Author: secretary

District 7 Virtual Community Meeting
Wednesday, November 9, 2022-6:00pm

You can join the meeting using your computer, smartphone or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at https://bit.ly/3fmm8Wf. THE MEETING WILL BE RECORDED.

Please join District 7 Alder Nasra Wehelie for a virtual community meeting where you will hear from her special guests Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, West Police District Captain Kelly Beckett, and City Traffic Engineer Yang Tao.

AGENDA

• Welcome, introductions, and meeting basics
• MPD Chief Shon Barnes
  • Experience as Madison’s new police chief
  • Strategic plan for public safety in the city
• West Police District Captain Kelly Beckett
  • Update on public safety in District 7
• City Traffic Engineer Yang Tao
  • District 7 traffic engineering projects that are in the pipeline for 2023
  • Gather community input on whether or not to convert streetlights to LED
  • Vision Zero
• Q & A

You’re invited to a playground workshop for Raemisch Homestead Park

The City of Madison Parks Division is improving the playground at Raemisch Homestead Park and they want your input.

This process includes a regional playground workshop specific to playground replacements anticipated for 2023 on the west side including Maple Prairie Park, Oak Park Heights Park and Raemisch Homestead Park.

The workshop will include a larger group discussion, providing opportunity for neighborhoods to learn and share ideas, then will break out into smaller individually staffed sessions to address design considerations specific to each park. Following the workshop, staff will use input gathered at this meeting to develop two playground concepts, which will be presented at a second playground meeting held this winter. The new playground equipment will be installed in 2023.

Please feel free to bring children to help provide input on the playground!

PLAYGROUND WORKSHOP
Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Online via Zoom

REGISTER HERE?

Walk-tober

Are you ready for the challenge and get a prize? Walk to work, walk to the store, walk to pick up food, walk before school or just walk for fun. Walk-tober 2022 features walking routes each week to encourage you to get out and enjoy the season.  We also have a Walk-tober Challenge to encourage you to keep walking all month, with fun prizes for everyone who completes it.

Streets Division Updates:

• Fall leaf collection is underway!  Learn when to put out your leaves for pickup at www.cityofmadison.com/YardWaste
• Food scraps recycling at the farmer’s markets ends on October 25, 2022.  Learn more about this program and other ways to manage food waste at www.cityofmadison.com/FoodScraps
• Plan on taking brush or maybe leaves to a drop-off site? The hours and locations are different this year.  Before loading your vehicle, be sure the site you plan on using is open.  Get the hours and locations at www.cityofmadison.com/DropOffSites
• Can you believe it already snowed a little in Madison!  The Streets Division is ready for winter.  Are you?  Get all your winter information from parking rules to outdoor recreation opportunities at www.cityofmadison.com/Winter
• On October 21, 2022 the Streets Division will unveil the names of the electric compactors used at the Sycamore location.  The compactor names and vote totals will be available on the 21^st on the compactor webpage.

General Election is November 8, 2022

Voters can view a sample ballot for their address and find out where and how to vote on the MyVote Wisconsin website.

A number of offices are up for election:

• Governor/Lieutenant Governor
• Attorney General
• Secretary of State
• State Treasurer
• U.S. Senator
• U.S. Congressional Representative – District 2
• State Senator – District 27
  • Voters who reside in District 27 will see this office on their ballot
• Representative to State Assembly – Districts 46, 47, 48, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80
  • Voters who reside in each district will see that district’s race on their ballot
• Dane County Sheriff
• Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court

All Dane County voters will see three referendum questions on their ballots. Voters who reside in the Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Middleton/Cross Plains, or Verona Area School Districts will also see school district referendum questions on their ballot.

Absentee Ballots in the Mail

Voters are encouraged to ensure their absentee ballot certificate envelope is sealed and complete before returning it to the City Clerk’s Office. A complete absentee certificate envelope will include: Voter signature, Witness signature, and Witness address.

IN-PERSON ABSENTEE VOTING STARTS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, IN MADISON

In-person absentee voting will begin Tuesday, Oct. 25, at several locations throughout the City of Madison.

What will you need to bring with you if you’re voting absentee in person?

• An acceptable photo ID for voting in Wisconsin.
• If you need to register for the first time or update your registration because of a move or name change, you will need to bring a proof of residence document with you, too.

Because we have dozens of ballot styles citywide, we use the ExpressVote accessible ballot-marking device for in-person absentee voting.

Voters who have requested an absentee ballot by mail can return their completed absentee ballot to an in-person absentee voting location during the location’s voting hours.

At the end of the voting shift for the day, your absentee ballot will be brought to the Clerk’s Office in a courier bag with a tamper-evident seal.  The unique serial number on the tamper-evident seal is documented on a chain-of-custody form, as is the number of absentee envelopes sealed in the courier bag.

Voting will take place at the locations listed below.

*No voter registration on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 5 – 6, per state law.

Welcome Town of Madison residents to the City of Madison!

A week from Monday, the City of Madison will start providing services to approximately 5,000 additional residents, 2,407 housing units and 835 parcels. All City agencies are getting ready for final attachment, which will occur on October 31. For more information visit www.cityofmadison.com/townofmadison

Events

• Halloween on State Street: The City of Madison will once again be working to make State Street and downtown Madison a safe and enjoyable space for celebrating Halloween. Events that will be occurring, include:
  • Wednesday, October 26
    • Downtown Madison Family Halloween State Street and Capitol Square trick-or-treating for young children and their families from 3:00 – 6:00 PM sponsored by Madison’s Central Business Improvement District.
    • Hayrides around the Capitol Square from 3:00 – 6:00 PM sponsored by Madison Parks.
    • Movies with Madison Parks showing Hocus Pocus from 6:00 – 8:00 PM near the top of State Street.
    • See Halloween Activities for more information.
  • Saturday, October 29
    • Wisconsin Union Directorate Film Committee’s viewing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at 10:00 PM in Shannon Hall.
    • Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin Performing Suspiria at the Orpheum Theater starting at 8:00 PM.
    • Other opportunities for spooky fun all around Dane County can be found here.
  • Monday, October 31: No planned events

In the past few years, the City has moved away from a formal/sanctioned event for Halloween, also known as Freakfest, and again there will be no formal event this year. There is also no UW football game or homecoming planned for Halloween weekend this year. To facilitate physical safety, a glass ban has been instituted on State Street for Halloween weekend, and Streateries will be closed at 6:00 p.m.

