I’m slackin’ again . . . my bad. There’s just so much going on and so little time!
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TARGET AND EDGEWATER
Target passed in an 18 minute meeting, the Edgewater may be an 18 hour meeting, what’s the difference. Kristin Czubkowski takes a very good stab at it. The only thing she left out is the need for special meetings – which, by the way, the new schedule has already changed.
PARKING METERS AND CREDIT CARDS, NOT SO FAST
I can’t find anything on channel 3’s website, but all Wednesday morning they were saying that the program is being delayed due to changes in software. I could find the press release announcing the program, but not the part where it was delayed.
ROBBERIES, JUST A QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUE
In the past when robberies were up we needed new strategies, a task force and more officers and new laws. Now, it’s just a quality of life issue. Hard to know what the spin is and why sometimes. The good news is that crime is down 4% overall. Bad news is, it won’t stop the obsessed media from reporting crime non-stop, adding to the perception that the city is not safe.
CRIME: BLAME THE HOMELESS
Usually they leave that up to Joe Balles, but this time, Joel Despain jumps in the game.
He added some criminals are observant enough to know when residents are at home or away.
He cited a recent incident in which a homeless person was caught looking for an open door to wander into.
It’s happened once, it must be true!
SCHOOL BOARD TO DISCUSS EDGEWATER TIF
Word is, it will be on their agenda for Monday.
GRAND STAIR TO WHERE?
A pier with tables, or a place for people to dock their boats? No difference? I think there is a hell of a difference when part of our $16M is going to the stair to where?
SOMETHING THE CITY SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT INSTEAD OF THE EDGEWATER
What will happen to Madison Metro with the new RTA? Are we going to give it away? And if so, what happens to service in the City of Madison? Could it get worse?
SILLY RTA QUESTION
Channel 27 worries what the RTA will do tonight:
As the Dane County Regional Transit Authority Board (RTA) prepares to meet for the first time Thursday, many questions linger, including whether the RTA will put the power to raise taxes back in the hands of the people.
Um, the votes are there to pass it, it will likely be unanimous. Questions like this are ridiculous. The State Journal joins in the paranoia.
A BETTER QUESTION
What will happen to Metro and service in the city?
UN-CLEAR: ANOTHER IMPORTANT ISSUE, NOT THE EDGEWATER
$5M passed in the 2010 budget to buy land, but its still unclear how it would be spent. Should it be spent at Union Corners where there is already talk of other development possibly happening? No. Should it be used for Royster? Maybe. Capitol East Corridor. DEFINITELY!
Matt Mikolajewski, manager of the Office of Business Resources, said the fund could help spur development in the East Washington Avenue corridor, which is suffering from blight and vacancies but seen as a place with great potential for job growth.
“When you get a corridor like East Washington Avenue, there’s always going to be risks for early investors,” Mikolajewski said. “Some proactive city involvement may be critical to getting some early projects started.”
This is where is seems to be needed most, since nothing has happened for oh . . . so . . . long. Unfortunately:
The fund isn’t big enough to pursue all opportunities and it’s unclear how the city would handle multiple demands.
and unlike what Clear promised at the time of the vote:
Now officials are considering creating a revolving fund using sales revenues from properties it has purchased or adding more tax money in the future.
Yeah, duh. It was clear to everyone except Clear that this made the most sense.
HOTEL AND PUBLIC MARKET: AGAIN, MORE PUBLIC IMPACT THAN THE EDGEWATER
Marcus Hotels is still interested in the Municipal Building and parking lot and a public market at the Government East Parking Ramp? Yes, yes, yes!!! Lets give $16M in TIF to that!!! That would be HUGE for the city. Bigger than the Edgewater project.
OH, NOW IT GET IT, BUT . . .
This is why McDonell likes Union Corners better than Yahara Station for the high speed rail. On its face it actually makes some sense, plus, there are issues at Yahara Station about if the trains will fit between E Wash and Johnson. But wait, under that plan, doesn’t commuter rail go to Reiner Road instead of the airport? I need to study up on this issue a bit. It’s been around so long, I just stopped believing or following the issues closely.
WAIT!
Cardinal supports Bridget Maniaci’s ordinance to wait to rent apaprtment til half your lease is over.
HOW CUTE, MANIACI AND KONKEL AGREE
Look, the dinosaur Konkel agrees with newby Manaici, or the other way around, I’m not sure which. Hopefully some changes are made, but what is really needed is some kick-ass student tenant services on campus. Not $40,000 worth, but $100,000 worth, with close supervision from full-time professionals.
THANK YOU JASON!
It had to be said, glad you did. I think a better resolution would have been for Widespread Panic . . . for making the Overture smell like Otto’s jacket. However, Jason’s idea isn’t bad either . . . City Resolution for Biff!
