Meetings

• Sustainable Madison Committee: The Sustainable Madison Committee meeting will take place on Monday, May 22, 2023 in virtual format at 4:30 PM. Agenda items include a presentation by RENEW Wisconsin on the proposed utility rate cases from Madison Gas and Electric and Alliant Energy and more!
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for public comment
  • Watch Online
• Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place Monday, May 22, 2023 in virtual format at 5:30 PM. Agenda items include a resolution adopting a Public Participation Plan for the City of Madison Comprehensive Plan Interim Update (2023) and authorizing the Planning Division to draft amendments to the text and maps in the 2018 Comprehensive Plan, and more!
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for public comment
  • Watch Online
• Transportation Commission: The Transportation Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 in virtual format at 5:00 PM. Agenda items include an update on the Metro Network Redesign Implementation, adopting the Reiner Neighborhood Development Plan, a supplement to the City of Madison Comprehensive Plan and more!
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for public comment
  • Watch Online
• Park Development Plans – Northeast Area Community Meeting, Wednesday, May 24, 2023: Madison Parks is set to begin a planning process that will result in park development plans for neighborhood and mini parks in the Northeast area of Madison. The area follows the boundary identified for the Planning Division’s Northeast Area Plan.
• WisDOT and City of Madison Host Public Meetings for Interstate Study: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and City of Madison invite you to attend one of two meetings to discuss potential changes to the Interstate and interchanges in the Madison area. These alternatives are part of WisDOT’s larger I-39/90/94 corridor study that stretches from Madison to Wisconsin Dells. View study information and the proposed alternatives, submit comments, and sign-up for email updates on WisDOT’s project website: tinyurl.com/InterstateStudyPI . Both meetings will start at 6 p.m. with a brief presentation, followed by an open house.

• Tuesday, May 23, 6:00-7:30 p.m., American Family Insurance Headquarters, Building A, Room A2151, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783
• Thursday, June 1, 6:00-7:30 p.m., Steamfitters Local 601 Training Facility, 6310 Town Center Drive, Madison, WI 53718

• Northeast Area Plan Upcoming Meeting: The Northeast Area Planning team has already collected valuable feedback from the community, and we would like to report back to you and hear your thoughts. Both meetings will have the same content. Spanish interpretation, childcare assistance, and light refreshments will be provided for the in-person discussion.
• Virtual
  May 30, 6 p.m.
  With Spanish interpretation
  Register
• In-person
  May 31, 6 p.m.
  Fleet Services Facility
  4151 Nakoosa Trail,
  Madison, WI 53714
  Training Room

Events

• East Side Farmers’ Market, Tuesday, May 23, 2023 : The Eastside Farmers’ Market is Madison Wisconsin’s finest weekday farmers’ market. Our goal is to bring the freshest Wisconsin grown food direct to the heart of the East side. Our vendor members are agricultural producers and food artisans who make value added products from Wisconsin’s agricultural bounty.
• Dane County Farmers’ Market – Wednesday Market, Wednesday, May 24, 2023 : The Wednesday Dane County Farmers’ Market is located on the 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, in between the Madison Municipal Building and the City County Building. While more intimate than the Saturday Market, you will still find many of your favorite Dane County Farmers’ Market members, as well as a full array of fruits and vegetables, eggs, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, bakery items, cut flowers, plants, and many specialty items.
• Madison Parks & MSCR Open House, Wednesday, May 24, 2023: The community is invited to attend a ribbon cutting and open house for Madison School & Community Recreation and Madison Parks at our new lakeside offices.

The event begins with a short presentation followed by an official ribbon cutting! Then stay for the games, activities, and building tours.

4:30 pm: Short Presentation and Ribbon Cutting

Scheduled Remarks:

Alder Tag Evers, City of Madison, District 13

Alder Isadore Knox, City of Madison, District 14

Maia Person, Vice President, MMSD Board of Education

Dr. Carlton D. Jenkins, MMSD Superintendent

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, City of Madison

5-7 pm: Open House

• Annual Spring Break-A-Way 3on3 Basketball Tournament Series, Friday, May 26, 2023: After March Madness, the real tournament begins with the Annual Spring Break-A-Way 3on3 Basketball Tournament Series. Northside teens compete in a double-elimination tournament while enjoying a free meal. With on-site registration, players simply have to show up with two friends, or we will find a team for drop-in players. The tournament series is held on Friday nights: April 28, May 19 & May 26 (5pm-8pm), and includes middle school and high school divisions.
• NewBridge Summer Concert Series, Friday, May 26, 2023: FREE community concert sponsored by NewBridge Madison, Party @ the Park, Brittingham Park.
• Bird & Nature Adventures – Edna Taylor Area, Saturday, May 27, 2023: Signs of Spring with Mary Binkley ~ Join Naturalist Mary Binkley for a free fun fascinating family-friendly guided walk or take a walk on your own any day in May to follow beautiful walking trails at Aldo Leopold Nature Center and Edna Taylor Conservation Park to look for Signs of Spring!  Are Sandhill Cranes trumpeting their calls by the wetland? Do you see budding leaves, and spring flowers emerging?  Use a guidebook or apps such as Merlin and Seek to help you ID birds and plants and post your findings!
• Vegan Sausage Fest, Saturday, May 27, 2023: Vegan Sausage Fest will showcase how you can have delicious, creative dishes that don’t take lives.
  That feature local products and produce.
• Coffee with Neighbors: Thurber Coffee Open House, Sunday, May 28, 2023: Stop by Thurber Park (3325 Thurber Ave) to chat with artist-in-residence, Ash Armenta (they/them) and sip coffee with neighbors. All ages welcome, masking inside the space is encouraged.

Announcements

• West Area Plan Community Survey Ends May 31!: The planning team has been collecting community feedback over the past 4 months on assets, issues and opportunities. If you have not had the chance yet, please share what you like best about the West Area and what you would like the plan to cover by completing the West Area Community Survey! It will close May 31. You can visit the webpage to see what others have been saying. Your feedback will be used to draft initial concepts and recommendations. The planning team will schedule community feedback opportunities for July and August to review the initial recommendations. Subscribe to the Plan’s email list to receive feedback opportunities and other Plan information.
• Violence Prevention Funding Supports Community Programs: Public Health Madison & Dane County is now accepting applications from local community organizations to receive funding that supports violence prevention efforts in Dane County. “We are taking a public health approach to tackling this complex and far-reaching issue. That means looking at things like poverty, housing inequality, and lack of social connectedness, each associated with violence. But, we can’t do it alone,” said Director of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation, Aurielle Smith. Find out more: https://www.cityofmadison.com/news/violence-prevention-funding-supports-community-programs
• Make Music Madison Returns This Summer, June 21st: For the 11th year in a row, the City of Madison will become a stage with hundreds of free live performances throughout the City. Make Music Madison returns the first day of summer, June 21. Coffee shops, community centers, front porches, public libraries, and park shelters will be jamming will all kinds of music that will make you want to dance! The City is thrilled to once again be supporting this event. Registration for performers and venues is open now through May 25 at makemusicmadison.org. Registration is free.

