Stone Meadows Neighborhood Association

Country Grove Park Update

The project is progressing according to schedule and is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. The contractor is completing landscaping work around the courts area, and the courts will be opened for use when work is complete. Work continues on the shelter structure and surrounding area. Landscaping installation around the shelter structure and parking lot will be completed in 2025. 

For more information, please visit the following websites:

• Parks Project Website
• Engineering Project Website
• Engineering Project Flickr Page

Maple Grove Project Neighborhood Meeting, Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 6 p.m.

Livesey Company proposes to construct a new, three-story, mixed-use building on the vacant property at 6702 Mader Drive. The new building would have 2,500 square feet of commercial space and 125 apartments. The apartments would be comprised of 105 studio and one-bedroom units and 20 two-bedroom units. There would be 104 underground parking spaces and 81 surface parking spaces.

A virtual neighborhood meeting to hear more about this proposed project is scheduled for Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 6pm. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone, or tablet or listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at www.cityofmadison.com/MeetingNovember7Mader.

District 7 Lunch and Learn features the Economic Development Division

Join me on Thursday, November 21, at noon to learn more about small business opportunities, business certification, and how to apply for support and access programs through the City of Madison. Staff from the Office of Business Resources will join us.

There will be time for Q&A at the end of the presentations. Attendees can also email their questions in advance to Lorissa Banuelos, Community Engagement Strategist, at lbanuelos@cityofmadison.com. Please include the “November 21 Lunch and Learn” in the subject line. For more information, please get in touch with me by email at district7@cityofmadison.com or by phone at (608) 571-4919.

This Lunch and Learn is virtual via Zoom and free and open to all residents. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone, or tablet or listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering here. Advanced registration is required. 

Meeting and Event Highlights 

Help Name Wisconsin’s First Electric Trash Trucks!Fill out the poll by October 21, 2024, at 4:00pm to help choose names for these trucks.

Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

Note: This is not a complete list of meetings for this upcoming week. All meetings and their details can be found at the Meeting Schedule page.

• Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Monday, October 14, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a briefing on the 2025 Executive Operating Budget.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 15, at 4:30 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include a briefing on the 2025 Executive Operating Budget.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Watch Online
• Economic Development Committee: The Economic Development Committee meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 16, at 5:00 p.m. in Suite 303 of 2352 S Park St. Agenda items include an update on the City of Madison’s Economic Development Plan, as well as a discussion of the 2025 Budget.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
• Transportation Commission: The Transportation Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 16, at 5:00 p.m. in virtual format. Agenda items include the Director’s report, a review of the 2025 Transportation Projects List, and clarifying Transportation Demand Management procedures.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online

If you would like more information about becoming a member of a City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.

