday night, several people made reference to the "Golden email" and I thought I should make it available for those who were interested:From:...

Road Construction Info!

The city has a new webpage . . . All the info you need to know about road construction projects can be found here.

Support Tenney Shelter – Buy a Tile!

As the fundraising for the Tenney Park Shelter moves forward, I thought you might be interested in this:Join us as we renew and rebuild...

The "As Long as I’m Awake" Council Recap

Well, I just got home at 2:00 . . . and it's not cuz we were at the bar!We probably should have known that...

The rest of the week ahead . . .

I took yesterday off . . . so here's what's left of the week ahead!Tuesday, February 24, 200912:00 PM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY SUBCOMMITTEE...

A Madison Metro RTA!!

So, if all went well, the City of Madison and surrounding areas should have state authority to create an RTA!!! At least it...

Election Results

Sorry, I didn't have a connection last night and it was a little busy for trying to do it from my phone! (No...

Stimulus and the City

I'm so glad Kristin from the Cap Times heard this the way I did:"Are we going to do this piecemeal or is there any...

Vote!

Spring Primary Election Day! Don't forget to vote!!Wisconsin State Superintendent (I'm voting Todd Price!!)Dane County Judge (I'm voting Julie Genovese.)And, for a lucky...

$1.8M Leap of Faith?

At the nearly 5 hour Board of Estimates meeting last night, there were many items of interest, stimulus package update, alternate side parking during...

Spring Primary Elections Week Ahead

Lots of housing meetings this week, all of us tripping over the others with no coordination between them (Tenant Landlord and Affordability Subcommittee meet...

Crime Snapshot

These two graphs from the Madison Police Department speak volumes about the reality of crime rates in Madison.Population Growth in the City of MadisonNumber...

I’m spam.

So, turns out the Chamber of Commerce computers think I'm spam. 🙂 Yesterday I blogged about an error in the Cap Times...

Crime in Madison Down, While Fear of Crime Seems to be Up

I'm running out of blog time, so I'm going to be lazy. Check out the bolded parts of the press release below -...

TV and Electronics Recycling by the City of Madison

TV and Electronics Recycling by the City of Madison info below:The City of Madison accepts TVs and electronics for recycling at its drop off...

I Didn’t Blow Off the Chamber of Commerce

Since the Chamber of Commerce didn't want to acknowledge that I filled out the questionnaire and turned it in, I thought I'd post my...

Metro: What its about!

Last night at the Transit and Parking Commission during the discussion about closing some bus stops, it was a very interesting struggle between serving...

Sheriff, Commissioner: Wasn’t Me.

Sometimes, its hard to know what to believe. However, this press release I posted apparently had a mistake in it. See below...

Next Metro Goofball Idea

Removing bus stops in major transit corridors. I'm not kidding.That's right, when we build dense areas, and have high usage of bus riders,...

The February Thaw Week Ahead

Enjoy the warm weather!!Monday, February 9, 20094:45 PM LANDMARKS COMMISSION ROOM LL-130 MMB- Presentation by City Engineering Division on issues pertaining to solar...

Important Vigil For Honduran Family

The Dane County Courts are no longer safe for immigrant families seeking legal remedies in family court.There will be a vigil tonight:Where: at the...

Air Quality Watch

Ride the bus! But it won't be free!The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is issuing an Air Quality Watch for Particle Pollution for...

Mayor Creates Problem, Blames Others!

Bus Fares . . .The mayor blogs the following (no point in linking it, when he posts something new, this will disappear, so I...

The State of Affordable Housing in this City – DISASTROUS!

So, after the Housing Committee meeting last night and a series of three discussions, with a 4th one interwoven, I can clearly say, the...

The "I kissed a girl" Council Recap

It was a little long, and at points, pointless. Here's the rundown.The meeting started around 6:36 with everyone present expect Council President Bruer....

Reconsidering the Bus Fares – Again?!

Apparently, the Mayor has made another admission. He wants the Transit and Parking Commission to reconsider the bus fares - and put it...

The oddly quiet week ahead . . .

It seems like there some meetings missing here . . . but here's what I have at the moment . . . I...

Dane County Housing Facts for thedailypage

I can't take it any more. Here's some facts for thedailypage readers (it's a little painful, I don't recommend reading it.):Supply (blue) and...

A sign of the times.

Yesterday, I was the housing counselor at the Tenant Resource Center from 9 to noon. During that time, I had 9 people come...

Breathtaking.

It seems that yesterday's blog is creating quite the stir. Pat Schneider of the Capital Times chimes in with her comments. And...

Citizens Sound off on THEIR City Committees

When Alder Satya Rhodes-Conway sent out an email to the neighborhood listserves to get people to serve on city committees, as she always does,...

The Week Ahead

Another week, another list of meetings . . . Monday, January 26, 20094:30 PM BOARD OF ESTIMATES ROOM 260 MMB-Shifting $95,000 of...

District 2 Race

So, I'm interrupting the regularly scheduled program to answer questions people keep asking me . . . I don't intend to use my...

Milfred: Same old bitterness.

We all knew it was coming, Scott Milfred was just dying to write this. I thought about writing a point by point response...

Charter is fined, but not enough!

I can't say I'm sad to hear this. I see Charter got the high end of the range of fines, but its not...

The Inauguration Evening Common Council Recap

Another short meeting (go figure), we were done in an hour and a half. Alders Rhodes-Conway, Solomon and Gruber were absent.We started off...

The "Good-bye Shrub!" Week Ahead

Seems silly to talk about anything except national events today . . . except we have a council meeting this evening. And we...

Comments (Not Quite) Enabled

I can't figure out what is wrong with my code!!Ok - so recent events convinced me to try enabling comments on my blog. ...

Parking Meter Reprieve

This didn't stop me from getting two tickets this week! One ticket I plugged the meter for 2 hours and was there for...

House Economic Recovery Package good new for childcare and early education!

From National Women's Law Center:To: State Child Care Advocates, Child Care and Early Learning CoalitionFr: Helen BlankRe: Very Good News!Dt:...

Offical Word: Council will NOT decide bus fares on Tuesday – only Hearing date.

The official word from the City Attorney. And we're lucky, see the note about paratransit users below.From: May, MichaelSent: Thursday, January 15, 2009...

Clarification on Bus Fare "Public Hearing" Matter

I have several questions about procedure and process, which I am seeking clarification on. It seems to me that perhaps we can't do...

Updates on Bus Fare Increases – TPC Decision Appealed.

It's all in a day's (not) work. Here's what happened and the sequence of events, as near as I can tell!11:45 - Mayor...

Gotta love Wisconsin Winters . . .

Last night I ran a few errands and picked up a few things, lightbulbs, garbage bags, diet coke etc. But the hardest decision...

Bus Fare $1.75 – No Low Income Rider Fare

Well, after more public testimony, several motions, much confusion and about 2 hours of debate they settled on $1.75.I missed the motion to reconsider....

The Thuy E-mails!

Due to popular demand . . . for the facebookers!ROUND ONE: County Board Supervisor v. AlderDear Alder Pham-Remmele,I am writing to let...

5,000 not covered in Mayor’s Low-Income Plan

I'm breaking the (my own) rules. I'm taking a break and blogging mid-day! I try to avoid doing this because I need...

Low Income Bus Fare Proposal: Copy Please.

It shouldn't be that hard to get a copy of the proposal that's been all over the news, right? Especially for an alderperson,...

Own an Old House?

If you own an old house, like many of us in the downtown area do, these workshops might be of interest to you! ...

The bitterly cold week ahead!

Stay warm this week! Here's the meetings of interest! (And, as a side note, here's the city's website on the cold weather with...

Snow Emergency – Move Your Car! Park on EVEN Side!

From the City of MadisonThe City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. That means that alternate side parking restrictions will be in effect...

There Are Alternatives to Cutting Routes

The issues with the Transit and Parking Commission's decision not to raise bus fares seem to get more and more muddied by the day....

Mayor Blogs . . . But What About the Rules?

So, cool, the Mayor is going to blog! Welcome to the blogosphere! But . . . At the end of...

Spring Elections – The Candidates Are In!

So, unlike last year, there are many, many fewer races. Last year we got 10 new alders, this year, we only have...

Common Council Referral Recap

As usual, not much happened.The meeting started at 6:37 with Jed Sanborn and Thuy Pham-Remmele absent. We started out by recognizing Boy Scout...

New Tenney Park Shelter

At first, I was concerned that this new shelter would be unaffordable for the groups currently using the shelter and instead would be just...

Blatant Housing Discrimination Still Not a Thing of the Past.

You'd think this kind of thing doesn't happen any more. From the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Center:LANDLORDS DENIED HOUSING TO SINGLE...

School Board Update.

Thanks to Arlene Silveira for these updates!MMSD Board of Education Progress Report – January, 2009Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a restful...

The "Back to Work" Week Ahead.

I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and days off . . . but now, back to work! I'm not too confident the Weekly...

Spring Elections Coming Up

Is anyone paying attention? Friday was the deadline for current alders to announce they are not running and here's how it is shaping...

Another Snooze Week Ahead.

Second verse, same as the first . . . not a single meeting scheduled for this week.

The Week Ahead.

Go ahead, just stay home where it's warm, there's zero, zip, nada on the agenda for the City of Madison this week. Enjoy...

Don’t Get Towed!

In the words of Phish . . . Bummed is what you areWhen you go out to your car and it's been towedDon't be...

Snow – Park on the EVEN side!

Here's the snowplow update and the snow emergency update! As if it isn't obvious!SNOW EMERGENCY HAS BEEN DECLARED!The City of Madison has declared...

Here’s the TPC Memo.

Thanks to Amy, here's the memo for anyone on da internets to read! Enjoy.

Those TPC/Common Council Answers

We finally got the formal answers yesterday. It's a 10 page memo that was pdf'd and I can't cut and paste the text...

The City’s Economic Development Commission Abandons Job Creation

This may get a little wonky, but it's not that complicated, hang in there! Check out the memo below where the Economic Development...

Your Tuesday Snow Plow Update

Keep up to date with the City and everything winter here! And, sign up for your snow emergency texts and emails! The forecast...

The Cold Week Ahead

Here it is . . . meetings I find of interest this week!Monday, December 15, 20084:00 PM TAX INCREMENTAL FINANCING POLICY AD HOC...

What’d I miss? Mayor to Appeal TPC Decision?

So, when the council authorizes spending that doesn't happen . . . what happens? If we can't raise the bus fares and...

Please help clear the fire hydrants!

For those who just love to shovel! And those who want to be safe!For Neighborhood Fire Safety, Clear Ice and Snow from HydrantsThe...

Mayor Responds to Transit and Parking Commission

So, when the Transit and Parking Commission voted 7 - 2 to reject the fare increases for Madison Metro, many wondered what the Mayor's...

7 – 2! No Bus Fare Increase!

Bravo for the Transit and Parking Commission for doing the right thing!At first, I was dismayed that they were the only one's to hold...

600 E Gorham/Johnson Project Meeting Tomorrow

Here's the notice sent out to neighborhood associations and put on the postcards that went out to direct neighbors.Notice of Neighborhood MeetingWednesday, December 10th,...

Snow Day!! Updated!!

I just got my text message alert - City Snow Emergency Declared!The text message informs me: Madison Declared snow emergency. Even side...

The snowy week ahead . . . .

Snow, bus fares and sustainability and the new zoning code seem to be the hot topics this week . . . along with a...

Snow and all you need to know.

If you haven't seen it yet, you really need to visit the city's winter website to learn what you need to know about snow....

TIF for . . . whatever you want, no strings attached.

Sometimes, I miss Zach Brandon.Last night, the Economic Development Commission recommended that we gut the TIF policy. In particular, they voted to eliminate...

Common Council Recap

It might take me as long to think about this post as the meeting lasted - an whopping 45 minutes.Ok - it wasn't even...

What’s going on?

People keep asking me, why have you been quiet lately?Ok - I don't think that I have. We just got done with budget...

The Left Over Turkey Week Ahead . . .

It's December already!!Monday, December 1, 20085:30 PM PLAN COMMISSION ROOM 201 CCBFinally, a definition of demolition . . . but is it...

Madison Metro Bus Fare Increase Hearing (Final)

In search of the 3rd way . . . There's a long version and a short version. Short version goes like this ....

First Snow Update of the Year!!!

Here it is, along with information on how to get your own!!!NO SNOW EMERGENCY!We received our first measurable snow of the season during the...

The Thanksgiving Mini-Week Ahead

A few items of interest this week. Makes you wonder tho, who scheduled public hearings for this week? Makes you think they...

Bus Fare Increase and Public Hearing

Monday is the big day for Madison Metro. Will they raise the fares and make those with the least among us pay the...

Common Council Recap (less than 1.5 hours)

Short meeting. PETER TALEN FIRE ALARM ORDINANCEWe started off with something I don't think I've ever seen - one of the items on...

James Madison Park Selling Houses, Not the Land!

Well, that didn't quite work out as expected, but I feel good about our decision.As expected, the committee decided to sell the two smaller...

The Week Ahead – Revenge for the Budget (Final)

Wow, lots of meetings this week . . . since committees couldn't meet last week during the budget . . . and next week...

Operating Budget – The Gory Details (A Start)

Well, I'm typing this up 4 days later, so its gotten a little fuzzy, but here's what I remember/have notes on.The evening started off...

Operating Budget – The Short Version

I haven't even finished the Capital Budget from yesterday . . . got caught up in a meeting and phone calls and hundreds of...

Capital Budget 2009 – Final

Ok - here's my update. When I'm done, if I have time, I will post my notes on the great (as usual) public...

The Budget Amendment that Created the Most Hatred . . .

And the winner is . . . Operating Budget Amendment #38. Registration of Commercial properties:Agency/Service: Building Inspection DivisionGeneral Fund RevenuesPage(s): 138, 14Sponsor(s): Alds....

What does 5 minutes mean?

Tonight, citizens of the City of Madison have an opportunity to give us comments on the 28 Capital Budget and 45 Operating Budget amendments...

The Sun Sets on Inclusionary Zoning

And no one is going to stop it. After spending over 5 years of my life working on the City's Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance,...

Metro Text Alerts

RECEIVE METRO TEXT ALERTSSign Up Today! Receive Metro detour and other service text alerts on your cell phone. Also sign up to receive...

The Budget, Budget, Budget Week Ahead

Not many meetings beyond the three nights of budget . . . Monday, November 10, 20084:00 PM SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND ENERGY COMMITTEE ...

The Rest of the Boat Load – Operating Budget

The full council agenda, with all the attachments is here, but the summary of the 45 amendments is below:LOW INCOME HOUSING TAXESBudgeting for the...

What’s in the Capital Budget Boat Load?

Here's a quick summary of the Capital Budget, with several things the Wisconsin State Journal left out of their summary of the amendments -...

There’s Something Else Going On.

While the events of the last few days have been taking up most people's attention - and rightfully so - those of use on...

Vote.

As if my little reminder is going to be the thing that makes you go vote, if you aren't one of the thousands (more...

Meeting Violations or Just Rude Behavior?

You may have read the story, here's the letter:DATE: November 3, 2008TO: Members of the Board of EstimatesFROM: Ald. Satya Rhodes-Conway, District 12SUBJECT: October...

The Poorly Noticed, Try to Find What They are Talking About Week Ahead . . .

I'm quite certain there are more meetings of interest to be added. Two that come to mind are CDBG (discussing Affordable Housing Trust...

The REAL Alternate to Freakfest!!!

Where the cool people will be!!!Hey SCUBA Squad!Night of the Dead is almost here, so if you didn't get your tickets yet, go to...

Broken Promises.

Apparently, everyone has voted already, but not me. I'm waiting til election day. I'm voting for the Green Party for Cynthia McKinney and...

Is this what your bus driver thinks of you?

Check out this email sent to all alders from a Madison bus driver. This is as it was recieved.dear councilwhy do you...

The "Odd" Council Recap

The meeting started a good 10 minutes late with Attorney May in costume - wizards hat, cape and wand! (Did he lose some...

The "Shut Up People!" Board of Estimates Changes to Mayor’s Operating Budget

The room was crowded, the lobbying was fierce and they were about to blow the 15 minute rule if they don't start the meeting....

Board of Estimates Operating Budget Testimony

Since the public testimony took a couple hours, I did a separate post.PUBLIC TESTIMONY (I hope I get these names right!!):Dan - Board member...

The (I’m so freaking frustrated with Legistar) Week Ahead

Ok - this sucks, I can't get the rest of the agendas to load . . . something is up - I don't know...

Tenant Resource Center REALLY Needs Your Help!

Seriously. We are so close, we've raised alot of money this year . . . but it is not enough to stay open...

Opposition to School Referendum

Currently consists of . . . emails to listserves? And they'll decide next Monday if they're going to launch a campaign for the last...

FISH – Next Homelessness Event!

The Dane County Coalition to Fight Poverty and End Homelessness (DCCFHEP - possibly the worst name ever) has changed its name to FISH (Fighting...

What should the downtown look like?

Your input needed! Next week!In June of 2008, a series of six public meetings was held at the Overture Center to invite people...

Delay the Firestation?

Did the Wisconsin State Journal actually say that? I guess the "basic services" message that they have been pounding away on has some...

E Washington BUILD still on hold!

This meeting was scheduled a month ago so we could get an update on what staff has been doing for the last year to...

The Not Very Exciting Week Ahead

After cramming in so much last week . . . this week is relatively uneventful.Monday, October 20, 20084:45 PM COMMISSION ON THE ENVIRONMENT...

The "Other" Presidential Candidates

This year has been worse than ever for third parties, in fact, I bet very few of even the informed readers of this blog...

Where’s the $700 Billionfor the Rich, $16 Billion over years to Eradicate Poverty?

Friday, October 17 is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – so declared in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly. Last...

Why is Madison voting on a school referendum?

If you don't know . . . you'd better find out!Join us for a community event at the beautiful new Goodman Community Center (149...

How is this supposed to work?

So, the Mayor is trying to remove the political influence on the funding of non-profits by taking them out of the budget process and...

Scoundrels and Rogues?!

Right here in Madison!STU LEVITAN REVEALS “SCOUNDRELS AND ROGUES” IN EARLY MADISON HISTORYFree program on Oct. 23 is open to the public. MADISON, Oct....

Traing Opportunities from Grass Roots Leadership College

Check these out, there will likely be something of interest!Here is the information about the four workshops that are being offered during November and...

Fuel costs are . . . down?

This fuel cost argument isn't exactly panning out. The WSJ did a story that started to explain that the WORST BUDGET EVER IN...

The Wednesday Scheduling Hell Week Ahead

I thought last Tuesday was bad having 4 meetings scheduled in 2 hours. This Wednesday, I am on two committees that meet at...

Budget – Who’s in? Who’s out?

Here's a summary of the jobs lost and gained in the 2009 budget. Despite the fact that it is the (cue the thunder...

AAA Bond Rating – One of the Nation’s Strongest Economies

Here's what Moody's has to say about the City's AAA Bond rating, including that we have "one of the nation's strongest economies".MOODY'S ASSIGNS Aaa...

Do we need a new Downtown Library? What should it look like?

