Round Up May 10 – 12

By
Brenda Konkel
-
round up

Here’s another round up of rounds up and additional city and county announcements you may be interested in.

ALDER DAILY ROUND UP 5/12/20

For Alder Blogs:

COVID-19 Information Update 5/12/20

As of 9:30am, 483 people in Dane County have tested positive for COVID-19, up 8 from this time yesterday morning.

Community testing continued today at Alliant Energy Center, and 756 samples were collected. With the 341 samples collected yesterday, this means 1,097 samples were collected in two days.

Information for Alders:

We have a CCEC meeting scheduled for 6p on Thursday, May 14.

In the news today, 05/11:

LOCAL/STATE

  • Wisconsin Retailers allowed to reopen with no more than 5 customers at a time under new order: https://bit.ly/2YUL5NB
  • Obtaining PPE for Madison Fire Dept. Medical Services is top of mind for assistant chief: https://bit.ly/2LiO6zk
  • Amid COVID crisis, republicans object to expanding meningitis vaccine requirement: https://bit.ly/2SY4fye
  • Madison School Board moves forward with referendum planning amid COVID: https://bit.ly/2WSrJpV
  • Still serving: List of local restaurants offering options during COVID restrictions: https://bit.ly/2SWB2ns
  • Updated: Dane Co. Requesting ‘voluntary’ furloughs as part of budget repair package amid COVID: https://bit.ly/2YUqmcK
  • Updated: Madison mayor announces former Elections Commission leader as new city attorney: https://bit.ly/2ySU2wr
  • Democrats set to take next steps toward virtual convention: https://bit.ly/2Los5iM
  • State investigates Wisconsin Dells resort’s refusal to refund; other area businesses opt for different practice: https://bit.ly/2Z0tOTh

Wisconsin Air National Guard jets will roar over cities to salute health are workers Tuesday: https://bit.ly/2YVJmI3

ALDERS DAILY ROUND UP 5/11

For Alder Blogs:

COVID-19 Information Update 5/11/20

As of 9:30am, there are 475 people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Dane County, up 1 from this time yesterday morning.

Testing

We issued a news release (English and Spanish) announcing the Wisconsin National Guard opened a Dane County community testing site for COVID-19. Today 341 samples were collected at the test site.

Data Snapshot

Our latest data snapshot is now live. This week’s issue highlights lots of promising trends, including a low percent positive, a longer doubling time, fewer numbers of new cases among health care workers, and fewer people hospitalized and in the ICU with COVID-19.

Beginning today, May 11, 2020, the Wisconsin National Guard opened a Dane County community testing site for COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).

Free, drive-thru and walk-up testing is available to all residents. No appointment is necessary. Depending on utilization, the testing site will be open until further notice. The testing will be conducted in the New Holland Pavilion at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.  It is open Monday-Saturday, 8:00am – 4:00pm. If you drive up, you will remain in your car the entire time. Using the Exact Sciences test, Wisconsin National Guard staff will collect specimens.

The community testing site is available to all residents.

The test is not an antibody test and does not indicate if someone has had COVID-19 in the past. Results are expected within 3-5 days.

Information for Alders:

We have a CCEC meeting scheduled for 6p on Thursday, May 14.

In the news today, 05/11:

STATE/LOCAL

DANE COUNTY OFFICE OF EQUITY AND INCLUSION UPDATES 3/11

There are a couple of items to add to the from the May 11, 2020 briefing.

Briefing from Public Health Madison and Dane County

  • 475 confirmed cases-Dane County (10,219-State), 22 deaths-Dane County (400-State), 15,203 tested-Dane County
  • The Community testing site (https://www.publichealthmdc.com/coronavirus/testing) is open at the New Holland Pavilion building at the Alliant Energy center. Nasal swab, results back in 3-5 days. It is a molecular swab test.

o   If the results are negative, the person either does not have the infection or is not shedding a sufficient number of cells. The test is free, no pre-registration required. Wisconsin Public Health and National Guard are offering the site.

