These aren’t as long at the first two, or as long as 11 . . . the dreaded Edgewater!
AMENDMENT THREE
Agency/Project: Engineering – Major Streets / No. 39 – Outer Capitol Loop North
Page(s): 76
Sponsors: Alds. Verveer, ManiaciExpand project to include Dayton Street from Wisconsin to State, and Carroll Street from State to Johnson ($1,000,000). Adjust funding provided in Board of Estimates Adopted Amendment #6 to recognize additional resources from TID #23 cash ($75,000), TID #32 cash ($1,060,000), and special assessments ($350,000). Recognize resulting net decrease in General Obligation Debt ($485,000).
General Obligation Debt $(485,000)
Other Funding (TID #23 cash) $75,000
Other Funding (TID #32 cash) $1,060,000
Other Funding (special assessments) $350,000
Total: $1,000,000
Levy Impact: (62,810)
Mike Verveer says this is straightforward, it does two things, it expands reconstruction project Board of Estimates adopted in the Capital Budget for outer ring of the Capital Square, for one quarter of square from East Washinginton to State St. The additional four blocks are paid for with TIF and special assessments. The 2nd thing it does is with help of city engineering, it improves financially the amount it will cost, cost estimate came down, more TIF money and special assessments are now recognized, so as you can see, there is a net negative impact on the levy, the project is long overdue, the outer ring is horrific at best, pedestrian improvements will be good, there will be a traffic signal at Webster. It helps 1000s of families that go to the Children’s Museum and are risking their lives to get there.
Jed Sanborn says it looks like it is negative on the levy (62810), but this is TIF money, it affects what the city gets when we close the district, that is the whole point of TIF, to make initial investments, to get greater tax base, this $1,060,000 is every bit as real as anything else we do. It like the operations of snow plowing or police, the problem is that a project like this is the normal capital budget process, when we shift funding to TIF, it gives the impression free money, we are more likely to do it, there should be the same vetting process as any other project, when we say we save money on levy, we are kidding ourselves and we should face that.
Amendment passes on a voice vote, with a few audible no’s.
AMENDMENT FOUR
Agency/Project: Parks / No. 30 – Central Park – Land for Track Realignment
Page(s): 108
Sponsors: Alds. Sanborn, Pham-Remmele, ComptonRemove Project #30 “Central Park – Land for Track Realignment” from the Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Program.
G.O. Debt ($2,220,171 TID #36 reimbursable) $(2,238,765)
Levy Impact: (289,930)
Jed Sanborn says this is the one that would be noticed by the most people if we don’t do it, the project should be cancelled or delayed, last year he spoke about the capital budget and borrowing and the long term implications, this year we got very fortunate, we refinance and our new borrowing was at historically low rates, we saw greater than 5% increase in state aids, $1.8M and putting off some borrowing cuz not ready to go like the library or TIF for Edgewater, we are still planning on doing those projects. He wants to reiterate that amount of borrowing we are doing an impact on future budgets , even with fortunate circumstances and cuts in positions, still raising taxes at least 5% and who knows after tonight and tomorrow what it will be. He understands why we want the park, sure will be nice – library will be too if you want cut that, there is $2.2 million for rail road track in the area where we have other parks likes James Madison Park and Tenney, its not lacking for parks, this is just something that people would like to see, it’s not greatly needed, he offered it in light of our budget, we should view our budget in terms of state, federal, county and school level budgets and our goal should be that the City of Madison is the one bastion of budgetary responsibility, it’s a sacrifice, but not essential, people who don’t live downtown and on the Isthmus.
Marsha Rummel says this looks like low hanging fruit with Walker, and the possibility of no High Speed Rail, we will never borrow for this, pass this because it will impact the neighborhood, there are opportunities for art, to build on the employment area, when she was on the Central Park Committee, we turned away from moving the rail, that just seemed crazy and I remember that we have this once in a lifetime opportunity, we have the opportunity to have a real incredible space, arts, neighborhood live/work, people do notice, people come from all over city for festivals. The Tuesday farmers market and Fete de Marquette will come back to the park, please oppose the cut.
Julia Kerr says thanks to Sanborn, you’ve grown on me, kind of like Alder Bruer, but not as much, really seriously, she appreciates his diligence, she would support some cuts, this is not one, she lives in part of city that benefited greatly from people who had foresight with parks. She would like you to imagine the city without Vilas, James Madison Park and Brittingham and Penn Park and Tenney, they were made by people who founded the city for the benefit of future generations, they are important to the quality of life. She sees investment in Central Park as the same thing, we can give to future generations, and will improve city for years to come. Should think big about big changes to make it a better place.