Here's a public forum to learn more discuss your thoughts!Wed. Oct 29 7:00 PM in the Grand Hall at Capitol Lakes 333 W. MainThe...

Parks Watch Program Training

This is from Kevin Briski from the Parks Department. No one interested downtown? Brittingham? James Madison? Period Garden?Dear ...

School Referendum Info

Are you ready to vote on this on November 4th? Thanks to Beth Moss for passing this information along and please...

Absentee Voting & Voter Registration Info

Absentee Voting and Registration for November 4 Election.Absentee ballots are now available in the Madison City Clerk's Office.Eligible voters may register and vote absentee...

Common Council Recap – Uh . . .

All I can say is I have no idea how the meeting took two hours. No. freaking. clue.- We heard a few people...

One Huge Item Missing!

Dean Mosiman called me about the budget story he wrote. It's hard to react to something you haven't seen, but one thing is...

Tell me again . . . .

When we did that "reorganization" of the Planning and Development Department, we know we got a new Economic Development Unit with elevated profile, what...

$2 Bus Fares for What?

Gas prices, right? Wrong! Here's what increased bus fares would pay for:1. Fifty thousand dollars for reestablishment of the popular “Route 10”...

The Tuesday-Is-A-Two-Hour-Trainwreck Week Ahead

After the Jewish Holidays and budget adjustments, the meetings are all jumbled up - you need to pay attention this month, since the meetings...

Important Metro Facts. Fares = 2.6% of Budget

Before you buy that the bus fares need to raised to $2, think about the facts below. And, I find it particularly ironic...

Amused by the power of the blog.

I am always amused when my blog makes "news" - and the reporters don't even bother to call me but just quote the blog...

Police: Get Tough on Landlords and Limit Subsidized Housing

At Alder Pham-Remmele's request the Common Council members were recently forwarded an email between Alder Thuy Pham-Remmele and Captain Jay Lengfeld that I find...

I Wish I Didn’t Have to Believe This

Sexual harrassment in the City of Madison (Big "C") tolerated. This. Looks. Bad.This just made me sick. Let me get...

Lies! Don’t Believe Everything You Read!

Ok - there must be some sort of glitch in the universe, where facts can now just be made up. Put down the...

Fresh New Advertising Hell for Bus Riders

I can't can't tell if this was a serious proposal or not. I'm not sure if you caught this in yesterday's long post...

MABAA’s Position on Bus Fair Hikes

The Madison Area Bus Advocates sent the alders the following statement about the hike of bus fares to $2.'Green' Mayor's Budget Increases Road Allotment...

Rosh Hashanah Week Ahead

Very little this week.Monday, September 29, 20084:30 PM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ROOM LL-110 MMB- More Villager decisions.Wednesday, October 1, 20087:00 PM ...

City Department Recommended Cuts to Budget

Here is the full list of budget cuts or revenue increases that each of the departments recommended to the Mayor for a menu of...

The Final 2008 Push to Keep TRCs Doors Open!

I know many of you have used TRC as a resource for you, your kids, your friends and neighbors and clients . . ....

TODAY: Rally to Stop the Bailout

I keep trying to think about what I would do to change the world with $700,000,000,000. And, are they saying that capitalism has failed?...

Do you know some who needs home repairs?

Project Home may be able to help.Project Home seeks financially eligible Dane County homeowners with home repair needs to apply to Hammer with a...

Walk to School Week

I can't attach the form, but here the info.Dear Partner for a Safe Community:Our annual Walk to School Week Campaign (October 6-10) will again...

Allied: Agreement Broken, Now What?

For nearly two months I've been asking a question . . . and I get at least a partial answer in the newspaper today.Financing...

School Referendum Info

While the City does not run the schools, their fate is closely tied to ours. Here's some updates on the School Referendum.- The...

Operating Budget Dates

While the Capital Budget is well underway, we haven't even seen the Operating Budget yet. However, so far I have heard $2 bus...

Hold your breath.

Air quality watch . . .The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is issuing an Air Quality Watch for Particle Pollution for Columbia, Dane, Dodge,...

Board of Estimates Capital Budget Votes

I blogged this during the meeting. But it is not quite "live blogged".Alders from the Board of Estimates (Bruer, Verveer, Clear, Rhodes-Conway, Clausius,...

The Fall-Is-Here Week Ahead

Here is, a lighter-than-usual week . . . Monday, September 22, 20083:00 PM TOT STUDY COMMITTEE 615 E. WASHINGTON AVE.- This...

Amplified Sound at James Madison Park Next Weekend

Heads up for the neighborhood.On Saturday, September 27, Volunteers for Obama will hold a fund-raiser and record-breaking (they hope) Twist-o-rama at James Madison Park....

First Swing of the Capital Budget Ax.

Here's a brief list of the items that are proposed as amendments to the Capital Budget. The list should be available in Legistar...

How Many Tasers Do We Need?

Q: How many Tasers do we need?A: Blah, blah, blah, blah. In short, I can't answer that right now.Q: Can...

This is only a test.

Find out where your bus is!If you have taken a Metro Transit bus within the last couple of years, you have likely noticed that...

Wrong Foot Forward.

I feel a little betrayed.When we voted for a person to replace Zach Brandon on the City Council to represent the residents of the...

Raise Bus Fares to $2?

This is a question being posed to Alders by the Mayor for this year's budget. Actually, the members of the Transit and Parking...

Common Council Recap

Chicken shit. That about sums it up.Last night's meeting started late and it was past 7:00 before we were done saying good-bye to...

The solution: Disperse Poverty.

Let's not waste our time trying to solve the issues . . . that's too hard.The Mayor is back with his broken plan to...

My thoughts on this year’s Capital Budget

I said I'd do this last week . . . but alas . . . the best laid plans . . . sometimes "tomorrow"...

The Week Ahead

Here it is, in all its glory. Enjoy.Monday, September 15, 20085:30 PM PLAN COMMISSION ROOM 201 CCB- Approving the Request for...

Council Budget

The Common Council budget has recently become the center of the little city hall controversy. Yes, someone made a serious blunder in not...

Capital Budget Items of Interest

The last two evenings we had each of the departments come before the Board of Estimates, with all alders invited and all city committees...

Stop in! Tell us what you think about Downtown Plan!

Interested in the Downtown Planning efforts? See below for information about the website and the office that will be open to get your...

Homelessness and How the City Treats People.

Is this acceptable behavior? The article is here, but you have to watch the video. That was the article done a week...

It’s not just me.

Every once in a while, you read something and have to just smile. A neighborhood activist recently sent me this article about how...

The Double Scheduled Week Ahead!

Here ya go . . . all things I think are exciting in the week ahead. Well, actually, not everything, only...

A must read.

Bill Leuders speech to the Rotary is a must read. It's a little long, but worth reading every word. Particularly the end...

See Cynthia McKinney in Town this Weekend!

Presidential Candidate in Town this Weekend! And I'm not talking about Nader! But I am talking about the Green Party candidate! ...

No Lobbyists here!

There are three big projects going on in the City, where the business community is actively lobbying City officials to get rights to public...

Common Council Recap – Big Blank Checks!

Sad, sad day for the taxpayer. More blank checks for the CDA. For land that should have been free!The Council meeting started...

Tonights Council Meeting

Here's what I find of interest. Sorry, no links, you'll have to look them up yourselves. I took a break this weekend....

The Labor Day Week Ahead

A short week. Lots going on. Welcome to fall.Tuesday, September 2, 20084:30 PM COMMON COUNCIL ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITTEE ROOM 103A CCB-...

Top 10 Favorite/Interesting Moments from the Police Presentation

On Wednesday evening, Police Chief Noble Wray gave a presentation to the alders who were available to show up. Here's the things I...

Decriminalizing Homelessness

There is a national trend to criminalize the homeless, instead of providing services. A trend to have the police deal with "the problem"...

Clerk’s Office Extended Hours for Absentee Voting

From the clerk's office:The Clerk's Office will be extending its hours for absentee voting the three weeks prior to the Presidential Election. We...

Zoning Code Rewrite

Upcoming meetings right after Labor Day!First, for the Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Association (Blair St. to the Yahara River North of E. Washington Ave.) here's the...

Buses Return to Gorham Street!

Buses return today!From Madison Metro:BUSES RETURN TO GORHAM ST.Thursday, August 28Westbound Routes 2, 4, 9 & 28 return to Gorham St. with the start...

City Salaries – How About Those High Paid Women!

As the city's press agents are in full damage control mode over this year's budget, I was reminded once again . . ....

So How Much will Truman Olson Cost?

A reasonable question to be asked by a member of the Board of Estimates (City's finanace committee), what's the bottom line? The answer...

Snow – We got most of what we wanted!

More places to park cars, parking ramps are open longer, better notifications through text messages, extended street sweeping days . . . but we...

And the answer is . . . .

Police Chief Noble Wray promised to tell us what the 30 officers were going to be doing the day after we voted for them...

The Week Ahead: Reminders

The Weekly Meeting Schedule is back up and running and there is very little on it at the moment. As always, it is...

Allied Architect Out

I wish I would have had time to go to the CDA meeting yesterday, but I had to stay at work. However, this...

Historic Tours of Downtown – Plus A New One!

Check out these tours by the Madison Trust:The Madison Trust for Historic Preservation will be offering a brand new tour this Saturday! Join us...

Wisconsin LEAST affordable in . . .

Nope, not housing! Childcare!I'm sure I didn't need to tell Wisconsin parents that, but just in case it feels like chilcare eats up...

Air Quality vs. Economic Development

Those lousy air quality standards could hurt economic development! With the news that Madison, Milwaukee and Green Bay are not meeting EPA air...

Committee Training

For those committee members who missed the training, they will be replayed on Channel 12. The trainings can be vied as follows:For committee...

Disc Golf and Dog Parks

Dane County is seeking your input on both! You can fill out a survey here. They are considering having more of...

TIF Policy – What’s Next?

The committee finally finished its report! Only a year late!The report is done and now it goes off to the Board of Estimates...

Homebuyers Fair September 6th

Here's the info!The Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County is putting on a Home Buyers Fair on Saturday September 6th from 8:30 AM...

Guessing About The Week Ahead

At the moment, its hard to know what the week ahead holds. I can do a bit of educated guessing. The weekly...

Safety and Security Deposit Tips

More from the Tenant Resource Center for those who survived the "moving daze" . . . Be Safe in Your New Apartment and Protect...

Voter Registration Month

I suspect that the people who read my blog don't need this information - but feel free to pass it along . . ....

Economic Development Director Do Over – 3rd Times A Charm

It must be Friday . . . that's when the City issues all of its bad news.Looks like we're going to try again to...

Allied Over Budget

Ahem.I saw this a little late to post much this morning.And most of what I have to say, isn't fit to print, even on...

Moving In & Out

Some of my regular readers might be getting sick of hearing about the Downtown moving days, but I've got one more and trust me...

Important Childcare Agency Needs Your Help!

My heart skipped a beat yesterday morning when I saw the images of the flames shooting out of the top of the offices of...

It’s all about the bugs.

TRC has put out three press releases in the last three days, I sent out one and from the four press releases I have...

Downtown "Moving Days" Are Coming!

If you live or work downtown, you know that the busiest time of the summer is upon us when downtown area renters (not...

East Gorham: Yes, you can move in and out!

So, E Gorham Street is closed at a time when many people will be trying to move in and out. How's that going...

Hmmm . . . Something wrong here.

Press releases about public hearings two days after they occur, economic development plans that are currently meaningless (the hard work is yet to be...

The Week Ahead – Busy for August!

Lots going on in the beginning of the week . . . but then it tapers off . . . Here's the things of...

Strike That! Reverse.

Channel 12 to keep its spot on the dial! It won't be moving to channel 994!Sorry, that's all I have on it. ...

Another dying local paper?

First, it was the Cap Times, then the Isthmus, now the Wisconsin State Journal?In just a few short months, the City of Madison has...

Madison City Council does what Sarkozy won’t!

But hey, it wasn't political.Sarkozy is refusing to meet with the Dalia Lama. He doesn't want to offend China during the Olympics. ...

Obama, Rove and Christians

I'm not sure if my aunt sends me these types of things to provoke me, or if she has no idea what my political...

How to fill a Common Council Vacancy!

I've heard many people, including an alder, tell me that Council President Tim Bruer is in charge of picking Zach Brandon's replacement. I...

Mayor’s Hearings on the Budget

Only 15 Westsiders turned up last night to talk to the Mayor about a potential 10% increase in taxes. Why?Perhaps the Westsiders are...

Common Council Recap

Get it here, cuz you can't find it in the newspapers! I've already answered questions last night for reporters about what happened...

Council Agenda for Tonight.

Nothing to see here. 🙂 Just kidding, we might actually have a meeting that goes past 10:00, I can't remember the last...

The Week Ahead

Here's what I find interesting about the week ahead, the rest of the schedule is where it always is.Monday, August 4, 20084:45 PM ...

Inclusionary Zoning – We can’t even agree on a report.

We disagree. Wow. Yesterday was supposed to be the final meeting of the Inclusionary Zoning Oversight Committee where we worked on our...

Budget Smudget – Council Recap

Last night we had a council meeting to hear about . . . drum roll please . . . THE WORST BUDGET YEAR...

Not so fast Charter!

So, it turns out, maybe Channel 12 might not be moving to 994?Yesterday at the Board of Estimates Brad Clark informed the group that...

Those 30 cops

Did we need them or not? After sitting in a hot, sweaty, stinky room 260 in the Municipal Building for more than two...

Allied Drive . . . ahem!

So yesterday was the ground breaking at Allied Drive, but do they have the $9M in financing I'm wondering if the timing of...

The Week Ahead

Seems to be a short week! And its all about the budget!Monday, July 28, 20084:30 PM BOARD OF ESTIMATES ROOM 260...

This Year’s (Yet Again Ridiculous) Operating Budget Process

Despite all our talk about how to improve this year's budget process - it seems we have made no progress and seem to be...

The Capital Budget Process

Maybe we'll pay more attention to it this year, since the years of warnings we have been giving are finally becoming a problem. ...

Come Celebrate!

Last Sunday I turned 40! Tonight its time to celebrate!The Brink Lounge (701 E Washington)5:00 - 7:00Friday, July 25thMusic by the Gadjo PlayersFood...

Americans Increasingly Want a Third Party

Wow - here it is! Polling results.Polling DataSome people say we should have a third major political party in this country in addition...

The Dalai Lama – An Experience.

Yes, the Common Council got a tremendous opportunity to meet the Dalai Lama and hear some private words from him. An amazing opportunity....

This is news? Does it help or hurt?

How is this news?Someone-had-an-idea-and-one-guy-on-the-council-says-we're-not-going-to-do-it.Ok, I was not concerned about the conversion from paper to digital Cap Times, but I have to say, I am...

How do you get that "free" converter box?

That box to convert to digital so you can watch City Channel 12, soon to be 994, isn't so free after all. But...

When "Free Land" Costs "the City" $425,000 plus ???

The Plan Commission, without looking at the fiscal impacts, and with some pieces of the documents missing, approved the plan for the Truman Olson...

We got it Bass-Ackwards!

What should our 30 new cops do? We still don't know. I asked for that report, that Chief Noble Wray allegedly held...

An Excuse for a New TV?

If your television is more than 4 years old . . . you might not be able to watch Madison City Channel, Channel 12,...

Madison Lakes: To Eat the Fish or Not?

Or, at least warn people what they are eating! Here's an email I got from the Madison Environmental Justice Organization with some good...

The Week Ahead

Here it is . . . what's going on this week . . . BK version. (Should I be flattered that the Cap Times...

Cynthia McKinney and Rosa Clemente

I'm still kind of overwhelmed by the Green Party Convention last weekend. You just have to see this for yourself.I blogged about my...

The SUV and Suburban Home Becoming Less Popular?

It may be too soon to tell, but I found this article in the Capital Times very interesting.In particular I found this passage very...

Upcoming City Budget

The Mayor briefed some alders on the budget yesterday at noon, and it seems there is some confusion. Yes, this is going to...

Common Council Recap

The meeting went past 10:00! That has become so rare!The meeting started off with much confusion. Alders Sanborn and Bruer were not...

The Rest of the Week Ahead

I attempted to take 7 days off of work. Ended up cancelling 4 days of vacation and since I spent the first two...

Green Party National Convention – Day Three

The day of the nomination . . . after two full days of workshops and meetings, we are finally at the point where we...

Faces of the Green Party

The face of the Green Party looks alot different than it did 4 years ago. It really struck me as people were reading...

Green Party National Convention – Day Two

Day Two - lots to do!I started my day moderating a press conference for the Green Party U.S. Congressional and Senate candidates. I...

Green Party National Convention – Day One

So far, the Green Party National Convention has failed to disappoint me. Going to these types of events always makes me anxious and...

3 hours, 40 people, ignored. Fork over more money.

Is this the CDA that promised that it was "more open than any other developer" and that it had the best interests of the...

Homeless Services vs. Economic Development

What a ridiculous choice to have to make! Your input needed tonight! I believe the federal law and intent dictate what the...

Green Party In Chicago!

I'll be spending the next four days with Green Party activists from all over the United States. It should not only be informative...

James Madison Park A Wet Shelter?

I think not. But nice photoshop job David.The last three Blaska Blog's have some how made some reference to me and affordable housing...

Public Access TV . . . soon to be a thing of the past? Cable prices going up!

Hmmmmm . . . . cable franchise bills, like the one passed in Wisconsin, didn't lower cable costs and are putting public access channels...

City Committees Trained to Use their Power? Or not.

City Committees have alot of power, but only if their members know how to use it. I'm not sure that this training will...

St. Raphael’s

Clearly, it is a landmark. Clearly, the demolition permit has been issued by staff. Now what?Last night's Landmark Commission meeting was a...

James Madison and Tenney Park Beaches Closed

Due to blue-green algae. Read more about it here. All these beach closings this year and the high water is making the...

Cool Temporary Art Project

Here's a description of a cool temporary art project along the Yahara River:Eric Melton-White, a local artist (lives on Willy Street) would like to...

Well Siting Public Process

I participated in the first of these processes as we searched for a new site for Well 3 that was shut down due to...

The Week Ahead

As if to prove the Wisconsin State Journal's point . . . I don't have much that is exciting this week.Monday, July 7, 20084:30...

Reporters stretch for a story.

Since I ripped on the Wisconsin State Journal twice this week, it's the Cap Times' turn. Now, don't get me wrong, when there...

James Madison Park – Why’s it taking so long?

So, below is an open record that I have been sitting on for quite some time. It's always tough to know what to...

WSJ: Does it Again

It would be kind of cool if the WSJ Editorial folks would actually write about facts, instead of making them up. Here's their...

The 4th of July Week Ahead

A short, but somewhat unusually packed, week ahead . . . final actions on big projects and the summer funding process continues ....

Are these the biggest issues for the Zoning Code Rewrite?

The Chair of the City's Zoning Code Rewrite Committee and Planner with Vandewalle & Associates, Mike Zlavney sums up the issues up as follows:I...

Channel 12 moving to 994!!

Two pieces of news from Madison City Channel:First, Madison City Channel is thrilled to announce that we have once again been named as finalists...