  • Have seen an increase from local health care providers. Received results from 500 tests provided over various days. About 200-300 tests being done a day by local health providers. The increased testing has led to increased number of positive results.

o   11 new cases reported this past weekend.

o   If a person wants to find out if they had the infection and had a response, they would need a serology test from local health care providers. If folks want to pursue, they should see their providers.

  • Hopeful for great success with the testing site. PH expect many more positives during the week due to the increased testing.

Questions

A person tested positive in March and had respiratory symptoms. Symptoms resolved. Based on PH definition of recovery, they would be considered recovered. If they develop similar symptoms, but no fever in May, how long would that person be identified as positive on a nasal swab test?

Response: The answer is that PH is not certain. The body can continue to produce viral material for an extended period of time, well past the time the person may be infectious. That information has been used to help determine for when someone can come out of isolation. The person may have been testing positive for an extended period of time via nasal test. Determining when the person stops shedding viral particles is difficult. Are the symptoms in May a new infection/reinfection or is it a continuation of the previous infection. No clear answer. A lot is unknown.

Does one have to have symptoms to be tested or can anyone be tested?

Response: Anyone can be tested. No symptoms required.

How is the testing site being promoted?

Response: Over the weekend the set up was still being completed. Information is on the public health website. There are media briefings being planned. The Governor’s office put out a press release this AM (yesterday).  Reports were that things were a bit slow this AM (yesterday) as it was not well publicized this AM (yesterday)  Anticipate business will pick up as media releases more information.

Is there any targeted releases to specific areas/groups?

Response: Community partners are involved in reaching out to folks. Working on transporting individuals who may not have transportation. The balance between having one large site in the County vs. many small sites. It was determined that the larger, centralized site was the best.

Could someone walk in to the test site?

Response: Yes, they are taking walk in and bike in visitors. Individuals at the site are suited up in full gear to protect themselves.

o   Test site personnel are wearing suits and using equipment that can be decontaminated, rather than disposal PPE.

o   The idea is that the testing site will continue until it is not needed.

How is the testing reported?

Response: Test results submitted to the state health department site and if there are positive results, public health will follow up with individuals.

Is it the simple nasal swab or the more invasive nasopharyngeal swab test?

Response: It is the simple nasal swab.

Electric and Gas Utility Briefing

Alliant Energy – Donna Bradley

  • Utilities are under an executive order to ensure there are no disconnections. No disconnects for any customers. Waiving all late fees. Once the order expires, anticipating they will be under an extension for 60-90 days.
  • Will request an extension for PSCW.

o   Would have normally had a rate review; Submitted a request to retain rates at the same rate at this time.

  • For those who are struggling to pay bills, there is additional stimulus money to pay for the bills.

o   MGE are calling people who are on the program and encouraging folks to apply.

o   There are additional funds available and an extension to the application deadline.

o   MGE is encouraging customers to apply for the funds now.

  • Under living MGE’s values as a corporation, they have increased the amount of funding being provided through their foundation. MGE is giving to several non-profits including the food banks, Red Cross, and United Way. Have also given to home-town energy funds.
  • MGE has suspended all maintenance on gas systems to avoid any disruption in service. This ensures that service folks do not have to go into homes.
  • MGE will continue to take care of gas emergencies. Have asked customers to inform them if there is anyone who has tested positive and is under home quarantine. Follow specialized procedures.
  • On the Electric side of the house, there are some protocols MGE must have in place including maintenance to be prepared in case of storm damage. Working to ensure they are not shutting down electricity at the same time to avoid disruptions in people’s lives at home.