• Free Summer Metro Bus Pass Program for MMSD Students: For the third year in a row, the City of Madison is giving every Madison Metropolitan School Districts Middle and High School student a free Metro bus pass for the summer. This summer Metro has made 7,000 passes available to MMSD students. Click here to learn more.
• WisDOT and City of Madison Host Public Meetings for Interstate Study: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and City of Madison invite you to attend one of two meetings to discuss potential changes to the Interstate and interchanges in the Madison area. These alternatives are
• The 2023 Spring Yard Waste Collection Is Complete: The springtime yard waste collection by the Streets Division is now over. The yard waste set-out dates for all neighborhoods have passed.
• Friends of Madison Public Library BIG BOOK SALE: Seven library Friends’ groups are pooling their inventory for a large sale of gently used and donated books. The sale takes place Saturday, June 3, 2023, 9am-3pm, rain or shine, at the Madison Public Library Service & Support Center at 1301 W. Badger Road in Madison. All proceeds benefit Madison Public Libraries.
• Metro’s New “Ride Guide” Staff Will Help the Public Navigate Changes to Metro Service and Schedules Coming June 11th: Madison Metro is completely updating its service starting on Sunday, June 11.
• May is Mental Health Awareness Month : One in five adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness each year and less than half of them receive treatment, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness PDF pdf .
• Open House Planned for MSCR and Madison Parks: Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) and Madison Parks invite the community to a Ribbon Cutting Dedication and Open House in their new central, lakeside offices, located at 328 and 330 E. Lakeside Street.
• Madison Awarded Women’s Pro Soccer Franchise in USL Super League: The City of Madison and the ownership of Forward Madison FC announced today that the Club has secured the rights to a USL Super League franchise, contingent on facility improvements that would allow for a viable profession…
• Street Closure–S Broom Street & W Wilson Street: Starting Monday, May 22, S Broom Street will be fully closed to traffic between W Wilson Street and W Doty Street, and eastbound W Wilson Street will be closed between S Broom Street and S Henry Street. Map of closures at…
• Food Scraps Recycling Drop-off Returns to South Madison Farmers’ Market Tuesday, May 23, 2023: The City of Madison in partnership with Sustain Dane and Neighborhood Food Solutions is happy to announce the return of our second food scraps…
• Violence Prevention Funding Supports Community Programs : Public Health Madison & Dane County is accepting applications from local community organizations to receive funding that supports violence prevention.
• Madison’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Report Is Now Available!: Postcards are beginning to arrive in mailboxes across Madison letting people know their drinking water continues to meet or exceed all federal and state standards for health and safety.

Streets Division Updates

• The spring curbside yard waste collection is now over. Curbside pickup will resume in the fall. You should take your yard waste to a drop-off site instead at this time.
• We’re still seeing a lot of folks unaware that Badger Rd drop-off site is permanently closed. It’s a tough feeling to have a car loaded with stuff only to find out upon arrival that the site is closed. Please encourage your neighbors, friends, family and so on to check our drop-off site webpage before loading their car. The hours, locations, and restrictions are all available there. The drop-off site webpage is www.cityofmadison.com/DropOffSites
• Remember large item pickup is also different than in years past, too. Crews do not roam around looking for items the week opposite recycling. You need to fill out a work order form to get your home on our pickup schedule. When you make your work order, you set the item out on the date you choose, and collection occurs during the work week following your set-out date.
• Brush collection is still ongoing and will last into September. More information about brush collection can be found at www.cityofmadison.com/BrushCollection.
• There has been more talk in the news about how to handle your batteries due to a disastrous fire in Columbia County at their facility that handles trash and recycling. Lithium batteries are a fire hazard if disposed of incorrectly. Please follow the guidelines spelled out on the Streets Division’s battery page to be sure you do it right.
• Food scraps drop off has returned to two Tuesday evening farmers’ market. The Eastside Farmers’ Market in McPike Park and the South Madison Farmers’ Market at the corner of South Park and West Wingra will both be open starting May 23. You can find out more details about the food scraps you can drop off for composting and other important specifics at www.cityofmadison.com/FoodScraps.

WisDOT and City of Madison Host Public Meetings for Interstate Study

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and City of Madison invite you to attend one of two meetings to discuss potential changes to the Interstate and interchanges in the Madison area. These alternatives are part of WisDOT’s larger I-39/90/94 corridor study that stretches from Madison to Wisconsin Dells. View study information and the proposed alternatives, submit comments, and sign-up for email updates on WisDOT’s project website: tinyurl.com/InterstateStudyPI. Both meetings will start at 6 p.m. with a brief presentation, followed by an open house.

• Tuesday, May 23, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

• American Family Insurance Headquarters, Building A, Room A2151
• 6000 American Parkway
• Madison, WI 53783

• Thursday, June 1, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

• Steamfitters Local 601 Training Facility
• 6310 Town Center Drive
• Madison, WI 53718

 

Northeast Area Plan Upcoming Meeting

The Northeast Area Planning team has already collected valuable feedback from the community, and we would like to report back to you and hear your thoughts. Both meetings will have the same content. Spanish interpretation, childcare assistance, and light refreshments will be provided for the in-person discussion.

Virtual
May 30, 6 p.m.
With Spanish interpretation
Register

In-person
May 31, 6 p.m.
Fleet Services Facility
4151 Nakoosa Trail,
Madison, WI 53714
Training Room

 

West Area Plan Community Survey Ends May 31!

The planning team has been collecting community feedback over the past 4 months on assets, issues and opportunities. If you have not had the chance yet, please share what you like best about the West Area and what you would like the plan to cover by completing the West Area Community Survey! It will close May 31. You can visit the webpage to see what others have been saying. Your feedback will be used to draft initial concepts and recommendations. The planning team will schedule community feedback opportunities for July and August to review the initial recommendations. Subscribe to the Plan’s email list to receive feedback opportunities and other Plan information.

Violence Prevention Funding Supports Community Programs

Public Health Madison & Dane County is now accepting applications from local community organizations to receive funding that supports violence prevention efforts in Dane County. “We are taking a public health approach to tackling this complex and far-reaching issue. That means looking at things like poverty, housing inequality, and lack of social connectedness, each associated with violence. But, we can’t do it alone,” said Director of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation, Aurielle Smith. Find out more:

https://www.cityofmadison.com/news/violence-prevention-funding-supports-community-programs

 

Make Music Madison Returns This Summer, June 21st

For the 11th year in a row, the City of Madison will become a stage with hundreds of free live performances throughout the City. Make Music Madison returns the first day of summer, June 21. Coffee shops, community centers, front porches, public libraries, and park shelters will be jamming will all kinds of music that will make you want to dance! The City is thrilled to once again be supporting this event. Registration for performers and venues is open now through May 25 at makemusicmadison.org. Registration is free.

 

Free Summer Metro Bus Pass Program for MMSD Students

For the third year in a row, the City of Madison is giving every Madison Metropolitan School Districts Middle and High School student a free Metro bus pass for the summer. This summer Metro has made 7,000 passes available to MMSD students. Click here to learn more.

Streets Division Updates

• The spring curbside yard waste collection is now over. Curbside pickup will resume in the fall. You should take your yard waste to a drop-off site instead at this time.
• We’re still seeing a lot of folks unaware that Badger Rd drop-off site is permanently closed. It’s a tough feeling to have a car loaded with stuff only to find out upon arrival that the site is closed. Please encourage your neighbors, friends, family and so on to check our drop-off site webpage before loading their car. The hours, locations, and restrictions are all available there. The drop-off site webpage is www.cityofmadison.com/DropOffSites
• Remember large item pickup is also different than in years past, too. Crews do not roam around looking for items the week opposite recycling. You need to fill out a work order form to get your home on our pickup schedule. When you make your work order, you set the item out on the date you choose, and collection occurs during the work week following your set-out date.
• Brush collection is still ongoing and will last into September. More information about brush collection can be found at www.cityofmadison.com/BrushCollection.
• There has been more talk in the news about how to handle your batteries due to a disastrous fire in Columbia County at their facility that handles trash and recycling. Lithium batteries are a fire hazard if disposed of incorrectly. Please follow the guidelines spelled out on the Streets Division’s battery page to be sure you do it right.
• Food scraps drop off has returned to two Tuesday evening farmers’ market. The Eastside Farmers’ Market in McPike Park and the South Madison Farmers’ Market at the corner of South Park and West Wingra will both be open starting May 23. You can find out more details about the food scraps you can drop off for composting and other important specifics at www.cityofmadison.com/FoodScraps.