4 Ideas for Madison Stay-cations

Or . . . something to do with your guests when they come to town!Have historic high gas prices, area flooding and closed highways...

Thousands of Gallons of Sewage Close Beaches

Ick. No swimming in Lake Monona! BEACH CLOSINGS ON LAKE MONONA ANNOUNCED Sewage Release CitedMadison WI – June 27, 2008- Public...

Passionate James Madison Park Testimony

Thanks to everyone who showed up to give us your opinions on James Madison Park. We heard testimony on whether the land under...

Tenney-Lapham Art Walk on Sunday

Here's the details. 7th Annual Tenney-Lapham Art WalkSun, 29-Jun-2008, 1:00 pm (4:00 hrs)The 7th Annual Tenney/Lapham Art Walk will take place on Sunday, June...

James Madison Park – What Should Happen?

Come tell us your opinion tonight!I've blogged for the past few years about this topic about improvements needed to the park, what should happen...

Zoning Code Rewrite Update

I know it's tempting not to read this . . . but really, its important!!From staff:This is an update regarding the Zoning Code...

Civil Rights Leaders Wanted!

Do you know a Madisonian that has been working hard on Civil Rights issues that should get some public recognition?Here's the scoop from staff:The...

Was your property damaged in the flooding?

The City wants to know!Private Property Storm DamageThe City of Madison is collecting private property storm-related damage in the event FEMA assistance becomes available...

Homeless Advocacy – Washed Away

When I went to lunch yesterday there was a huge chalk message outside of the City County Building. When I came back, it...

The Week Ahead

It's Monday again . . . looks like it will be a nice day!Monday, June 23, 200812:00 PM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE ROOM...

Inclusionary Zoning Recommendations

The Mayor asked the Inclusionary Zoning Committee to come up with recommendations for the Inclusionary Zoning Program. Today, the committee will begin the...

PFC: Wasted Time and Paper

Since I have a bit of an environmental theme going with my three previous posts this morning, let me tell you a little story...

Our Shorelands

The deadline to comment on the plan has been extended!. Supervisor Barbara Vedder passed this along:The deadline for sending comments regarding the draft...

Save Water, Save Energy

Here's some tips on how to do it . . . stolen from the Mpowering Madison Update:According to city statistics for 2003, the Madison...

Mosquitos

Another problem with all this flooding . . . Here's the info from Public Health:PUBLIC HEALTH MOSQUITO REMINDERSHeavy Rains and Floods Create Ideal Conditions...

Council Recap

Here's the recap of the meeting that I didn't really tell you about yesterday! (Sorry.) And the meeting that nearly wasn't. ...

Bad Blogger.

Sorry, personal and work issues got in the way . . . no council agenda update this week. My bad. Meanwhile, Vikki...

The Week Ahead

Here it is . . .Monday, June 16, 20084:00 PM TAX INCREMENTAL FINANCING POLICY AD HOC COMMITTEE ROOM LL-110 MMBFinal or near...

CDA giving it away!

No kidding! Apparently, they have money to spare! Yet another meeting I should have gone to, but instead chose to stay at...

No Loitering in Parks!

Another Park: More Rules, More Cameras.I meant to go to the Parks meeting on Wednesday, but was working and ran out of time...

Air Quality: Who Cares?

Well, if the warnings are correct - the business community may care! As well as the taxpayers. If the warnings the were...

Big Brother is Watching You!

Those are the words of the Wisconsin State Journal, not me.Seriously, the City of Madison is watching you. In 2003 we did a...

Beaches Closed; Sewage in Lakes

Need I say more?Seriously. All Madison Beaches are closed. Sewage may have gotten into the Lakes.Ick.

Asinine

Warning: I'm still a little bitter over the UW decision that, after funding for 10 years, the Tenant Resource Center "isn't a student...

Public Hearing on Downtown Library

Here's your chance to tell the decisions makers what YOU want!The Library Board and the Surplus Property Committee will be holding a meeting...

Water, Water, Everywhere . . . And how to clean it up.

So, with all this flooding, the Tenant Resource Center gets lots of people asking questions about what the landlord has to clean up the...

Speaking of Friendly . . .

Um, if you're homeless, you're not allowed to be!That's right. Downtown Madison, Inc. and Mayor Dave don't want the homeless talking to people....

An exercise in Unfriendly!

I went to the Allied Drive "Move Forward, Not Out" festival last Saturday. I have to say, it was an exercise in "unfriendly"...

Optimism and Excitement for the Zoning Code!

Satya Rhodes-Conway gets the prize for being the most enthusiastic about the zoning code re-write. Check out this email she sent to her...

The rainy week ahead.

Rain all week. I think we're all feeling water-logged already.. As usual, the weekly schedule will likely have several additions to it...

Bus Wraps: Meeting tonight!

So, the bus wrap pilot project may be ended and permanently continued and expanded. Thanks to Alder Rhodes-Conway for this update...

Upcoming Downtown Plan Meetings

Next meetings June 24-26During the last week in June, the City will hold a series of six Downtown Plan public meetings covering specific themes...

Fuel Prices for the City of Madison

In the council's quest to get more on-going information about our budget, last Friday we were added to the months updates on fuel prices....

New Water Utility Manager Nominated

So, we've finally got a nomination for a new Water Utility Manager. If all goes well, he'll end the 11 months with an...

Walking Historic Tours of Madison’s Downtown

Here's the details:The Madison Trust for Historic Preservation is once again offering historic walking tours of distinctive Madison neighborhoods this summer. Since the...

Homeless Meters?

You're kidding me. Is this a serious proposal?Ok - its an interesting idea. There are ways to make it more interesting, but...

Juneteenth Celebration

Passing this information along . . .Juneteenth Day CelebrationThe Nineteenth Annual Juneteenth Day Celebration is a program of Kujichagulia – Madison Center for Self...

Police Self-Report System Improved

You asked for it! You got it.From the Cap Times:Under the new system, light-duty officers, those with restricted capability due to injury or...

Goodman Pool Open This Weekend

Due to warm weather, the pool will be open early. Details below.The pool with be open Saturday, June 7 & Sunday, June 8,...

Short Common Council Recap

Snooze.While we dealt with 190 items on the agenda last night, very few of them got any attention at all and we were done...

MedDrop this Saturday

Putting old medications into our water system is having effects on health and the environment throughout the country. This weekend, you can do...

Train Horns on the Near East Side

Many people ask about why they still hear train whistles when we approved upgrades to the tracks at Fordem and the area some time...

CDA Reaches out to the Common Council

Thanks!Dear AlderAs you know, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation has asked the CDA to waive part of its fee for our issuance of $185...

Will the Homeless be Homeless?

Tim Bruer doesn't want them. Residents around the Truman Olson site on Park Street don't want them. Larry Palm doesn't want them. We...

Attention Zoning Code Rewrite Geeks!

You know who you are! Two important meetings next week.Hi,The City's Zoning Code rewrite consultants will be in town next week, Monday...

Two Important County Meetings

Tonight (Long Term Care) and Tomorrow Night (911).The first from Dorothy Wheeler: Tomorrow evening, Tuesday, June 3rd, there will be a...

Who is FRED?

And why is he hanging over my driveway?F.R.E.D. has been hanging over my driveway for 4 or 5 days now . . .I thought...

The Week Ahead

A full five day week this week . . . and now that the weather is warm, lets talk about snow!Monday, June 2, 20084:45...

How should hotel room taxes be spent?

How should taxes collected on hotel rooms rented be spent? Tourism promotion? Promoting Conventions in Madison? Or to benefit the community...

Take a Stake in the Lakes!

Relevant information from the recent press release:The 21st Annual Take a Stake in the Lakes: June 14th and June 21st, 2008. WHAT VOLUNTEERS...

Demolish St. Raphael’s?

Unfortunately, this could just be done without City Council approval. Here's a chance to give your input!JUNE 2 PUBLIC MEETING ON DEMOLITION...

You’re Needed! City Committee Vacancies!

All alders get a monthly vacancy list. Some of the vacancies are real, and some are planned to be filled, so here's my...

James Madison Park Committee given 2.5 months to decide.

The boys and I (I'm sorry, but its hard not to notice when there are 8 guys - counting the staff - and me...

Community Forum on Homelessness

Want to learn more about homelessness here in our community - the facts, straight from people who work the homeless and the homeless themselves....

Metro: Changes Accepted, Money Needed

I was unable to attend the Transit and Parking Commission last night. However, here's an update based on an email from someone who...

Last Chance! Madison Metro Route Changes Tonight!

Stolen from an email from elsewhere, but important information! Meeting is tonight!A public hearing on proposed route and schedule changes was held April...

Shoreland Zoning Hearing Tonight

With all the talk of "saving our lakes" how can something like this be a serious proposal? Thanks to John Hendrick and Ron...

Short Week! Yay!

It's Tuesday already!Tuesday, May 27, 200811:00 AM EMERGING NEIGHBORHOODS FUND COMMITTEE ROOM 108 CCBLots of good projects, not enough money.4:30 PM ...

City Budget: Not Good News

Here's some news you don't really want to hear. But, its the reason I pushed so hard for us to get quarterly...

A day off.

I should say something timely, defend Eli Judge or advise that Verveer should create an ordinance instead of just pulling some of the licenses...

Common Council Recap

A three hour meeting took care of a 839 page packet of information for the meeting . . . not too bad. Here's...

Tonight’s Council Meeting

Here's what's of interest . . . at least to me . . .#11 - Amending the demolition ordinance to address demolition by fire.#18...

May 19 Week Ahead, Kinda

I spent too much time this weekend fixing my yard, and so I don't have so many things done. Including this post being...

Misinformation

There is so much about the Mark Staskal situation that makes me want to scream. The amount of misinformation that increased the fear...

Mark Staskal and the Most Frustrating Neighborhood Meeting Ever

Here's an interesting dilemma. A mentally ill person who killed his sister 23 years ago has been ordered by a court to be...

Media, Ethics, Public Right to Know, Right to Privacy and the Law.

Two things have happened recently in the media that has my "public right to know" side of me conflicted with my "individual right to...

Making a bad situation, worse. And then better.

A compliment for the Wisconsin State Journal, the Mayor's Office and the Police Department. All in one day!Last night the first version of...

Gorham Construction starts May 19

Here we go . . . the road is about to be closed!Here's the bus detour info:GORHAM ST. DETOUR: ConstructionStarts Monday, May 19Due to...

The Secret Police

Channel 3 editorial board lays it on the line . . . these aren't my words, its the mainstream/more conservative leaning editorial board at...

The May 12th Week Ahead

Here we go again . . . Last week was jam packed, this week is a little lighter. While there are lots...

Committee Openings

Here's my best guess at what the current committee openings are . . . I took out a few where you need to already...

Water Utility Finalists

The names have been released. Here's the two finalists. The interviews with the oral panel are scheduled for Monday, May 19th. ...

No. More. Coal.

Coal, what is is good for?NO MORE COAL!Alliant Energy's latest environmental report predicts a shameful 40% increase in global warming pollution. Why? ...

Historic Preservation is Green!

This looks interesting . . . CAPITOL NEIGHBORHOODS INC.MADISON TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATIONFor Immediate Release EVENT FOCUSES ON GREEN BUILDING AND HISTORIC...

What? What is the CDA doing?

Why does WARF - the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery - want the CDA to give them $300,000 for their $180M bond project? And...

Water Main Flushing Schedule

District 2 folks, see bolded info below:Water Main Flushing plans beginning Friday, May 9 (all flushing is daytime unless otherwise noted)Schedule map: http://www.cityofmadison.com/water/Documents/udf_schedule_citymap_links.pdfNorth (Area...

Well 12 Shut Down: The Details

Here's the details of the problems with Well 12:Low chlorine prompts shutdown of Unit Well 12; leads to discovery offluoride pump failureUnit Well 12...

New Plan to Manage our Dane County Shoreland

We all love our lakes. Here's some new plans to protect them and some public meetings to learn more and give input.Public Listening...

Zoning Code Re-write . . . Yawn

It sounds boring, so why should you care? Well, because if all goes well many projects will not require special approvals before plan...

Common Council Recap: May 6, 2008

The Council meeting went until 8:00 last night and did, indeed, include a couple surprises. First, we approved the honoring resolution for Hickory Hurie...

The Council Meets Tonight

Who cares? Seriously, these days, even I have hard time caring. The most important thing happening tonight, in my mind, is thanking...

James Madison Park Committee (& TIF Committee)

It's going to meet, really, truly. You won't be able to hold your breath until it happens, but here's the latest,...

Parking Lot at Union Corners?

Rumor has it, there could be a used car lot at Union Corners. And that's all it is, a rumor. Alder Rummel...

Gorham work begins 5/19; Ingersoll Two-Way Trial

Residents may see a temporary change on N Ingersoll making it two-way between Dayton and Gorham!E Gorham St reconstruction will start on May 19,...

The Cinco de Mayo Week Ahead

Here's this week's exercise in trying to be in more than one place at once. These are the meetings I'm interested in, the...

Raid II: Affordable Housing Trust Fund

Not so fast Mr. Mayor. When the Mayor announced that he was interested in using the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, outside the City...

Is it safe to eat fish from our lakes?

Join the Madison Environmental Justice Organization to discuss this topic:Ever wonder about that "most studied lakes in the world" tag you hear about Madison...

Water Quality Report – It’s a coming!

Here's the head's up on the report coming out that the community leaders got: May 2, 2008 Dear Neighborhood/Community Leader, ...

Amplified Sound at Tenney Park May 10th

Saturday May 10th - amplified sound 5 - 9 pm. See note from staff below:Hello, On Saturday, May 10, Adam Goodberg and the...

Free Mulch

Free Wood Mulch Available:The Street Division has free wood mulch available at four drop off locations. You can pick up the free mulch...

Historic Tours of Downtown

This is from Erica Fox Gehrig of the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation:Welcome to a new Tour Season with the Madison Trust for Historic...

Water Main Flushing Schedule

Water Main Flushing plans beginning Friday, May 2 (all flushing is daytime unless otherwise noted)Schedule map: http://www.cityofmadison.com/water/Documents/udf_schedule_citymap_links.pdf North (Area 13) -- Between Green...

Metro: Some good news!

Rumor has it, the #22 and #17 bus lines will not be changed!Not quite sure how to link to something to confirm that yet,...

Banned on Mifflin

I'm tossing out the rules, and employing the tactics used by other bloggers, am radio blowhards and the WSJ editorial pages, for just this...

Who’s Crack House is it?

When I read things in the news like "He said he knew the men from a "crack house" in the 500 block of West...

No way.

Tell me this is not true!You'll have to read it for yourself . . . but it starts out like this:Brittany Zimmermann called 911,...

Homeless Backlash: Will there be Violence?

Across the nation, there has been an increase in violence against the homeless. A report out this week called Hate, Violence and Death...

Bus Wraps – Love Em or Hate Em?

Let Metro Know!From the Metro E-newsletterPLEASE GIVE US YOUR COMMENTSFull-Wrap Bus AdvertisingWhat do you think of Full-Wrap Advertising on Buses? In March, 2007, Metro...

Mayor Dave’s Committee Appointments

You know, over the years, the Mayor has made some unusual decisions about re-appointing people to various committees. It's his prerogative, just ask...

Oops, not so quick!

James Madison Park will have to wait . . . but hey, what a few weeks after waiting for years.Given the responses received to...

Knock me over with a feather!

Is the James Madison Park Committee actually going to meet?from Rolfs, Daniel date Mon, Apr 28, 2008 at 4:06 PMsubject James Madison Park Property...

Madison Magazine’s Version of David Blaska

Blaming the homeless for the murders, even tho the police won't publicly do it. Fact challenged. He's got it all.It starts off...

Homelessness in Madison

Here's a few other perspectives.First, I had forgotten about this Glenn Austin project from 2003. It's a look at the homeless who hung...

The Week Ahead

I just love the fifth days of the month - in alder speak that usually means you have a free night. This week,...

Solution to our Homelessness Problem

Steven Colbert has found it!The Bumbot, of course! (Check out the CNN account of it.) There's gotta be a way around those...

It’s Coming Together

After moving the house on Sunday night and then taking a day off, the workers got right to work. Given that this is...

Spring is Here!

A friend of mine recently said she knew it was spring because she shaved her legs . . . I found a better way...

Water Main Flushing Schedule

Here's the latest.Water Main Flushing plans beginning Friday, April 25 (all flushing is daytime unless otherwise noted) Schedule map: http://www.cityofmadison.com/water/Documents/udf_schedule_citymap_links.pdf ...

An Alternative Plan for Brittingham

The Mayor released his plan for Brittingham Park last week. The Parks Commission "accepted" the plan, but was not allowed to modify it,...

Clean Sweep

Here's the details . . . Clean Sweep Household Hazardous Waste Site Announces 2008 Season Opening:Site Open on Friday May 2ndMadison WI, April 23,...

Committee Vacancies

I think its been a bit of a struggle to get people to serve on City Committees lately. The "rubber stamp" phenomenon and...

Mowtown?

Where does he come up with this stuff? He definitely gets extra credit for creativity! Well, let's see if this cuts down...

Weather Radios

Need a weather radio? Get one here! Here's the info from the Fire Department.Weather Radio Sales Begin Throughout the CityWeather radio sales...

Common Council Recap

Do-over and refer. That was the theme of the evening.CPRPre-council meeting we learned the new CPR. You know, the one where you...

Let the Music Play

Seriously, Verveer is right. Let the music play or all you have is drinking and lots of expensive cops.More on this topic at...

Inclusionary Zoning Didn’t Ruin the World

Seriously, it didn't! It has some flaws that need fixing, but all the dire predictions don't seem to be true. Last week...

Dude, There’s a House in My Street

Well, half a house. This is what the street looked like before the move.And where the house was being moved to.We were told several...

The Week Ahead

Well, this is a little messed up this week, but here is what I've got.Monday, April 21, 20084:00 PM TAX INCREMENTAL FINANCING POLICY...

Worst House In Madison Contest Returns

Below is a message from the Student Tenant Union, it includes information on Tenant Education Week as well as the Worst House in...

The Homelessness Debate Drags On

One more growing tiresome response to the fact-challenged Blaska and a thought about the Mayor's recent comments.Just a few comments:I did Mitch Henck's Outside...

CDA Office Moving

Well, that merger went quick! Just kidding.NOTICE OF CDA HOUSING OPERATIONS OFFICE MOVECDA Housing Operations will be moving to Suite 120 in the...

Madison Buses – A System for Traditional Commuters

Last night, I attended a 4 hour public hearing about the proposed bus route changes. This post is late this morning because I...

The problem with TIF policy

Some things, require no explanation . . .*******************April 16, 2007 - Cancelled*******************May 14, 2007 - Cancelled*******************Meeting held June 4- Absent Sanborn, Konkel*******************June 18...

The Other WMC.

The recent news that Wisconsin Management Company won't let the finance of Brittany Zimmerman out of his lease shines a light on what most...

The (Bus System) Week Ahead

This week there are many hearing on the future of the Madison Metro Bus System and the annual "improvements" to the system which always...

