A little bit of this and a little bit of that. Updates, alerts, community meetings, etc.
NEWS
In order to keep the news up to date a little bit better, I have a new format for news. You can look on the homepage under “Konkel Round Up” and I will update that information periodically throughout the day, depending upon what else is going on.
MO’ MEETINGS
Will also be putting Mo’ meetings with the news items. There were 4 Mo’ Meetings yesterday! Also, there was an amendment to the council agenda.
CALENDAR
You will now see a calendar on the front page and a tab to the full monthly calendar. This calendar is for all the government related meetings I find out about that are not in the week ahead.
LEAF-FREE STREETS RAIN ALERT
FLOODING UPDATES
The Engineering Division is monitoring lake levels and the potential to flood year round. To keep our community informed, we’re sharing a weekly update with you, and as frequently as needed, should a major rain event happen. We are not sending these to elevate concern, this is just a communication option for us to keep you informed as flooding deeply impacted our community last summer, and may be top of mind when rain moves through our area.
Unless conditions change dramatically, this will be our last lake level update for the year.
The Yahara Lakes are managed by Dane County and up-to-date information on lake levels can be found at the County’s Lake Levels Webpage.
Current Lake levels: Oct. 25, 2019
- Lake Mendota
- Current elevation: 851.22 feet
- Down 0.37 feet from last week
- 1.58 feet below the 100-year flood (which is 852.80 feet)
- 1.52 feet below historic high (Historic High is 852.74, June 6, 2000)
- Lake Monona
- Current elevation: 846.91 feet
- Down 0.18 feet from last week
- 0.79 feet below 100-year flood (which is 847.7 feet)
- 1.62 feet below the historic high (which is 848.53 feet, Sept. 6, 2018)
EXPUNGEMENT CLINIC
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2019 ALIX AWARD NOMINATIONS
Call for Nominations for the 8th Annual Alix Olson Award for the Promotion of a Tolerant and Just Community
The Alix Olson Award was created by STAJOH (Seeking Tolerance and Justice Over Hate) to honor retired Madison Police detective Alix Olson, who led the City of Madison’s anti-hate crime group for many years. The award seeks to recognize an individual of any age or group who has worked to promote tolerance and justice in the Madison and/or Dane County community, through leadership, education or other initiatives that have a positive impact by increasing tolerance toward all and eliminating hate.
Please nominate a person of any age in Dane County or South Central Wisconsin who has worked to eliminate hate and promote tolerance and justice, through actions big or small, meeting the criteria in the attached nomination form, also available on the STAJOH webpage: www.cityofmadison.com/HateCrimes. The deadline for nominations is October 27, 2019. Nomination form attached.
MADISON ACTIVIST CALENDAR EVENTS
Madison Activist Calendar from 10/28/19
To post events or announcements for future listings, please contact: jepeck@wisc.edu
For an online version of this calendar, please visit: https://madinfoshop.wordpress.
This calendar is brought to you by the friendly volunteer collective of the Madison Infoshop, 1202 Williamson St., Madison, WI 53703 https://madinfoshop.wordpress.
We are a non-hierarchical freespace and activist clearinghouse that needs your support to survive and flourish. Check out our free lending library (videos, books, periodicals, zines), our other community resources (art supplies, theater props, graphix and stencils, megaphones, and button maker). We also host meetings and help organize events.
Mon. Oct. 28th 6:30 pm Fitchburg Public Library (5530 Lace Rd. in Fitchburg) Serving the Sentence Together: Mass Incarceration and the Family! Screening of “Faces of Mass Incarceration” by Metamora Films and The International Prisoner Family Conference, followed by a presentation about the Demeter Foundation’s work supporting incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women in Wisconsin. There are over 1,500 women incarcerated in our prison system and approximately 13,000 women on community supervision (Parole/probation) in Wisconsin. More than 1,000 women come home every year. There will also be an opportunity to write note cards of encouragement to women for the Welcome Home Kits and to learn about becoming involved in systems change that benefits everyone. Info? Visit the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/
Mon. Oct. 28th6:30 pm Mutual Aid Workspace, Social Justice Center (1202 Williamson St.) Radical Utopias – Imagined, Real &Potential – Third Session of the Fall 2019 Madison Free Skool Discussion Series! Future sessions held alternate Mondays: 11/11; 11/25; and 12/5. This week we will be exploring historical “utopias” – from the 17th century Diggers and the 1871 Paris Commune to pirates and quilombos, as well as the 19th century Seminole Nation and the Civil War era “Free State of Jones.” Plus, a bonus chat about Halloween/Samhain/Day of the Dead as radical “utopian” holidays! The Madison Free Skool is a participatory learning experience, so we hope you will bring your own ideas to contribute! Suggested readings will be provided for subsequent sessions (donations welcome to help defray printing costs). There will also be an informal potluck before each session at 6:00 pm – feel free to bring a dish/snack/drink to share if you can. More info, check out the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/
Wed. Oct. 30th 4:00 pm UW-Madison, Helen C. White, Rm. 6191 (600 N. Park St.) The Climate Crisis and Grassroots Power – talk with George Lackay, longetime Quaker activist. Hosted by the Havens-Wright Center for Social Justice.