Meetings

Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 in hybrid format at 6:30 PM. Agenda items include recognizing and honoring Leslie Watkins for her exceptional contributions to the community; and amending the City of Madison Official Map to establish mapped reservations for future streets and highways in the City of Madison consistent with recommendations in the adopted the Greater East Towne Area Plan; and more!

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda pdf 
• Register for public comment
• Watch Online

Economic Development Committee: The Economic Development Committee will take place on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 in virtual format at 5:00 PM. Agenda items include adopting the Final Report of the Task Force on Farmland Preservation & more!

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for public comment
• Watch Online

Bartillon Shelter Public Meeting, Wednesday, May 17, 2023: The City of Madison is collaborating with Dane County to plan for and design a purpose-built shelter facility that will serve primarily men in our community who experience homelessness. The facility, to be built at 1904 Bartillon Drive, will be Madison’s first purpose-built shelter. Please join the City of Madison, Dane County and Porchlight, Inc at one of the three upcoming public information meetings to get an overview of the project, pre-design concepts and information on next steps.

• 5:30-7 p.m., May 17, 2023, in person at Hawthorne Library, 2707 E Washington Ave., Madison, Wis., 53704

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Events

• East Side Farmers’ Market, Tuesday, May 16, 2023 : The Eastside Farmers’ Market is Madison Wisconsin’s finest weekday farmers’ market. Our goal is to bring the freshest Wisconsin grown food direct to the heart of the East side. Our vendor members are agricultural producers and food artisans who make value added products from Wisconsin’s agricultural bounty.
• Movin’ Out Financial Literacy Series (#2 – Budgeting), Tuesday, May 16, 2023: The City of Madison, in partnership with Movin’ Out, invite South Madison residents to participate in Movin’ Out’s financial wellness series! This six-session financial literacy program covers a range of topics to provide a solid understanding of the fundamentals of personal finance. In between sessions, interested participants can work with Movin’ Out’s Counseling staff on their own financial goals toward homeownership.
• Dane County Farmers’ Market – Wednesday Market, Wednesday, May 17, 2023 : The Wednesday Dane County Farmers’ Market is located on the 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, in between the Madison Municipal Building and the City County Building. While more intimate than the Saturday Market, you will still find many of your favorite Dane County Farmers’ Market members, as well as a full array of fruits and vegetables, eggs, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, bakery items, cut flowers, plants, and many specialty items.
• Edna Taylor Volunteer Day, Wednesday, May 17, 2023: Madison Parks and the Friends of Edna Taylor Conservation Park are seeking volunteers in conservation to assist in removing invasive plants in the park. Participants will learn plant identification, conservation methods, and help remove garlic mustard. Bags, gloves and instructions will be provided.
• Voices of Color with Host Melvin Hinton, Thursday, May 18, 2023: Our community is a rich mix of many different cultures. Being an inclusive community means learning about and appreciating our differences. It means unlearning stereotypes and ideas that we may have of one another; some of which are ingrained in the fabric of society. Join us on the third Thursday of each month at 10 am to learn about and meet individuals whose diverse leadership is shaping the future of our community. A virtual presentation sponsored by the Madison Senior Center.
• Wright Design Series: Taliesin Then and Now, Thursday, May 18, 2023: Ryan Hewson has been a preservation staff member at Taliesin since 2008. In his current role, he is responsible for the oversight and planning of preservation. Hewson received his Master’s degree in Architecture from The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.
  You’ll learn about the history of the buildings on the Taliesin property that served as Wright’s architectural laboratory. And Hewson will discuss preservation techniques and plans that are underway, and share different ways to engage with what’s happening at Taliesin now.
• Annual Spring Break-A-Way 3on3 Basketball Tournament Series, Friday, May 19, 2023: After March Madness, the real tournament begins with the Annual Spring Break-A-Way 3on3 Basketball Tournament Series. Northside teens compete in a double-elimination tournament while enjoying a free meal. With on-site registration, players simply have to show up with two friends, or we will find a team for drop-in players. The tournament series is held on Friday nights: April 28, May 19 & May 26 (5pm-8pm), and includes middle school and high school divisions.
• Volunteer Day at The Glen, Saturday, May 20, 2023: The Glen Golf Park is establishing an ongoing volunteer program that helps volunteers learn, grow personally and gain professional experience. Projects vary and include land management of natural areas – weeding, planting, seed collection, woody plant removal; Horticultural detailing – maintaining landscape beds, mulching, weeding; and more!
• HUD-Approved Homebuyer Education, Saturday, May 20, 2023: Take the first step to owning a home, and join us in this Home Buyer Education Workshop. This FREE HUD-Approved homebuyer educationworkshop takes place in person and lunch is provided.
• Heritage Sanctuary Volunteer Day, Saturday, May 20, 2023: Madison Parks is seeking volunteers in conservation to assist in removing invasive plants in Heritage Sanctuary Conservation Park. Participants will learn plant identification, conservation methods, ecological restoration efforts and methods, as well as park history.
• Bird & Nature Adventures – Starkweather Creek Area, Saturday, May 20, 2023: Explore the Creek with James Winkelman ~ Join James Winkelman and Friends of Starkweather Creek for a free fun family-friendly canoe outing or take a healthy nature walk, bike ride or canoe outing any day in May along Starkweather Creek! Some canoes will be provided, bring your own canoe or kayak and vest and paddles if you have them. Join the Friends to help support preserving this amazing urban waterway ecosystem!
• Edna Taylor Volunteer Day, Saturday, May 20, 2023: Madison Parks and the Friends of Edna Taylor Conservation Park are seeking volunteers in conservation to assist in removing invasive plants in the park. Participants will learn plant identification, conservation methods, and help remove garlic mustard. Bags, gloves and instructions will be provided.
• Picnic in the Park, Saturday, May 20, 2023: Step back in time to a 1950s cocktail club as we re-create the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive’s Annual Banquet which brought private citizens together & sparked the creation of our public parks as we know them today. The tradition continues at Burrows Park & features an expertly crafted, themed event that includes lavish food & drinks as well as live music to help us celebrate 128 years of Madison Parks!
• WORTstock, Sunday, May 21, 2023 : WORTstock is WORT 89.9 FM Community Radio’s multicultural live music festival with food and craft vendors, info tables, prize raffle, and children’s activities.
• Bird & Nature Adventures – Warner Park, Sunday, May 21, 2023: Looking for Lichens with Steven Ansorge ~ Join Naturalist Steven Ansorge to look for and learn about the fascinating world of Lichens! These simple-looking growths on rocks and trees are surprisingly complex hybrid organisms based on a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) combination of fungus and algae. Their ability to grow on bare rock and break down minerals helps create the foundations of life for other organisms. Lichens only thrive when the air is clean and are used as a scientific indicator of air quality.
• Movie at The Glen – Moana, Sunday, May 21, 2023: Grab a blanket or bring a lawn chair and head over to The Glen for yard games and a movie! All are welcome!

SAVE THE DATE!

• Meadowlands and Tree Lane Resource Fairs: Does your organization provide activities, resources, or services that could benefit the children and families living in the Meadowlands and Tree Lane Apartments this summer? Public Health Madison & Dane County is hosting resource fairs at each of these locations in May.

Meadowlands Apartments – 6810 Milwaukee St., Saturday, May 20th 12-3pm

Tree Lane Family Apartments – 7933 Tree Ln., Wednesday, May 24th 3-6 pm

If you would like to attend one or both of these fairs, please complete the following survey to assist with planning. Or contactour team at violenceprevention@publichealthmdc.com.

YES MY ORG WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND! Responses requested by Friday, May 12, 2023!
 