Thuy Pham-Remmele says she tries to stay positive, its hard not to be depressed, talk about quality of life, its declining in her area, you talk about the Fete de Marquette, but we have families that cannot go out at night, this is not fabricated, last few days there were many incidents in the district, she fears very much that they are losing the people that really would make the community strong and together, the time is now, the people are here, its good to have a vision, good to invest in future, question is for whom are you taking care of, asks for all amendments she cosponsored she wants to be recorded as voting for them, she will remain positive and hope for changes, good families and good schools and good people are what make a great community, not the park or train station or train or trolley or material, and if we can stop people from being depressed and feeling like they are not listened to or cared for that is very scary, you may not believe me, for last few weeks, she got so many angry notes, she is so frustrated, she wishes she could make them feel better about city hall, this mayor, the council and how we serve people we promised to serve.
Joe Claussius supports Rummel, he has been on the committee for four years, it is so close to finally having something to move ahead with, he can’t support this any more than number 5 which is next, he says on track realignment, there may be high speed rail money, frankly if reject this now, what message are we sending as a city for people supporting the high speed rail, he wants them to think about that a bit.
Amendment fails on a overwhelming no vote, Pham-Remmele asks to be recorded as voting no.
AMENDMENT FIVE
Agency/Project: Parks / No. 31 – Central Park – Brearly Square SI32 Parks – Citywide Parkland Fee
Page(s): 109, 181
Sponsors: Alds. Sanborn, Pham-Remmele, ComptonRemove Project #31 “Central Park – Brearly Square” from the Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Program.
G.O. Debt ($836,040 TID #36 reimbursable) $(1,466,040)$
Other Funding (Impact Fees) (450,000)
Total: $(1,916,040)
Levy Impact: ($189,859)
Sanborn moves to place on file. That passes unanimously on a voice vote.
AMENDMENT SIX
Agency/Project: Parks / Street Trees in TIDs (New)
Page(s): 109
Sponsors: Alds. Verveer, Maniaci, RummelThis project would replace street trees in four tax incremental financing districts. A total of $17,000 is provided for TIDs #23 ($2,000), #25 ($5,000), #32 ($5,000) and #36 ($5,000). The funding would be for large caliper trees that are less prone to damage and vandalism. Funding is from TID cash.
General Obligation Debt $0
Other Funding (TID cash) $17,000
Total: 17,000
Levy Impact: $0
Mike Verveer, says this is the same amendment as last year, they will use TIF money to plant trees, he knows Sanborn is not supportive, hopes you will go along like last year, he has seen benefit of allowing forestry to plant the trees, forestry has scarce resources in replacement tree budget, every dollar we spend in TIF districts, means one more to be spent in rest of city, so though narrative talks about specific TIF districts. The reality is it will clear up resources in forestry scarce budget.
Amendment passes on a voice vote with a few nos.
AMENDMENT SEVEN
Agency/Project: Parks / Brittingham Boathouse (Reauthorization)
Page(s): 109
Sponsors: Alds. Verveer, Bidar-Sielaff, Clear, Solomon, KerrThis project reauthorizes a project for construction of restrooms and a drinking fountain at the Brittingham Boathouse. Funding of up to $60,000 in Parks impact fees from the Vilas-Brittingham Impact Fee District will be matched on a one-to-one basis by private donations.
General Obligation Debt $0
Other Funding (impact fees and donations) $120,000
Total: 120,000
Levy Impact: $0
Verveer says this is a reauthorization of money, this is a minor renovation given what has been one on oldest landmark the city owns, it’s the restrooms. Camp Randall Rowing Club did good job, this reauthorizes the 50/50 match of private donations, through park impact fees, project just couldn’t get done in 2010, city staff says this is now a priority and going out to bid early in 2011, but amendment is a necessity to continue in 2011.
Amendment passes on a voice vote. Pham-Remmele asks to be recorded as a no.
RECESS
They’ve been going for 3.5 hours and the council wants a recess, the Mayor looks annoyed and says they are doing so well, the council insists on a break and the mayor tells them to be back at 9:00 and he did not let the recess drag on like usual, but got them back almost on time.
AMENDMENT EIGHT
Agency/Project: Parks / Warner Park Master Planning (New)
Page(s): 109
Sponsors: Alds. Rhodes-Conway, VerveerCreate a new project for Warner Park master planning. This project will encompass both information gathering and planning.
General Obligation Debt $100,000
Levy Impact: $12,950
Satya Rhoes-Conway talks about all the uses in the park, she was talking really fast and I didn’t catch it all, but she talked about how a master plan would be beneficial, she lists all kinds of ideas, there is a long list of things she has been approached about, but they can’t make decisions as single decision, it impacts too many other things, they need a conversation about the entire park and uses and needs, she envisions a robust process in two phases, the first is to get significant info gathered, on the ecology and use and then real robust public input process with immediate neighbors and users from farther away, it is an expenditure, levy impact in debt service, but really needed for Warner park, she dreads another year or two or more not making decisions cuz don’t know about the rest of the park, its too important to north side, city and region, thinks we do it and city and region a disservice if not plan for its future.
Larry Palm asks about staff capacity to handle this project?
Someone says they will hire consultants.