Wed. Oct. 30th 6:30 pm A Room of One’s Own Bookstore (315 W. Gorham) How We Will Win: A Guide to Nonviolent Direct Action Campaigning – author book event with George Lackay, longtime Quaker activist. Info? https://www.roomofonesown.com/
Thurs. Oct. 31st8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monona Terrace Convention Center (1 John Nolen Dr.) 11th Annual MadisonNonprofit Day Conference! Join us for an excellent opportunity togainprofessional development skills, network with other organizations, identify potential partners, collaborators, board members, and so much more. The Greater Madison Area has a large nonprofit community and a rapidly growing social sector (nonprofits, social entrepreneurs, and mission-driven corporations) that want to connect. Numerous workshops, information tables, buffet lunch, plus akeynote address by Oscar Mireles, City of Madison’s poet laureate! Cost is $90 if you register before Oct. 1st (25% discount for groups of 3-5). To register and for more info, visit: https://madisonnonprofitday.
Thurs. Oct. 31st 7:30 pm Friends Meeting House (1704 Roberst Court) How to Win Campaigns Targeting Bank Funding of Fossil Fuels: A Conversation with George Lakey! George Lakey is a co-founder of EQAT (Earth Quaker Action Team) which ran a creative, multiyear campaign that convinced PNC Bank to stop funding mountaintop removal coal mining, and is on a national tour discussing his latest book, How to Win: A Guide to Nonviolent Direct Action Campaigning.
Fri. Nov. 1st 5:00 pm UW-Madison, Chazen Museum (750 Univ. Ave.) The Return of Navajo Boy – 20th anniversary screening of the acclaimed documentary! This film tells the story of Elsie Mae Begay, who, while viewing the vintage film about her family in Monument Valley, identifies her baby brother who was adopted by white missionaries in the 1950s and never heard from again. She says his name is John Wayne Cly. Elsie and her family’s story offers a different perspective on the history of the American West, showing the ways in which indigenous voices change the meaning of stereotypical images found in Hollywood Westerns, postcards, and, a propaganda film made by a uranium mining company. Screening will be followed by a panel discussion, featuring: Elsie Mae Begay, Navajo Nation; John Wayne Cly, Navajo Nation; James Adakai, President, Oljato Chapter, Navajo Nation; and Jeff Spitz, Director & Co-Producer, Groundswell Films. More Info? Visit the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/
Fri. Nov. 1st 6:30 pm First Unitarian Society (800 Univ. Bay Dr.) Screening of the documentary, The River and the Wall – Part of the First Friday Film Series! Conservation filmmaker, Ben Masters, realizes the urgency of documenting the last remaining wilderness in Texas as the threat of new border wall construction looms ahead. Masters recruits NatGeo Explorer, Filipe DeAndrade, ornithologist, Heather Mackey, river guide, Austin Alvarado, and conservationist, Jay Kleberg, to join him on the two-and-a-half-month journey down 1,200 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. As the wilderness gives way to the more populated and heavily trafficked Lower Rio Grande Valley, they come face-to-face with the human side of the immigration debate and enter uncharted emotional waters. Preceded by a free community meal at 5:45 pm. A family friendly film we also be shown simultaneously. Info? timc@fusmadison.org
Sat. Nov. 2nd 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Olbrich Gardens (3330 Atwood Ave.) Madison Herb Fair – this year’s theme: Wisconsin’s Wild and Native Herbs! Vendors, bake sale, plus speakers at 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm. Free! For more info, visit: https://madisonherbsociety.