• Nurses 4 Black Wellbeing: Research participants are needed for an anonymous survey. The goal of the study is to learn more about the ways wellbeing, physical activity and life stress can affect blood pressure. Participants must racially identify as Black, cultural and ethnic diversity welcomed, age 18 or older, read/speak English, living in the greater Madison area. The research survey takes 20-30 minutes to complete. PPE will be provided. The research survey is one walking test (10-feet), one questionnaire on a laptop computer (with or without assistance), one blood pressure check, and one interview question about inner strength. Research participants receive one $25 Target gift card as a thank you for their time. This is a UW-Madison research survey. There is no connection with any community service. Questions? Concerns? Need additional information? Please contact Dr. Linda Oakley, black.wellbeing.study@nursing.wisc.edu,   608-263-5866.
  • Date: Wednesday, October 26, 2022 
  • Hours: Walk-in hours from 3pm to 6pm  
  • Where: Badger Building, 818 W. Badger Road (2 blocks off S. Park Street)
• Virtual community sessions on the 2023 budget: The city’s budget for 2023 will be debated and adopted by the Common Council in November. In addition to public comment opportunities at Finance Committee and Council meetings over the next six weeks, there will be two virtual community sessions on the budget. City Finance staff will provide background information on the city’s capital and operating budget process, including highlights of the 2023 executive budget.  This is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about our city’s budget.  Electronic copies of budget information can be found at https://www.cityofmadison.com/finance/budget/2023
• The first virtual session was recorded on October 13. The second virtual session will cover the same presentation and will take place on Monday, October 24. The meeting will start at 5:30 PM and end at 7:00 PM. 
  • Join the October 24 virtual community session (joining with this link will allow you to participate in live Q&A)
  • Live stream the October 24 virtual community session
• Intervention speaker series: Public Health Madison & Dane County continues to work with community partners to implement their Roadmap to Reducing Violence. To support the Roadmap, they co-hosted their violence prevention and intervention speaker series. Recent topics included:
  • Internet crimes against children
  • Back to school safety

         The next speaker series webinar will be:
         Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence “101”
         Thursday, October 27, 12pm – 1pm
         Register now

Announcements

• City of Madison polling place listing: Several polling locations in the City of Madison have changed since the last election. The City Clerk’s Office encourages voters to confirm their polling place before Election Day (November 8). You can look up your polling place address using the MyVote Wisconsin website or go to www.cityofmadison.com/WhereDoIVote. See a list of polling places here.
• Madison Fire now hiring firefighters/EMTs: For the first time since 2019, the Madison Fire Department is accepting applications for the position of fulltime firefighter/EMT. Becoming a firefighter/EMT is a unique opportunity to make a difference in a person’s life – and a direct impact in our community – every single day. No previous fire or EMS experience is necessary to apply. Learn more about this opportunity here.
• Electric compactors names announced: The Streets Division would like to introduce you to their newly named compactors – Rosie the Rubbisher and Stone Cold Squeeze Often. To learn how the names were picked and see a breakdown of the voting, read the news release.
• Lake water quality improved this summer: Great news! A lot fewer beaches were closed for swimming this summer. Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) took a total of 430 water samples this summer from 23 beaches, looking for E. Coli bacteria and blue-green algae, which can make people sick. The total number of beach closures for swimming and recreation was 124, down significantly from last summer’s total of 345. There are many factors that contribute to the water quality of our lakes. PHMDC’s microbiologist helped explain the role of weather, pollutants, and clean water corridors in an interview on WORT-FM. Take a listen!

Country Grove Park Public Information Meeting

The City of Madison Parks Division is hosting a virtual public information meeting about the Master Plan for Country Grove Park, 7353 East Pass. Parks would like discuss the proposed shelter location and share some other ideas regarding changes to Country Grove in the coming years.

The virtual meeting is scheduled for:

Wednesday, October 26. 2022
6pm-7:30pm
Please register in advance

Please visit the Country Grove Park Master Plan page for more information about the master planning process.

Meeting and Event Highlights for the Week of October 17, 2022

Meetings

• The Common Council does not meet the week of September 26, but many other City committees do, including the Finance Committee (10/17 and 10/18), Alcohol License Review Committee, Common Council Executive Committee, and Board of Health for Madison and Dane County. To see the full list of City meetings scheduled for the week, please consult the City meeting schedule.
• Town of Madison final public information meeting: The City of Madison will hold a Final Public Information Meeting for the Town of Madison Attachment on October 20, 2022 at 6pm. This public meeting will be conducted virtually and prior registration is required. Come meet City of Madison staff and learn about the Town of Madison attachment.

Events

• Dick Wagner honored in park dedication: In December 2021, Madison lost R. Richard Wagner, a public servant and community leader. On Friday, October 21, 1:30pm, the community is invited to join U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, Alder Mike Verveer and friends as we honor the legacy of Dick Wagner in a park dedication ceremony. We will honor his legacy in a park dedication ceremony, renaming Kerr-McGee Triangle Park, 728 Jenifer Street, to R. Richard Wagner Park. More details here.
• Halloween on State Street: The City of Madison will once again be working to make State Street and downtown Madison a safe and enjoyable space for celebrating Halloween. Events that will be occurring include:
  • Wednesday, October 26
    • Downtown Madison Family Halloween State Street and Capitol Square trick-or-treating for young children and their families from 3:00 – 6:00 PM sponsored by Madison’s Central Business Improvement District.
    • Hayrides around the Capitol Square from 3:00 – 6:00 PM sponsored by Madison Parks.
    • Movies with Madison Parks showing Hocus Pocus from 6:00 – 8:00 PM near the top of State Street.
    • See Halloween Activities for more information.
  • Saturday, October 29
    • Wisconsin Union Directorate Film Committee’s viewing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at 10:00 PM in Shannon Hall.
    • Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin Performing Suspiria at the Orpheum Theater starting at 8:00 PM.
    • Other opportunities for spooky fun all around Dane County can be found here.
  • Monday, October 31: No planned events

In the past few years, the City has moved away from a formal/sanctioned event for Halloween, also known as Freakfest, and again there will be no formal event this year. There is also no UW football game or homecoming planned for Halloween weekend this year. To facilitate physical safety, a glass ban has been instituted on State Street for Halloween weekend, and Streateries will be closed at 6pm.