Community Response to Stereotyping the Homeless

Follow up to Homeless Conference, more media, audio of the event and pictures, what's next, and Blaska's coming to the meeting! A special...

Busted.

All the gossip, inside info and rumors one can take on a Friday.Before I start, let me explain. The phrase "don't blog this"...

Homeless, Working Poor and Housing

I was talking to another blogger and we concluded that it is just so difficult to know where to begin to address these issues...

Common Council Recap: 4/8/08

The Council was a little loony last night. It took us about 4 hours to agree, unanimously, on just about everything. Here's...

Message to the Poor: Leave Town! Now!

That's right, we don't care if you grew up here in Madison, or if your family lives here. We don't care if your...

The Week Ahead: April 7, 2008

After such a nice weekend, it seems so cruel to have to go back to work . . . but there is lots of...

Mixed Messages about the Homeless

On the one hand, there was a meeting on campus to help people understand homelessness and that people who are homeless are human beings...

(Stolen) Gorham Closure Meeting Recap

I've been meaning to blog about the meeting about the closure of Gorham this summer, but just haven't gotten around to it. Essentially,...

City Spring Clean Up

So, most of the City will be getting its streets swept, but what about the downtown where we only get our streets swept once...

Economic Development – Vision/Goals vs. Workplan

Yesterday I attended the Economic Development Commission to talk about how we move forward on the Economic Development Plan. I had talked to...

It gets worse . . .

Yesterday's post sent me into the world of Legistar . . . and it turns out the problem was even worse than I thought....

Just ignore the council . . . and the public they represent!

(Note: You'll have to excuse me, I'm a little cranky this morning . . . GABLEMAN???? What is wrong with Wisconsin voters????)Last...

Neighborhood Plans – Just Advisory?

There was an interesting discussion at the Board of Estimates yesterday about why they approve neighborhood plans and it revealed some interesting information about...

March 31 – The week ahead

A fifth Monday, election day, Overture Finances, Economic Develpment Plan and oh, so much more . . . some of which might not yet...

My Vote Finally Counts!

So, I didn't vote in the Wisconsin Primary this year, because there was nothing to vote for. However, yesterday, the results of my...

Tonight. Food, Fun and Feel Good!!

Tonight 5 - 7 at the Cardinal Bar is the 6th Annual "Iron Chef" Cook-off for the Tenant Resource Center. Please join us...

East Gorham Closed this Summer? Meeting tonight!!

Two way Johnson trial? Underground the electrical wiring? Where will the buses go? Pedestrian street lighting? How will you get to your...

The Future of the Bus System: April is a BIG month!

The Long Range Metro Committee report is about to be released and needs input and the annual improvements/cuts hearing is coming up as well....

Economic Development: Who Cares?

I attended most of all three economic development plan "listening" sessions yesterday, against my better judgment. While it took 7.5 hours of...

Police make a mistake

And now, instead of admitting the mistake, they compound it by thinking they can just ignore ordinances they asked the Council to pass. ...

The Week Ahead: March 24, 2008 – Nothing to See Here.

Nothing for the local media to cover this week . . . (Sorry, couldn't resist a snarky comment this morning.)Monday, March 24,...

Local Media Coverage of City Hall

So, is news coverage of local government dying?Tuesday night it was striking to many that the press row in the back of the room...

Where will 20,000 plus cars per day go?

So, Gorham Street, from N. Baldwin to N. Livingston is going to be closed or partially closed this summer. Where will all the...

Council Recap: March 18 – Updated

It's somewhat of a mystery to many how we managed to make this meeting last until 10:00. Instead of making a snarky comment...

Progressive Dane – Myth vs. Facts #1 – 3

Much is said about Progressive Dane, about half of it seems to be untrue. Especially if you read a particular blog. So,...

When "the City" does Stupid Things

This morning, here's what I found when I came to work . . .When I drove up, a City of Madison truck was just...

The "Spring Break" Week Ahead

The week seems a little light, perhaps because so many people are on Spring Break this week.Monday, March 17, 20084:00 PM LONG RANGE...

Compton and Konkel Together – Also Trouble

Um . . . two in one day? First I agree with Brandon, now Compton? And two different papers reporting these two...

Brandon and Konkel Together

It's a lovefest!We're doomed.As most council members know (and love to joke about), when there is a Bradon/Konkel or, ahem, Konkel/Brandon agreement, we usually...

The City’s Hiring Process – White Men Do Well.

I've been staring at the 2007 numbers that show where people bomb out of the hiring process for the City of Madison based on...

Where’d you get that sign?

When I had one of these signs in my yard, I was often asked . . . Where'd you get that sign. Well,...

Drugged by your tap water?

If anyone besides me is still drinking that tap water . . . you might be interested to know . . . ...

Hold your breath.

For the next two days.Or so suggests one of the local kings of sarcasm on one of the neighborhood listserves. Why? The...

The Week Ahead . . . March 10, 2008

In 5 words or less:The page cannot be displayed.The links off the clerks website were not working this morning, so I worked off the...

Hardball.

I had heard about this from a church member, but was surprised and somewhat pleased to see it in the paper. Good churches...

Now we’re cookin’! (For TRC)

How do you think these local judges are going to rate these area chefs with these "secret ingredients"?Avocado Battle - Mike Jacob, Jim Kellerman,...

Police – Why is timely information so hard to get?

First, a compliment!The downtown police Captain Mary Schauf and the person assigned to the Tenney Lapham Neighborhood Tim Radke have been WONDERFUL to work...

Common Council Recap: March 4 2008

28 minutes.More interesting things happened before and after the meeting than during. Prior to the meeting, Ald. Judy Compton was regaling us with...

Common Council Economic Development Plan Discussion Recap/Comments

Discussion - sorry, no time for that!Last night, the following alders attended the "discussion" on the City's Economic Development Plan: Satya Rhodes-Conway, Tim...

We paid $50,000 for this?

This is what we get for an Economic Development Plan? Seriously? Even the Economic Development Commission didn't think much of it and...

The Week Ahead: March 3 2008

Not much exciting this week . . . but here it is . . . but, be sure to check the weekly schedule later...

CDA – No, you can’t see our WHEDA application.

During the approval of the Allied Drive project, one of the talking points of the CDA advocates was that they would be far more...

Trash Parking. Or Parking Trash?

I got home at 10:00 last night. And Rob was parked in the driveway, so I got to drive in circles for a...

Common Council Recap

Last night's council meeting was alot of fixing things that we shouldn't have to do on the floor. Here's what we did.#1...

Brusque professionalism?

Really?If there ever was a case for community policing, this is it. Is our police department so disconnected from the community that they...

The Week Ahead and the City Council Meeting

Here's what I find of interest for the week ahead and the Common Council meeting . . . at least, for what is listed...

No lobbyists.

None. Zip. Nada.Apparently, the City of Madison has no lobbyists this year.And I'm afraid to even go near the clerk's office and...

Pothole and Storm Sewers – YAY!

From the Streets Department:Hello every one, Here is a update for the weekend being we have no snow in the forecast crews from the...

Can he do that?

Yes. No. Maybe. I'm not sure.Lucia Nunez, Director of the Department of Civil Right is going to be out of work...

Pissed off Water Utility Employees

It's been interesting reading email this morning and to see the water utility employee responses to the Mayor's announcement that they need to start...

Women in Local Government

This is an interesting study. Well, at least it is to me! The study has the following key findings:Statewide, women make up about...

Coal – Your input needed tonight!

Here's the official notice:NOTICE OF TOWN HALL MEETINGThursday, February 21, 20085:00 to 8:00 p.m.GEF 2, Room G 09101 South Webster StreetMadison, WisconsinPublic Invited...

Hiring: What are we doing wrong?

So, once again, our hiring process ends by making news. This time, because after 6 months we have to start over with the...

How many million will this cost us?

Every once in a while you read something in the paper, and you can just see it coming. I wonder how much the...

New Meetings, Not on the Schedule as of Sunday

Looking at the Weekly Schedule has become something you need to do every day, since many notices of meetings are not up a week...

To vote, or not to vote.

I decided not. That's right, I didn't vote today. I have one hour to change my mind, but I don't think I...

How to NOT get something done.

Snow. You'd think it might be a priority issue. You'd think.Last December, Alders Rummel, Rhodes-Conway and myself sent out a press release...

Text Messages and Chats/IM not open records?

I gotta be missing something. Last week, the Badger Herald reported that the Mayor and Alder Zach Brandon want to make it so...

Snow. &*^%$! Snow.

I'm so sick of the snow I can hardly do another post about it. Apparently, according to Channel 3, out of the last...

That Poor City Treasurer’s Office

I think its been years since they have had someone permanently (for more than 3 months) in charge in the office. Here's the...

The Week Ahead: February 18, 2008

This is the weekly schedule at the moment, somehow, I'm guessing, that once again, its going to change. Monday, February 18, 20084:00 PM ...

Where will the snow go?

According to Al Schumacher, the Streets Superintendent . . . in your driveway. Here's his note:We are expected to get blasted with...

What Should the Future of Coal in Downtown Madison Be?

Is your grey house actually white? Recently developed breathing issues you never had before? Often wonder what those smoke stacks are spewing...

Water Quality Update

Here's the latest from staff:In the February 15, 2008 issue of the Water Quality update: - Well Status Report- Water Quality Test...

Time Warp: Section 8 Tenants are Criminals

10 years ago, the leading reason cited for why landlords shouldn't have to take Section 8 tenants was that they are criminals. We...

What’s in a name change?

Reorganizations of departments are usually a way of doing something no one really wants to say we are doing. Shuffling around a bad...

Police Behavior & Public Oversight

I thought my Town of Madison incident was odd, but I was watching CBS morning news as I was writing and it and they...

Assume they are drug dealers . . .

A landlord, a drug sniffing dog and a chief of police walk into a press conference . . . I wish it were the...

One Stop Shop – $1.6M down the drain?

Rumors have been circulating for some time about a hotel on City property in the downtown area. Such a hotel could incorporate the...

Another One Bites the Dust

Interesting, another opening in a major staff position for the City of Madison.I have no idea why Gerald Pace left the City Treasurer's position...

Record Snowfall: Madison’s Snowiest Ever! – UPDATED

This, from Al Schumacher, Streets Superintendent:The record has been broken. We have now lived through the snowiest winter season on record with more...

The Week Ahead: Feb 11th – 15th, 2008

Here's my coughing, sneezing, hacking mucusy miserable look at what's going on this week. Not sure how much of this I'll be making...

Cap Times . . . Progressive Risk Takers.

Since I'm home with a head ache and uber-sore throat after coughing (and not sleeping) all night you get the obligatory comment on the...

Public Input and Access

That's a pretty boring title for a pretty boring subject, unless you think that your voice should be heard in local government . ....

Snow, what else?

On a day like today, how could you talk about anything but snow? After yesterday, I'm sure just about everyone has a story....

Canceled! (Updated!)

In case there was any doubt . . . .Madison Metro (buses) is closing down at 7:00.Also now updated: Due to deteriorating weather...

Tonight:: Move your Car or Be TOWED!!!

So, they're threatening to use their emergency powers and tow cars tonight. Here's the update from Streets Superintendent Al Schumacher and the Notice...

Common Council Recap: Feb 5, 2008

As we went into the meeting, several people were commenting about how it was going to be a long meeting. Seemed kinda silly...

The Week Ahead: Feb 4th, 2008

Here's a few things of interest for this week.Monday, February 4, 20084:00 PM TAX INCREMENTAL FINANCING POLICY AD HOC COMMITTEE...

Never ending snow . . . .and snow trivia.

Here's the latest update from the head of the Streets Department . . .We were supposed to get less than 1/2" of snow...

This is just silly.

Ok - so I heard about this from 3 or 4 people before it was in the newspaper and its been bugging me, but...

Two Americas

I'm not a Democrat. I'm a member of the Green Party but . . . it's hard to ignore this. When is...

Check it out before it melts!

If you get a chance to be in the area of the Yahara River on the Isthmus, check this out. Let's hear...

Advertising in Schools

The role and appropriateness of advertising in our society leave much room for debate - buses and billboards - to name a couple issues....

Tuesday that was(n’t) and ch, ch, ch, changes . . . .

Yesterday, meetings were canceled due to weather and the cold. Today, more canceled meetings, new meetings scheduled and agendas amended. I never...

District 2 Frigid Updates

Here's the run down on the many, many, many things going on in District 2. Moving houses, developments, neighborhood plans, new bars, planning...

Weather and Streets Update

Yesterday was a bad day to have your furnace go out. Sorry to state the obvious, but luckily for me, $180, some...

Monday that was & the rest of the Week Ahead

I took the weekend off and tried to take yesterday off, but had to go to Board of Estimates, Landmarks and Plan Commission. ...

We have a new Superintendent of Madison Schools

In a note from Arlene Silveira last night I learned: The Madison Board of Ed has unanimously selected Dr. Daniel Nerad to be the...

Snow . . . some progress.

Hours changed for "free" parking in City Parking ramps. This is from the press release: NEW “FREE” PARKING TIMES FOR...

The Full-Time Working Poor

A lot of people think that "poor people" are just lazy and sit around and collect government checks. Since I work with "the...

Family Humor

My mom voted for George Bush. (That's not the humor I was talking about, but I could see how many would find that...

Council Recap: Jan. 22, 2008

Here's the run down of the council meeting that lasted til after 11:00 last night. Sorry, the links will have to wait until...

Should Lobbyists sit on City Committees?

This is an oldie but a goody. I first asked this question in 1999 when former Mayor Sue Bauman appointed the paid industry...

Snow Emergency: In Case it isn’t Obvious

Park on the EVEN side tonight!!From City Staff:The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. That means that alternate side parking ...

Dr. King – Still, oh so relevant today.

I bolded some eerily-relevant-and-similar-to-today portions of his speech below. Thanks to Eugene Farley for passing this along and the websites that make his...

The Week Ahead (1/21/08): Council Preview & CARPC

Another short week . . . this time due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Probably a good thing, cuz there's likely...

Proposal for 1 or 2 Motorized Boats for Programming in James Madison Park

Here's the proposal for the project I told folks about in the District 2 post yesterday. It generated quite a bit of interest....

Meet the New School Superintendent

Just passing this along . . .The Madison community is invited to meet and greet each of the three finalists for the Superintendent position...

District 2 Updates

2008 has been busy so far . . . here's a few very brief updates about what's going on.MOVING THE CONKLIN HOUSEThis project went...

Allied.

Sigh. I don't think I can sit through another meeting on Allied, but I have one today and there's one more tomorrow. ...

Crushed?

You'll have to decide. First, let me say, we're no experts here. However, the total pinfall for all three games went to...

The Week Ahead: Allied, Allied, Allied Again

Lots of double and triple booked people this week . . . and a whole lot more Allied Drive.MONDAY, JANUARY 14, 2008(I just noticed,...

Who is it?

I'm dying of curiosity. Who is it?Who is claiming that because some preliminary numbers from the FBI for a 6 month period...

Mayor’s Office to be Crushed, Again?

It's that time of year again! When the Council Office defeats the Mayor's Office. If they show up. Or even...

Manufactured News

It's not just the WSJ that makes things up. With the WSJ, they can't seem to get basic facts straight. Other times,...

Common Council Recap: 1/8/2008

Snooze.In fact, I just realized that it was so boring that I didn't even preview the meeting. Ooops, sorry, I was too busy...

When did this happen?

I was reading the Wisconsin State Journal the other day . . . I know, I know . . . but its not...

And then there were 5

Thanks to Arlene Silveira for the update on the Superintendent search . . . .Good evening, Tonight the Board met with our...

The Week Ahead . . . Allied, Allied, Allied. And Allied.

It's down to the wire on Allied Drive and there are at least 6 public meetings on it this week and a few more...

WTF? Friday

This morning, I was calling today "Snarky Friday" based on my snarky postings this morning. But now . . . I'm steaming...

Ha. Ha.

This also had me laughing yesterday. Nice job Vikki. What's that saying about not picking fights with those who have the barrels...

Black History Month Celebration.

Congratulations to Milele Chikasa Anana for being honored at this year's Black History Month Celebration. Tho I have to say, I laughed out...

No School Board Races this Spring?

Seriously? Two open seats, only two candidates. Congratulations to Marj Passman and Ed Hughes on their impending wins to replace Lawrie Kobza...

Snow and Flooding

Tired of the snow? Turns out that even when it melts it causes problems. The weather is supposed to be warm this...

Snow and Pedestrians

The thing about asking alot of questions, is that when it works right, you get answers. But then, you have to figure out...

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2008!I'm sure it will be an interesting year, full of all kinds of things we have not yet imagined. So far,...

Park on the EVEN side tonight 1 am to 7 am

I know, its seems like an exercise in futility . . . but please do it!I moved my car today, and I'm wondering, how...

Snow Emergency Declared.

Here we go again . . . .Email from the "snowemergency" listserve:The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency.That means that...

Allied Drive . . . February 1st is Coming.

February 1st, the big deadline for the WHEDA application to help make the housing affordable on Allied Drive. And what do we...

Downtown Parking and Snow

The very first issue committee I ever sat on was a "Backyard Parking Implementation Committee" that was looking at commuters parking in backyards. ...

The Week Ahead . . .

Snooze.Here's your government, hard at work.Since the link will change on Sunday, here's what it says on the clerk's website.WEEKLY MEETING SCHEDULECOMMITTEE/COMMISSION/BOARD AGENDAS,MINUTES, MEETING...

Salvation Army – Doesn’t want our money?

Sometimes I think the Salvation Army gets the award for being most ungrateful. Or for being the biggest scammers when it comes to...

Air Quality Warnings

For the past three days, the DNR has issued air quality warnings for Dane County. This is an area I'm not an expert...

Pesky Open Meetings Laws

Sometimes, I think I'm the only one who cares about this type of thing. And people get really upset when you bring up...

Happy Birthday!

HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY ROB!!!Come join us tonight at 9:00 at the High Noon Saloon to hear Little Marsh Overflow, Baghdad Scuba Review and Yokanizu...

Tenant Resource Center Needs Volunteers

After our recent funding cuts at the Tenant Resource Center, our staff continues to shrink. We have lost 3 part-time and 2 full...

Tenant Resource Center Needs Volunteers

After our recent funding cuts at the Tenant Resource Center, our staff continues to shrink. We have lost 3 part-time and 2 full...

Tenant Resource Center Needs Volunteers

After our recent funding cuts at the Tenant Resource Center, our staff continues to shrink. We have lost 3 part-time and 2 full...

I made a mistake.

Gasp. Horror! That's right, yesterday, I made a mistake. One is bound to do that from time to time. The...

Allied Drive: They don’t know.

Yesterday I went to the meeting on Allied Drive to see the grand unveiling of the "plans" for Allied Drive. Fortunately, I didn't...

Snow: Pictures speak better than words.

You tired of the snow? I am. Or more accurately, I'm tired of the complaints about the snow. Some of the...

More "wrinkles" with the snow. Free isn’t always free and moving the snow.

A constituent of mine emailed me about why she had to pay to park in the "free" parking ramps in the downtown area....

Homelessness, a start.

Yesterday, Kathleen Falk's Office invited me to attend a press conference on homelessness. It was an opportunity to thank County Board Chair Scott...