Sun. Nov. 3rd 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Old Sugar Distillery (931 E. Main St.) Peace Vigil outside of Mayor Satya’s Public Birthday Brunch Celebration! Many of us helped elect Satya Rhodes-Conway to the office of Mayor on the basis of her political experience and progressive stances on a wide range of issues. However, on the question of deployment of the F-35 at Truax Air Force Base in Madison we are disappointed with her failure so far to join us in recognizing the highly negative impacts such a deployment will have on our community, especially those on the East and North Sides of our city. Join is as we deliver a message: “Happy Birthday Satya! Best wishes to you and for the rest of us. No F-35!” Info? #608-284-9082
Sun. Nov. 3rd 1:00 pm Mutual Aid Workspace (MAW), Social Justice Center (1202 Williamson St.) Sunday Skool Returns! With… dreaming, drawing, then doing a local solidarity economy network that works for all of us. This series will run through the end of November, giving us a chance to map participation in our local economy and envision what it could look like. Info? Www.madisonman.coop
Mon. Nov. 4th6:30 pm Social Justice Center (1202 Williamson St.) Monthly meeting of the Madison General Membership Branch of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). Find out how you can dump the boss off your back! Info? https://www.facebook.com/
Wed. Nov. 6th 5:30 pm UW-Madison, Union South (1308 W. Dayton St.) Nature’s Guardians – How Scientists and Local Communities Can Work Together to Save Species! What works and what doesn’t? Our panel of conservation leaders share their experiences working with local people to protect precious habitats and endangered species. Info? Visit the Facebook event:https://www.facebook.com/
Thurs. Nov. 7th 6:00 Madison College (1701 Wright St.) Talk with Yusef Salam, One of the Exonerated “Central Park” Five! Yusef Salaam was just 15 years old when his life was upended and changed forever. He was one the five boys that were tried and convicted of a crime they did not commit. After spending 7 years in prison, his conviction was vacated when the real criminal confessed. Since his release, he has committed himself to advocating and educating people on racial disparities within the criminal justice system. Free and open to the public.
Thurs. Nov. 7th 6:30 pm Goodman South Library (2222 S. Park St. ) November Peace & Justice Book Circle discussion of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes. Hosted by the Women’s Int. League for Peace & Freedom (WILPF) – Madison Chapter. Info? wilpfmadison@gmail.com
Fri. Nov. 8th 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monona Terrace (1 John Nolen Dr.) Climate Fast Forward Conference! Bringing together the state’s best strategic thinkers on climate change for a working conference designed to “fast forward” solutions for a more sustainable Wisconsin and world. Climate Fast Forward is a different kind of conference, one that leverages collaboration and crowdsourcing in the pursuit of ready-to-go solutions for carbon reduction and climate resilience. Join a projected 300 leaders from a variety of sectors—government, tribal nations, advocacy, the sciences, business, utilities, and arts and culture, as well as citizens from all walks of life—to develop key recommendations for how Wisconsin can become a clean energy leader with a practical plan to deal with climate change. Recommendations from Climate Fast Forwardwill be shared with top-level decision makers, the media, and the general public as a call to fast-track our response to climate change and its impacts. Hosted by the WI Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters, among many others. For more info and to register, visit: https://www.wisconsinacademy.
MAYOR’S NEIGHBORHOOD ROUNDTABLE
We are just a week away from our 23th annual neighborhood event. The event is FREE but we ask that youREGISTER since we have limited space. Psssss – we have thirty spaces left so make sure you register ASAP. Register for Childcare onsite and Language Interpreters by Monday, October 28.
NEW THIS YEAR –You are also welcome to virtually join us through Facebook Live by accessing the City of Madison Planning Facebook page.
2019 Mayor’s Neighborhood Roundtable
Saturday, November 2, 2019
New Location: Madison Public Library, 201 W Mifflin Street
9:00 am – Noon
Conference at a Glance
8 – 9am | Registration, Networking (Coffee, Tea, and light breakfast snacks)
9 – 9:25am | Mayor’s Welcome and Opening Remarks & STAJOH Award
9:30 – 10:45am| Workshop: Madison Housing Challenges, Trends and Strategies & Table Conversations
10:45 – 11:00am| Break
11:00 – 12:00| Call to Action Workshop & Community Building and Engagement Workshop & Table Conversations
We have ten table conversations – a wide range of topics such as Navigating the City, Bus Rapid Transit, Traffic Calming, Know Your Housing Rights, Food Matters, Census 2020, Parks, Working for the City of Madison, and open tables for you to create your own conversations.
We thank our gracious sponsors Madison Gas & Electric and City of Madison. Questions? Contact Madison Planning Division at 608-267-8727 or email neighborhoods@cityofmadison.com.
BIKE MADISON UPDATES
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
E Johnson St – Underpass Closure & Street Closure
The Yahara River Path underpass of E Johnson St will be closed from Oct 30 – Nov 2. Bicyclists and pedestrians will need to cross E Johnson at street level. In addition, the sidewalk on both sides of the street will be open during the closure. The sidewalk on the south side is not yet complete but there will be a temporary pedestrian path over the bridge during the tunnel closure. In addition, there will be a full closure of East Johnson St from Baldwin to First St starting Oct 31 and lasting until approximately Nov 3 so that the street can be paved. The closure of E Johnson St will impact the traffic volumes on other streets in the area. This project is expected to be completed in approximately 2 weeks.