• Homebuyer education class: The City of Madison, in partnership with the Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County and Consumer Credit Counseling Service, want to share with you these HUD Approved Homebuyer Education classes occurring monthly through the rest of 2022! Find all the events by following here. The next class for October is open! Learn more about what it takes to buy your first home, securing a mortgage, and down payment assistance programs. Hear from content experts like realtors, lenders, insurance agents, home inspectors, and housing counselors.
  • Time: 8am to 3pm
  • Date: Saturday, October 22, 2022 Register by October 18th
  • Location: Villager Mall on Park Street, Atrium Entrance (2300 S Park St. Madison, WI 53713)
  • Education provided by Consumer Credit Counseling Service and made possible by Home Buyers Round Table.
  • Register here: https://homebuyersroundtable.org/event/free-homebuyer-education-class-october-2022/
  • Any questions contact Maria Davila-Martinez (mailto:mdavila-martinez@cityofmadison.com) or by phone at 608-266-6557.
• Food scraps recycling: Food scraps recycling for 2022 ends on October 25 at two farmer’s market drop-off sites:
  • Market Site 1: South Madison Farmer’s Market (1602 S. Park Street, Labor Temple)
    • Hours: 2:00pm to 6:00pm.
    • Dates open: Only Tuesday markets
  • Market Site 2: Eastside Farmer’s Market (202 S. Ingersoll Street, McPike Park)
    • Hours: 4:00pm to 7:00pm
    • Dates open: Only Tuesday evenings

Also, consider composting your food scraps in your own backyard. News release

• Violence prevention: Join Public Health Madison & Dane County Violence Prevention Unit as they host the first of two violence prevention speaker series events during the month of October:
  • Speaker Series Event #4 – Panel Discussion
    • “The importance of youth engagement and connection in violence prevention efforts”
    • Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 12pm-1pm
    • Registration required

Announcements

• Celebrating native nations: Madison Public Library – in partnership with Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison – is bringing back a popular program from last year that centers the experiences, traditions and lifeways of Native people in and around Madison. Native presenters from different nations will lead programs highlighting both traditional and contemporary practices, stories, and community relationships. Programs kick off in October following Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and include art workshops, cooking and crop demonstrations, storytelling, presentations on traditional skills and customs, and more! Find all the details here.
• Spotlight on Cherokee Marsh: As we conclude the celebration of 50 years of conservation parks in Madison, we focus your attention on Madison’s largest conservation park. So large, the more than 1,300 acres of Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park are divided into three unique units – Mendota, North and South. Cherokee Marsh – North Unit was designated a conservation park in 1971 when the Parks Division first created the Conservation Park program. Read more about this natural wonder here.
• October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month: One out of every eight women in the United States are at risk of developing breast cancer during their lifetime. In 2022, The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 5,380 new cases of breast cancer in Wisconsin. Early diagnosis is key to helping create better outcomes. Access to screening can be limited among people with lower incomes and who lack health insurance. To bridge this gap, the Wisconsin Well Woman Program (WWWP) offers free breast exams, mammograms and other diagnostic tests for women ages 45-64 (or under 45, for those with a current breast concern), who have limited income and insurance. Learn more here.
• Electric compactors to be named: Finally, the Streets Division will be revealing the names of the trash and recycling electric compactors used at the drop-off site located at 4602 Sycamore Avenue. Earlier this year, a ranked-choice style election was held to choose the names from a list of finalists. Over 2,200 votes were received during the election and two names received the highest number of total points were selected. On October 21, 2022, the names of the compactors will be revealed along with the breakdown of the voting totals. See the full list of very creative finalist names here.
• Madison Forward Fund: The Madison Forward Fund, a year-long guaranteed income experimental program, has distributed the first of twelve monthly payments to low-income families. The guaranteed income is a monthly payment of $500 given directly to 155 households for 12 months. It is unconditional, with no strings attached and no work requirements. The program is founded on the belief that Madison families deserve a basic level of income to support fundamental needs, and that people experiencing financial scarcity are best positioned to make decisions regarding their household needs. Read more here.
• 2023 Operating Budget: In this year’s Operating Budget, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway’s focus is on the programs and services that build a safer community, build healthier neighborhoods and create opportunities for youth. The City’s operating budget funds the numerous services, programs, and skilled staff that sustain high quality City services and help keep Madison strong. This operating budget released today is in addition to the 2023 Executive Capital Budget, released in September, which funds infrastructure, buildings and other capital investments. Read the news release here.
• October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Domestic Violence Awareness Month is held throughout the month of October as a way to bring advocates across the nation together to end domestic violence.? Throughout the month of October, the City of Madison, along with communities across the country, will mourn for those whose lives were taken by domestic violence, celebrate the tremendous progress victim advocates have made over the years, and connect with one another with a true sense of unity to end domestic violence. If you or someone you know feels unsafe in a relationship, help is available 24 hours a day by calling (608) 251-4445 or texting (608) 420-4638.  In an emergency, please call 911. For more resources, please visit https://abuseintervention.org/
• Healthy Communities Fund: The 2022 Healthy Communities Fund application period is now open. $14,000 is available to be awarded to local projects in Madison and Dane County that make an effort to address health inequity in our communities. Applications are due by November 11.
  • Landing page on the Public Health website
  • Direct link to application
• “Street Meets”: The City of Madison Engineering Division has a new digiseries out focusing on five impactful street and paths design projects the community has endured during the 2022 construction season. The digiseries “Street Meets” is a series of five videos focusing on the following projects:
  • University Avenue 
  • Old Middleton Road 
  • Jenifer Street 
  • St. Paul Avenue 
  • South Blair Street 

Moon over Monona Terrace TONIGHT, October 7^th, 7-9:30 p.m.

FREE tickets at mononaterrace.com All ages are invited to the Monona Terrace rooftop this Friday, Oct. 7 from 7- 9:30 pm to view the Moon and other celestial objects such as Jupiter and Saturn through a multitude of different telescopes provided by the Madison Astronomical Society. The evening will also feature fun learning activities for kids with educational games and prizes, and short kid friendly presentations about the moon and sky conditions. In the event of rain or cloud cover, the activities, presentations and games will be moved inside.