Announcements and News Releases

• Road Closures – Commercial Avenue and Highway 30: Starting at 8:00 pm on Tuesday, October 22, Commercial Avenue will be fully closed overnight.  Starting at 12:00 am on Wednesday, October 23, Highway 30 will be fully closed, overnight, to allow the contractor to place the new bridge overpass… [posted October 11, 2024]
• Imagination Center at Reindahl Park Project to Receive $4.25 Million in Flexible Facilities Program Funding: MADISON, WI – Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) announced this week that the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park will receive $4.25 million in grant funding through the DOA’s Flexible Facilities Program (FFP). [posted October 10, 2024]
• Three dozen Madison businesses to take part in new BizReady program: Three dozen local businesses will get an opportunity to receive free training, mentoring, and networking opportunities through the City of Madison’s new BizReady program. [posted October 10, 2024]
• Ballot Buddies Provide Ballot Security: Two poll workers are involved in nearly every process at the polls. Leading up to Election Day, the City Clerk’s Office has two people involved whenever absentee envelopes are handled. When working with ballots, Clerk’s Office personnel always make… [posted October 10, 2024]
• Protect Yourself Against COVID & Flu This Fall with Updated Vaccines: Respiratory virus season is here, and public health officials are urging everyone in the community to get their updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines. [posted October 10, 2024]
• Street Closure – W Washington Avenue: Starting at 9:00 am on Wednesday, October 16th, Integrity Grading & Excavating Inc will close W Washington Avenue to vehicle traffic between Broom Street and Fairchild Street. The closure is needed to pave the road following the reconstruction… [posted October 10, 2024]
• Dane County Residents Log Over 5,000 Car-Free and Car-Light Trips, Making Significant Environmental Impact : In September, Dane County residents and commuters participating in the RoundTrip Smart Trips Challenge logged 5,457 car-free and car-light trips, collectively preventing over 10.3 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. [posted October 9, 2024]
• How Absentees Get Counted: What happens to your absentee ballot once you return it to the Clerk’s Office? First the Clerk’s Office checks that the envelope is sealed and has the voter signature, witness signature, witness name, and witness address. If the certificate on the… [posted October 9, 2024]
• Mayor Rhodes-Conway Releases 2025 Executive Operating Budget: Mayor Sayta Rhodes-Conway released her 2025 Executive Operating Budget, which details her plan to fund the services, programs, and skilled staff that sustain Madison’s high quality of life and keep our economy strong. [posted October 8, 2024]
• Voting as a College Student: As we celebrate National Voter Education Week, the City Clerk’s Office has been answering questions from college students who are preparing to vote in their very first election. As a college student, you may either register to vote at your campus… [posted October 8, 2024]
• Report highlights positive impact SEED grants have had on food access: A new 2024 comprehensive evaluation report from Extension – University of Wisconsin-Madison found the City of Madison’s SEED grant program has been successful in its mission to expand access to healthy food across the City. [posted October 7, 2024]
• City Launches Online Resource Hub in Honor of Digital Inclusion Week October 7-11: MADISON, WI – In honor of Digital Inclusion Week, the City of Madison is launching an online resource hub that is dedicated to connecting residents and City staff with things like workforce skills training, digital devices, Wi-Fi, digital literacy training and more. [posted October 7, 2024]
• Celebrate National Voter Education Week: The Madison City Clerk’s Office encourages voters to celebrate National Voter Education Week, October 7-11.Monday – Register to VoteVerify your voter registration at https://MyVote.wi.gov. If you have moved since you last registered, even if it… [posted October 7, 2024]
• Fire Prevention Week Spotlights Importance of Working Smoke Alarms: The Madison Fire Department joins agencies across the country to celebrate national Fire Prevention Week. The occasion raises awareness about the most important ways to protect yourself and your household from fire-related injuries or death. [posted October 7, 2024]

Events

• Learn to Fall Safely, Monday, October 14 (this event occurs on multiple dates): SAFELY Learn to fall safely and to get backup without injury. Falls are a leading cause of death for older adults in Wisconsin. We will use thick “crash mats” for practicing .Classes are progressive. Attending all 4 classes recommended. Class meets at Madison Circus Space, but registration is through the Madison Senior Center. Scholarships available. Call 608-266-6581 to register.
• Last day to register to vote online or via mail, Wednesday, October 16: After today, here are your options for registering to vote:…
• D19 Exploring the 2025 Budget Series – Session 3: Diving into Cut Scenarios and the Impact of Cuts (VIRTUAL), Wednesday, October 16: This session will feature a deeper dive into cut scenarios and the impact of cuts. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone, or tablet or listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at www.cityofmadison.com/MeetingOctober16Budget. This session will feature a deeper dive into cut scenarios and the impact of cuts. Spanish and Mandarin interpretation will be available at this virtual meeting.
• Bottom Dollars Screening and Discussion, Thursday, October 17: Bottom Dollars takes us into this world and informs us of these practices against disabled workers. View the film, have some popcorn, and stick around afterwards for a moderated discussion.
• District 6: Budget Outlook for 2025, Thursday, October 17: Join Alder Marsha Rummel of District 6 for an overview of the 2025 Capital and Operating Budget, including impacts for District 6/Downtown/near Eastside. At the end of the presentations, constituents can ask questions during a Q&A session.
• Energy Resource Fair, Friday, October 18: MGE will provide energy saving tips and a chance to win a SMART Thermostat, Energy Services will be on site to assist with Energy Assistance qualifications, and Project Home will discuss our Weatherization program and how they can improve health, safety and save energy in your home.
• Hayrides & Hikes, Saturday, October 19: Tour Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park – North Unit aboard a tractor-pulled hay wagon, enjoy nature activities, take a self-guided hike, participate in the scavenger hunt or do it all! Plus enjoy free hot cider, a campfire, and marshmallows to roast on the fire.