Madison Gas & Electric – Kaya Freiman – Corporate Communications Manager

  • MG&E is essential business and has a special obligation to customers during this time. Safety of staff and customers is priority. Activated an Incident Command Center in March.
  • MGE has continued to provide services that can be done safely.
  • Work that can be deferred is.
  • Working to ensure employee safety including providing PPE, alternate schedules, extra cleaning, etc. Following all CDC guidance and encouraging all staff to do the same.
  • Customer service folks have heard from customers who are experiencing hardships due to the situation. They are not disconnecting residential or business accounts, no late payments, no reconnect charges.
  • Working in multiple ways to let customers know that they are available (newsletters, social media, website, etc.).
  • Referring customers to other resources. Helping folks to be energy efficient.
  • MG&E partners with several different organizations to support others.
  • MG&E is here to help. Email from CEO letting customers know that they will not be disconnected. Messages translated in Spanish and Hmong.
  • MG&E is not interrupting services and have communicated that to their customers.
  • Partnering with the broader community, Foundation has contributed $200,000 to various organizations to help those who are negatively impacted by COVID 19.
  • Employees and MG&E are also donating to local hospitals in a variety of ways.
  • MG&E is maintaining their commitment to providing safe and reliable service to the community.

Questions:

How does one apply for emergency funding that is available for energy assistance?

Response: There are a number of resources available. There are resources on the website.  Go to your state (WI) and click on that.

Announcements

  • Emergency Order 36 that stand-alone and strip malls can be opened with a limit of 5 customers. Must use social distancing and applicable safety rules. Attached in English and Spanish.

Theola Carter – Manager of Policy and Program Improvement

The Tamara D. Grigsby Office for Equity and Inclusion (OEI) Department

TENANT INFORMATION FROM THE CITY OF MADISON

Important information for tenants:

As of May 7th the following Emergency Orders for State of Wisconsin are still in effect:

  • Wisconsin Emergency Order #28 prohibits landlords from entering apartments, except to make emergency repairs, and is in effect until May 26, 2020
  • Wisconsin Emergency Order #15 Banning Evictions is in effect through May 26, 2020
  • Wisconsin Dept of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP) issued an emergency rule prohibiting late fees or penalties during the public health emergency and 90 days following the expiration or rescission of the public health emergency.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes federal restrictions for properties with federal investments. There is a moratorium in place on terminations of tenancy andevictions for late or nonpayment of rent and property owners are prohibited from charging fees, penalties or other charges to the tenant related to such nonpayment of rent. The National Low Income Housing Coalition released a searchable database, but please note these database is not comprehensive.

  • The CARES Act prohibition on termination of tenancy and eviction for non-payment of rent is in effect through July 25, 2020.  After July 25, a landlord can terminate a tenancy in a covered property, but must provide a 30 day notice of termination.
  • The CARES Act prohibiting collection of late fees or other charges for non-payment of rent is in effect through July 25, 2020

Tenants remain responsible for rent under their rental agreements and are encouraged to continue paying rent as they are able. It is a good idea for tenants to discuss affordable payment plans with their landlords if they are unable to make payments as required by the rental agreement.  The best resource for eviction prevention assistance funds is the Tenant Resource Center, which can be reached 608-257-0006. Tenant Resource Center can also provide guidance to tenants on working with their landlords to avoid an eviction.

Legal Action has also created FAQs and videos related to eviction moratoriums on the “Additional Resources-Housing” page. If a tenant receives a notice of termination or eviction court papers,please refer them to Legal Action’s intake line 1-855-947-2529.

Please make sure renters in your NRT area understand these resources are available to them. Other City departments may direct questions to the Community Development Division athousinginfo@cityofmadison.com if you have follow up questions or concerns.

FREE COVID-19 TESTING

Free COVID-19 Community Testing Site

  • Alliant Energy Center: 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713
  • Hours: 8am-4pm, Monday-Saturday
  • No appointments or pre-registration necessary
  • Drive-thru, bike-up, or walk-up
  • Free
  • Coordinated by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and National Guard

Anyone Can Be Tested

  • Anyone can get tested at the community testing site.
  • COVID-19 testing is strongly recommended for:
    • Any resident experiencing any (even if mild) symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms  can be: cough, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.
    • People who are uninsured and do not have a primary care provider
    • Essential workers who are not able to always socially distance at work, including: food service workers, meat packing plant workers, dairy farm workers, first responders, and health care workers
    • Contacts of people who been diagnosed with COVID-19

How Testing Works

1. Arrive at Alliant Energy Center

You will enter off of Alliant Energy Center Way from Rimrock Road. The address is 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison WI 53713.