Basic Services

The political vogue seems to be to talk about how we're going to work on "basic services". No more of these "unnecessary" distractions...

Computers, Parks, Same Difference

Interesting "management" strategy. Make the IT Department Manager in charge of Parks? When I first heard it, I thought the person telling...

Snow – Shouldn’t we have this down by now?

So, the City has been plowing roads for years, why didn't we get it right this time? I actually asked myself, did we...

A bloggers dilemna: Today’s topic is . . .

My list of things to blog is piling up faster than I know what to do with., but I did find a kind of...

Council Recap: December 4

The council meeting was a short 1.5 hours, with little to report. Here's what happened of note:1. Dick Wagner received the Jeff...

Common Council meeting tonight

Last Council meeting of 2007 . . . here's what's in store.1. Dick Wagner getting the Jeff Erlanger Civility Award - I understand...

Snow, the City, snow and more snow.

They're still working on it . . . Here's what you need to/might want to know.The City of Madison includes750 miles of streets1700 total...

The Week Ahead . . . Kinda

After a small delay, here's the meetings this week that I find of interest, the short version:Monday, December 3, 2007 4:00 PM TAX INCREMENTAL...

Someone should do something about that!

Ok - my blog this morning is not as it should be. Nothing is working out... I intended to tell you about...

Snow Emergency – Move Your Car!!

From the City of Madison:The City of Madison has declared a snow emergency. That means that alternate side parking restrictions will be in...

Do police come to your neighborhood meetings?

Last night I was at an Allied Drive meeting Ald Solomon held for tenants in some properties that are being foreclosed on and the...

What’s in a roll call vote?

One of the Mayor's big complaints about me . . . er, "that alder that had 44 of the 120 amendments", ...

TONIGHT: James Madison Park Neighborhood

For one of the smallest neighborhood groups in Madison as far as geography goes, there is alot going on between Blair and the Capitol...

Mountains out of Molehills and the Budget – Keeping Score

Yesterday, the Board of Estimates managed to make a mountain out of a molehill when they considered the resolution I submitted asking for suggestions...

Vicki McKenna, Afraid of Debate?

So, I took a week off from blogging and there is so much to catch up on. One of the things that happened...

Economic Development Talk – Tripping Over Itself

It's been 24 years since the City of Madison has had an economic development plan for the City. This, despite the splashy announcements...

2007 Emerging Neighborhoods Funds Left

The City of Madison is now taking applications for the remaining 2007 Emerging Neighborhoods grant funds. The purpose of this City program is...

Day Three: Operating Budget Part II (Updated – Final?)

Pure lunacy. 11 hours later, as of 5:30 this morning, we have a budget. No votes were: Cnare, Konkel, Palm, Pham-Remmele,...

Blog-o-mania: Budget and more.

In addition to the budget updates (Capital budget notes and start of the Operating Budget) there are quite a few announcements that are worth...

Large Item and Brush Pick Up

The fall schedule for what is being picked up when can sometimes be a mystery, hopefully this information from the Streets Superintendent helps! Currently...

Your Input Needed! Economic Development

Economic Development Listening Sessions have been scheduled to get your input! We need your help deciding the following:What role should the City of...

Winter Parking Rules

Winter Parking Rules went into effect just a few hours ago. Make sure to read this and save yourself some money.Madison's winter parking...

Computer Round Up on Saturday

Now is the time to get rid of your old computers cluttering up your house.The semi-annual electronics drop-off will be held this Saturday, from...

Operating Budget: Part I

Ok - I might as well keep going at this point. It's 12:45 a.m. and we're not moving very fast so I think I...

Capital Budget Votes

So we started on the Capital Budget at 7:00 with everyone in attendance once Judy Compton got there just a smidge late. The...

Budget Night One: Public Testimony (Updated – Final)

Last night, we heard 5 hours of public testimony on the budget, and didn't vote on one single item. We have 17 Capital...

Budget . . . Budget . . . Budget

Tonight starts the City Council marathon meeting. We will be meeting tonight, tomorrow night and likely Thursday night as well. Here's a...

What is Wrong with Wisconsin?

Lobbyists have taken over. If there ever was a doubt, all you need to do is look at AT&T's recent victory. And...

This explains alot . . .

Check out the current City of Madison personnel rules . . .Yes, those are the current rules they are using. I was almost...

Budget Briefings

Thanks to everyone who attended the last round of budget briefings. The new round of amendments for our meeting on Tuesday will be...

The Importance of an Elevator

What if you had a public building that was three stories tall and the elevator didn't work? You'd wait til April to get...

Common Council Recap: November 6th 2007

A short meeting, only an hour. That's always trouble for us in the months to come. Or actually, more likely, next week...

City Staff: Your Input is needed!

This does seem to be a Mayor that doesn't want to follow the rules. Or at least feels like he can either ignore...

WSJ: A tiny bit right?

But factually, all screwed up, as usual. I just don't read the WSJ to protect my blood pressure, but someone sent me their...

NIght of the Dead!

Halloween is over, but tonight is the Night of the Dead! Rob (my sweetie!) and Baghdad Scuba Review will be playing at the...

Budget Spin gone amuk!

So, I do this crazy thing. From time to time, I actually listen to AM radio. Let's just call it "opposition research"....

Don’t watch government, become the government!

I'm a lazy blogger today, so I just stole this off Alder Satya Rhodes-Conway's post to EINPC and I'm grateful to her for putting...

Board of Estimates Budget meeting! Part II: Operating Budget

To read in chronological order, you'll want to read the post below about the Board of Estimates Capital Budget amendments first. After...

Board of Estimates Budget meeting! (Capital Budget Amendments)

At this point - there is only one word for this, and the word is "clusterfuck". Probably not a good word for a...

Budget – Wouldn’t you like to know!

Late Friday, many of us "insiders" got a copy of the 16 Capital and 65 Operating Budget amendments that will be discussed and voted...

Fun for a Cause. Help the Tenant Resource Center!

Tonight, you have an opportunity to have a little fun, good food and help out the Tenant Resource Center. THe Tenant Resource...

The "Boys Club" Grows

Another top position in the City of Madison is given to a man. It's hardly news any more that we seem...

Lottery for Low-Income Housing

Just as Dane County Housing Authority opened their Section 8 waiting list (now closed since October 12, 2007) for the first time in 5...

Budget, Budget, Budget

The first round of operating budget and the second round of capital budget amendments are due at noon today. The public and the...

No Room . . . Little Notice . . . Bad Government

Today is a bad example of good/open government.Right now, I am sitting on the floor in the hallway outside of Room LL-130 in the...

City Wages: Disturbing Trend

I guess when you ask for a study, you kind of want it to show what you thought it would. However, in this...

Unbelievable: Where have our ethics gone?

Sometimes, I bumble into something that is too good not to share.On Tuesday I introduced a resolution about the City's objection to a variance...

Common Council Recap: 10/16/2007

It was short. We approved closing the two TIDS to give money to the city and school district. We gave the cops $100,000...

You can’t refuse to rent/sell to students!

The Wisconsin State Journal has an article about something that really kind of bothers me. It's an attitude about, and indeed discrimination against,...

Tenant Resource Center – As bad as it gets.

The Tenant Resource Center is making some big decisions on November 1st. Should we shut down services and lay off staff? If...

The Chamber of Commerce thinks human workers are house-elves

This is just too good not to share, the politics of Harry Potter.This is from a friend of mine, who I think wants to...

Meetings Regarding Neighborhood Developments

James Madison Park District Neighborhood MeetingWednesday, October 17, 20076:00 – 7:00 pmFirst United Methodist Church Chapel203 Wisconsin AvenueFor review of Neighborhood Advisory Statement regarding...

2007 Budget – Sick Leave Not Implemented, And More

Wouldn't you assume that when something gets put into the budget and it gets the votes on the council, that it would get implemented....

How much does one police officer cost?

It depends.The first 18 officers the Mayor added to the budget would start on May 27th and would cost the city $49,500 per officer...

City Can Recycle More Plastics

The City of Madison has a new recycling program. Madison residents can now bring many previously unrecycled plastic items to the City’s two...

CDA & the City: Just ignore the Contract!

The CDA, or Community Development Authority, is in the news for wanting to be the developer for Allied Drive and some hiring and contracting...

More Budget Tidbits: BOE Amendments due in 2 weeks

So, night two of a the public forum to ask the staff questions. Here's some items of interest we heard last night:Office of...

Budget Tidbits: The first half of the first hearings

Last night, the Board of Estimates started the annual questioning of staff about the Operating Budget. Here's some of the things I...

Is the Mayor above the Law?

Can he just ignore Madison General Ordinances because he thinks he has a better idea? If so, why not just eliminate the Common...

Housing & Homelessness: Cuts plus no new City funding.

In a year when we have heard all about adding 30 police officers to our City budget and the police department budget went from...

Westside Crackdown – Help or Harm?

In an effort to think more about policing, I've been reading various materials. This one article, has stuck in my mind for various...

Allied Drive – No budget, contradication and a road with little detail.

Q: When is a road not a road?A: When it involves the Allied Drive neighborhood and the Mayor.So, hunting down the details...

CDBG Commission Takes the High Road

The CDBG commission refused to take a position on the hiring of Bill Clingan for the Economic and Community Development Unit Director. Something...

Inclusionary Zoning Updates

As the market slowed, so did the production of housing, including inclusionary zoning units, but we recently got an update that although there were...

3 bands, 2 days, 4 shows

When and how did this happen? When I ask Rob "what are you doing tonight?" the answer is almost always "band practice". ...

Common Council Recap: October 2

There were only two or three items of discussion, but we were still there until 9:00 or so. There were a few other...

City Operating Budget: What’s in? What’s out?

Here's the run down. A quick overview of the information that we got today:(links are to the sections of the budgets for each...

Sick and Tired.

No, really. I'm sick. And tired.Sorry for my lack of blogging the week ahead, the council preview and other things things....

Hiring Problems: 4 in the last two years.

Did something go wrong in the hiring of Bill Clingan? Are there similarities to other hires I've been critical of? The answer...

Downtown Residents Concerns – Not Police.

Last night, downtown Alders Verveer, Rummel and myself (Eli Judge was ill) met with the Capitol Neighborhoods group to discuss issues of concern to...

Oooops! 1.9 still equals 2.4, but . . . .

The problem with blogging, is sometimes you make a mistake, then do you erase and fix, or do you just note the problem? ...

How Many Jobs Did That Create?

So, one of my concerns over the years is that with all of the talk about Economic Development in this town, its hard to...

When does 1.9 = 2.4?

When you are the City of Madison police department. Ok - you asked for it. Several people asked me, "why isn't that on...

It’s not in there.

In looking at the Capital Budget, I was at first horrified. Then just very disappointed. And now, even more people are being...

City Committee Resignations

When I first heard about several committee resignations due to being upset with a decision of the Mayor, I thought they were talking...

Call the Building Inspector!

Last week, I got into a little argument with George Hank from Building Inspection. The argument went something like this (yes, its edited...

The Cost of 30 Police Officers.

At the last council meeting, we stopped crime in Madison. Well, not really. We passed two ordinances, one that would stop new...

The Week Ahead: Sept 24 – 28.

Here's all the excitement you can handle for this week! The full weekly schedule can be found here, with agendas here. ...

Quick Vacation: ACL

This week has been such a blur, Rob and I went to the Austin City Limits Music Festival last Friday - Monday, here's the...

3:30 AM . . .

I hope this trend of skipping committees and doing committee work on the Council floor doesn't continue . . . these late nights...

Sorry.

Sorry, no preview of the council meeting. I was in Austin TX enjoying the Austin City Limits Music Festival Friday - Monday and...

Just Eliminate City Committees

Here’s a half serious proposal – eliminate all city committees. It’s only half serious because I value the input of city committees and...

Serious Crime or Quality of Life

The Isthmus has reported on how the police a going to crack down on the west side, and included the letter the police department...

Police Department: No Income/Expense Report with YTD Budget to Actuals?

All I want to do is make an informed vote. It should be something that the public expects. However, sometimes, it is...

Taxpayer Free Affordable Housing – Defeated.

Q: What if the City could come up with a program that created affordable housing and didn't cost the taxpayer a dime?A: ...

A Different Way to Look at Things

So, the police department didn't have to cut 3% like all the other departments and now they have over nearly $3M in supplemental requests...

The Mayor and Police Department exempt?

Every year the Clerk's office sends out an email reminding committee staff not to schedule meetings on certain dates. The memo states as...

More ineffective public input?

Ok - after being yelled at in the hallway as I was leaving Board of Estimates like I was a two year old by...

Mayor Bans Certain Phrases

This could be fun. If you were Mayor, what phrases might you ban? In Russia, one mayor banned some phrases for City...

Voila! And now the Mayor Agrees to Try to Add 30 Police Officers

That didn't take long. I wonder what the "sacrifice and cuts" are going to be? To: Chief Noble...

Police Department: 18 not enough. Now we need 30.

No joke. The other shoe has dropped.DATE: September 7, 2007TO: Dave Cieslewicz, MayorFROM: Noble Wray, Chief of...

Konkel Productivity: Back Up!

I re-learned a couple of valuable and obvious consumer lessons yesterday.1. Know your rights.2. Never accept the first answer you're given. ...

Your Input Needed for Schools

Because, as go the schools, so goes the City. An Invitation to Our Parents, Students and CommunityAs you may be aware, the Board of...

Garbage Cart Info

Here's the info you need for the new garbage collection (the tan carts) service that begins on Monday. (Giggle, I still don't have...

Konkel Productivity . . . D. O. W. N.

When they started construction in front of my house, I was prepared for many things, but not this. I was prepared to have...

Sleepless Recap

The agenda kept us up until 4:00 in the morning, that's a 9.5 hour meeting. Here's the highlights, or lowlights, depending upon...

Uh . . . Microsoft Sucks.

I don't know why my blog isn't showing up correctly on Internet Explorer . . . except that it is a Microsoft product....

Tonight’s Council Agenda

Because we think we can get away with only having one meeting in August, our agenda for tonight is really 99 pages long with...

Is Scott Milfred at the WSJ Stupid, Incompetent or Just So Arrogant He Doesn’t Think People will Realize the Truth?

Or maybe he just thinks that the readers of the Wisconsin State Journal are dumb? Just when I think he can't top himself,...

Madison’s Shit Spread Across the Internet!

At first, I thought this was a joke, but apparently, Alds. Cnare and Compton are making headlines for Madison. Check it out.Associated PressChicago...

Mixed Messages

Yesterday, I grabbed dinner and a beer at the Great Dane after a meeting. I happened to be facing the window and saw...

And then there were 5 . . .

A while ago I posted about the lack of women in top leadership positions in the City of Madison. And the trend continues....

Wisconsin Poverty Rates Rising: 581,000 Living in Poverty

News from the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families about poverty rates in Wisconsin.Wisconsin Poverty Rates Rise Substantially, Increase Demands Comprehensive VisionU.S. Census Bureau...

Another Mayor’s Staff Person Recommended for City Position – UPDATED!!

Here's the news. I guess the rumors were true. That reminds me, again, what happened to that committee that was supposed to...

Meeting Tonight: Should we just tear down the of neighborhood?

The James Madison Park Neighborhood between N Butler St. and the Capitol is a small neighborhood and one of the first that were built...

Lakes. When are we flooding?

This is interesting stuff . . . things we take for granted and usually don't have to think about cuz the engineers take care...

Water Utility Resignation Is A Start.

I gotta agree with Bill Leuders. Well, kinda. I'm not sad about seeing Gonzalez leave, in fact, it wasn't soon enough. ...

Your Chance to Impact the Water Utility

This is from a neighborhood listserve and I thought I'd share it. Thanks to Dan Melton for getting this information together:WANTED: Three...

Real E-mail: Bill O’Reilly Fans

Every once in a while I get an email from a right-wing nut I just can't help replying to. Check out his exchange:Random...

Operating Budget Highlights for Proposed Department Budgets

When we get the operating budget, the information is a summary of quite a bit of information and we have very little detail. ...

I love my neighborhood!!

Living Downtown has its pluses and minuses. I don't think I need to outline them here, however, I have a picture and story...

No one?

So, we are being told that can't do an RFP (Request for Proposals) to find someone to develop 9 acres of land on Allied...

Water Utility Award?

I'm sure quite a few people are wondering how the Madison Water Utility got the award for the 2007 Gold Award for Competitive Achievement....

Policing Discussion

If you have time, take some time to read the policing thread over at thedailypage.com. It's clearly one of the most interesting threads...

Allied – About Face!

Gulp. This article in the Wisconsin State Journal is a pretty fair assessment of the situation with Allied Drive. The thumbnail sketch...

Just the Facts Ma’am! Westside Police Calls Going . . . Down?

Could it be true, are reported (and responded to) police calls on the Westside of Madison down? Granted, data from the police department...

It’s a stick up!

Police overtime. You have no choice, you have to pay it. It's an annual heist and we pay and pay and...

David Denig Chakroff Gets it Right.

Sometimes things are not as they appear. It seems my blog has once again stirred up some news about the Water Utility. ...

Who’s Crime is More Important?

As a northside meeting about a specific apartment building nushroomed into a meeting about Northside Crime, similar to the one recently help on the...

Well 28 – Elevated Flouride

I just got this this morning.From: Grande, Joseph Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2007 4:53 PMTo: WU...

My Experiences with Brittingham Park

So, after I wrote my blog about how the City and Non-profits are thinking about dealing with the homeless, I decided that I had...

Mayor Dave’s Summer Vacation

With all the talk about Mayor Dave's priorities (trolleys vs. pet peeve of anyone and everyone) I thought I'd take a look at what...

Moving Day, Without the Tenant Resource Center?

As you curse the garbage trucks and moving vans and dig through the piles of trash to find goodies, I'd ask you to think....

FREE! At S Ingersoll and E Wilson!!! FREE!

One of the cooler things that has happened the last few years is the free exchange of usable, but somehow deemed not movable, items....

Moving Tips You Can Actually Use.

It was nice of Eli to post the City's "garbage tips". However, I find the City's tips kind of silly. Given the...

Mayor Takes Streetcars "Off the Table"! No kidding!

NEWS RELEASEDate: Monday, August 13, 2007Contact: George Twigg, (608) 266-4611Mayor’s Statement re: StreetcarsMadison – Mayor Dave Cieslewicz today made the following statement regarding a...

What’s a Brownfield? The State Capital?

Ok - so in actually reading the info for the Economic Development Commission Meeting, I discovered that my house and my recently redeveloped office...

Budget time is coming, and I"m feeling cranky.

You know, when we pass the budget, we fight quite a bit over what does and does not get funded. We scrimp and...

The Week Ahead: August 13 – 17

iWell, this is the week of hell for me. August 15th. Working at the Tenant Resource Center, this is the beginning of...

Solving "Crime" – Feel Good Ordinances or Real Solutions?

Amen! Paul Soglin said it pretty well - except for the part where he said half the city council is making it hard...

A Little Hate to Start Your Morning Out Right.

Maybe, I should have said that most people wouldn't get paid $600 a month to get these types of emails:From: Joannie Sent: Thursday, August...