For the full list of upcoming events, please visit the City events calendar. 

Absentee Ballots and Voter Registration

Absentee ballots for the November 5 General Election have been sent to 25,655 City of Madison absentee voters with requests on file. The goal of the City Clerk’s Office is that each eligible voter will be able to cast a ballot and have that ballot counted. To learn more click  HERE.

Register to vote at any Madison Public Library. If you have a Wisconsin ID and your address is up-to-date with the DMV, you can also register online.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is Looking for Community Feedback

The Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has released its draft  2024-2028 Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan. The federally required plan outlines strategies to meet the transportation needs of older adults, individuals with disabilities and people with low incomes in the Greater Madison region and Dane County. Community members are encouraged to review the draft plan and provide feedback by Friday, October 18, 2024.

How to submit feedback:

1. Email: Send your comments to Ben Lyman, Transportation Planner, at  blyman@cityofmadison.com.
2. Mail: Address your written feedback to Greater Madison MPO, 100 State St. Ste. 400, Madison, WI 53703.

Jeffrey Clay Erlanger Civility in Public Discourse 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, a lifelong quadriplegic due to complications from a spinal tumor discovered in infancy, died on June 10, 2007. He 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.

Jeff served on the City of Madison’s Economic Development Commission; he was chair of the Commission on People with Disabilities; chair of the Board of Directors of the Community Living Alliance; and ran for the Madison Common Council in 2002. He also held a number of other significant positions in the community. One of his greatest accomplishments was his successful push for the accessible taxicab service in Madison today. He was honored last year when an accessible playground was named in his memory at Rennebohm Park on Madison’s Westside.

To learn more about this award and its criteria click  HERE. Submissions are due November 1, 2024.

Flock to State – State Street Pedestrian Mall Experiment ends October 30th

If you haven’t visited State Street as part of this year’s State Street Pedestrian Mall experiment yet, you have about one month left to #FlockToState. The experiment, which began in May and closed the 400-600 blocks of State Street to all non-emergency vehicle traffic to allow pedestrians and people on bikes to use the street space freely, will officially end on Wednesday, October 30.

Thurber Artist in Residence Chosen

The Madison Arts Commission and the Bubbler at Madison Public Library are pleased to announce Jennifer Bastian as the 2024 Thurber Park Artist-in-Residence. The Madison Arts Commission and the Bubbler at Madison Public Library launched the Thurber Park Artist Residency in 2019. The residency is based out of a dedicated art studio at Thurber Park, located at 3325 Thurber Avenue. The Artist-in-Residence has access to a rent-free studio space for 11 months and receives a stipend. Additionally, the artist has the opportunity to create a piece of outdoor public artwork for consideration by the City of Madison. The Artist-in-Residence works closely with the Bubbler at Madison Public Library to engage the local community through open studio days, community workshops, or other strategies determined by the artist and residency administrators. To learn more click HERE.

Streets Division Updates

• Fall Leaf Collection Starts Week of October 6:  Every neighborhood gets 3 set out chances.  Set out dates vary by neighborhood.  Get yours at  www.cityofmadison.com/YardWaste.
• Brush Collection Over for 2024: Brush collection has concluded for 2024.  There will be no more scheduled brush collections until the spring of 2025.  Take your brush to a drop-off site instead.  Drop-off site information can be found at  www.cityofmadison.com/DropOffSites.
• Vote for your Electric Truck Names: The election is open to choose the names of Wisconsin’s first electric collection trucks.  The election is being hosted by the non-profit  Wisconsin Clean Cities.  You have until October 21 to vote, and feel free to share with your friends and family.  Everyone can vote.
• Are You Recycling Right?: Be sure you are putting the correct materials in your recycling cart. Check the Streets Division’s recycling page to be sure you are only putting the correct plastic containers, glass bottles & jars, metal cans, and paper products into the green carts. Details are available at  www.cityofmadison.com/Recycling.
• Mammoth Food Scraps News:  We did it!  We set a goal of composting 22,000 pounds of food scraps this year, which is the weight of two adult mammoths.  And not only did we hit that goal, we stampeded past it.  We’re at 24,000 pounds and counting.  The market sites are running out of time for the year, so if you want to bring your scraps there’s still time.  Details can be found at  www.cityofmadison.com/FoodScraps. 