WHICH CITY EMPLOYEES DIDN’T FILE THEIR STATEMENT OF INTEREST FORMS ACCORDING TO THE CLERKS OFFICE
Steve Brist – City Attorney
Carolyn Hogg – City Attorney
Ronald Loresch – Engineering
Lara Mainella-Martin – City Attorney
Kitty Noonan – City Attorney
Maureen O-Brien – City Attorney
Robert Olsen – City Attorney
Marcia Paulsen – City Attorney
Adrianna Peguero – City Attorney
George (Jed) Sanborn – Council Office
Tommye Schnieder – Public Health (except she retired)
Jaime Stafferoni-Bachleitner – City Attorney
Doran Viste – City Attorney
Steven Wood – Engineering
Jonathan Zarov – Overture (except he doesn’t work there any more)
Anne Zellhoefer – City Attorney
Plus, I understand that it has been years since they reviewed the list of which employees are supposed to file the forms and that needs to be reviewed.
JAMES MADISON PARK WATERSPORTS AND CONCESSIONS
Supreme Watersports will not be operating out of the park this summer, here’s some of the explanation:
– The RPF’s were graded based on the following areas (in this order); met the minimum requirements in the bid package, business/marketing plan detailing pricing and community outreach, programming opportunities provided to the neighborhood and Madison community, management structure and return on investment for Madison Parks.
– Commitment to operating the business – There was no effort in highlighting Supreme Water Sports history and customer service standards at the Park. Most of Mr. Murphy opening comments stated that “every water sport business that has operated out of James Madison Park has sustained a loss. This park is not a major ‘destination’ such as Warner and Vilas.” Mr. Murphy goes on to say that he spent more time or made it his mission “to confront illegal behavior” to help make the park a safer destination.
– It is recognized that this is a noble gesture and we do agree that more activities in a park will help to detour undesirable behavior, however, Mr. Murphy never conveyed what his business aspirations were but simply stated that his presence there was of value.
– Reference – Mr. Murphy provided three different reference, however none of them were specifically directed to the total operations i.e. two stated how satisfied with Supreme Waters Camp and one was in favor of his “beverage service operations.”
– Given the scope of the operations the committee would have preferred to have support from the neighborhood, Alder or user groups, something that spoke more directly to Supreme Waters past history, customer service and neighborhood involvement.
– The RFP requested current clients not listed as reference – Mr. Murphy only listed “City of Madison – Parks Department.” This answer would suggest that Supreme Water had no other clients i.e. neighborhood groups, MSCR, youth groups, etc. This is a cause for concern as it would appear that Supreme Water had a single focus customer base.
– Lack of Details – Mr. Murphy stated that he was going to create an adaptive water sport program, which was viewed as a positive response from the committee however, he did not provide any program details or supportive information regarding what the program was to be or how it would function. Mr. Murphy did not provide and substance in detailing his other program ideas i.e. parties and youth camps, desire to host wedding receptions at the facility (which would involve alcohol and goes against the non-alcohol ordinance associated with James Madison Park).
– Additionally, Mr. Murphy did not explain safety standards, rescue boat requirement and the like which expressed to the committee his lack of preparedness.
– Staffing – staffing plan was minimal and without details. There is concern that Mr. Murphy does not believe that staff should be certified instructors.
– Payment – Mr. Murphy’s payment proposal included $1,908 for 2010, $2,022 for 2011 and $2,144 for 2012. This use payment is in-line with past agreements, but the Park Division would have preferred a more aggressive return on investment.
And here’s the punch line . . .
Hence, the Park Division is preparing to provide water sports, concessions and park activities throughout the summer season.
Wow! Where’d the money come from to do that! We’ve asked of years and always been told there was no money. This is quite the shift in attitude and good news indeed! But I don’t remember this being in the budget . . .
DOES THIS SITE HAVE CREDIBILITY?
I can’t believe the State Journal finds this credible and would write a, albeit short, story about it.
GRANDVIEW COMMONS TO GET A GROCERY STORE
They don’t exactly need it, but they’re getting one. So why is is so hard to get one in low income neighborhoods, seems as tho the not-enough-rooftops argument is only used when convenient. Then again, “no comment” and un-returned phone calls don’t look so hot for the future of the development.
NICE DOUBLE STANDARD
Burglarized bars won’t face charges for illegal gambling machines. In fact, I don’t think anyone ever gets prosecuted for them based on how many I have seen in bars – I was beginning to wonder if a law had been passed that legalized them.
HARMONY
Hard to imagine there was ever a time that it wasn’t there . . .
MORE LOST EXPERIENCE IN LOCAL MEDIA
I cringe every time a new reporter asks me a question that seems so basic . . . but I try not to let it show (a big challenge for me) and take a deep breath and explain the basics and know there is no chance of them understanding the often more important underlying issues and hope they can just get the facts right and get an accurate quote. The local media really needs the hardened, more cynical reporters, or else the political spin never gets challenged.