Budgets – City and Personal

Cute. Actually, that picture is kind compared to the rest of the rust, peeling paint and dents that you can't see.What'd you expect...

The Politics of Policing

So, 600 people on the Westside want more police services. Maybe. I'm not sure what they want. The angry emails...

The "Problem" with the Homeless

Has war been declared on the homeless? Should we fence off our parks, prevent people from getting food from food pantries and prevent...

Move Out Trash

August 15th. The day a large percentage of downtown residents, not just students, all have their leases renewed, and many of them move....

Castle Place – Ooops!

No parking?!Castle Place is a little street going up a relatively steep hill between E Gorham and Lake Mendota next to Christ Presbyterian Church...

Common Council Recap

Well, despite all the referrals, we still managed to meet until 11:00 last night. September 4th will likely be a long meeting. ...

Tonight’s Council Meeting: Items of Interest

There's only one meeting in August, and so you'd expect us to have a long one, but due to absences (Kerr & Bruer) and...

The Week Ahead: August 6 – 10

Here it is, the week ahead. I worked off the Clerk's Weekly Schedule, with notes below with all the problems I found, again.Monday,...

Walkable – How the Common Council Scores.

Ok - Subeck beat me to this one, but I went at it with a different angle. Alder Satya Rhodes-Conway sent a link...

Where’s Waldo? City of Madison Verison.

Who's meeting? What are they talking about? And where can you get more information? I wish there was a simple explanation....

CDBG 3% Cut in the Budget – Good Choice!

Last week the Community Development Block Grant made their recommendations in response to the Mayors request for a 3% cut from current funding. ...

La Hacienda Boycott – On Again!

From the Workers' Rights Center; the owner acted in bad faith.Dear Friends and Supporters of the Workers' Rights Center,Last week the WRC board was...

New Bus Routes Starting September 2

SEPTEMBER ROUTE/SCHEDULE CHANGESEffective Sunday, September 2Metro will undergo route and schedule changes effective Sunday, September 2 including new Fitchburg Routes 44, 48 & 52...

BSR: High Noon Saloon & Grateful Garcia Gathering

In fact, they're playing at the High Noon Saloon right now! Well, tonight! Tonight Baghdad Scuba Review is playing with Yokanizu...

Clean Air Action Day Tomorrow (Thursday, Aug 2)

So, free bus rides! But what else can and should be done?The Wisconsin DNR has included Dane County in its Air Quality Watch...

Making the Simple, Complicated. Updated. Twice.

Sometimes, doing the simplest thing around City Hall, can be so unnecessarily difficult if you're paying attention and trying to make things happen in...

Getting Involved in Transportation Planning

How would you like to participate in deciding which roads, bike paths and other transportation projects are recommended for funding by the Madison Metropolitan...

Dane County Comprehensive Plan

Volume 1 of the Dane County Comprehensive Plan is done and ready for public comment.On July 2nd the Steering Committee unanimously approved and released...

Well 29 – Update.

You may have caught this in the Cap Times, but here's the update on putting Well 29 back into limited use.Well 29 to Operate...

The Week Ahead: July 30 – Aug 4 – Take Two!

Ah, that's better, a whole bunch of meetings I had in my calendar finally popped up on the Weekly Schedule. So, try again....

The Mayor’s Two Favorite Sayings

1. We can disagree without being disagreeable.2. There is no limit to what we can accomplish if we don't care who gets...

Dane County Housing Authority Opens the Section 8 Waiting List

It's been about 5 years since people were allowed to apply for Section 8, so this is a HUGE deal in the housing...

The Week Ahead: July 30 – Aug 3

Here's what's going on this week.Monday, July 30, 2007Board of Estimates 4:30 PM Room 260 Madison Municipal BuildingHalloween- accepting donations for Halloween costs and...

Bus Detours: Cap Square and Atwood Summerfest

Here they are:CAPITOL LOOP DETOUR: Bus Stop Shelter ReplacementsStarts Saturday, July 28Due to the demolition and replacement of the bus shelters on the Capitol...

Good News: Improvements to Railroad Tracks on Blair/Williamson

For all of you who have been riding your bike and wiped out on the railroad tracks by Blair/Williamson, we have good news!Interim repairs...

The banging is over!

Yes, the all-night-long banging has come to an end! Here's a note from City Engineer Larry Nelson that was sent yesterday with some...

Amplified Sound: Tenney Park 5 – 9 on August 6th

On Monday, August 6, the Madison Area Peace Coalition will hold their annual festival at the Tenney Park Shelter. They will have amplification between...

16% Hike in Water Rates Proposed

The Water Utility is proposing to the PSC that they raise their rates by 16%. Please see the public notice below, which includes...

Cities and Schools working Together

A former City Council member sent me this article about how Portland is spending spending $1.6 million to keep poorer kids in their schools....

Making Money Off Inmates?

So . . . could you imagine not having enough money to make bail or pay for a decent attorney, trying to figure out...

Gender & City Employment – The Controversy Continues

So, Vikki Kratz calls me and asks me what I think about the Mayor hiring another man. I say, you can't look at...

Changing E Johnson and E Gorham to 2-way Streets

You'd think that asking City Staff to look at changing E Johnson and E Gorham back to 2-way streets was the beginning of the...

Madison Metro: Dream Big!

With all the talk about trolleys and trains and regional transportation authorities, it seems that the Madison Bus system is being ignored. Well,...

BSR: 4 Shows in 3 Days!

You have four chances to catch Baghdad Scuba Review in the next 3 days.Mr. RobertsThursday, July 26th2116 Atwood Ave9:45Cosmic Railroad Family Gathering FestivalFriday, July...

Workers’ Rights Picket Cancelled, but Childcare needs your help!

This just in from the Worker's Rights Center . . . and Wisconsin Council on Families and ChildrenThe WRC Board has called off the...

Banging: All Night Long!

What is that noise?!? That is the single most popular question I've had for the past two days? Most of us who...

Watch what you eat . . .

While it is good to "buy local" and support small local businesses, sometimes, it just isn't enough. Sometimes, you need to think about...

Well 3 Replacement Newsletter Updates

Here's a not-so-pretty version of the newsletter.About the ProjectMadison Water Utility is in the process of abandoning Well 3, which served east isthmus neighborhoods...

Barely Navigating the Madison Weekly Schedules

After trying to post the interesting meetings coming up this week, I was so frustrated I wrote the following memo to several city staff...

The Week Ahead: July 23 – 27

Last week of the month things are always a little slower . . . but here's what I've got: (NOTICE: This weeks schedule...

10K Lakes Festival – The Final Day

The final day was probably the best of all . . . here's a bit of what we were able to catch:The GrasshoppersWe caught...

10K Lakes Festival – The Birthday Edition

So, I couldn't imagine a better place to spend my birthday!After my shots of tequila to kick off the day, we wandered back to...

10K Lakes Festival Update: Thursday.

The birthday update . . . yes, it's my birthday today and Rob tells me he can see some gray hairs today . ....

Council Recap: July 17th (from the music festival)

Well, "more on the agenda to talk about than usual" was an understatement. Here's what I can remember and have time to write...

10K Lakes Festival Report: Wednesday!

Well, we made it to Detroit Lakes Minnesota and the 10,000 Lakes Festival around 6:00 yesterday. We didn’t leave Madison as soon as we...

The Regional Transportation Authority Language revealed!!

Here's the changes made to that ever elusive Mayor's version of the RTA resolution. It's not yet available in Legistar as of the...

Tonight’s agenda: Items of Interest

Looks can be deceiving. The agenda looks shorter than usual, but there is more on the agenda to talk about than usual. ...

Finally doing something about the Water Utility?

Well, this puts a whole new twist on things. The question over who has the legal authority to manage anything at the water utility...

Again: Mayor’s office doesn’t understand public input, or care?

Some things, can probably speak for themselves, take a look at this, and remember, the agenda for the Common Council has been available since...

The Week Ahead: July 16 – 20

I'll only be in town Monday and Tuesday, but it looks like another big week ahead. Tho there is alot of missing information...

Noise from the La Fete de Marquette

Last night between 10:10 and 10:30 I got three complaints from people in district 2 about the noise from La Fete de Marquette. ...

Events in Area Parks

City Staff usually updates me when there will be events in the parks that may disrupt the neighborhood, I then forward them to various...

Bus Detours – Watch out, there’s lots of them!

Messages for July 13 - July 19, 2007 from the METRO RIDER ALERT NEWSLETTER UPCOMING DETOURSCAPITOL LOOP DETOUR: Art Fair on the SquareNow in...

Engaging the Public – In August?

Two recent items caught my eye. August is typically a month where City Hall is running at a little slower speed. The...

Current Vacancies on City Committees.

Here's your opportunity to get involved in making Madison a great place to be! Check it out! If you are interested in any of...

Trash Talk

Sometimes I think you'd have to be living under a rock not to know what is going on in City Hall, then I remember,...

Same as it ever was . . . .

I thought we referred the RTA Resolution to the Mayor's office to be worked on. I'm still seeing version one on the agenda...

Demolition Ordinance

It's finally done. (Well, its in legistar now, but it may not make it on the agenda for Tuesday and the timeline below...

UDC: This sucks.

So, it's 9:00, the Urban Design Commission (agenda) is on item #7 . . . and I'm here for items #10 (scheduled for 6:15)...

Gender (and Race and Disability): Preliminary information

The Affirmative Action subcommittee had their first meeting on the "gender resolutions". The two resolutions asked them to research and report (by Feb...

Follow up information on Breese Stevens Field funding

Here's the list of other parks that will also be affected by the Board of Estimates decision on Breese Stevens Field. My previous...

Belated Summerfest Report – Music & Politics!

So, people keep asking me, "How was Summerfest?" Here's the belated rundown.Baghdad Scuba Review rocked! (What else did you expect me...

Court Date 7-10-07: Eviction of last Hickory Lane Residents

This falls into the "there ought to be a law" category. This press release is from the Wisconsin Manufactured Home Owners Association.To Whom...

Water Updates

Here's your water update from the Water Utility.First of all, the agenda for today has been amended to include the following: (1) The...

Another Busy Week Ahead – Especially for District 2

Another busy week (3 days!) ahead . . . lots going on for people interested in District 2 issues*.MONDAYBoard of Estimates 4:30 in...

Complaints about Wasting Time . . . Waste Time.

More from the world of the ridiculous. While most of the contacts I get are about things that are relevant to the neighborhood...

When toy guns are outlawed, only churches . . .

This is just too weird not to share. From the East Side Police Newsletter:CHURCH ORGANIZES WAR GAMES On 6/17, an officer was...

Robbing Peter (Downtown Area Parks) to Pay Paul (Breese Stevens)

Two weeks ago, an item that was never introduced through the council magically appeared on the Board of Estimates agenda. That item was...

Council Meeting Recap: July 3 2007

No better way to celebrate the 4th of July than talking about local government, eh? Ok - so before I forget, here's my...

What’s Missing?

Just a few minutes ago, the Common Council received this e-mail from the Mayor:From: MayorSent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 3:08:55 PMTo: ALL ALDERSSubject: RTA...

What ever happened to . . .

The Committees to deal with the Office of Neighborhood Support and James Madison Park?The resolution to create the Office of Neighborhood Support committee was...

Tomorrow’s Council Meeting

When most people are off on family vacations or doing something fun and interesting this week, at least 19 of the council members will...

Thursday’s Thoughts

Again, today, still much to blog about. So here's the schmorgasborg.(How often do you get to use that word?!)D'ANGELOThis whole D'Angelo thing is...

Here’s one for the reprehensible disgusting landlord category!

Ugh, I had forgotten about this one . . . A woman was raped in her apartment by a man who was able to...

Childcare: Squandering Resources

So, I'm sitting in the Early Childhood Care and Education Board meeting and we're talking about the lack of quality childcare for the 321...

Wednesday’s wanderings.

Yesterday's blogging frenzy continues as there is so much to comment on. Today's topics are broccoli, trash cans, stalled Tenney Lapham Neighborhood plan...

I can’t believe the landlord did that!

Today, I'm totally inspired by landlords. I've worked at the Tenant Resource Center in some capacity, since 1991. I've been a volunteer...

Blog-o-mania

Yesterday morning, when I woke up after weekend filled with Rob's class reunion in Ripon (Fri.), pulling off a surprise 60th birthday party for...

WSJ: Once Again, Clueless.

The Wisconsin State Journal's Saturday Editorial, once again, shows how their editorial board could care less about the facts. Between the whining on...

District 2 Updates

Several things going on in the 2nd district this week including Breese Stevens Field, Tenney Lapham Neighborhood Plan, the East Washington BUILD and Well...

Slightly Tardy Water Updates

Updates from last week's Water Utility Board (reports attached at bottom of agenda) meeting including closing Well 3 and increasing chlorine in City water...

Recap: CC June 19, 2007

Last night's council meeting lasted about 3 hours, with an additional 1 hour of presentation and questions about Transport 2020 and Trolleys at 5:30....

East Washington BUILD, moving forward?

Last week, after we met with the Mayor about the E. Washington BUILD I was feeling pretty positive about the direction we were moving....

Possible Ordinance violations?

Someone over at thedailypage.com asked what ordinances might have been violated in the hiring of Jeanne Hoffman. It's hard to say if there...

The Week Ahead: June 18 – 22

Meetings of interest this week, at least of interest to me and District 2 . . .MondayI get to practice being in three places...

Tuesday’s Council Meeting – June 19th

Here's some items of interest on the agenda for Tuesday's Common Council Meeting:At 5:30, we're having a special meeting on some of the many...

Mayor Dave and I Agree.

For those of you who think that Mayor Dave and I can never get along, I thought you might want to see this. ...

City Hiring Practices

Here it is.Based on the number of hits to my blog in the last two days, I suspect people are looking for the hiring...

Gender Resolutions, Expanded and Supported.

The Affirmative Action Commission, not only liked my resolutions, they expanded the scope of the information that they thought would be helpful to the...

One . . . Two . . . Clean Air Action Days!

First, there was this.CLEAN AIR ACTION CALLED FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13TH.The first Clean Air Action Day of 2007 has been called for ...

I love the funky near east side of Madison!

How many places do you think you'd get to see an event like this?Tenney-Lapham Garden/Chicken Coop Tour Tenney-Lapham's finest gardens and chicken coops will...

Trains and Trolleys Follies

Someone needs to lock County Executive Kathleen Falk and Mayor Dave Cieslewicz in a room, give them a stern lecture on how they...

Turns out . . . it wasn’t necessary.

Remember when we jumped through all those hoops to bend all the rules to give a company a $700,000 that was portrayed to...

Water Main Break – E Mifflin and N Patterson

From City Staff . . .WATER MAIN BREAK DISRUPTS SERVICE DOWNTOWN Madison—At approximately 3:00 p.m. today a private contractor digging at the...

Busy Week Ahead

Sometimes looking at the City's Weekly Meeting Schedule make me wish I could clone myself.The list meetings that look interesting this week are...

7 . . . 5 . . . 3 . . .

While some of us continue to argue about if buildings should be 8, 10, 12 or 15 stories on East Washington Avenue, real life...

Cheers!

Three cheers for Teena Browder and the Cork 'n Bottle Liquor Store. Last night at the Tenney Lapham Neighborhood Association meeting, they took a...

Council Meeting: Limiting Poll Workers and Passing Neighborhood Conservation Districts

Here's the recap (the second writing . . . grrrr, I lost the first verison) of what happened at the Council meeting last night...

Glitch

Well, I wrote this morning's blog . . . then lost it. I have to run to meetings, will try to recover what...

What’s on Tomorrow Night’s Council Agenda

Here's all the fun and excitement on the Common Council Agenda for Tuesday night . . .with the following conditions: #4 and #157 -...

Gender Watch: Still no change.

Men are still being appointed to City Committees 2 times for every 1 woman.Of the appointments submitted on May 15th that we will be...

Will Zach be asked to Apologize?

Will George Twigg ask Zach Brandon to apologize?After all that overzealous grandstanding the day before the election about the "Progressive Dane operative" working in...

When $70M still isn’t enough . . .

"Crisis" isn't a word you throw around loosely, but folks, I think we have a childcare crisis. The cost of childcare is growing...

Gender, Managers and Salaries

In my quest for knowledge about the role of gender in employment for the City of Madison, I have some more information. ...

Still Not Convinced.

Yesterday, the Council members were emailed a new version of the Public Nuisance Ordinance. I also attended a Community Meeting in the Darbo...

It’s not that simple.

Mike Ivey and Paul Soglin would have you believe that we have to grow up or grow out and the downtown neighborhoods are standing...

Apologize?

No. I didn't accuse anyone of any official misconduct, the Mayor's office did. Apparently, the Mayor thinks I should apologize...

More Qualified.

Many of you have been following the hiring issues with our Facilities and Sustainability Manager, well, here's the qualifications of the other candidates:Applicant One:Bachelor...

Loopholes.

I finally got a peek at the ordinance Zach Brandon is proposing to address the alleged Mike Quieto problem. While the objections to...

Tonight’s Council Meeting

What's interesting on tonight's Council Agenda?#1 - The Mayor sticks with the current trend when making new committee appointments. Only 12,...

Random Monday Morning thoughts

Gender, City's Hiring Practices, Schools, Affordable Housing and more . . .Gender - Paul Soglin has some comments about a news article about the...

Unqualified.

Warning: This post might not be "nice", but after thinking about it for a few days, I believe it is right. Unfortunately,...

Tearin’ Down the House!

Are there any houses in the downtown area that are worthy of saving? Or should we just flatten the downtown, kiss the house...

Throw the Landlords in Jail! Not.

Alder Tim Bruer has an ordinance that would charge landlords for too many police or building inspection calls to their property and if they...

$81,000 would keep our neighborhood school open?

Is it true that $81,000 is all it would take to prevent the Lapham-Marquette pair from being consolidated? And that if it remains...

Allied: Will it be affordable? Or Gentrified?

It was nice to open up the Isthmus and see Carousel Bayrd's smiling face. However, what she had to say, was nothing to...

Managing the Water Utility

It's seems there is not a day goes by that someone doesn't ask me what we are going to do about the Water Utility....

Analyzing the New Council

Everyone is watching closely as this new council takes its first votes. People are anxious to see who falls into what categories...

A WTF morning.

So, I started three different blogs this morning, I delayed two of them cuz the links I was trying to use on the city...

Trolleys: Missing Information, Stretched Numbers?

I was talking with a few alders about trolleys the other day and tried to look up additional information about them. Someone was...

Housing: What’s Next?

Anyone who lives in Madison knows that finding a good place to live that you can afford is a bit of a struggle, even...

Buying Local . . . did you notice it passed?

How does it happen that when Ray Allen and Mayor Dave, the Common Sense Coalition and Progressive Dane, Brenda Konkel and Russ Frank (Madison...

What is the Role of the Economic Development Commission?

I was surprised at the last Common Council meeting when we tried to refer an item to get advice from the Economic Development Commission...

More on the City of Madison and Gender

It's not just the City of Madison employees, based on current appointments posted on the web today:Of the 805 appointments to the 88 Standing...