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Announcements

• Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge Team Selection: Madison Parks is pleased to announce the team selection in the Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge!
• Introducing the New City of Madison Forester Ian Brown: The City of Madison is happy to announce Ian Brown as the new City of Madison Forester.

Meetings

• Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will be held in virtual format on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 4:30 PM. Agenda item include amending the 2023 adopted Mayor’s Office Sustainability Improvements Project Capital Budget to accept a grant award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA); and more!
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for public comment
  • Watch Online
• Madison Arts Commission: The Madison Arts Commission will be held virtually on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 5:30 PM. Agenda items include naming of Madison’s next Youth Poet Laureate, and more!
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for public comment
  • Watch Online
• West Area Open House, Wednesday, May 10, 2023: During the West Area Plan kickoff meetings residents shared questions and comments about a variety of topics and projects other City departments and divisions are working on. As a result, Planning Division staff coordinated a multi-agency open house to bring together residents and staff from various City divisions. The open house is scheduled for Wednesday, May 10, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Lussier Community Education Center, 55 S. Gammon Road. Please join us – Metro service is available on route 67 and parking is also available pdf . The open house will cover a variety of projects pdf  and initiatives.

Events

• East Side Farmers’ Market, Tuesday, May 9, 2023 : The Eastside Farmers’ Market is Madison Wisconsin’s finest weekday farmers’ market. Our goal is to bring the freshest Wisconsin grown food direct to the heart of the East side. Our vendor members are agricultural producers and food artisans who make value added products from Wisconsin’s agricultural bounty.
• Dane County Farmers’ Market – Wednesday Market, Wednesday, May 10, 2023 : The Wednesday Dane County Farmers’ Market is located on the 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, in between the Madison Municipal Building and the City County Building. While more intimate than the Saturday Market, you will still find many of your favorite Dane County Farmers’ Market members, as well as a full array of fruits and vegetables, eggs, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, bakery items, cut flowers, plants, and many specialty items.
• Conservation Park Tour – Heritage Sanctuary, Wednesday, May 10, 2023: It’s our annual wildflower walk! Heritage Sanctuary is known for its robust display of “spring ephemeral” wildflowers. Join conservation staff, enjoy the blooms and learn about how this habitat came to be. 

Conservation Park Tours are educational staff-guided walks held at various conservation parks on the 2nd Wednesday, May – October. Event starting times vary, depending on the sunset, and typically last about 90 minutes. Walks are held rain or shine, free to attend, easy-paced, and family-friendly. No registration is required. Most locations do NOT have restrooms. As always, dogs and pets are prohibited in all conservation parks.

• Madison Night Market, Thursday, May 11, 2023 : Madison Night Market is a celebration of Madison’s unique and inspiring creative culture.
• WPCRC Family Fun Night, Friday, May 12, 2023: WPCRC Family Fun Nights are in partnership with Madison School Community Recreation and offers local families a wide selection of fun activities. Sign your family up today!

Heads Up!

• Meadowlands and Tree Lane Resource Fairs: Does your organization provide activities, resources, or services that could benefit the children and families living in the Meadowlands and Tree Lane Apartments this summer? Public Health Madison & Dane County is hosting resource fairs at each of these locations in May.

Meadowlands Apartments – 6810 Milwaukee St., Saturday, May 20th 12-3pm

Tree Lane Apartments – 7510 Tree Ln, Wednesday, May 24th 3-6 pm

If you would like to attend one or both of these fairs, please complete the following survey to assist with planning. Or contactour team at violenceprevention@publichealthmdc.com.

YES MY ORG WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND! Responses requested by Friday, May 12, 2023!

Announcements

• Joint Statement by Madison Mayor and Alders Related to Recent Racist Video: On Monday, a video of an UW-Madison student engaging in racist language targeting Black students on campus became public and went viral.
• Don’t Miss Your Final Spring Yard Waste Collection: The Streets Division is wrapping up the spring yard waste collection. For certain neighborhoods, the final set out for spring yard waste collection is this coming up Sunday, May 7, 2023.
• Make Music Madison Returns June 21: For the 11th year in a row, the City of Madison will become a stage with hundreds of free live performances throughout the City.
• Seeking people to join Community Policing Advisory Boards to build trust, legitimacy: The Madison Police Department is recruiting individuals now through May 26, 2023 to serve on Community Policing Advisory Boards (CPABs) in each of Madison’s six police districts (cityofmadison.com/police/districts).
• Mow Two Times this Low Mow May 2023: The City invites the community to support its pollinators and green spaces by mowing less and joining in its Low Mow May 2023 efforts.
• REMINDER: Dane CORE 2.0 Rental Assistance Program Applications to Close May 31: Dane County and the City of Madison want to remind residents that the Dane COronavirus REntal program (CORE 2.0), funded by the Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program through the U.S.
• Transit Network Redesign Updates!

• See all updates here->Metro’s redesign set to go into effect on Sunday, June 11
• Things to Note!
  • Trip Planning
    • We have schedule information now at mymetrobus.com/redesign.
      • https://www.cityofmadison.com/metro/routes-schedules/transit-network-redesign
    • Currently, you can plan your trip using the Transit App . (You would need to set a travel date on or after June 11.)

Meetings

Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 in hybrid format at 6:30 PM. Agenda items include proclaiming May 2023 to be Jewish American Heritage Month and recognizing May 2023 as Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month in the City of Madison. Other agenda items include authorizing the use of up to $123,000 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to implement a neighborhood improvement project identified in the South Madison Neighborhood Plan; and amending Section 33.09(3) of the Madison General Ordinances to combine the City-County Homeless Issues Committee, Landlord and Tenant Issues Committee.

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for public comment
• Watch Online

Board of Public Works: The Board of Public Works will take place on Tuesday, May 3, 2023 in virtual format at 4:30 PM. Agenda items include amending the City of Madison Official Map to establish mapped reservations for future Streets and Highways in the City of Madison consistent with recommendations in the adopted the Greater East Towne Area Plan.

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda
• Register for public comment
• Watch Online

District 12 Sidewalk Replacement Program: The District 12 Sidewalk Replacement Program will take place on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.The public information meeting for District 12 Sidewalk Replacement Program has been scheduled for 5:30 p.m., May 3, 2023, via Zoom. Registration prior is required.

Events

• East Side Farmers’ Market, Tuesday, May 2, 2023: The Eastside Farmers’ Market is Madison Wisconsin’s finest weekday farmers’ market. Our goal is to bring the freshest Wisconsin grown food direct to the heart of the East side. Our vendor members are agricultural producers and food artisans who make value added products from Wisconsin’s agricultural bounty.
• Dane County Farmers’ Market – Wednesday Market, Wednesday, May 3, 2023 : The Wednesday Dane County Farmers’ Market is located on the 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, in between the Madison Municipal Building and the City County Building. While more intimate than the Saturday Market, you will still find many of your favorite Dane County Farmers’ Market members, as well as a full array of fruits and vegetables, eggs, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, bakery items, cut flowers, plants, and many specialty items.
• Wright Design Series: People Are My Medium, Wednesday, May 3, 2023: Joe Dreher considers himself a social artist, producing work mainly described as installation art. He uses a number of tools and mediums to create his work including photography, murals, street art, wheat paste, painting, sculpture, architecture, and poetry.

This free lecture is presented in partnership with American Institute of Architects Wisconsin. This is a virtual event – (Register in advance for the live webinar): https://mononaterrace.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qr-SXTfMTSeWYAIDmoSKLQ…

• Strategies to Prevent Basement Flooding, Thursday, May 4, 2023: Ever had water in your basement? Whether it’s a reoccurring issue or has only happened during extreme weather conditions, in most cases, it can be avoided. With some planning, a few rules and basic landscaping tools, most homeowners can address this problem on their own. Sponsored by MG&E.
• SpringFest Arts & Crafts Fair, Saturday, May 6, 2023: Join us for the 18th annual SpringFest Arts & Crafts Fair. Over 80 crafters from the Midwest will be selling their handmade goods. You can expect to see a variety of jewelry, baskets, garden art, cards, pottery, woodwork, baby gifts, soaps, balms, lotions, knitwear, paintings, home décor and more! It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift for that special someone (or for yourself).