Good morning neighbors,

Metro Transit launches its first ever bus rapid transit route today. Metro’s Rapid Route A will offer 15-minute service Monday through Friday until 8:00 PM and until 7:00 PM on Saturdays. Thirty-minute service will be available on Sundays and holidays. Bus Rapid Transit Launches Today

• Common Council: The Common Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 6:30 PM in hybrid format. Agenda items include applying for a zero-interest loan to assist in the remediation of contaminated soil at the Huxley Yards property, as well as honoring resolutions for Week Without Driving and Hispanic Heritage Month.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online

Events

Please visit the City events calendar for the full list of upcoming events.

• Metro Transit – Fast Fare Pick Up (Alicia Ashman Library) – Tuesday, September 24, 2024: Pick up a Fast Fare card and get help from the City of Madison staff. To learn more about Fast Fares, please visit the Fast Fares webpage.
• Health Resource Fair – Tuesday, September 24, 2024: This annual event coincides with National Senior Center Month and reinforces the 2024 theme of “Powering Connections.” Over 30 agencies will be on hand to share information and resources. The event will wrap up with lunch and a presentation on Genetic Counseling: Why it is Important for Older Adults. Registration is required to receive lunch.

Announcements

• Secure Ballot Drop Boxes Now Open: The City of Madison’s secure ballot drop boxes are now open for the November 5 General Election. The boxes provide a secure way for City of Madison absentee voters to return their ballots to the City Clerk’s Office.
• Dane County Mayors Urge State to Fund Local Governments: Dane County’s seven Mayors met this week in Sun Prairie to discuss how to work together on a host of local issues – including reforms to state laws that artificially restrict local governments’ ability to meet the needs of their residents.
• Absentee Ballots are in the Mail: Absentee ballots for the November 5 General Election have been sent to 25,655 City of Madison absentee voters with requests on file.
• How to Vote Absentee by Mail: The City Clerk’s Office is beginning to mail out absentee ballots. If you’d like to vote by mail, here’s the easiest way to request your ballot.
• Greater Madison MPO Seeks Community Input on Draft Coordinated Plan: The Greater Madison MPO released its draft 2024-2028 Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan, the Greater Madison area’s transportation plan for older adults, people with disabilities, and people with low incomes.
• City of Madison celebrates groundbreaking for Theresa Terrace townhomes: The City of Madison is taking steps to address the shortage of “Missing Middle” housing, starting with one of its own properties.
• Madison Adds Electric Collection Trucks to its Fleet: The City of Madison Streets Division will be the first community in Wisconsin with an all-electric trash collection truck.

Electric Trash Trucks!

This isn’t recycling news, but it’s pretty buzzworthy just the same (har-har, I know).

The City of Madison unveiled two new electric collection trucks, and of course we’re going to name them.

These are the first electric trash trucks in Wisconsin, so it’s a big deal.  So they should have names befitting this momentous occasion. So something pretty cool and dignified like Stanislas Trashinski or something, I don’t know.   And, yes, Trashy McTrashface is already on the list of name suggestions.

Please submit your suggestions to dropoff@cityofmadison.com.  You have until 4:00pm on October 1, 2024.

After all of the names have been gathered, they will be winnowed down to set of finalists and we will have an election that will be hosted by Wisconsin Clean Cities.

20,000 Pounds (and Growing!)

Counting this past Saturday’s collection at the Westside Community Market (9/14), we have now collected 20,255.7 pounds of food scraps for composting so far this year.

That puts as less than a ton away from our goal of 22,000 pounds, which is roughly the weight of two adult mammoths.

