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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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"!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.)

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.

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.

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  . . .

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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. 

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?

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 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.

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. 

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?

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!

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

$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!

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.

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.

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) 

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?

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

Round Up – Monday 9/16/19

There are so many things to put in a round up . . . so I'm going to start taking this in smaller bits and including even more info . . . let's see how this goes!

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.

Join those Saying No to F-35s in Madison

1,000 homes and countless businesses, plus schools and affordable housing will be impacted,  creating a huge dead zone on the Northside of Madison. Take action today!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.

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!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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 . . .

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 . . .

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!

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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...

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.

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...

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...

Make The Magic

One of my favorite charities - Camp Kesem - UW Madison, is having their annual fundraiser - Make the Magic. Make the...

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...

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!

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

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?

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?

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. 🙂

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

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.

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!

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 . . .

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!

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!

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!

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.

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? 🙂

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

The Voucher Scam!

The truth of school Vouchers is slowly starting to come out and its not pretty. While Scott Walker, Robin Vos, et...

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,...

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...

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.

Sure to be Inaccurate City Week Ahead

Well, here's what I got.

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

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

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...

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 . . . .

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 . . .

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 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 . . .

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

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!

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!

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.

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 . . .

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.

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

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:

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

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.

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.

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.

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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?

City Week Ahead

February! Already.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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 . . .

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?

Occupy Needs . . .

Ok - people keep asking me what they can do for Occupy, and here's the list . . .

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!

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.

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?

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...

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?

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.

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?

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

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.

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.

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 -...

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!

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.

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.

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

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

The Week Ahead

Um, that's a lot of meetings this week!

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 . . . .

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,...

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

City Week Ahead

Here it is . . .

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.

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.

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...

I May Have Done Something Stupid

But, thanks to the following people . . . I think its ok! 🙂

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’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.

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.

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.

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, 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...

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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 . . .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,...

Worse than the Edgewater?

Epic public participation FAIL! I think I found a project that has even WORSE public participation than the Edgewater.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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

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.

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 . . .

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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?

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 . . .

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.

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.

“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...

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 . . .

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.

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! ...

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...

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...

Week Ahead . . . for now

Til it changes, in a matter of hours . . .

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...

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.

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?

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...

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.

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

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?

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?

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?

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...

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.

Board of Estimates Recap

Police department overruns on the training facility take up most of the time . . . and probably will again at the council.

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.

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.

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!

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 ...

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...

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) . . .

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.

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...

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ....

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...

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...

More Sunny….

I addressed the fact that Sunny Schubert kept her affiliation with WPRI to herself here, and she addressed it here. Looking between...

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

CAST (Communities and Schools Together) Stands with Teachers!

CAST defends public education, supports protests.

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.

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?

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...

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.

Progressives Endorse Szarzynski

Oooo, first alder press release in the races . . . at least the first one we have received since the announcements.

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.

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.

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.

Soglin Campaign Outraises Cieslewicz, Diverse Supporters

I'm surprised the fundraising is so lopsided.

Snow Updates: No Snow Emergency Tonight

Well, ok.

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

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.

David Cieslewicz: Three Changes

What would be different a year from now if we re-elect our current mayor?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

MLK Weekend Round Up

Short week, lots to do . . . City Council meeting, County Board meeting, Mayoral and County Executive debates . . . among other things.

MLK (City) Week Ahead

Short week again . . .

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...

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.

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!

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).

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 . . .

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...

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.

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.

City Week Ahead

Buying Brayton lot, Edgewater, Moving historic house in Bethel parking lot, James Madison Park Surplus mystery committee and more.

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

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.

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!

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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...

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 City Week Ahead

The first full week in a while where there wasn't a holiday or date where meetings couldn't be scheduled.

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 . . .

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.

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.

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,...

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.

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?

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 . . .

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.

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.

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

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?

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...

City 3-Day Week Ahead

3 days, not much time to add more meetings, but I bet they will . . .

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....

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.

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?

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.

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.

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...

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!

‘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.].

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.

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.

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 . . .

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]

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 . . .

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?

Metro Stroller Policy: Feedback wanted

Safety concerns with strollers? Do you care?

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.

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 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.

Water Main Flushing Schedule

Just so you are not surprised.

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.

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.

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? ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 &...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Demolition Time

Another single family home . . . probably "too small" for our modern world.Please be advised that JENNY ACKER will be filing a demolition...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...