Streets Division Updates:

• Brush collection is over.  Do not set out more brush for pickup at this time.  Take your brush to a drop-off site (www.cityofmadison.com/DropOffSites)
• Yard waste & leaf collection starts is underway. Get the dates when you should set out your leaves and yard waste for pickup at www.cityofmadison.com/YardWaste
• The food scraps recycling drop-off is coming to a close of October 25.  To learn more about where you can take food scraps, and the hours and locations of the farmer’s market drop-off sites, visit www.cityofmadison.com/FoodScraps

Calling all Neighborhood Leaders! Please share any profile and contact updates by November 14.  Madison’s neighborhoods are the building blocks that make our community strong. The City of Madison values all the work that neighborhood organizations do in the community, and we would like to continue helping you bring people together to form a collective, united voice. The City of Madison has formally recognized many neighborhood organizations based on a few different criteria, as described on the City website. If your organization has been formally recognized, it will be listed with a descriptive profile that neighbors, businesses, community based organizations, and educational institutions use to find out about your group. Please find your group on our City website, review the information, and if you would like any changes, you can update your information here. If you have any questions, please send an email to Neighborhoods@cityofmadison.com

Health & Resource Fair for Older Adults Tuesday October 11^th 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Madison Senior Center, 330 W Mifflin St. FREE health screenings for depression & stress, memory, blood pressure, hearing and vision. Also, find info on Medicare, housing, scams, dementia and many more important topics, and attend two special presentations: Stay Warm & Save Energy by Madison Gas & Electric in both English and Spanish and Brain & Body Fitness by graduate students from UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. This is a great opportunity to learn, collect information and get free health screenings; plus win door prizes and enjoy light refreshments. Call 266-6581 or email seniorcenter@cityofmadison.com for more information.

General Election is November 8, 2022

Voters can view a sample ballot for their address and find out where and how to vote on the MyVote Wisconsin website.

A number of offices are up for election:

• Governor/Lieutenant Governor
• Attorney General
• Secretary of State
• State Treasurer
• U.S. Senator
• U.S. Congressional Representative – District 2
• State Senator – District 27
  • Voters who reside in District 27 will see this office on their ballot
• Representative to State Assembly – Districts 46, 47, 48, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80
  • Voters who reside in each district will see that district’s race on their ballot
• Dane County Sheriff
• Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court

All Dane County voters will see three referendum questions on their ballots. Voters who reside in the Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Middleton/Cross Plains, or Verona Area School Districts will also see school district referendum questions on their ballot.

Absentee Ballots in the Mail

Voters are encouraged to ensure their absentee ballot certificate envelope is sealed and complete before returning it to the City Clerk’s Office. A complete absentee certificate envelope will include: Voter signature, Witness signature, and Witness address.

Town of Madison Final Public Information Meeting

The City of Madison will hold a Final Public Information Meeting for the Town of Madison Attachment on October 20, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. This public meeting will be conducted virtually and prior registration is required. Join us to meet City of Madison staff and learn about the Town of Madison attachment.

Events

• Madison Senior Center Health & Resource Fair: The Madison Senior Center’s annual Health & Resource Fair is on Tuesday, October 11, 9am-11:30am, at the Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin Street. Learn more about the event here, or call 608-266-6581 or email seniorcenter@cityofmadison.com for more information.
• Community Talk Back Series: Join the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness (FFBWW) at noon on October 11 for their Community Powered Policy Session to share your thoughts on the most pressing issues affecting Black women, children, and families. Your feedback will directly shape the policy recommendations included in their “Policy Blueprint for Black Women’s Health: Black Women Deserve,” which will be published as a resource and roadmap for policymakers and decision-makers across the nation. All community members are invited to attend the various sessions. Register here for the upcoming session or future sessions.
• 20th Annual Wisconsin Book Festival: The schedule for the 20th Anniversary Fall Celebration of the Wisconsin Book Festival has been released! Visit wisconsinbookfestival.org to see the full lineup for the 4-day celebration taking place October 13-16 and start saving the date for your favorites. Catch international best-selling author Andy Weir for Project Hail Mary, activist and advocate Brenda Myers Powell for Leaving Breezy Street, Reese’s Book Club author Thrity Umrigar for Honor and many more!
• Fire truck parade: Please join the Madison Fire Department (MFD) on Sunday, October 9, at 1pm, for the annual Fire Truck Parade. For 2022, MFD has partnered with Downtown Madison to enhance the event with a fire safety scavenger hunt, fire-themed story walk, and deals and specials at downtown stores and restaurants.
• Walk-tober is back: For the third consecutive year, the City of Madison is promoting staying active this fall with a special month-long event, Walk-tober. This series of planned activities and events hopes to motivate the public to get out and walk during the month of October. The Walk-tober website provides weekly scheduled activities, walk suggestions, contests and a few collaborations (reading lists, nature walks and the “Walk or Wheel” challenge) with stakeholders around the city. You may also want to read about the 26th annual National Walk & Roll to School Day on October 12.
• Virtual community sessions on the 2023 budget: The city’s budget for 2023 will be debated and adopted by the Common Council in November. In addition to public comment opportunities at Finance Committee and Council meetings over the next six weeks, there will be two virtual community sessions on the budget. City Finance staff will provide background information on the city’s capital and operating budget process, including highlights of the 2023 executive budget.  This is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about our city’s budget.  Electronic copies of budget information can be found at www.cityofmadison.com/finance/budget/2023. Virtual community sessions on the 2023 budget will be held on Thursday, October 13, and Monday, October 24.  Both meetings will start at 5:30 PM and end at 7:00 PM. 
  • Join the October 13 virtual community session
  • Live stream the October 13 virtual community session
  • Join the October 24 virtual community session
  • Live stream the October 24 virtual community session