This also puts us about 2,000 pounds over the amount of food scraps we collected during all of last year.

Madison!  Take a bow!

You are doing great. Keep it up.  We are so close to our goal of two mammoths, we can’t let up now. I think we might even hit our goal this week.

I wonder just how far beyond our goal we may actually get to by the end of the market season.  And it’s all because of your enthusiasm and participation.

Speaking of the end of the market…

Westside Community Market Food Scrap Drop-off Extended until November 2

Sustain Dane received a grant that will allow them to extend this market drop-off until November 2.

Sustain Dane is the organization that staffs the farmers’ market collection sites for the Streets Division. Funding that Streets was able to provide for the market this year allowed collection to run until October 5. But since Sustain Dane received this grant on their own, it’s going to go until November 2 instead.  Great news!

More details about our food scraps drop-off program can be found at www.cityofmadison.com/FoodScraps.

New Streets Division Website Coming Soon!

I don’t have an exact launch date yet, so no reason to mark your calendars, but it has been a project we have been plugging away at for several weeks here at Streets.

All of your old shortcuts should still work on the new site. Things will be in new places, though. Hopefully you’ll find the new version easier to use on mobile devices, and a little easier to have some of your recycling questions answered.

There are some other new features to the site we are excited to unveil when the time comes, so stay tuned.

Brush Collection Winding Down, Yard Waste Collection Starting Up

Brush collection for the year is winding down.  If you are unsure if you should or should not place brush out for collection, go to www.cityofmadison.com/BrushCollection.  Put your address into the form on that site and you will see the set out dates for your home.

Leaf and yard waste collection begins in October, which is rapidly approaching.  The dates when you can set those out for pickup are available on the yard waste collection website, www.cityofmadison.com/YardWaste.

New Mailing List for Trash & Recycling Schedule Updates

We recently started a new mailing list for trash and recycling collection schedule changes. You can sign up to get on this mailing list here: https://www.cityofmadison.com/contact/email-lists

Most of the time, the only thing that disrupts collection of trash and recycling are holidays. However, snowstorms have been disruptive to our collections lately as well.

We will begin using this schedule update email list to let people know of these routine holiday disruptions, but also of any unplanned weather-related delays that may come up.

Large Item Collection Changes in 2025

I’m sure many of you have seen the news that in 2025 we will stop providing large item collection for properties that have more than 8 units.

This is a big change, and requires more explanation that this space allows.  We do have more information about this change on our website.  You can find that extra detail here.

And finally…

That’s it for now.  If you’re coming out to the Trucks and Treasures event this coming up weekend you’ll be able to see the electric trash trucks up close.

Other than that, thank you for your time and attention.

Bryan Johnson

Recycling Coordinator

Alder Nasra Wehelie is excited to resume her monthly Lunch and Learns starting Thursday, September 19, from 12 – 1 p.m. This Lunch and Learn will feature staff from the Community Development Division (CDD), who will discuss how the 2025 budget deficit might affect the organizations the City of Madison supports.

This session will be led by Alder Nasra Wehelie, who will be joined by Community Development Division Director, James O’Keefe and Community Resources Manager Yolanda Shelton-Morris. CDD staff will provide an overview of how the Community Development Division allocated funds to community organizations that provide services and resources that the Common Council has identified as priorities.

Priorities include:

• Older Adult Resources
• Child and Youth Programming
• Neighborhood Centers
• Employment Training & Career Development
• Crisis Intervention & Prevention

This event is virtual via Zoom, and free and open to the public. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone, or tablet or listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at www.cityofmadison.com/LunchandLearnD7.

Event Details

• Title: D7 Lunch and Learn featuring the Community Development Division
• Date:  Thursday, September, 19
• Time:  12 – 1 PM
• Location:  Virtual Via Zoom
• Registration:  Please register in advance at www.cityofmadison.com/LunchandLearnD7

For more information, please contact Alder Nasra Wehelie by email district7@cityofmadison.com or by phone (608) 571-4919. Residents can also contact the Common Council Office, by email council@cityofmadison.com, or by phone (608) 266-4071.