Save the Date!

• The Run Madtown Twilight 5K will be held on Saturday May 27th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm
• The Run Madtown Half Marathon & 10K will be held on Sunday May 28th from 6:30am –11:00am

Announcements

• Urban Forestry Spring Planting Adds Trees to Long Vacant Planting Sites: The City of Madison Streets Division’s Urban Forestry section plants thousands of trees each year in the right of way space along the road edge.

• Get Involved: City’s First Purpose-Built Shelter Engagement Process Kicks Off: The City of Madison invites the community to get involved in the public engagement process for the City’s first, purpose-built shelter.
• Peak Hour Lane Closure–West Johnson Street: Beginning Friday, April 28 at 7:00 a.m. JH Findorff will be reducing the 300 block of West Johnson Street to two lanes at all times (N Broom Street to State Street).
• Open House for Upcoming Plans in West Area: The City of Madison Planning Division is excited to announce an Open House for upcoming plans, projects, and initiatives in the West Area.
• Street Closure–North Bassett Street: Starting Monday, May 1 at 7:00 a.m.
• Madison Parks Foundation Unveils Dog Park Memorial Art Sculpture: The Madison Parks Foundation is excited to announce the unveiling of a new tribute & memorial sculpture in Quann Park off-leash dog park!
• Accessible Taxi Grants Will Help Fill Transit Gaps: People who use wheelchairs face barriers to daily living activities, social outings, and fully participating in what the City has to offer, because of inadequate accessible transportation options.
• Madison Public Library Celebrates National Library Week: From April 23-29, Madison Public Library is celebrating National Library Week online and at all library locations.
• Jornada Abierta para los Proyectos y Planes Futuros en el Área Oeste: The City of Madison Planning Division is excited to announce an Open House for upcoming plans, projects, and initiatives in the West Area.
• The Madison Common Council Welcomes the 2023-2025 Cohort of Alders Serving the 20 Districts of the City of Madison: (MADISON, WI) The Common Council Office is proud to introduce the 2023-2025 cohort of alders representing the 20 districts that make up the City of Madison.

Summary/Highlights

• Obtaining Police Reports
• Meet Dr. Hunt
• Stolen Autos Trend Downward
• Community Outreach

“Can I Get a Copy of My Report?”

Lieutenant Lori Chalecki does not hesitate when asked what question she most frequently fielded, as the Lieutenant of Patrol for Midtown District in 2022. “People wanted to know how to get a copy of a report” Chalecki says. In that spirit, we are taking a deep dive into how many requests Madison Police receives each year for records, the laws that govern records releases, and how you can access this service.

THE STATS

Last year, the Madison Police Department processed 32,006 records requests, or an average of 87 every day of the calendar year. The vast majority of records requests are for police reports, according to MPD Records Custodian Julie Laundrie. “We are in a time of police reform” says Chief Shon Barnes. “We know transparency and information sharing are needed to provide a high quality of service.”

Wisconsin’s Public Records Law, and at the federal level, the Freedom of Information Act, provide structure for how records are released. Law enforcement records have limits to their release, which will be explored in depth below.

THE REVIEW PROCESS

In fulfilling records requests, it is important to know that released information may be redacted. Redaction of a record means specific words or phrases are removed from the document, before it is released to the requestor. The Wisconsin Public Records law says records are available unless there is statute or case law that limits the release, or the balancing test is applied and the benefit of inspection is outweighed by the harm it would cause. When applying the balancing test, a custodian cannot deny or redact records because the release may cause embarrassment or reputational harm. The harm must be a harm that would impact the public in general and not one person in particular. A good example of a public harm redaction from a police report would be a redaction/removal of a statement about someone else’s mental health or alcohol use made by an individual that is not a health professional. Because of the known stigma of mental health and alcoholism, it is likely in the best interest of the public that unqualified claims about alcohol use or mental health be redacted for public release.

When a record is released, there may still be redacted segments. Information redacted from police reports may include home addresses, birth dates and personal phone numbers. Other redacted information can include details in sensitive crimes, unsubstantiated allegations, juvenile identities and statements, and medical information.

HISTORY OF RECORDS LAW AND MPD NOW

Public records laws were enacted in 1982. These laws have been untouched by legislature since they were enacted, except by case law. The same laws that govern MPD records apply to public records for school districts, boards, municipal divisions, town, village, city, county and state entities.

How long are records kept, and why? Madison Police has its own records retention and disposition authorization schedule, found here: https://www.cityofmadison.com/mayor/apm/it/APM3-6AppendixB.pdf  These documents set the amount of time records are retained by MPD.  The Wisconsin Public Records Board approved the MPD retention and disposition authorization schedule. For more on that, see https://publicrecordsboard.wi.gov/Pages/home.aspx

TOWN OF MADISON ANNEXATION

In late 2022, the City of Madison annexed portions of the Town of Madison. This process brought into MPD some Town of Madison Police Department’s records, dating back to 1980. In addition to paper records, MPD took on the Town of Madison’s audio and video from body cams and squad, and evidence the Town of Madison had retained.

HOW TO REQUEST

You can request information through our records unit in a variety of ways:

• By phone: 608-266-4075
• By email: pdrecords@cityofmadison.com
• By mail: 211 S Carroll St, Madison WI 53705
• In person: stop by the City-County Building at the address above
• By fax: 608-267-1117 Our records department has a request guide you can find online at this link.  You can find this document in Spanish here

Meet Dr. Hunt

As MPD works toward continuous process improvement and transparency, a Police Director of Data, Reform and Innovation was envisioned. This new position was filled by Dr. Eleazer “Lee” Hunt, and is the civilian equivalent of an assistant chief.  Dr. Hunt has oversight of MPD Records, IT, and Crime Analysis.

The position will help the department focus on evidence-based policing, community engagement and transparencies. Dr. Hunt will analyze data and help identify solutions to problems officers see in the community. “We want to implement and apply crime reduction strategies that work, that will reduce crime without having to increase arrests,” Hunt said about his new position. Dr. Hunt has worked in law enforcement and the public sector for more than 25 years. He began his career as an archaeologist and found many similarities between policing and archaeology. The recording of a crime scene or archaeological site requires keen observation, note taking, photographs and evidence collecting to recreate and preserve the event. He enjoys hiking and gardening.

While a Buffalo, New York native, Dr. Hunt and his wife are excited to be living in Madison.

6^th Annual Battle of the Badges

Madison Police and Madison Fire clashed in the 6th annual “Battle of the Badges” hockey game, a charitable endeavor that goes far beyond bragging rights for the winning team. $20,000 was raised for recipient Safe Communities and specifically, their recovery coaching program. Recovery coaches are individuals or affected family members in long term recovery from substance misuse and/or mental health experiences. These remarkable people use their own lived experiences to walk alongside individuals they are serving. Safe Communities’ Executive Director Cheryl Wittke and many of Safe Communities’ recovery coaches worked the hockey game or appeared in support of this collaboration. First responders can play a key role in connecting individuals in active addiction with area recovery resources like Safe Communities. “Addiction has no boundaries,” said Travis Hilliard of the Police Team. “Anything we can do to support those families and people [impacted]” is why he takes part in this annual fundraiser.

Crime Report – Stolen Autos Trend Down

For the first time in ten years, the Madison Police Department saw a drop in the number of motor vehicle thefts. That did not happen by chance, but through data informed policing and tenacious, innovative work. “Stolen autos” were identified as a top priority in MPD’s 2022 Summer Strategic Plan. The stolen auto group consisted of detectives from both the Burglary Crime Unit (BCU) and each MPD District, which formed a comprehensive team to tackle these crimes.