DOYLE HYPOCRISY
Good call Lukas!
GREAT SYSTEM!
Not.
DOWNTOWN STREET PROJECTS
RE: Informational Meeting with Businesses Owners, Property Owners and Residents Regarding Downtown Road Construction Projects
Public Informational Meeting
Date & Time: Mar 15, 2010 3:00 P.M.
Location: Overture Center, Rotunda Studio
Address: 201 State Street Madison, WI 53703The City of Madison is proposing to reconstruct the utilities and pavement along stretches of Downtown Streets in 2010. You are being sent this letter to notify you of an informational meeting for property owners, business owners and residents at the above referenced date, time and location. City Engineering will be making a short presentation regarding the construction projects at the meeting and answering questions.
The projects will be broken down into various contracts. The limits and extent of the proposed projects are as follows:
* Capitol Square Streetscape Updates – E. Mifflin, S. Pinckney, E. Main, W. Main & S. Carroll blocks
* West Gilman St. – State St. to N. Henry St.
* Peace Park Reconstruction
* Hawthorne Ct. – University Ave. to 150 ft. south of State St.
* Broom St. – W. Doty St. to W. Johnson St.
* University Ave. / Park St. Intersection
* University Ave. / Campus Dr. Intersection
* John Nolen Dr. – Bridge approaches & Bike path repairs
YUMMMMMM . . . KRUMKAKE AND ROSETTES, FORGET THE LUTEFISK
It’s almost time to get your Norwegian on.
Madison’s local Sons of Norway chapter, Idun Lodge, will hold its semi-annual Frokost (smorgasbord brunch) at the Norway Center, 2262 Winnebago, on Saturday, March 27. Included on the buffet will be smoked salmon, herring, sausages, ham, cheeses, crackers and breads, boiled eggs, other baked delights (lefse, fried cakes, heart waffles, etc.), fruit soup, and beverages (coffee, juice, milk). It’s all-you-can-eat for only $9.00 for adults, $4 for kids 6-12. Hours are 9-noon, and they will also have a bake sale offering traditional Norwegian cookies (rosettes, krumkake, sandbakkels), lefse ($5 for 3 large rounds), and coffee cakes. In addition, “Take a liking to a Viking” t-shirts, books, and other items for sale. Info: Mary at 277-8190.
DISCUSSION ON HOMELESSNESS
This could prove to be interesting, unfortunately, I’ll be in Milwaukee.
THE MADISON HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVE INVITES YOU TO JOIN AS NEIGHBORS FOR, “DIALOGUES ON HOMELESSNESS – NURTURING OUR CAPACITY FOR CHANGE AS AGENTS OF CHANGE”
This Saturday: March 6, 2010
1:30 – 3:30PM
THE MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY
201 W. MIFFLIN ST.Topics of the day:
*The Isthmus J. Tarr Article 2/12/10, “Bleak House”.
*Developing Shelter Standards.Enriched by individual experiences and creative capacities we engage in open and respectful dialogue, on course to be worthy neighbors and partners with powerful strategies for significant change. We define neighbors as “all those who share the streets with us”. We need to hear your particular story and perspective. Your presence has significance as we build transformative relationships, capacities and tools.
This event is free and welcoming all. Refreshments served.
Comments to: Donna (608) 251-6610, dcassociated@gmail.com
MONKEY LOVE
On March 15 at 6:00 p.m., Rick Bogle and Paul Kaufman will debate the issue of experimenting on monkeys. Rick Bogle is a prominent opponent of experiments on monkeys. Paul Kaufman is a professor of ophthalmology at UW-Madison who experiments on monkeys.
The debate will be held in Tripp Commons in the Memorial Union.
A ticket is needed for admission. Tickets are free but are available only to UW students, UW staff, and Union members. People in those groups can pick up tickets beginning March 3rd at the Union box office. Each person may get two tickets.
People who are not students, UW staff, or Union members may attend if they have a ticket.
BEATLES, BEETLES
The Gomers Perform Live: The Beatles
& UW Entomology Department Insect Ambassadors Bring: The BeetlesA Live Concert Dance Party and Creepy Crawly Fun For the Entire Family!
Sunday-March 7, 2010 @ 2-4pm
Tripp Commons, Memorial Union
800 Langdon Street
Doors Open @ 1:30pmBIG RAFFLE!
Grand Prize: An organic vegetable CSA share from Simply Wisconsin!TICKET INFORMATION:
$5 Per Ticket or
$15 for Families of 3 or moreTickets go on sale the day of the event at 1:30pm @ Tripp Commons
Cash or Checks Accepted (Sorry, No Credit Cards)For More Information Contact Suzanne Rubinstein, (608)222-2464
AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL AGES. FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND!