2. Check In

Stay in your car. Someone in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will come to your car. If you don’t have a car, there is also testing available for you. Please follow signage.

3. Swab

After checking in, a worker in PPE will take a sample by swabbing inside your nose.

4. Lab Testing

This sample is sent to a lab to see if you have COVID-19. Remember this test will only tell us if you have COVID-19 right now. It does not tell us if you had COVID-19 in the past.

5. Get Results

You should receive your results in 3 to 5 days.

https://www.publichealthmdc.com/coronavirus/testing

CAPITAL AREA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

There will be one public hearing during the June CARPC meeting. This public hearing is scheduled to start at 7pm CT.

Amendment of the Dane County Water Quality Plan by Revising the Sewer Service Area Boundary and Environmental Corridors in the Central Urban Service Area

https://www.capitalarearpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/phn_2020_V-McFarland_CentralUSAA-_2002_20200611.pdf

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this meeting will take place virtually via Zoom. You may participate in the meeting from your computer, tablet, smartphone, or telephone by registering at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvcuqtqDItHNCUUcqf_iOkuJcM-GqWDR0m. Registrants will receive an email with details on how to participate in the meeting. If you don’t have Internet access, please call Linda Firestone at 608-358-6057 to register.

Public comment may also be sent, at least 24 hours prior to the meeting, to Linda Firestone at lindaf@CapitalAreaRPC.org.

For information or questions, contact Mike Rupiper at MikeR@CapitalAreaRPC.org or 608-474-6016.

Please let me know if you have problems with any of the links provided above.

Regards,

Linda K. Firestone  Administrative Services Manager

Capital Area Regional Planning Commission

STATE OF RECYCLING IN MADISON

Join Bryan Johnson, Recycling Coordinator, City of Madison for a zoom presentation on what can and cannot be recycled and the future of recycling.  Please circulate widely to neighborhood residents via listserv or other social media platforms!

When: May 15, 2020 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: What’s Going on With Recycling?

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kxdNExfgQeeLU__0j9EEWg

For more information or questions contact –

Bryan Johnson
City of Madison Streets Division
Recycling Coordinator/Public Information Officer
Office: 608-267-2626
BJohnson2@cityofmadison.com

MG&E TREE MANGLING PERMIT

From Alder Rummel

The Madison Gas & Electric Company (MG&E) is seeking an annual pruning permit for the pruning of trees located within the public right-of-way only (attached letter).  In light of COVID-19 requirements, we will not be scheduling a public hearing at a Habitat Stewardship Committee for this pruning permit. As part of the permitting process, City of Madison forestry has met with MG&E representatives to review their proposed pruning areas for trees within the public right of way.

I ask that you share the attached MG&E proposed pruning map with your constituents and encourage residents and property owners to provide feedback on the proposed pruning areas in the form of an email or a phone call by 3 pm, Tuesday, May 26th.  Folks may call the general forestry line at (608) 266-4816 or email the Forestry Program Assistant Aaron Leair ataleair@cityofmadison.com to provide feedback on the proposed permit for MG&E.

Also, Forestry has a website that has the proposed pruning areas by aldermanic districts and an email link to provide feedback.  The link for this website is: https://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/forestry/HighVoltagePruning2020.cfm

Finally, if residents or property owners have any questions about their own private trees as it relates to MG&E lines they can contact them at:   https://www.mge.com/our-environment/trees-and-landscaping/tree-pruning

Thank you in advance for sharing this information with your constituents and encouraging their feedback.

Sincerely,

Marla Eddy – City Forester

City of Madison Streets Division https://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/forestry/

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