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About the Madison Common Council

The Common Council’s mission is to represent the residents of Madison by promoting the safety, health, and general well-being of the community, by incorporating the following city core values: Equity, Civic Engagement, Well-Being, Shared Prosperity, and Stewardship. For additional information about the Madison Common Council, please visit: www.cityofmadison.com/council.

A researcher from UW Madison reached out to ask us to share the following survey on flooding.

You are invited to participate in a study by The Water Systems and Society research group at UW-Madison! Our study is focused on learning about flooding across neighborhoods in Madison, WI, with special interest in understanding the experiences of socially vulnerable communities. We invite all 18+ year old residents of Madison to participate. You will be asked to complete a survey to help us learn more about flooding and water management in your neighborhood. You may also elect to participate in an interview for us to learn more about flooding in your neighborhood and your personal experiences. If you choose to participate, you are eligible to receive a summary of research findings if interested. Email the research team to ask how.

Click here to access the survey.

https://tinyurl.com/2p873thn

Thank you for your interest and participation!

Please contact Marian Azeem-Angel at (azeemangel@wisc.edu) or the Principal Investigator Paul Block at (paul.block@wisc.edu) with questions about this study.

A virtual neighborhood meeting to hear about 210-Unit proposal is scheduled for Wednesday September 4, at 6:30 PM.

DSI Real Estate is working with the City to set up a discussion of the development plans for the first multifamily project within the Midpoint Meadows Neighborhood. This approximately 210-unit project is consistent with the adopted plans and will feature a range of market-rate units set within six buildings, served by a clubhouse with amenity features. The project is slated for formal review this fall, with construction starting late spring next year. 

A virtual neighborhood meeting to hear more about this proposal is scheduled for Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 6:30 PM. You can join the virtual meeting using your computer, smartphone, or tablet or listen in via telephone. You will receive login information after registering at www.cityofmadison.com/MeetingSeptember4Midpoint. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

West Area Plan: The Plan Commission will take up the West Area Plan on Monday, August 26. This is the last step before it heads to the Common Council on September 10. The Transportation Commission, Landmarks Commission, and Urban Design Commission have recommended minor amendments. The Plan Commission will consider these and Plan Commissioners could recommend other changes.

Resurfacing – Maple Grove Road, Putnam Road and Stratford Drive

August 13 Payne and Dolan started reconstructing the asphalt surface on Maple Grove Road from McKee Road to Putnam Road.  Contractors will be working from Chester Drive to McKee Road during the project and will maintain one…

Boards, Commissions, and Committee Meetings

Note: This is not a complete list of meetings for this upcoming week. All meetings and their details can be found at the Meeting Schedule page.

Note: This is not a complete list of meetings for this upcoming week. All meetings and their details can be found at the Meeting Schedule page.

• Finance Committee: The Finance Committee meeting will take place on Monday, August 26, in virtual format at 4:30 p.m. Agenda items include amending the 2024 Resource Recovery Special Charge, as well as accepting a donation of Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and educational posters for overdose prevention.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Plan Commission: The Plan Commission meeting will take place on Monday, August 26, in virtual format at 5:30 p.m. Agenda items include approving housing recommendations that serve to strengthen efforts to expand rental, homeowner and student developments that were prepared by the Housing Strategy Committee, as well as adopting the Northeast Area Plan and the West Area Plan.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Water Utility Board: The Water Utility Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 27, in virtual format at 4:30 p.m. Agenda items include 2025 Capital and Operating Budget requests, as well as PFAS settlements.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online
• Board of Public Works: The Board of Public Works meeting will take place on Wednesday, August 28, in virtual format at 4:30 p.m. Agenda items include establishing soil infiltration design standards.
  • Meeting Details
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Register for Public Comment
  • Watch Online

If you would like more information about becoming a member of a City board, commission, or committee, please visit the page linked here.