Announcements

• Accessibility to the ballot: The City of Madison Clerk’s Office works to make sure that every eligible voter is able to cast a ballot and have that ballot counted. Making sure all voters know their options for casting a ballot is one way they try to reach that goal. Learn more about the several tools that Clerk’s Office staff and election officials use to make sure voting is accessible in the City of Madison.
• Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Award: The City of Madison invites you to submit nominations for its annual Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse Award. This award honors Jeffrey Clay Erlanger, who was an individual of integrity, passion, intelligence and civility. Jeff understood that thoughtful and caring people could have very different views on how to best address our community’s many complex issues and problems. Jeff, who died on June 10, 2007, spent a significant part of his life committed to public service, focusing on constructive advocacy and civil debate, fairness, openness and effective representation. He embraced the similarities that unite us. Find more information about the award and the nomination process here. Read the news release here.
• Dane CORE 2.0 application portal: As of October 5, the Dane CORE 2.0 application portal has reopened. For anyone who submitted an application prior to September 15, your application is still being processed and there is no need to submit a new application. To view the status of your application, or to check for open tasks (meaning you may be missing documentation in your file), please log into Neighborly and review your submitted application. For new applications, including Additional Funding Requests, there are new program eligibility requirements. The new program requirements include:
  • Program benefits will be available only to those with household incomes at or below 50% of the County Median Income, which are the following limits: Household Size of 1 $40,400, Household Size of 2 $46,150, Household Size of 3 $51,900, Household Size of 4 $57,650, Household Size of 5 $62,300, see website for more.
  • The program will provide assistance only for past-due (unpaid) rents.
  • Only arrears accrued since July 1, 2021, will be eligible.
  • Limited assistance will remain available for forward/future rent payments, and only if paired with security deposit assistance.

To learn about program eligibility and to apply for Dane CORE 2.0, please visit www.danecore.org.

• Vision Zero: The final Vision Zero speed reduction for 2022 will occur on a portion of Segoe Road beginning on October 10. This area was selected due to the busy use for multi-modal street traffic, its proximity to a school and park, as well as lots of residents, restaurants and a large shopping area. The section of Segoe Road that will see the speed reduced to 25mph is from University Avenue to Odana Road, approximately 2.2 miles.
  
  Nationally, a statistical analysis to the first quarter of 2022 shows that traffic fatalities are up 7% compared to 2021, which was already a high year for traffic fatalities. In contrast to the national trend, Madison crash data shows the total number of traffic crashes are down 5% for the first half of 2022, compared to the first half of 2021. Even more astounding is that fatalities and serious injury crashes are down 29% in the first half of 2022 compared to the first half of 2021. These promising statistics tell us that the citywide Vision Zero project improvements are making a difference!

Mayor Rhodes-Conway Releases 2023 Executive Capital Budget Prioritizing Affordable Housing, Climate Resiliency and Strong Neighborhoods

Mayor Rhodes-Conway released her 2023 Executive Capital Budget and 6-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which detail her funding proposals for buildings, infrastructure and other capital investments in Madison. The Capital Budget is one major piece of the City’s budget. In a month, she will introduce her 2023 Executive Operating Budget, which focuses on services, staffing and programs. (See included links for the full capital budget, summary and project map.)

Wayne Strong Received Annual Reverend Wright Human Rights Award

The 2022 annual Reverend Wright Human Rights Award was given to Wayne Strong (posthumously). Unfortunately, Wayne passed away earlier this year. The award was presented to Wayne’s wife, Terri, at the Common Council meeting on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.

Wayne was passionate about all forms of justice. He knew that young African American men needed positive role models and activities to succeed in spite of the racism and barriers that they experienced. Thirty years ago, as a neighborhood police officer, Wayne got involved in the Southside Raiders Youth Football and Cheerleading Program. He kept the program going long after he left the force. He was there for all youth, even those who were justice-involved, had trouble in school, or had fallen through the cracks in other ways.

General Election is November 8, 2022

The General Election is coming up on November 8th and voters can view a sample ballot for their address on the MyVote Wisconsin website.

A number of offices are up for election:

• Governor/Lieutenant Governor
• Attorney General
• Secretary of State
• State Treasurer
• U.S. Senator
• U.S. Congressional Representative – District 2
• State Senator – District 27
  • Voters who reside in District 27 will see this office on their ballot
• Representative to State Assembly – Districts 46, 47, 48, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80
  • Voters who reside in each district will see that district’s race on their ballot
• Dane County Sheriff
• Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court

All Dane County voters will see three referendum questions on their ballots. Voters who reside in the Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Middleton/Cross Plains, or Verona Area School Districts will also see school district referendum questions on their ballot.

Absentee Ballots in the Mail

Voters are encouraged to ensure their absentee ballot certificate envelope is sealed and complete before returning it to the City Clerk’s Office. A complete absentee certificate envelope will include: Voter signature, Witness signature, and Witness address.

Complete Green Streets Public Presentation

Join City of Madison staff and project consultants at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, for a virtual public presentation to share the draft Complete Green Streets framework, including priorities and decision-making elements that will shape how the City plans to design streets moving forward.  More information and a link to register for the Zoom meeting is online at www.cityofmadison.com/talkstreets

Town of Madison Final Public Information Meeting

The City of Madison will hold a Final Public Information Meeting for the Town of Madison Attachment on October 20, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. This public meeting will be conducted virtually and prior registration is required. Join us to meet City of Madison staff and learn about the Town of Madison attachment.

Madison Public Library is offering Birding Backpacks

Thanks to a generous donation from the Feminist Bird Club-Madison Chapter and the Madison Public Library Foundation, birding Backpacks can be checked out for 7 days at a time and Madisonians will find two backpacks at each Madison Public Library location. No holds are available for the bags, so they are first-come, first-serve.

Streets Division Updates

Residents get three curbside collection opportunities in the fall – Yard waste and leaves can be placed on the terrace, which is the grassy space between the sidewalk and the curb. If no terrace is available, it can be placed at the road edge or in the driveway apron. Click here for more information.

Updates from Alder Wehelie

• Fair Housing Training: The Fair Housing Center of Greater Madison is offering a free online fair housing training seminar for owners and managers of rental properties, or staff operating residential programs, in Madison on Thursday, September 29, 8:30am – 10am and on Wednesday, November 9, 6pm-7:30pm. The seminar will include information about the protected classes and prohibited practices delineated by local, state and federal fair housing laws, as well as emerging issues such as sexual harassment and hate incidents in housing situations. To register for this free online seminar, visit https://tinyurl.com/MadisonFairHousing or call 608-257-0853.