Palm says still staff does planning processes, what is current project, he has a 2010 parks planning process and its November and its not started, what is capacity and what else won’t get done.
Kevin Briski, Parks Superintendent says he discussed this with the alder, she is correct, they will consult the work out, in two phases, first is a survey and input gathering and second is a systematic comprehensive master plan. With regard to staff capacity, we are managing our projects, yours is moving forward soon, it did help, we did a systematic review, asked for a position, person hired for 6 months now, feel comfortable with staffing level and service loads, and they strive to address and work through each CIP project in its year, he has heard complaints about it in the past.
Palm asks what his timeline is on this, the park used all year, they may get different responses at different time of the year.
Briski says that discussed that, there is a 2 year process on this, two steps, one with input, survey, gathering and then comprehensive master plan.
Palm asks if this is funding for both years?
Briski says yes.
Palm asks if there will be a carry over.
Briski says yes.
Mark Clear asks Brasser about if this belongs in the capital budget as opposed to operating budget?
Brasser says planning is an operating activity, but it does qualify for TIF funding so we will see it in a TIF district and its the type of thing we have put in both budgets, we have a planning department that does a lot of plans in operating, we are hiring a consultant which is more project oriented, there is no clear legal or accounting definition to demand one or the other, conservatively, its operating, in this one we’re borrowing.
Amendment passes on a voice vote, with maybe only Jed voting no.
AMENDMENT NINE
Agency/Project: Streets / Additional Equipment (New)
Page(s): 114
Sponsors: Alds. Schmidt, Bidar-Sielaff, Rummel, Verveer, Rhodes-ConwayThe Operating Budget as amended adds 1 Lead Worker and 3 Street Machine Operator 2s to the Streets Division effective September 1, 2011. Tasks will include clearing prioritized bus stops after all snow falls. High priority stops (to be determined) would be cleared within 3 days (not 5-6 days as noted in the operating amendment) and all stops cleared within 7-10 days except following major snows greater than 8″ or back-to-back snowfalls. Crews will be responsible for maintaining bus stops at all times except for major snow events when plowing of all City streets is required. Crews will remain assigned to bus stop clearing even during salt spreading snow events (snows of less than 3”). During the rest of the year the crews will be assigned to duties such as stump removal, curb repair, more consistent maintenance of City bike paths, additional brush or leaf collection capacity in the fall, and more. There is a stump removal backlog and with the impending Emerald Ash Borer invasion, Streets will need additional capacity to deal with the City’s ash trees. This Capital Budget amendment of $101,000 is needed to fund 2 additional “ToolCats” for use in the bus stop clearing as well as the other tasks. Tool Cats are better for leaf collection than most of the equipment used today.
Note: The intent of the language above is to clarify the goals of the new program. The operating budget amendment as proposed included funding for 8 new workers, who would clear high priority stops in 3 days and all stops within 5 days. The operating amendment as adopted contained funding for only 4 additional workers, which requires an adjustment of the program goals to account for the reduced level of resources. High priority stops will be defined more narrowly than originally proposed, but this reduced number of high priority stops is still to be cleared within 3 days. All stops are to be cleared within 7-10 days. The intent and goals language contained in this capital amendment supersedes and replaces the intent and goals language contained in the operating amendment.
General Obligation Debt $101,000
Levy Impact: $13,080
Chris Schmidt says that goes with other BOE amendment to add 4 workers to streets to enable bus stop clearing in winter and other tasks rest of year, he won’t bore us with the details, this adds two tool cats, essentially bobcats with different tools for boring, digging, streets division needs, its flexible, not just for snow clearing, urge you to support it.
Amendment passes on a voice vote with only Sanborn noticeably voting no.
AMENDMENT TEN
Agency/Project: Metro Transit / Northside Bus Shelters (New)
Page(s): 116
Sponsors: Alds. Rhodes-Conway, VerveerProvide funding for the installation of 2 bus shelters, 2 benches and art work on 2 additional shelters on the City’s northside. All of the debt service is TID eligible from TID 40.
General Obligation Debt $50,000
Levy Impact: $6,475
Satya Rhodes-Conway says this is another parochial amendment, as Verveer would say, you approved the Northside neighborhood plan a while ago, the top recommendation was to have northside do better job framing itself to encourage economic development, a better aesthetic atmosphere – this is a small part of it, a few benches and shelters at bus stops, an art element, they will buy off the shelf shelters and benches and add art, and also add art to existing shelters. They are simultaneously doing an rfq to help develop elements, signage and elements in Warner Park, by having one artist they can use multiple places and do a brand for the north side, this is a small piece of the project. It’s before you cuz she heard from elderly constituents that they need some place to sit down along the way when walking to Pierces, bus riders want to stand out of the rain, this is dual duty, bus stops to serve us riders, but also elderly pedestrians, they will be strategically placed to do that, please support.
Motion passes on a voice vote with a few nos.