Announcements and News Releases

• Navigating Madison’s New Bus-Only Lanes : As the city prepares for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to launch on September 22, the Madison Department of Transportation wants to make sure drivers understand how to navigate new dedicated bus lanes. Indicated by segments of red pavement, “… [posted August 22, 2024]
• Statement from Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway on the Referendum Resolution: The approval of a referendum in November is the only budgetary path in 2025 that protects our values as a community, while we work to address the chronic underfunding of local governments at the state level. [posted August 20, 2024]
• Madison Public Libraries Will Be Closed for Labor Day, Sunday Hours Return, and More: All library locations will be closed to in-person service on Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day. Libraries will reopen on Tuesday, September 3 with regular hours. [posted August 19, 2024]
• Bus Rapid Transit to Launch on September 22 : Metro Transit’s East-West bus rapid transit line is scheduled to start on September 22. [posted August 19, 2024]

Events

• Imagination Center Update: Town Hall to Inform, Educate, Advocate, Tuesday, August 27: Join us for a Town Hall led by Alder Sabrina Madison and the Sandburg Area Neighborhood Association to discuss the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park. Get informed about the current budget threats, educate yourself on the library’s benefits, ask questions, and learn how to advocate effectively to support this important community resource.
• Capitol View Farmers’ Market, Wednesday, August 28: The Capitol View Farmers’ Market is held weekly on Wednesdays (3:00-7:00pm) from late May through mid-October. Join us each week for great local vendors, live music, food carts, and special activities from week to week. Visit our website and follow us on social media for the most up-to-date information and schedules!

August 2024

Here’s an overview of some of the things we’ve been working on at Public Health Madison & Dane County since our last newsletter.  For the best reading experience, we recommend clicking the link at the top of this email that says, View this email in your browser.

Partnering to Provide School-Age Vaccinations Once again, we’re partnering with SSM Health, GHC, UW-Health, and Madison Metropolitan School District to provide school-age vaccinations at schools this fall. It’s a great opportunity to help families get the shots that are required for school attendance, including meningitis, which is now required (see page 2 for schedule). With a pertussis outbreak in Dane County, COVID on the rise all summer, and flu season starting in fall, we’ll be able to get kids up to date on all the vaccines they’re due for, helping them stay healthy and in the classroom!

New Initiatives to Improve Beach Testing This Summer This summer, staff in our laboratory implemented two new innovations to improve our beach water quality testing. We used a new rapid testing system that detects bacteria in water samples within 2 to 4 hours, compared to the usual method that provides results in 18 hours. This allowed us to re-open beaches much faster after a closure, leading to more beach days.  We also piloted a system that helped us pre-emptively close certain beaches known to have high levels of bacteria in the water after heavy rains. The new system helped us shift to a proactive, rather than reactive mode of waiting for test results, allowing us to close unsafe beaches sooner to protect health and safety!  During the summer, our beach conditions webpage is one of our most visited pages, showing how valuable beach water quality testing is to our community. We’ll be analyzing the success of these initiatives over the winter to determine if we’ll implement them again next year.

Environmental Scan of Hemp Products in Stores Completed Did you know 1 in 3 teens have tried cannabis by the 12th grade? The teenage brain is still developing and continues to develop until about age 25. Using cannabis during this time may harm the developing brain, causing difficulty thinking and problem-solving, difficulty maintaining attention, and more. It can also increase a teen’s risk of mental health issues and potential for addiction. While medicinal and recreational cannabis are illegal in Wisconsin, hemp derivatives that contain low levels of delta-9 tetra-hydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, are legal. They’re unregulated, and there is no age restriction to buying them. We recently completed an environmental scan of 68 stores throughout Dane County to assess the products being sold and their availability. We visited smoke & vape shops, gas stations, wellness stores, and more to look at things like external signage, flavors and packaging, signs about checking IDs, where products were positioned, and to chat with clerks. Some of what we saw has major implications for youth. Here are just a few of our findings: we found a total of 30 distinct cannabinoids in various products in teen-friendly flavors; candy-like edibles were available in almost every store; excluding THC beverages, 28% of stores had some self-serve component.  In response to these findings, we’ll be doing community outreach on best use practices for those who use the products, and policy best practices for stores who sell the products.