Gender in City Hall

I made a comment about gender in City Hall the other day. Of course, people immediately freaked out and said that I was...

Random thoughts of the day . . .

Short and sweet . . .1. I want my paycheck too.2. Thank goodness that did not work out. Didn't even make...

Couldn’t or Wouldn’t?

The Cap Times reported thatKonkel said it was "clear it (the mayor's action) was retaliatory for something." However, she would or could not say...

Civility, Aldermanic Courtesy and Working Together

Yesterday, outgoing alders were given the opportunity to say their good-byes, impart some words of wisdom to us and give us some words of...

How much TIF for "business" is enough?

Budgeting for and actual spending for TIF, and particularly for the business community as opposed for City projects, has increased dramatically in the last...

City Owned Properties at Allied Drive

The City of Madison made the decision to buy properties on Allied Drive last summer. The properties have 129 apartments and 9 buildings....

Negative Campaigning

I wish I could say that this last round of elections was a new low for negative campaigning. Unfortunately, it was sort of...

WSJ: Getting Personal and Just Plain Mean.

It's no surprise, that I'm no fan of the Wisconsin State Journal. Especially the editorial board . . . which can't seem to...

So now what?

Another election, another two years . . . but what does it all mean?The answer is, no matter what anyone says, is that it...

Vote Today!

I know it's raining . . . but you can do it! Vote Today!Before you vote, be sure to check out the candidates,...

Campaign Finance Reports – Take 3

Here's all the campaigns . . . and its updated as best I could . . . Here's what you will find in the...

Campaign Finance Reports – Take 2

Here's the next 5 reports.This time I looked at Brink, Clear, Palm, Sanborn and Clear.1. There is a conduit missing. There are...

Campaign Finance Reports – Take 1

Ok - Instead of responding to the TIF piece in the Isthmus, I was convinced to look at the campaign finance reports instead. ...

Better Late than Never – 3/27 Council Meeting Report

So, Tuesday night's Council meeting did not disappoint. There was all the spinning, grandstanding, puffery and otherwise unnecessary talking that you could ask...

Thank you WISC-TV

A quick word of thanks to Neil Heinen and Channel 3 for their nice editorial about the Tenant Resource Center and our current funding...

Last Business Meeting of the 2005 – 2007 Madison Common Council

I thought we were pretty squirrely at the last Council meeting, just last Tuesday. I wonder what tonight will hold?Last time, the agenda...

What’s in a Dane Dem Vote for Endorsement?

There are many reasons why I don't belong to the Dane County Democratic Party, but here is yet another. (These are my thoughts...

I love spring!

Ok - so there is nothing political or deep or insightful about this post.It's just nice to wander around your yard and see the...

Tenant Resource Center needs your help!

I don't often blog about, for or at work, but the Tenant Resource Center could use a few minutes of your time! (i.e....

Plan Commission Mania!

Last night's plan commission was pretty grueling, but productive. Partially due to lack of quorum at the last Plan Commission meeting, and partially...

East Washington BUILD Committee

A few weeks ago, an email I sent to the East Washington BUILD Committee caused a typical panic and backlash from members of the...

Brenda the Bad Blogger

My apologies for my lack of blogging recently. About two weeks ago, all hell broke loose at work and sent most of...

Is the Business Community Taking Over the Council?

As co-chair of Progressive Dane, during election season I'm often asked if Progressive Dane is going to take over the City Council. In...

That was . . . predictable.

Well, there's not much to comment on about yesterday's races as it was all pretty predictable . . . The only thing...

Election Results

Here's what I have for results . . .District 6Marsha Rummel 1393Carl Durocher 314Adam Casey 246Brooks McGrath 87District 11Tim Gruber 1007Chris Schmidt 936Sandra Saul...

Today is the Day: Vote!!

Hopefully, I don't need to remind, you . . . .Go Vote Today!! Polls are open 7:00 am - 8:00 pm. I...

Blast from the Past . . . Much of the Same

Someone came in to my office and gave me some old newspapers, because of some tenant related articles, but there were some other articles...

What does this say about a candidate?

Campaign finance reports can often reveal something about a candidate. Sometimes those things are interesting, weird or, in some cases, kind of disturbing....

City Solutions to Affordable Housing

"Galoot" on thedailypage forum asked what Cities can do for affordable housing beyond the state and federal programs such as Section 8. It's...

We Gave Money to This?

Remember Tomo Therapy . . . they're the company we bent all the rules so that we could loan them the last $700,000...

Lax Lobbying Enforcement

The City Attorney's 2006 report on the lobbying law is out. In fact, it is dated January 24th, well before the filing...

Better Late than Never

Here's a few brief notes from the Progressive Dane Mayoral Forum. Since I was making sure things were going smoothly, I didn't have much...

Beyond the Trolley Follies

If you read the paper or watched the news after Tuesday night's Council Meeting, you probably don't know that in addition to those good...

What’s in a Name?

Depending upon who you talk to, the promise of the future? Or much ado about nothing?Currently, the City of Madison has a Department...

Spring Endorsements

I participated in the Progressive Dane, Green Party and Affordable Housing Action Alliance endorsements processes and met with several of the candidates. Given...

Trolley Referenda

My referendum (Cap Times) is better than your referendum (no print press coverage?). Sigh, a classic case of the politics of "me too"....

Other things in the Downtown Safety Plan

When Captain Mary Schauf reviewed the Downtown Safety Plan with me, I was very pleased. However, you likely didn't hear about the...

What would you ask?

If you could ask the Mayoral candidates anything you wanted, what would it be? Obviously, I have my own list of things...

An agenda for the City

This spring's elections need to be about more than water, trolleys and taxes. Yes, our water needs to be safe to...

Council Recap: Jan 16, 2007

For those of you who miss Kristian Knutson's live-blogging of the City Council on thedailypage.com, I hear ya! Here's my best recap of...

Blogging Bumps

Well, the good news is, the spellchecker works again! You may have noticed over the last few days that things on this...

The Boys vs. The Girls

Last week, much of the local political gossip was about the Democratic Party endorsements. I didn't attend cuz I'm not a Democrat and...

Dizzy from the Spin . . .Paul Soglin, WSJ and tdp

A few comments about experiences with Paul Soglin, the Wisconsin State Journal and Jason Joyce at thedailypage.com - all in one day. Sometimes,...

Allied Drive – What we have here, is a failure to communicate.

Many times government does things *to* people, without asking them what they want, and without listening to those who speak up. Allied Drive...

TIF priorities

Yesterday the TIF Policy Committee met to discuss priorities for TIF funding. Current priorities are Support the Downtown, Neighborhood Revitalization and Economic...

Do what the Lobbyist says!

Apparently, some people think the plan commission can't approve anything unless the developer and/or their (very nice) lobbyist agree. What? Yup, that's...

Mis-steps at City Hall

Last week it was a really long week at City Hall . . . and there were only 4 work days. I hope...

Mayor and Staff blow off City Employees and the Common Council

Yesterday the Mayor and his staff managed to blow off hundreds of City Employees. And the Common Council. And now...

Nuisance Abatements and Evictions

I was at a meeting of the Allied Drive Task force and was amazed when one of the Assistant City Attorneys explained how excited...

Final: List of Spring Candidates for City of Madison Races

Newspaper Links updated 1/7/07 - Changes since 12/23 are in boldAs of 5:00 on Tuesday here's who has filed at the (very crabby) clerk's...

The latest from the Clerk’s office

With one day left to file, here's what the clerk's office had at 4:30 on Friday. Changes from my last post on this...

I am not running for Mayor.

Really. I am not running for Mayor. Seriously. If I was running for Mayor, you'd know it. I would have been...

The Mayor’s Race

Well, the entry of Peter Munoz into the mayor's race has certainly livened things up a bit. I have to say, what was...

The Changing Face of the City Council

There are going to be at least 9 new faces on the City Council, and maybe more. This leads many people to...

Spring Elections: Who’s Running? Who’s Not?

(I've added campaign websites that I could find.)Not everyone who has filed papers to run has been the subject of news articles. And...

Allied – What’s the real story?

Living on Allied Drive is not easy. Sometimes, "the City" doesn't "help".At their last meeting, the Allied Drive Task Force voted to give...

It’s agreed, we’re "Skeptical"

Last night, at the Progressive Dane General Membership meeting, we had a little discussion on trolleys. Some of our candidates were hearing quite...

City Ordinances

Our ordinances should be easier to read. I went to law school, I can read them and decipher them most of the time,...

Trolleys – Not a Progressive Dane Initiative

Someone, please tell Mitch Henck that the trolleys are not a Progressive Dane idea. Please!I have no idea why he's been ranting on...

Allied Drive – 50% Homeownership

Well, here we go, some of the issues I have raised about affordable housing on Allied Drive, the property the City bought there and...

Salvation Army outdoes themselves!

Obviously, I was already of the opinion that the Salvation Army has no shame . . . and you'd think they'd stop with their...

The Spring of the Absentee Ballot

It is not just the University that will be on Spring Break during the Spring elections (Mayor, School Board, Alders) . . ....

Neighborhood Officer Showdown . . . And More

Will Chief Noble Wray listen to the City Council or do his own thing? And if he does, what does that mean?During the...

The New Department of Economic and Community Development

So, we are on a slow moving train to changing the Department of Planning and Development to the Department of Economic and Community Development....

A new side of Mayor Dave?

Mayor Dave is a nice guy. Or so they say.My experience with him has been quite different. We have definitely had our...

Happy Anniversary!

"This side of town . . . " is one year old today.Yup, that's right. I've been blogging for a full year. ...

This guy just will not stop . . .

Three of them today . . . from the voice of the guy who says he represents the taxpayer . . .From WednesdayFrom: Sent:...

City Budget: Where it’s at . . . (Part III: Operating Budget)

All that, for $1.03 increase over the Mayor's budget (with changes made at the Board of Estimates) on the average homeowner's tax bill ....

City Budget: Where it’s at . . . (Part II: Operating Budget)

At 10:30 last night, we started the Operating Budget, here's the run down . . . Amendment #1 - $66,000 for paid sick leave...

City Budget: Where its at . . . (Part II, Capital Budget)

Here's my run down of day 2 of the City Council Budget deliberations:Last Night we dealt with amendments 7 - 13, plus an added...

City Budget: Where it’s at . . .

Ok - due to popular demand, here's the run down on what happened last night . . .We heard excellent public testimony from 6:30...

Madison Neighborhoods, Inc. – What is it?

With all of the budget talks about if there should be a Westside Planning Council and our annual attack on the funding for the...

Who gets our TIF dollars? Who decides and how?

Today, on the longest Board of Estimates agenda of the year, the mayor has placed it on the agenda as item number ...

Salvation Army has no shame.

Unbelievable.I recently sponsored a $25,000 amendment to the City Budget to match the amendment Sup. Scott McDonell made to the county budget to give...

More from anti-domestic partnership benefits dude . . .

I don't think this dude understands what open records laws are . . . I removed his email and name to prevent him from...

Operating Budget Impacts

Here's the list of proposed cuts in the Operating Budget and how much they can save you on your tax bill. Again, looking...

Capital Budget Amendment Impacts

Below are the specifics of some of the proposed cuts to the Capital budget and how much it would save you as a taxpayer....

Budget Amendments! Oh My!

My head is still spinning from reading the 54 amendments we got on Friday at noon and I've been at the Neighborhood Conference all...

Budget Amendments Come Out Today

So, today we find out what we are voting on this Tuesday. I hear there will be plenty for folks to be upset...

Get these folks some training!

As a person deeply involved in local government, I take open meetings and public records laws rather seriously. I hold them in high...

And so the attack on domestic partner benefits begins . . .

The City Council and County Board members got this email about an hour after the polls closed in Dane County . . . .From:...

Back to the drawing board . . .

Yesterday, we received news that the Supreme Court refused to hear our case on our Inclusionary Zoning appeal.So, the question remains, how are we...

City Council 11/6/2006: Full of Surprises!

Three of them!First, it was only 20 minutes long. Yup. 20 minutes. That's the shortest meeting I've attended in my nearly...

Vote! Today!

Seems like I shouldn't have to remind anyone reading this blog . . . but for the record . . . .Vote!! Vote!!...

Citizens Input cut out of Planning and Development Reorganization

First the boards, committees and commissions were cut out of the process . . . and now, public comment will be taken ....

The City’s Pest Control Program

In 2004, the City of Madison revised our policy regarding Pest Management on City properties in an effort to eliminate or further reduce pesticide...

We’re committed to Affordable Housing . . . kind of . . . .sort of . . . .

. . . if we don't need the money for anything else . . .Under the Mayor's plan for affordable housing ($300,000 per year),...

TIF Stalled – Again

Apparently, its too hard for some people to read a TIF policy document that's been around since last June and a memo to the...

TIF: What’s In? What’s Out?

Tonight the Board of Estimates may finally act on the TIF policy that we've been working on since fall of 2004 . . ....

Halloween: By the numbers

Congratulations! This year, the State St. Halloween celebration seems to have ended successfully! "Riots" at 1:43 am didn't need to end in...

Game Halloween: 68 to 0

That's right, in this game the "excited" police are at 68, civil liberties at Zero.I wonder how that compares to downtown arrests on a...

A reason to be afraid this Halloween weekend?

Reading the WSJ is always a scary experience, but this morning, it was particularly scary . . . Mostly, I was surprised by this...

I didn’t see that in the Halloween Budget!

Plasma screen tvs for the police department?Where was that in the budget?Watching channel 3 this morning I learned that the police department has a...

Revised TIF policy – will it take 3 years, or more?

Q: How long could it possibly take for the City of Madison to pass revisions to the TIF policy?A: An unbelieveably long...

The Hype about Neighborhood Conservation Districts

You'd think that the recent proposal for Neighborhood Conservation Districts said that nothing could ever be demolished or built anywhere in the City again,...

Money Making or Good Citizenship Opportunity

I've been asked to help spread the word, so here it is! Election Officials Sought for Downtown and Madison's South SideThe Madison City...

Nothing is Ever Easy!

No good deed goes unpunished. Last night, I tried to be "pro-business" and move reconsideration of a demolition permit. Silly me.Last week...

Anti-business. Or, Anti-business?

It's funny how you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't. Tonight, at the plan commission we will be debating the...

Advertsing . . . and Fiscal Awareness

One of the latest mantras by the band of merry moderates on the City Council is that we need advertising to fill the gaps...

The War Against Neighborhoods

Last night at the Common Council meeting (live-blogged by Kristian at the Isthmus) a group of conservatives (I guess that's what you call them?)...

It’s not just the WSJ . . .

So, I was intrigued by the Cap Times reporting of the Plan Commission discussion on demolitions we had at the Plan Commission the other...

Local Purchasing

One more from the Economic Development bizzaro-world . . .Yesterday, the WSJ editorialized AGAINST a preference for local purchasing. What? Did...

I wonder . . .

So, we gutted the lobbyist registration ordinance last year . . . but some people still need to fill out the expense reports...

Affordable Housing . . . some day . . .

In 2002, then Alds. Todd Jarrell and Tom Powell worked very hard to pass an Affordable Housing Trust Fund. I'll admit, I was...

Planning and Development Department Reorganization

Sorry - I didn't do so well on the blogging, I got pneumonia instead . . . but I got out of the house...

Only at the EDC (Economic Development Conmission)

Sometimes, you hear the strangest things . . .When we have a City Committee that is supposed to be:Responsible for preparation and periodic updating...

Emergency Contraception – Anti-business!!

So, its funny what we consider anti-business and what somehow is deemed not to be anti-business. Take the recent proposal on emergency contraception....

Moratorium on Downtown Alcohol Licenses doesn’t add up.

In the blur of the last month, there are a few things that I haven't paid enough attention to. I was reminded of...

Brenda the Bad Blogger

September sucked.A bad combination of lost days at work due to Labor Day, my boyfriend's mom dying, a Friday wedding, another funeral;...

Common Council takes a stand . . . against clear and understandable laws . . . and for creating more work for attorneys!

So, a UW law student wrote up a 7 page paper about a problem with our tenant/landlord law and what they saw when they...

Halloween

So, we've voted on the Mayor's plans for Halloween. Austin King and I voted against the final piece last night with the rest...

Section 8 – Now is the Right Time

Tomorrow night, the County Board is going to be taking up the Section 8 non-discrimination ordinance. Currently, the State of Wisconsin, Dane County...

The Big (little) Week Ahead

So, after the long weekend of fun-filled yet serious events such as Laborfest and the Allied Drive Rally among other things, the week is...

Loitering

Yet another issue where I can just recycle my folders full of paper. When this issue came back I was a little...

Demolitions and Conservation Districts

This morning's WSJ has a half-way decent article about our demolition ordinance (yes, that was a compliment) and an upcoming conservation district ordinance. ...

A dailypage comment: Is this news?

I had a somewhat odd experience with thedailypage.com forum, channel 27, Mike Hanson, the democratic party, the Mitch Henck show and the Vicky McKenna...

Budget Non-Information

So, last Thursday afternoon the Common Council office was given 7 CDs the were provided so the the 20 alders could "check out". ...

What didn’t make it in the budget requests . . .

The list is long . . . I've posted 56 requests from most departments here and the 30 police and fire requests here.The long...

BUDGET TIME!!!!!

Yup - it's city budget time . . . and it's gonna be a mess this year!!Tomorrow night at the Downtown Public Library (201...

What Does the Police Department Need?

Every budget, we have a discussion about how many police to add . . . and recently, mayoral candidate Ray Allen called for 6...

Crime: Is it up? Or down?

Answer is: It depends upon what you look at.Here are some interesting numbers I ran across about the last year . . ....

Trolleys vs Busses

A recent article in the Isthmus by Vikki Kratz about the Mayor suggesting that we pay for his street car proposal with local funds...

Show me the money . . .

Some people have taken offense at a recent blog of mine regarding who was contacted by whom during the Inclusionary Zoning debate. Apparently,...

Loitering: It’s Ba-a-a-c-k

Doesn't it sometimes seem that we keep changing the players but having the same discussions. It's true about smoking, even something I favor -...

Lobbying: Chamber comes in #2

People on thedailypage.com forum are upset with me for raising the lobbying issue.They seem more upset about my posting on lobbying on the paid...

Who is in whose pocket?

In the recent debate over Midvale Plaza, many of the community members accused Progressive Dane alders of being in the pockets of the developers....

What will $44,758.25 buy you with the Common Council?

So, the lobbying reports were due on July 31st. I was kind of waiting to have them on-line before I looked at them, but...

CSC: They are . . . They aren’t . . . and they are again . . .

Ok - is the Common Sense Coalition going to endorse candidates, or not? Yes? No? Maybe?Is the answer yes, once and...

Economic Development Commission: No Action Required.

What does the Economic Development Commission do?Given all the attention given to Economic Development, you'd think the City's Economic Development Commission would have their...

WSJ: Opinion vs. Fact

Warnining: Konkel Rant ahead!WSJ editorials drive me nuts. For so many reasons . . . a friend of mine summed it...

City Council: Over Budget

We got the following email from the Council Office Staff today . . . how embarrassing . . . The 2006 Common Council...