The drop in motor vehicle thefts also occurred in a year in which a historic number of Kia and Hyundai models were targeted for auto theft, due to a widely known defect in their security system.

Outreach Event

Meetings

• Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 in hybrid format at 6:30 PM. Agenda items include amending the 2023 operating budget and setting the 2023 rates for the sewer utility, stormwater utility and landfill remediation (citywide); amending portions of Section 9.23 of the Madison General Ordinances relating to regulation of mobile home parks; repealing and amending sections of the Madison General Ordinances to remove the penalty of possession of certain weapons; and more.

• Meeting Details
• Meeting Agenda pdf 
• Register for public comment
• Watch Online

Events

• Stormwater, Parks, Land Use and more at West Area Open House on May 10! The West Area Plan team will host an Open House on May 10 at Lussier Community Education Center from 6:30-8:00 p.m. 55 S. Gammon Road. City agencies will give short presentations on projects spanning land use planning, transportation, stormwater management, water quality protection, parks and open space and more. Residents will also have the chance to talk with staff to learn more including how these projects may affect them and how they can be involved. Visit the West Area Plan webpage to learn more, and to sign up for the email list to receive regular West Area Plan updates.
• Dane County Farmers’ Market – Wednesday Market: The Wednesday Dane County Farmers’ Market is located on the 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, in between the Madison Municipal Building and the City County Building. While more intimate than the Saturday Market, you will still find many of your favorite Dane County Farmers’ Market members, as well as a full array of fruits and vegetables, eggs, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, bakery items, cut flowers, plants, and many specialty items.
• East Side Farmers’ Market, Tuesday, April 25, 2023 : The Eastside Farmers’ Market is Madison Wisconsin’s finest weekday farmers’ market. Our goal is to bring the freshest Wisconsin grown food direct to the heart of the East side. Our vendor members are agricultural producers and food artisans who make value added products from Wisconsin’s agricultural bounty.
• Habitat Homebuyer Program Information Meeting, Tuesday, April 25, 2023: Learn how you could own an affordable home thtough Habitat of Humanity of Dane County. Information on how to apply, program requirements and where and what we build.
• Dane County Farmers’ Market – Wednesday Market: The Wednesday Dane County Farmers’ Market is located on the 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, in between the Madison Municipal Building and the City County Building. While more intimate than the Saturday Market, you will still find many of your favorite Dane County Farmers’ Market members, as well as a full array of fruits and vegetables, eggs, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, bakery items, cut flowers, plants, and many specialty items.
• Habitat Homebuyer Program Information Meeting, Tuesday, April 26, 2023: Learn how you could own an affordable home thtough Habitat of Humanity of Dane County. Information on how to apply, program requirements and where and what we build.
• Annual Spring Break-A-Way 3on3 Basketball Tournament Series | April 28: After March Madness, the real tournament begins with the Annual Spring Break-A-Way 3on3 Basketball Tournament Series. Northside teens compete in a double-elimination tournament while enjoying a free meal. With on-site registration, players simply have to show up with two friends, or we will find a team for drop-in players. The tournament series is held on Friday nights: April 28, May 19 & May 26 (5pm-8pm), and includes middle school and high school divisions. Please stay home if you feel sick.
  For sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, contact Zach at 608-245-3684 or zwatson@cityofmadison.com.
• HUD-Approved Homebuyer Education Class (2-Part Class)(April 22 and 29): This class is offered virtually and in person as a two part series. If you need help registering email cmonsivais@lacasadeesperanza.org.Your Path to Homeownership is provided by La Casa de Esperanza, a Non-Profit HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency dedicated to assisting individuals and families to increase income, build savings and gain assets. Our focus on financial wellness is supported by the Center’s programs and services which include; home buyer education and counseling, free tax services, employment coaching, financial coaching and access to financial workshops. Our people-centered approach supports our belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to work on their financial wellness.

• Prescribed Burn Crew Member Volunteer Training, Saturday, April 29, 2023: Join Conservation Resource Supervisor, and DNR-certified Burn Boss, Paul Quinlan for a Burn Crew Member Volunteer Training. Meet Paul and team at Elver Park, behind the main shelter to learn basic fire management as an ecological tool in prairie or mixed hardwood forest, as well as safety during prescribed burns. You’ll also learn the laws and rules Law and rules, proper burning conditions and basic fire methods.
• Inspired by Wright: A Hands-on FLW Tour, Saturday, April 29: Join us for this hands-on Frank Lloyd Wright Tour demonstrating how Wright saw geometric shapes as underlying forms of nature and applied them to almost all his work. As you tour the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, you’ll learn how this unique site influenced Wright’s choice of geometry, which is expressed in nearly every aspect of the building and grounds.
• Barks in Parks: Sculpture Unveiling, Sunday, April 30, 2023:Join the Madison Parks Foundation at Quann Dog Park on April 30 as they unveil the new custom pet tribute and memorial sculpture. This art sculpture memorial will offer the public a way to commemorate their pets while supporting Madison dog parks.

Save the Date!

• Fire OPS 101, Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 : Join us for Fire OPS 101 and experience a day in the life of a fire fighter! Fire OPS is a program that allows community leaders and elected officials to experience a day in the life of a firefighter. You will dress in turnout gear and will participate in realistic scenarios that we face on a day-to-day basis. The scenarios will include fire attack, search and rescue, vehicle extrication, and emergency medical services.

Announcements

• Earth Day Events in Madison Parks: This weekend, April 22 and 23 celebrate Earth Day with Madison Parks, the Friends of Urban Nature and volunteers across the city.
• Food Scraps Recycling Drop-off Returns to Eastside Farmers’ Market Tuesday, April 25, 2023: The City of Madison in partnership with Sustain Dane and Neighborhood Food Solutions is happy to announce the return of food scraps recycling in 2023. Individuals may drop-off certain allowable food scraps to a designated drop-off booth for free at the Eastside Farmers’ Market beginning on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
• Upcoming events with Ash Armenta, Thurber Park Artist-in-Residence: Madison, WI – Artist-in-Residence Ash Armenta, The Madison Arts Commission, and The Bubbler at Madison Public Library are pleased to announce a series of fun, free, creative events at the Thurber Park residency space.
• Madison Public Library Welcomes New Artist-in-Residence at Pinney Library: The Bubbler at Madison Public Library is welcoming a new Artist-in-Residence at Pinney Library.
• Madison Public Library Celebrates National Library Week: National Library Week takes place April 23-29, 2023. Madison Public Library will be celebrating in-person in our libraries, as well as online via social media. National Library Week was first celebrated in 1958 by the National Book Committee and has since evolved into an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.
• Madison Metro Providing Free Summer Bus Passes for MMSD Middle and High School Students : For the third year in a row, the City of Madison is giving every Madison Metropolitan School Districts Middle and High School student a free Metro bus pass for the summer. This summer Metro has made 7,000 passes available.
• Sound the Alarm. Save a Life! The American Red Cross is making homes fire resistant through the Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign. At no cost, you can have the Red Cross visit your home and demonstrate some simple changes that will help protect your family against fires including:
  • Free smoke alarm installation if no working smoke alarms are present in your home
  • Guidance in developing a Family Disaster Plan
  • Valuable emergency preparedness tips and information

Visit the Red Cross webpage to learn more and to setup your free appointment.