Meet Our Board of Health Our Board of Health, including its newest member Leslie Seltzer, provides oversight and guidance for our department and is recognized by both the City of Madison and Dane County governing bodies. The Board’s work focuses on: Providing policy, financial, and contractual oversight Reviewing and recommending public health policies and regulations Assuring that state and local public health laws and regulations are enforced Recommending community public health priorities Our Board is made up of a County Board Supervisor, a Common Council member, three Dane County residents, and three City of Madison residents. You can learn about them on our Board of Health page, where you’ll also find agendas and meeting minutes, and statements and resolutions they’ve created.

Summer Outreach We had another great summer spreading the word about health and safety and providing support to community organizations at festivals and events around Dane County! We engaged with lots of community members to educate them about a wide range of topics, from PFAS, communicable diseases, and the higher prevalence of ticks this year, to our services they may be eligible for, like sexually transmitted infection screening & birth control, breast & cervical cancer screenings, pregnancy nurse home visits, syringe services, and WIC benefits. Here are a few pictures of our staff in action!

Stay Connected! We’re so happy to have you on our list to get The Pulse! Click the blue bar below to see what other communications you want to get from us, including funding and grant opportunities. To stay up to date on our work throughout the year, subscribe to our news releases, newsletters, and blog – Link below!

Sign Up For Public Health News Releases, Newsletters, and Blog

• Public Comment on Referendum Resolution Scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, 2024: The Madison Common Council is encouraging residents to submit public testimony on an important resolution affecting the City budget at its next meeting.
• Watch Online
• Attend In Person or Virtually
• Register for Public Comment
• Provide Comments before a Meeting

Events

• Hospitalized Voting Begins – Tuesday, August 6, 2024: Beginning Tuesday, August 6, 2024, voters who are hospitalized can appoint an agent to:
  • Bring their absentee request to the City Clerk’s Office
  • Deliver their absentee ballot from the Clerk’s Office to the hospital
  • Return their voted ballot to the Clerk’s Office…
• Lunch Time LIVE! (Marcus Porter) – Tuesday, August 6, 2024: Madison’s Central Business Improvement District is proud to bring back the perennial summer favorite. Grab a friend and a blanket and find a spot on the Capitol lawn near King St.
• Madison Night Market – Thursday, August 8, 2024: Madison Night Market is a celebration of Madison’s unique and inspiring creative culture. Vendors showcase handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, prepackaged foods, and fresh produce. The event includes live music, artists, special visiting food carts, and pop-up restaurant experiences.
• Capitol City Band Concert in the Park – Thursday, July 18, 2024: Old-fashioned free concerts by the Capitol City Band with toe-tapping familiar music for all ages and all cultures. Bring a friend, bring your chairs; enjoy the music on a beautiful summer evening; rain or shine!
• Dane Dances: Luisito Rosario / V05 – Friday, August 9, 2024: Food and cocktails are available for purchase at 4:30 PM. Lake Vista Café will be open for your enjoyment along with La Taguara,  Melly Mells Catering, and Kipps Kitchen. Visa and MasterCard accepted. Feel free to bring a blanket, chair, and picnic basket Sorry, carry-in alcohol is prohibited. Seating on the rooftop is limited.
• Bird & Nature Adventures (Owen Conservation Park) – Saturday, August 10, 2024: Join Naturalists Bethney Gunderson and Sylvia Marek for a free fun family friendly guided tour or take a healthy nature walk on your own any day in August on easy hiking paths at Owen Park
• Ride the Drive 2024 – Sunday, August 11, 2024: It’s thousands of happy healthy people coming together to experience parks and open streets in a single, one-day, free, community event. Since the inaugural Ride the Drive in 2009, this event continues to celebrate Madison’s commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle focusing on the environmental and economic impacts and the importance of social integration.

Announcements

• Bicycling Survey: UW students are looking to learn more about your experiences and opinions on cycling in Madison! This survey will help students understand the Madison cycling community and help direct policy and planning. You can take the survey by clicking here.
• City of Madison Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes Updated Ahead of Primary: Madison’s 14 absentee ballot drop boxes are getting an updated look ahead of the Tuesday, August 13, 2024, primary election.