• MFD virtual recruitment open house events: For the first time ever, the Madison Fire Department (MFD) will host a series of virtual recruitment open houses aimed at introducing new audiences to the idea of becoming a career firefighter/EMT.
  • The first virtual open house takes place Monday, September 26, 6pm-8pm. Register here to participate.
  • On Tuesday, October 4, 6pm-8pm, the MFD will host a virtual recruitment open house for women. This event is designed to connect women interested in fire/EMS with other women currently serving at the MFD, and to share job-related information that is especially relevant to women. Register here to participate.

• Business District Support Program: The Business District Support Program website is now live and is accepting applications on a first come, first served basis. This program will provide grant funds to eligible local organizations that can activate or reactivate business districts by promoting small businesses and other economic growth activities such as programs, assistance, and events such as markets or festivals. In addition, this grant can be for existing business associations or new groups interested in exploring or starting a new business district.
• Indigenous People’s Day 2022 Tribute: Adams Outdoor Advertising is seeking art from native students for a week-long digital display in honor of indigenous nations in Wisconsin. These designs will appear at different times throughout the day and week on digital billboards in the Madison area (Sun Prairie, DeForest, Waunakee). Each design will feature an image of the artwork, the artist’s name, and the title of the artwork. Submissions are due by October 1. Questions? Contact Evan Schultz at 608-271-7900 or eschultz@adamsoutdoor.com.
  • What to submit
    • Photo or JPEG file of the artwork
    • Artist’s full name and tribal affiliation
    • Title of artwork, if applicableOpen to all artistic mediums (may be cropped to fit billboard
  • Where to submit
    • Evan Schultz, eschultz@adamsoutdoor.com
    • Abbey Chitwood, achitwood@adamsoutdoor.com
• Dane CORE 2.0: Dane County and the City of Madison were notified this week that their requests for additional emergency rental assistance funds have been approved. That means more federal funds will soon be available to continue the Dane CORE 2.0 program. The Dane CORE 2.0 application portal, which temporarily closed on September 15, will re-open at 12:00 am CST on Wednesday, October 5, for persons interested in submitting new applications and additional funding requests (AFR’s). Applications received prior to the September 15 pause will continue to be processed without interruption, and eligible claims will be paid. It is not necessary to resubmit those applications when the portal re-opens. Anyone wishing to review the status of an application that has already been submitted to see if there are any open tasks and that all information is up to date should log into Neighborly. Please note that the program changes described in our previous message will go into effect for any applications submitted after the portal re-opens. These changes are designed to reserve funds for those households facing the greatest economic hardships. They include the following:
  • Program benefits will be available only to those with household incomes at or below 50% of the County Median Income. (Previously, the income threshold was 80% of County Median Income).
  • The program will provide assistance only for past-due (unpaid) rents.
  • Only arrears accrued since July 1, 2021 will be eligible.
  • Assistance will not be available for forward/future rent payments unless paired with security deposit assistance.

• Credit card outages in City parking garages and lots: The Parking Division anticipates intermittent credit card processing outages due to network maintenance beginning at 7am on Saturday, September 24. This maintenance will temporarily disable the use of credit and debit cards at nearly all City-owned parking garages and lots. We expect credit and debit card services to resume later in the morning. More information here.

Please join us for our National Drug Take Back Day on October 29^th!

This event encourages everyone to clean out unused, expired, or unwanted prescription medications! Dane County – Safe Communities Madison Dane County, the African American Opioid Coalition, area law enforcement, and local community coalitions invite the public to participate in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Safely turn in expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs at our three designated collection sites in Madison on Saturday, October 29th. These are the site locations:

Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposal of medications, while also educating the community about the potential abuse and consequences of improper storage and disposal of these medications.

GUIDELINES:

All waste pharmaceuticals must be generated by a household – no businesses are allowed.

• Bring: Prescription (controlled and non-controlled) and over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, inhalers, non-aerosol sprays, creams, vials and pet medications.  Sharps will also be accepted.

• Do Not Bring: Illegal drugs, acids, aerosol cans, bio-hazardous materials (anything containing a bodily fluid or blood), personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreen), household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas), mercury thermometers.

Participants may dispose of solid, non-liquid medication(s) by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into a disposal box or into a clear sealable plastic bag. Plastic pill containers should not be collected. Blister packages without the medications being removed are acceptable.

Liquids will be accepted during this initiative. However, the liquids, creams and sprays must be in their original packaging. Liquids without the original packaging will not be accepted.

Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers.

**Safe Communities will also be providing free medicine lock boxes at each site

If you have any questions, please let us know!! Learn more about the event, time, and locations at https://safercommunity.net/meddrop/

Hope to see you there!

Mayor Rhodes-Conway Releases 2023 Executive Capital Budget Prioritizing Affordable Housing, Climate Resiliency and Strong Neighborhoods.

Yesterday, Mayor Rhodes-Conway released her 2023 Executive Capital Budget and 6-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which detail her funding proposals for buildings, infrastructure and other capital investments in Madison. The Capital Budget is one major piece of the City’s budget. In a month, she will introduce her 2023 Executive Operating Budget, which focuses on services, staffing and programs. (See included links for the full capital budget, summary and project map.)

MadLit and a new rainbow crossing at the top of State St!

Kinfolk with Romey, Bobdahippie today September 9, 8pm on Top of State St. This is a great opportunity for you to enjoy local music and appreciate the new rainbow crossing at the top of State St. that aims to celebrate the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Mad Lit event series started last year to revitalize State Street businesses and culture, which took a hit during the height of the pandemic. Mad Lit is a part of the Greater Madison Music City project and supported by the Urban Community Arts Network and the Madison Arts Commission.

Street Closures on Sunday September 11 Several streets in and around downtown will be closed for the Ironman Triathlon on Sunday, September 11. The race consists of swimming in Lake Monona, bicycling in Dane County, and running in the downtown/campus area. The race starts at 6:45 a.m. and lasts until approximately midnight. Police will maintain local access across the route only when possible during gaps in the runners/bicyclists. Thru-traffic driving across the route will not be permitted. Click here for more information.

Town of Madison Final Public Information Meeting

The City of Madison will hold a Final Public Information Meeting for the Town of Madison Attachment on October 20, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. This public meeting will be conducted virtually and prior registration is required. Join us to meet City of Madison staff and learn about the Town of Madison attachment.

Would you like to be part of the Police Civilian Oversight Board?