Streets Division Updates

• Food scraps recycling returns to the Eastside Farmers’ Market on April 25! For more details about location, times, and the kind of food you can bring, go to www.cityofmadison.com/FoodScraps
• Yard waste collection is ongoing! Remember – you only get two pickups chances in the spring. One pickup in April and one in May. Don’t miss the dates when you should set out yard waste. Get the dates at www.cityofmadison.com/YardWaste. (And you can watch our video about how to set out the material correctly )
• Brush collection is also going on now. Get the dates when you can set out your brush at www.cityofmadison.com/BrushCollection.
• If you are working on your garden and would like some mulch, don’t forget that the City has mulch available at 121 E. Olin Avenue. Details about the wood mulch can be found at www.cityofmadison.com/Mulch.
• With Earth Day coming up soon, make sure you are recycling right. One easy thing you can do is be sure that you are not putting plastic bags in your recycling cart. They don’t belong there. Learn more about what belongs in your recycling cart on the Streets Division’s website, www.cityofmadison.com/Recycling.

Earth Day Challenge is April 22

For over 20 years now, the City of Madison Parks Division has hosted an Earth Day Challenge where they ask for the community’s help to tidy up the city parks

There are still several parks that could use volunteers to help with the clean-up effort.

If you have some time this Saturday,  consider volunteering. I know this is a last-minute promotion of this event, and the weather won’t be the best on Saturday, but if you have the time and ability to pitch in, the Parks Division would certainly appreciate it.

Here’s the link to see which parks that could still use a hand and more details: Earth Day Challenge Parks.  Note that the registration window has passed, but per the website liked above, walk-up help would be accepted.

Food Scraps Recycling Returns!

Food scraps recycling will return to the Eastside Farmers’ Market on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

The market drop-off will be every Tuesday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm starting April 25 and ending on October 31, 2023. 

The scraps can be dropped off for free at the designated food scraps drop-off tent at the market. 

Only certain food scraps are acceptable at the market drop-off locations, though.  Please be sure you are only bringing the kind of compostable food scraps. 

We can accept raw fruits & vegetables, coffee grounds, egg shells, and the similar kind of material that would be appropriate for a backyard compost bins.

Do not bring meat, dairy, bones, compostable plastic products, paper products, pet waste, and other non-compostable items to the market site.  We cannot take them.

More details about the food scraps program can be found at www.cityofmadison.com/FoodScraps.

And, yes, we will also be returning to the South Madison Farmer’s Market as well – but that market won’t get off the ground until late May.

We found last year that most people found out about our market through word of mouth, so feel free to talk this up to your friends and neighbors.  Last year, we were able to take 5 tons of food scraps to the Neighborhood Food Solutions farm for composting– and I’m pretty excited to see how much we can compost this year.

Yard Waste Collection Continues

Keep in mind that you get 2 spring time yard waste collections.  There is one in April and then another one in May.

I’ve heard from a few residents that were worried the light snow we received recently would delay collections, but it did not.  We are still on schedule.

If you missed your April pickup opportunity, that’s okay.  We’ll be around one more time in May.

You do not want to miss your May pickup opportunity because that will be your last chance for curbside pickup this spring. 

Once your May pickup opportunity passes, Streets crews will not be around again for yard waste collection again until the fall.

Get the dates when you should set out yard waste for pickup at www.cityofmadison.com/YardWaste.

And what happens if you miss both pickup chances?  There’s always the drop-off sites and your own compost bin.

A Good National-Audience Recycling Article?

Many times national news stories about recycling miss, or under represent, that recycling is regional.  It feels universal, but in reality markets and rules vary by state. This means the rules in other states are not the same as in Wisconsin.  And recycling can vary even down to the city level because some places will have opportunities that are not available elsewhere.  This underappreciated fact leads to a lot of recycling confusion.

With that said, the Washington Post published a recycling article that I feel did a good job and I would like to pass along to all of you. You will need a Washington Post subscription to read it or you can use the Madison Public Library e-resource subscription.

The article relies heavily on information from northern Virginia (it’s the Washington Post after all) but it provides  information about how to recycle right while grounding it quite well in the fact that recycling varies around the country.  And it has a nice graphics and a fun little sorting game at the end, too.

The main takeaway of the article, in my opinion at least, is to follow your up-to-date local recycling rules, which is exactly correct. 

Whatever is printed on the toothpaste tube or top of the pizza box or wherever – the advice you should follow if a thing is recyclable or not is your local guidelines.

With that in mind, you can get your 2023 Recyclopedia today from any Madison Public Library branch, or you can download the PDF from the Streets Division website, or you can have one mailed to you by contacting the Streets Division.

Final Section

Thank you all for your time and attention, as always.  For those of you who enrolled in the Master Recycler class in April – thank you and good luck on your projects.  And we are offering the class again in July so those of you who have not yet taken it, maybe I’ll see you there.

Meetings

• Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 in hybrid format at 12:00 PM, recess and then back in hybrid format at 6:30 PM. Agenda items include; commending and thanking Alder Patrick Heck, Alder Erik Paulson, Alder Barbara Vedder, Alder Sheri Carter, Alder Grant Foster, Alder Keith Furman, and Alder Matt Phair for their dedicated service to the constituents in their respective districts and to the City of Madison, swearing in of the Re-elected Mayor, swearing in of the newly elected and re-elected alders and the election of Common Council leadership.
  • Meeting Details – 12:00 PM
  • Meeting Details – 6:30 PM
  • Meeting Agenda – 12:00 pm & 6:30 PM
  • Register for public comment – 6:30 PM
  • Watch Online – 12:00 pm & 6:30 PM

• Bus Rapid Transit Construction (Downtown/Central) – Public Info Meeting, Thursday, April 20, 2023: The City of Madison has started construction on its bus rapid transit line. This includes work in the general downtown area between University Bay Dr. and Blair St.

Construction will take place in stages between 2023 and 2024.

Attend the public information meeting to learn about road work, construction schedule, and expected lane closures. Much of the work will require traffic control and lane closures.

• Bus Rapid Transit – Mineral Point Proposed Sidewalk Construction, Thursday, April 20, 2023: In 2024, the City of Madison is proposing to widen the sidewalk on the north side of Mineral Point Road between the Beltline Hwy. and Whitney Way as part of the East-West Bus Rapid Transit project.

The proposed project would include replacing the current 5-foot wide sidewalk with an 8 to 10-foot wide sidewalk, relocating or replacing street infrastructure such as traffic signal poles and street lighting as needed, and where necessary installing new curb and gutter.

Events

• Dane County Farmers’ Market – Wednesday Market: The Wednesday Dane County Farmers’ Market is located on the 200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, in between the Madison Municipal Building and the City County Building. While more intimate than the Saturday Market, you will still find many of your favorite Dane County Farmers’ Market members, as well as a full array of fruits and vegetables, eggs, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, bakery items, cut flowers, plants, and many specialty items.

• Voices of Color with Host Melvin Hinton, Thursday, April 20, 2023: In April, we welcome Lourdes Shanjani, to Voices of Color. Lourdes is a bicultural public health professional driven by a passion for centering Health Equity and advancing Social Justice. She has been with Public Health Madison & Dane County for almost 3 years, and she has over 15 years of extensive experience working with diverse populations in both the United States and the Dominican Republic. Both her professional and personal journey as an immigrant Afro Latina help her to keep a health and racial equity focus. Our community is a rich mix of many different cultures. Being an inclusive community means learning about and appreciating our differences. 

• Friday Night Hoops, Friday, April 21, 2023: 3 Point Contests, referee apprenticeship and leadership development!
  • 3 games Middle School (Ages 11-13) 5:00PM – (GAME 1) 5:45PM – (GAME 2) 6:30PM – (GAME 3)
  • 3 games High School (Ages14-18) 7:15PM – (GAME 1) 8:00PM – (GAME 2) 8:45PM – (GAME 3)

On-site Registration day of event.

• Mad City Ultras, Saturday, April 22, 2023: MadCity Ultras consists of 50 kilometer running races (5 laps around Lake Wingra). There is a competitive 50 kilometer race for solo runners, and non-competitive 50 kilometer relay race fun run. 