Planning for Porn

Just when I think I've seen everything . . . someone tries something new . . . .Check out this memo from Alder Bruer...

City of Madison Children: Left Behind (Part I)

In 2006 the City of Madison is funding childcare and early childhood education programs to the tune of $692,715. These programs provide for...

Picks of the Week – City Meetings 7/17/06

More questions than info this week . . . .Monday, July 171. With the big controversy over Halloween coming up, why doesn't the...

Another Blog . . . District 2 News

I've beens struggling with how to get information out to people in the 2nd District. If I send information to just neighborhood association...

Budgeting . . . and Republicans.

Today I had the opportunity to hear various state elected Democrats talk a bit about their political struggles in the legislature. I was...

What’s Next for Affordable Housing?

I am one of the founding members of the Affordable Housing Action Alliance that formed in 1997. This group formed because housing issues had...

Thank you.

Thank you!

Spinderella?

Too bad some people are too busy spinning and trying to score political points, instead of trying to be constructive and help create affordable...

WSJ: Unprincipled Editorials

The Wisconsin State Journal's latest editorial on Inclusionary Zoning points out how comical the Wisconsin State Journal's editorials are. I'll respond...

Wisconsin’s Economic Ruin

There are a few things I like about Paul Soglin, today's post is one of them. Somehow, its ok when he says it.

Inclusionary Zoning Countdown . . .

In one week the council will be voting on something regarding Inclusionary Zoning. As you know, I've moved my Inclusionary Zoning postings to...

Metro Holiday Service . . .or lack thereof . . .

When I heard last night that Rhythm & Booms was cancelled, my first thought, as much as I hate to admit it, was ....

Save the Trees . . .

I feel like the Lorax.If you can still call these things trees . . .These pictures were all taken within a half block of...

Midvale Plaza

The neighbors in the Midvale Plaza area are clearly upset about this new development in their neighborhood. I've gotten several emails trying to...

6/26/06 Picks of the Week

Lots of opportunities to hear about TIF and 2007 funding for Community Services and Community Development Block Grant programs Monday, June 26Board of Estimates...

Here we go again . . . give us our private meetings

Is it fair to the public when there are 4 meetings that discuss a particular issue and a certain segment of the business industry...

Ask a question . . . and let the chaos begin . ..

So, I asked a question in a private meeting the other day . . . and I've had people ask me the silliest questions...

Bus Wraps – Things I Haven’t Heard.

Remember all those safety issues on busses? How about people with visual disabilities? What if we don't get the revenues that are...

Picks of the Week – City Meetings

Meetings this week of interest . . . and note, there is a new section on the website that provides additional information for meetings...

(Historic) Kozak Properties

Ok - so I expected that some of those Kozak properties were going to be of historic value. After all, as I was reminded...

Kozak Properties

Last week, Marc Eisen wrote a piece in the Isthmus on the potential sale of several Kozak properties, the majority of which are on...

Where to start . . .

You know, sometimes trying to decide what to blog about, or what not to blog about can get really confusing/overwhelming. Right now, I...

What’s Historic?

So, as the downtown continues to thrive and we see very little end to the onging redevelopment, we are running out of vacant land...

Portage Tornado, a little too close to home.

Here's something you probably didn't expect from me (for so many reasons!) but, . . . last Tuesday, as I was in the...

Garden in James Madison Park need your help . . .

I volunteer to do some gardening in James Madison Park, (whenever Ilse reminds me) . . . so Friday I got an email...

Water, water, everywhere . . .

So, this whole water issue is irksome. For so many reasons . . .I empathize with the people who say that the Mayor...

Big Promises . . .with other people’s money.

ARO wants to solve downtown parking . . . forever! What's the catch? . . . look who they want to...

Crowded Meeting Rooms & Faux Public Hearings

Twice in less than two weeks, I have gone to committee meetings where the people who were there to listen to or participate in...

Week of May 22 – Meetings of Interest

The last week of the month is usually a light week. So here's all I have this week . . .Monday, May 22Board of...

Those City Council All-Nighters!

Those who have been critical of another all-nighter of the City Council meeting are correct (Subeck, Wealti, Zepeda-Capistran via Kratz) . . . there...

Demolition Ordinance Needs Revision

Seems odd to me that we treat deciding about the demolition of a home built in the 1800's the same as the demolition of...

(Still Not) Finding IZ . . .

6 months ago, I blogged about how it was hard to find information about IZ units on the web. (IZ = Inclusionary Zoning)Today, I...

Allied: Now the hard work begins . . .

This morning, the Judge approved the City purchase of the Hauk properties. $4.35M.How are we ever going to decide what to do there?...

Show a little respect, please . . .

I don't know what it is, but apparently, some people think they can stop by my workplace, unannounced, and expect me to stop working...

Fixing IZ by Just Saying "No" to Developers?

Downtown Madison Inc. has proposed their version of how to fix inclusionary zoning. There is merit in parts of their proposal, but as we...

Brenda’s Picks of the Week

People often ask me what is going on in City Hall this week. I often don't have time to answer everyone's questions, but here...

SGM: Where are you?

More than 2 weeks ago, I sent this letter to Smart Growth Madison, Inc. So far . . . no official response. However, two...

What are (and are not) TODs?

TOD = Transit Oriented DevelopmentThe Whole Foods project we rejected last night was not a TOD.Last night during the Whole Foods/Joseph Freed discussion, there...

Fixing IZ – Piecemeal

There is a current debate about if we can fix the pieces of the IZ (inclusionary zoning) ordinance that we have solutions for, or...

Who did the lobbying for . . . .

TomoTherapy - last December they got a $700,000 loan from the city, but don't seem to have a registered lobbyist.What about .the Todd Drive...

Where are the Whole Foods lobbyists?

Did I miss something? I can't find the registration for either Whole Foods or Sentry listed on the City's website.One of the lobbyists...

Whole Foods – Makes No Sense

Much has been said about the Whole Foods project by the Cap Times, Wisconsin State Journal and Channel 3 among others . . ....

TIF – Good questions.

The recent WSJ article about the Board of Estimates meeting on TIF made me ask some questions. I couldn't stay for meeting to ask...

Allied and Affordable Housing

So, if we get the Hauk properties, the next question we have to face is what would we build on 8 acres of land...

MABA first to take ball and go home . . .

At the last mayor's workgroup, Alder Zach Brandon posed a question to the committee: Do you support "100% cost offsets" for the builder?He wanted...

Worth reading . . .

Interesting Paul Soglin blog on the US Chamber of Commerce . . . I especially like the last part where he debunks their "study"....

Lobbying Reports – What a mess!

So, I went to go look at the results of so many people registering as lobbyists. Bleck.Here's some of the things that I found:Some...

Ah . . . those lobbying complaints, er, inquiries . . . .

At the last City Council meeting we accepted the annual lobbying report from the City Attorney's office. They dedicated one whole section of the...

Downtown: Land of Luxury

Rob Zaleski's Cap Times article yesterday called Downtown Quickly Becoming a Land of Luxurywas one of those articles where you read the headline and...

What City is this?

Q: If I told you that in the last year or so, the following elections problems have occurred: polling places ran...

The Right Time for Paid Sick Leave

Every time the Mayor says that he supports paid sick leave, but it just isn't the right time, I cringe. I wonder if he...

Inclusionary Zoning – Just twisted

One thing I learned from inclusionary zoning is that the development community doesn't all think alike. In fact, often, two people from the same...

Inclusionary Zoning – Twists, spins and goes in circles

And we end up nearly where we started?WARNING: Talking about equity models is boring. If you don't want to hear alot of wonk...

And you thought I gave lobbyists a bad name . . .

Sometimes, they do it themselves! Consider the misleading statements made by Attorney Ron Trachtenberg in a recent letter to the City of Madison Mayor...

Who wants to reduce the density and height of the project?

Conventional wisdom says: the neighborhood.My experiences of the last week says: the developer.Yup, twice in one week two major developments in the...

Best bang for the (TIF) buck!

This morning's WSJ article on TIF got me thinking . . . about something we did alot of thinking about months ago. If...

Scratchiti has it all . . . .

Rarely, have I seen:a) such a colossal brazen attempt to get media attentionb) over a "feel-good",c) "solution-in-search-of-a-problem" ordinanced) that has "unintended consequences",e) has "no...

Wisconsin State Journal missing in action . . .

I often wonder how decisions are made about what to cover in local newspapers. We know at the Wisconsin State Journal that they believe...

Ooooooooooo, that feels good . . .

Scratchiti . . . feels good, does nothing.

How the Realtors (and other groups?) want to gut the IZ ordinance

At noon today, Phil Salkin presented a plan to "amend" the inclusionary zoning ordinance for the City of Madison to the Mayor's workgroup. Phil...

CSC and BK agree on Local Purchasing

This morning I trekked out to the west side to the Common Sense Coalition's meeting regarding small businesses. It was quite the adventure, but...

Realtors work in good faith . . .

Not.You may have seen the recent article in the Isthmus about the Realtors take on inclusionary zoning, and here's another one in the Sunday...

Yer kidding me . . .

I was doing some research for a project I was working on and look what I found on the internal/employee city website . ....

Screwing up on Allied Drive?

No, I'm not talking about the residents who live there, I'm talking about the City of Madison. So, we're probably going to bid...

Fingerprinted to Live in City of Madison Public Housing

This afternoon, a man came in to the Tenant Resource Center/Social Justice Center with a letter he wanted to show me. He wanted to...

Missing information . . .

Lesson #7: Counter fears and bad information with facts.So, I thought I would try to look at some more facts about inclusionary zoning ....

The Rest of David Rusk’s lessons . .. .

Zach left out a few of David Rusk's lessons . . . #7 is the one Madison ought to focus on . . ....

Elections Committee conspiracy theory explained to Alder Palm

Larry, there is no conspiracy . . .The Elections Committee item I introduced is EXACTLY THE SAME as the one Alder MacCubbin worked on...

No wonder people are cynical . . .

So, I got the following message from someone this evening . . . The proposal to have the city sell the...

The last few days perspectives on paid sick leave . . .

A few sick leave stories from the past few days . . .MY GROCERY SHOPPING EXPERIENCEI went to the grocery store Wednesday night after...

Stop the Slogans!

During the smoking debate it was "Ban the Ban" and "Save Madison Jobs" - and various members of the council were Nazi's and a...

"Not a Political Party" Liar!

Remember this . . . When asked if the group would support a mayoral candidate, or if any of its members were considering running...

March lobbying contacts

Hopefully, I can do better tracking this month . . . tho I'm getting tired of guessing if these folks are covered by the...

City, Gorman, Get back to the Table

Based on the number of phone calls and emails I have been receiving, it has become extremely apparent how disappointed the neighbors, the business...

Creating Other Affordable Housing Programs . . .

So, one of the knocks on Inclusionary Zoning is that there are other ways to create affordable housing, particularly that we should use the...

James Madison Park: Selling the Land and Houses

I'm a little hesitant to say what I think should happen to all this property in the district I represent on the City Council,...

Surface Parking Lot . . . Brilliant!!!

So, the Gorman project is dead.No TIF generator for the TIF District . . . no users for Central Park . . . no...

That darn tortuous TIF process . . .

Oh, that poor, much maligned, Joe Gromacki, the City of Madison TIF Coordinator . . . he gets it from everyone. And now, it...

That darn EDC . . . hates the public?

So, prior to the second attempt the Economic Development Commission made to have a public hearing on paid sick leave, another controversy of sorts...

Chewing Tobacco and Cigar Bars . . .

I took a quick look at Verveer's proposed ordinance last night, sorry, its not on-line yet . . . I can support the part...

TIF Assistance for the Gorman Project (800 E Washington Ave.)

So, apparently everyone wants to hear from me what I think about supporting TIF for the Gorman & Co project for the 800 block...

Concerns about Mayor’s IZ workgroup

Kristian from thedailypage.com blogged about the Mayor's IZ workgroup that met today. It's a great summary of the meeting. In fact, I don't think...

Ellen Foley from WSJ doesn’t get it . . .

I had the, ahem, pleasure, of listening to Ellen Foley, the Editor of the Wisconsin State Journal, speak to a group of non-profit representatives...

The Chamber of Commerce said what?

I got this email this afternoon . . . and fell off my chair. Is there no end to the arrogance of the Chamber...

Don’t forget . . . .

I agree with Zach.Vote.I was number 3 at 10:30 this morning . . . and that was unusually low for my ward, I'm usually...

The Problem with Vinyl: It kills people and is bad for the environment/food chain.

Recently, there has been a discussion about how to create affordable housing on the Isthmus on thedailypage.com. That discussion has gotten very wonky and...

Smart Growth Madison Inc. Changes their Mind . . .

So, not only has Smart Growth Madison, Inc. a lobbyist group for Madison developers changed their staff from Delora Newton (who now works for...

Chamber of Commerce inciting class war?

I was watching the video stream of Stuart Levitan's show Access City Hall. The episode I was watching was with Ald. Robbie Webber and...

February Lobbying Contacts

Sorry, I very much likely missed some folks in February, due to my own tendencies to disorganization that were exacerbated by the silly belief...

Buy your illusion of democracy here . . . .

Remember when, a little group called Smart Growth Madison, Inc. got started . . . way back in January, 2003? Remember who wrote...

Back from vacation . . .

Ok - I'm back. For those of you complaining that I haven't updated my blog, here it is, but don't expect much - I've...

On Vacation . . .

Many of you have commented that I haven't blogged much recently, that is because I've been busy trying to leave town for a vacation...

Realtors: We need a process, a special process just for us.

Some people will say the most amazing things . . .Tonight, Phil Salkin from the Realtors Association of Southcentral Wisconsin got up in front...

IZ report is in . . .

Lisa Subeck has already written about the IZ report.My thoughts and more details are here.

Ald. Judy Compton took lessons from the Chamber of Commerce

Folks, we have more bad numbers . . . this time, It is those big stacks of paper that Judy Compton has been waiving...

Mobile blogging

OK - I think I figured it out. I can now blog from my mobile phone. This could either be a really...

OK Zach – now $2.1 Million Equals $1 Million?

Still spinning.Still not working.Shall I remind you . . . you distinctly said . . .Although we now know that the extreme of it...

EDC Comedy of Errors & Violations of Open Meetings Laws?

So, yesterday, the Economic Development Commission (EDC) scheduled a public hearing on paid sick leave during the Common Council meeting - where we were...

You can’t spin your way out of this one.

Is there no end to the lack of understanding of taxes that Zach Brandon will continue to display? Is he so focused on the...

Keep downtown schools open!

Note: I'm not an expert on school issues by far, and I'm still trying to catch up on all of the issues regarding the...

"One Sneeze Away . . . "

Today's Wisconsin State Journal has an opinion piece by Susan Lampert Smith about the rhetoric in the "Chicken Little" report the Greater Madison Chamber...

EDC Playing Games with Meeting Dates?

According to the City of Madison website, the Economic Development Commission (EDC) set the following meeting dates which are the first Wednesday of the...

"Chicken Little" Part II – How embarrassing.

Ouch.I'm nearly speechless. I just posted this on thedailypage.com:Q: When does $21,000,000 equal $750,000?A: When the Chamber of Commerce buys a study...

"Chicken Little" Report – How Paid Sick Leave will Destroy the Universe

So, does anyone really believe that the City of Madison is going to lose 37 - 185 businesses ...

French Battery Factory Replica Considered Historic Preservation?

Last night at the plan commission we approved the demolition of French Battery Factory in order to make way for new development (Union Corners)....

How far can AM radio shock jocks go?

Yesterday, when I blogged about Casey Hoff's wacky interpretation of my recent blog about the Salvation Army, I was well aware that Sly had...

Casey Hoff knows what motivates Brenda Konkel?

So, Casey Hoff seems to believe he has the secret key to determine what motivates me. How scary is that! I can't stand listening...

Common Sense = Press Release?

On cue, the Common Sense Coalition does what . . . drum roll please . . . issues a press release. Now, this...

Retraction: I should have known better . . .

No, I wasn't shooting my mouth off, or remarking (in what I thought was a private conversation) that someone could lick my hairy arm...

January Lobbying Contacts

So, this is my second month of keeping track of my lobbying contacts here. I suspect there will be a few more this month...

The politics of fear (& IZ)

I read Paul Soglin's Inclusionary Zoning - A Lesson for the Left this morning, er afternoon, when I got up. At first, I chalked...

Madison created 3000 jobs and retained 650 in 2005

Er, please read my mea culpa on the following blog entry. There is a major factual error involved in this posting.I don't read...

IZ Myths (or Lies or Spin) #6 – 10 (the most outrageous ones!)

Building on yesterday's post on the first 5 myths, lies or spin regarding inclusionary zoning - I thought I'd address some of the funniest/saddest/most...

IZ Myths (or Lies or Spin) – #1 – 5

I was going to do a blog entry about the IZ myths, or lies, or spin that I have been hearing and I was...

Reporting in absentia

Every once in a while, a temptation comes along . . . it's 9:00 at night (or later) and a reporter calls to find...

Burning Down the House(s)

So this is kind of embarrassing. I was talking to Judy Olson the other day about the homes that were burned on the corner...

All that is uninteresting . ..

So, yesterday in the Wisconsin State Journal, Melanie Conklin accused me of being wonkish in my blogging and too focused on policy. While that...

What kind of jobs does Madison need?

I've asked this question repeatedly, and it seems there is no answer, or at least not an answer people agree on. I asked this...

Issues with Salvation Army

I got a phone call today from a woman, an alleged "Christian" woman. The first thing she said was that I should stop badmouthing...

Random, Preferential Economic Development Assistance?

A Story about the Decimation of the Madison Capital Revolving FundSigh . . .During the budget debate, I, along with Alders Judy Olson and...

Inclusionary Zoning: How many incentives are enough?

The City of Madison adopted an Inclusionary Zoning program a little less than two years ago. The theory behind the program is that the...

Inclusionary Zoning & the American Dream: How much equity should a homebuyer get when they sell their home?

Recent local discussions about changes or repeal of Madison's Inclusionary Zoning* program have focused on several issues. The first one I'd like to address...

Why taxes go up . . .

It's that time of the year, tax bills are out. I thought this e-mail exchange might provide some info for folks.Hi, Brenda ~~Last...

City Lobbying Law Trainings for Chamber of Commerce Members Only?

The Chamber of Commerce recently used the lobbying law to rally their troops. They also fought hard to make sure that as many of...

Holes in our Safety Net

Ok, I'm not sure I fully understand the full impact of the new rules about child support and W-2 payments but I do understand...

Open Records Woes . . .

The first open records request by Citizens for Responsible Government's for e-mails didn't work out so well. So Ms. Mees submitted a second request....

Lobbying – December Contacts

Ok - I'm going to try this . . . I'm going to track all contacts, including e-mails, phone calls, private meetings, appearances at...

Lobbying – November Contacts

Ah, lobbying! One of the reasons I started this blog. Many of you may be familiar with my attempts to close loopholes...

More Smoke . . .

The recent efforts by Heather Mees and the Citizens for Responsible Government to recall the mayor are just silly. I don't agree with their...

I finally did it . . .

Yup - I finally did it, my very own blog.I have my own website that is sorely in need of attention, I participate in...