The application process for nominations and self-nominations for two (2) Common Council appointed seats and one (1) Mayoral appointed seat on the City of Madison Police Civilian Oversight Board has now been extended. The deadline for submitting nominations or self-nominations is now Friday, September 16, 2022 at 5:00pm.

Madison Public Library is offering Birding Backpacks thanks to a generous donation from the Feminist Bird Club-Madison Chapter and the Madison Public Library Foundation . Birding Backpacks can be checked out for 7 days at a time and Madisonians will find two backpacks at each Madison Public Library location. No holds are available for the bags, so they are first-come, first-serve.

Streets Division Updates

Residents get three curbside collection opportunities in the fall – Yard waste and leaves can be placed on the terrace, which is the grassy space between the sidewalk and the curb. If no terrace is available, it can be placed at the road edge or in the driveway apron. Click here for more information.

Old Sauk Road speed reduction: The next 2022 roadway improvement scheduled through the Vision Zero initiative takes place on Monday, September 12, to a section of Old Sauk Road, from Westfield Road to the Beltline. Along with the previous speed changes occurring earlier this year on East Washington Avenue, John Nolen Drive and Mineral Point Road, this speed reduction is another step forward towards the goal of zero deaths. For more information, see the news release.

September 22 Neighborhood Meeting

Please join us for a virtual neighborhood meeting where we will hear about Mad Grove LLC’s development proposal for 6801 and 6853 McKee Road. The proposed project would consist of two components:

• A one-story commercial building of approximately 7,200 square feet for a funeral home operated by Ryan Funeral Homes, with approximately 78 surface parking stalls; and
• A three-story mixed-use building with up to 140 residential units of varying types and up to 2,500 square feet of commercial space, with approximately 174 parking stalls, 144 of which would be under the building.

The proposed project would require rezoning and one or more conditional use approvals.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 22, 2022, at 6:30pm. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone, or tablet, or you can listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at www.cityofmadison.com/MeetingSeptember22McKee

Events

• Arboretum Adventure! On Sunday, September 11, 9:30am-12pm, you are invited to work on a land restoration project at the Arboretum, and then go on a short hike to explore this natural gem. All ages are welcome, and all participants will be entered to win a prize. Snacks will be provided. Meet at the Arbor Drive parking lot off of Monroe Street. If you are interested, please contact laura@cmcmadison.org to register.
• Job fair: Centro Hispano of Dane County will be having a Community Connection Day on Thursday, September 15, 4pm-7pm, 810 Badger Road, El Mercadito. Industries represented will include health care, finance, biotech/manufacturing, customer service and hospitality. The goal is that anyone seeking employment can connect with potential employers in a community-centered environment. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP here.
• Trucks & Treasure: See, climb, and explore the big rigs! Sell or shop the gently used toys, games, books, and more at the kids-to-kids garage sale. Join Madison Parks at Trucks & Treasures on Saturday, September 17, 9am-12pm, at Reindahl Park.

News Story about Romantix (new adult-oriented store on McKee & Maple Grove):

https://www.channel3000.com/sw-madison-residents-concerned-about-adult-toy-retail-store-in-neighborhood/

MadLit – Spoken Word Showcase today August 26, 8pm on Top of State St.

The Mad Lit event series started last year to revitalize State Street businesses and culture, which took a hit during the height of the pandemic. Mad Lit is a part of Greater Madison Music City and supported by the Urban Community Arts Network and the Madison Arts Commission.

Dane Dances continues today August 26.  Please join Dane Dances as we reconnect after a long couple of years of staying safe, wearing masks and socially distancing to get through the Covid 19 pandemic.  We invite you to get out, get up, get down and get together. For more info visit https://danedances.org/

Lots of Parks Events Coming up! Check it out… Festivals, outdoor movies and more in late summer. Click on the Parks Division events calendar to see Parks activities:  https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/calendar.

Town of Madison Zoning Hearing at Plan Commission … August 29 at 5:30 p.m. The City’s Plan Commission will conduct a public hearing, by virtual meeting, for the zoning of the Town of Madison properties on August 29, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. The Common Council will conduct a public hearing on the zoning of Town properties, by hybrid meeting, (in Room 201 of the City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and virtually) on September 6, 2022 at 6:45 p.m. If you wish to register your support or opposition, or if you wish to speak at those meetings, please register in advance using instructions for participants noted on the agendas linked from the City of Madison Clerk’s website: https://www.cityofmadison.com/city-hall/committees/meeting-schedule.

Join Us! Review Initial Drafts from the Hawthorne-Truax Neighborhood Plan The Planning Division will present initial draft concepts and recommendations from the Hawthorne-Truax Neighborhood Plan for review and feedback at a series of pop-up activities. See below and on the City’s webpage: www.cityofmadison.com/HawthorneTruax

• August 27 – Splish Splash Concept Review. Review initial draft plan concepts and recommendations while enjoying the Reindahl Park Splash Pad, 1818 Portage Rd., 11am-2pm
• August 30 & September 6- Food Pantry Feedback. Staff will be at the East Madison Community Center food pantry to gather feedback on the initial draft plan concepts and recommendations. East Madison Community Center, 7 Straubel Ct, August 30 & September 6, 11am-1pm
• September 6 & 7 – Madison College Conversations. Staff will be at Madison College to gather feedback on initial draft concepts and recommendations with Madison College students and community members. Madison College Lobby, 1701 Wright St. September 6 & September 7, 11am-1pm.

Streets Division Updates

• Curbside brush collection is winding down for 2022. Before you put brush out for pickup, check to see when the next collection will be for your home. The brush schedule can be found at www.cityofmadison.com/BrushCollection
• Did your trash & recycling date change? If you live on the west side, it might have changed on August 1, 2022. Get your collection calendar at www.cityofmadison.com/CollecionSchedule
• Do you have a question about the new Resource Recovery Special Charge? If you do, head over to www.cityofmadison.com/Recycling and check out the Resource Recovery Special Charge page for an extensive FAQ about this new charge.