• Madison Parks Earth Day Challenge, Saturday, April 22, 2023: Join Madison Parks for this year’s Earth Day Challenge and volunteer to help clean up your neighborhood park on Saturday, April 22! For more than 20 years, Madison Parks has honored Earth Day by recruiting volunteers for the Earth Day Challenge. This year, Madison Parks is seeking more than 900 volunteers at 60+ parks to assist with trash pickup, raking, weeding, removing sticks, and more. All ages are welcome to participate. Advanced registration is required for anyone 10 years and older. REGISTER ONLINE TODAY!

• FREE HUD-APPROVED HOMEBUYER EDUCATION CLASS (IN PERSON) – SATURDAY APRIL 15TH Now SATURDAY, APRIL 22ND: 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 our next HUD Approved Homebuyer Education class of 2023 for the month of April! 2023 class schedule is up and you can find it here: https://homebuyersroundtable.org/events/list/?tribe-bar-search=education (there is a class every month this year, virtual and online)!

DESCRIPTION: Take the first step to owning a home, and join us in this Home Buyer Education Workshop. This FREE HUD Approved Homebuyer Education workshop takes place in-person at the Villager Mall on Park St, Atrium Entrance (2300 S Park St.) on Saturday, April 22nd from 8:30am-3:30pm! Lunch will be provided.

Any questions contact Maria Davila-Martinez (mdavila-martinez@cityofmadison.com) or by phone at 608-266-6557.

• HUD-Approved Homebuyer Education Class (2-Part Class)(April 22 and 29): This class is offered virtually and in person as a two part series. If you need help registering email cmonsivais@lacasadeesperanza.org.

Your Path to Homeownership is provided by La Casa de Esperanza, a Non-Profit HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency dedicated to assisting individuals and families to increase income, build savings and gain assets. Our focus on financial wellness is supported by the Center’s programs and services which include; home buyer education and counseling, free tax services, employment coaching, financial coaching and access to financial workshops. Our people-centered approach supports our belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to work on their financial wellness.

• Bird & Nature Festival 2023, Sunday, April 23, 2023: The 2023 Bird & Nature Festival is a free, family-friendly event celebrating Madison Bird City, Arbor Day and Earth Day.  See live birds by Open Door Bird Sanctuary and visit nature displays throughout the day.  Plan 30-45 minutes for your visit anytime between 12 and 4 pm, during this ongoing event. 

• Habitat Homebuyer Program Information Meeting, Sunday, April 23, 2023: Learn how you could own an affordable home through Habitat of Humanity of Dane County. Information on how to apply, program requirements and where and what we build. Learn more by going to www.habitatdane.org .

Save the Date!

• Fire OPS 101, Wednesday, May 24th, 2023: Join us for Fire OPS 101 and experience a day in the life of a fire fighter! Fire OPS is a program that allows community leaders and elected officials to experience a day in the life of a firefighter. Y?ou will dress in turnout gear and will participate in realistic scenarios that we face on a day-to-day basis. The scenarios will include fire attack, search and rescue, vehicle extrication, and emergency medical services. 

Announcements

• White House Boosts John Nolen Drive Bridge Reconstruction with $15M Funding : The City of Madison is the latest recipient of a $15 million federal grant to put toward John Nolen Drive Bridge Reconstruction, a generational project with historic funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
• Mayor Visits City-Supported Child Care Center to Celebrate National Community Development Week: Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway will be visiting Reach Dane’s new child care center  on April 11 to celebrate National Community Development Week .

The new center on Latham Drive opened last spring, allowing preschool children to receive a full day of programming that focuses on emotional wellbeing, equality, and autonomy. Reach Dane provides services to 1,000 children, ages 0-5, and is often the last stop for children and families who have very few childcare options.

• Nominations for Diversability’s 4th annual D-30 Disability Impact List are now OPEN!: The D-30 Disability Impact List #D30DisList is a global list honoring 30 disabled individuals who are leaders making a difference in our community.

Eligibility: Anyone who identifies as disabled is eligible to be nominated (including chronic illnesses & mental health conditions), and nominators do not need to identify as disabled. Self-nominations are not accepted to celebrate the spirit of community and interdependence. You are welcome to submit more than one nomination.

Deadline: Nominate a disability leader by Monday, May 15 at 11:59 PM PT

• Public Health Madison & Dane County 2022 Annual Report: The Public Health Madison & Dane County is proud to present their 2022 Annual Report! It gives you a glimpse into our work and key accomplishments throughout the past year.

Common Council Election Results

On April 4, City of Madison residents elected seven new alderpeople* and secured additional terms for 12 incumbents, seven of whom faced challengers. Results for District 14 will not be confirmed until April 7.New alders will be sworn in the morning of April 18. They will participate in their first Common Council meeting later that day at 6:30 p.m.

Also on April 4, a majority of voters said yes to the municipal referendum to stagger alder terms. Alders in even-numbered districts (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20) will be up for election in even-numbered years and alders in odd-numbered districts (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19) will be up for election in odd-numbered years. The 2025 Spring Election shall include one-year terms for alders in even-numbered districts. In subsequent elections, the term for all alders shall be two years.

Sound the Alarm. Save a Life

The American Red Cross is making homes fire resistant through the Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign. At no cost, you can have the Red Cross visit your home and demonstrate some simple changes that will help protect your family against fires including:

• Free smoke alarm installation if no working smoke alarms are present in your home
• Guidance in developing a Family Disaster Plan
• Valuable emergency preparedness tips and information

Visit the Red Cross webpage to learn more and to setup your free appointment.

Stormwater, Parks, Land Use and more at West Area Open House on May 10!

The West Area Plan team will host an Open House on May 10 at Lussier Community Education Center from 6:30-8:00 p.m. 55 S. Gammon Road. Individuals, families and other community members encouraged to drop in to hear short City agency presentations at 6:45 p.m. on projects spanning land use planning, transportation, stormwater management, water quality protection, parks and open space and more. Residents will then have the chance to talk with staff to learn more including how these projects may affect them and how they can be involved. FOOD and INTERPRETATION for SPANISH and ARABIC languages. Visit the West Area Plan webpage to learn more, and to sign up for the email list to receive regular West Area Plan updates.

Please update your Neighborhood Association profile on the City website by April 30

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 update only the information that needs to be changed here. If you have any questions, please send an email to Neighborhoods@cityofmadison.com

Madison Parks Earth Day Challenge

Join Madison Parks for this year’s Earth Day Challenge and volunteer to help clean up your neighborhood park on Saturday, April 22! For more than 20 years, Madison Parks has honored Earth Day by recruiting volunteers for the Earth Day Challenge. This year, Madison Parks is seeking more than 900 volunteers at 60+ parks to assist with trash pickup, raking, weeding, removing sticks, and more. All ages are welcome to participate. Advanced registration is required for anyone 10 years and older. Saturday, April 22, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted. REGISTER ONLINE

Streets Division Updates

• Brush collection has started. Curious how to do it right? Check out our video! You get five curbside pickups opportunities. To learn the dates when you can set out your brush, go to www.cityofmadison.com/BrushCollection.
• Yard waste collection starts for certain residents the week of April 16. We have a video for yard waste pickup, too. To get the dates when you should set out yard waste, go to www.cityofmadison.com/YardWaste.
• Drop-off sites are now on expanded hours. To get the drop-off site hours and locations, go to www.cityofmadison.com/DropOffSites.
• Are you recycling right? How sure are you? 17.6% of what is placed into our recycling carts is trash that should not be in your recycling. You can brush up on your recycling rules by picking up a copy of the Recyclopedia today. They are available from any Madison Public Library, or you can contact the Streets Division to have one mailed to your home.