U.W. Madison Welcome Week Events! Check out the U.W. Madison events calendar for welcome week activities: https://today.wisc.edu/

Virtual session on school safety

In partnership with the Madison Metropolitan School District’s Office of School Safety, Public Health Madison & Dane County’s Violence Prevention Unit is hosting a virtual session on school safety on Wednesday, August 31, 5pm – 6pm. The virtual session is free but registration is required. The session will be recorded and made available on PHMDC’s Violence Prevention Unit’s webpage. This is the third installment in the “Violence Prevention & Intervention Speaker Series”. The series will be sharing the latest violence prevention and intervention strategies, methodologies, and theories. It is open to everyone in the community

Monkeypox vaccination clinic

With expanded eligibility guidance from Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Public Health Madison Dane County has opened a monkeypox vaccination clinic. The clinic is open with limited hours on weekdays, by appointment only. Learn more about the updated eligibility and how to make an appointment at publichealthmdc.com/monkeypox. Monkeypox does not spread easily from person to person, and the virus is spreading mostly through close, intimate contact  with someone who has monkeypox.

Public notice to all customers of Madison Water Utility

Madison Water Utility has filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to increase water rates. The increase is necessary due to a 5.8 percent increase in gross plant investment and a 3.2 percent increase in operating expenses since the last water rate case was completed in 2020. The total increase in water revenues requested is $8,498,655, which will result in an estimated overall rate increase of 18.12 percent over the water utility’s present revenues. If the request is granted, the water charge for an average residential customer with a ?-inch or ¾-inch meter who uses 4,000 gallons of water per month will increase from $29.92 to $34.92, or 16.71%. This increase only applies to the Water charges on your bill. Charges for Sewer, Storm Water, Landfill, Resource Recovery, and Urban Forestry are not a part of this rate application. A virtual public hearing on the application has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. To learn more about the rate increase application and to register for the virtual public hearing, please read the Water Utility’s news release.

Speed reduction on Mineral Point Road

The next 2022 roadway improvement scheduled through the Vision Zero initiative takes place on Monday, August 29, to a section of Mineral Point Road, from S. Whitney Way to the Beltline. This speed reduction from 40 mph to 35 mph should not affect travel times on this stretch of roadway. Along with the previous speed changes occurring earlier this year on E. Washington Avenue and John Nolen Drive, this newest reduction will continue to work towards the goal of making Madison safer. Lowering the speed limit just 5 mph on this thoroughfare will not only decrease the likelihood of a serious or fatal crash but also increase the safety for all roadway users. Additional streets scheduled for speed limit reductions in 2022 include:

For each of these changes, along with updated permanent signs, staff will place temporary digital signboards in the area to remind drivers of the speed limit changes. Find more information in the news release.

MadLit – Spoken Word Showcase today August 12, 8pm on Top of State St.

The Mad Lit event series started last year to revitalize State Street businesses and culture, which took a hit during the height of the pandemic. Mad Lit is a part of Greater Madison Music City and supported by the Urban Community Arts Network and the Madison Arts Commission.

Dane Dances continues today August 12.  Please join Dane Dances as we reconnect after a long couple of years staying safe, wearing masks and social distancing to get through the Covid 19 pandemic.  We invite you to now get out, get up, get down and get together. For more info visit https://danedances.org/

Parks Alive Continues! Free Food, Games, and More …

Parks Alive is a collaborative effort across multiple City departments and involves many community-based stakeholders and mobile resources. Free meals and snacks, Madison School and Community Recreation Fit 2 Go Van, Madison Public Library Bubbler Artist and youth activities, DreamBus, Madison Reading Project, bike rides, and much more!

Click on the Parks Division events calendar to see Parks Alive and other activities:  https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/calendar.

Parks Alive ~ Elver Park

Monday, August 15
4:30 – 7:30pm

Food Cart: Churros Blossoms (serving 4:30p-7:30p)

Parks Alive  – Meadowood Park

Wednesday, August 17
4:30 – 8:45pm

Movie: Brother Bear

Movie details: When a young Inuit hunter needlessly kills a bear, he is magically changed into a bear himself as punishment with a talkative cub being his only guide to changing back.

Town of Madison Attachment in-person Discussion on August 18th at 6pm

Join an in-person public information meeting to learn about how City of Madison services will impact Town of Madison residents after October 31, 2022. Various City agencies will be available to answer questions such as Streets Division, Engineering Division, Water Utility, Building Inspection, Metro, Madison Police Department and Madison Fire Department. Food, child care and interpretation in Spanish will be provided.

Join Us! Review Initial Drafts from the Hawthorne-Truax Neighborhood Plan

The Planning Division will present initial draft concepts and recommendations from the Hawthorne-Truax Neighborhood Plan for review and feedback at a series of public meetings, events and activities.

• August 23 and 24 -Virtual Concept Review. Register on the project’s website for one of the Virtual Meetings: www.cityofmadison.com/HawthorneTruax August 23, 6-7pm or August 24, 12-1pm. Both meetings will include review and feedback on initial draft neighborhood plan concepts and recommendations.
• August 25 – Hawthorne-truax neighborhood plan review and Community Night Out. Join us 4-7pm in the Hawthorne Elementary Open Space, 3458 Lexington Ave., Madison, WI 53714 for food, family fun, and review of initial draft plan concepts and recommendations. RAIN DATE: September 1, 4-7pm
• August 27 – Splish Splash Concept Review. Review initial draft plan concepts and recommendations while enjoying the Reindahl Park Splash Pad, 1818 Portage Rd., 11am-2pm
• August 30 and September 6- Food Pantry Feedback. Staff will be at the East Madison Community Center food pantry to gather feedback on the initial draft plan concepts and recommendations. East Madison Community Center, 7 Straubel Ct, August 30 & September 6, 11am-1pm
• September 6 & 7 – Madison College Conversations. Staff will be at Madison College to gather feedback on initial draft concepts and recommendations with Madison College students and community members. Madison College Lobby, 1701 Wright St. September 6 & September 7, 11am-1pm.

Streets Division Updates

• Curbside brush collection is winding down for 2022. Before you put brush out for pickup, check to see when the next collection will be for your home. The brush schedule can be found at www.cityofmadison.com/BrushCollection
• Did your trash & recycling date change? If you live on the west side, it might have changed on August 1, 2022. Get your collection calendar at www.cityofmadison.com/CollecionSchedule
• Do you have a question about the new Resource Recovery Special Charge? If you do, head over to www.cityofmadison.com/Recycling and check out the Resource Recovery Special Charge page for an extensive FAQ about this new charge.