Southwest Path Closure – Waite Circle Culvert Reconstruction
This project will reconstruct the culvert and do other minor repairs to infrastructure in the area. This project will close the Southwest Path starting Mon, Oct 28 at 7am. During this time a marked detour will use Council Crest, Yuma Dr and a protected lane on Midvale.
E Mifflin St at Livingston St/Lapham Elementary
E Mifflin is closed now through the end of the day Tues for work on the water line in this area. The work is happening between the two Lapham Elementary driveways. Bicyclists should detour to Dayton St. If using the sidewalk please yield to pedestrians and watch out for children.
N Bassett St
The contractor has paved and striped N Bassett St so it can be opened for use during Freakfest. However, the bollards and signage for the parking protected bike lane is not yet installed. That work plus restoration and other signage needs to be completed. It is anticipated to be another week before the street is fully open.
Blount St
The bicycle signal is now operational. The City is monitoring the operation of the bicycle signal and the Accessible Pedestrian Signal along with the location of the signal pole and buttons and may make changes as needed to the configuration.
Koster St and N Rusk Ave
The contractor plans to pave the street on Oct 26.
Buckeye Rd
The contractor is finishing grading and placing gravel. The current plan is to pave the remainder of the street in early November.
Haywood Dr
The contractor is excavating the road and placing gravel. Paving is scheduled for early November.
Southpoint Rd
The contractor plans to pave on Oct 26 and then do final restoration. The project completion is anticipated for mid November.
County Highway M
This project is scheduled for completion on November 1. Please continue to use caution on Midtown and other cross roads until project completion.
Additional City Projects
Information on additional city projects can be found on the City of Madison Engineering webpage.
UW Madison
- The Campus Drive Path behind the Veterinary Medicine building will be closedthrough March 2020. The detour will use Easterday Lane to Linden Dr. Detour Map
- The Limnology Lift Station project is expected to be completed by approximately Oct 25 which will reopen full access to the Lakeshore Path.
- Dayton St remains closed to east and westbound traffic from Charter St to Park S for a utiility project. This project is anticipated for completion in Nov 2019.
- Campus Construction Map
OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS
A number of events this weekend will impact the bicycle facility network. Please use caution in these areas or choose another route.
- HALLOWEEN – This includes Freakfest disruptions but also includes lots of kids out and about in neighborhoods. Kids may be paying less attention because they are wrapped up in the fun of trick or treating and unfortunately some kids may be in costumes. Slow down while biking during trick or treating and be prepared to stop. If you are celebrating Halloween follow these safety tips.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
- Attend a Transit Talk with Mayor’s Staff on Mon, Oct 28 from 6 to 8pm at the Central Library, 201 W Mifflin St.
- BRT Public Involvement Meeting – Downtown Route Options on Tues, Oct 29 from 6:30-8:30pm at the Madison Senior Center, 330 W Mifflin St.
- 2019 Mayor’s Neighborhood Roundtable on Sat, Nov 2 from 9am to Noon at the Madison Public Library, 201 W Mifflin St.
- Winter Bike Fashion Show on Sat, Nov 2 from 1-4pm at the High Noon Saloon. Come learn how to prepare to ride during the winter or come and share your favorite tips and tricks. Stop by the City of Madison Pedestrian Bicycle Program table and talk to program staff. Bring a donation for Madison’s Community School students of winter gloves, snow pants or boots size 13 (kids) to size 6 (adults).
- Blair St Public Information Meeting on Mon, Nov 4 from 6:30-8:30pm in Room 153 of the Madison Municipal Bldg, 215 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
- Autumn Ridge Path Public Information Meeting #1 on Thurs, Nov 7 at 6pm at the Kennedy Elementary School, 221 Meadowlark Dr. This meeting is for a proposed multi-use path that will connect users between Milwaukee St and Commercial Ave north of Highway 30. The proposed path will include a bridge overpass of Hwy 30.
WATER MAIN FLUSHING
Water Main Flushing plans beginning Monday, October 28th (all flushing is daytime unless otherwise noted)
SALT: NOV 12 FREE CALIBRATION TRAINING
We have a free calibration class scheduled for Nov. 12, and registration is now open. Calibration was covered in the Salt Certification classes as the process that sets up your equipment to distribute salt at a responsible rate. Each machine varies, and calibration is necessary. To help make the process easier and user-friendly, we’d like to invite you to the free hands-on calibration training.
This is a great opportunity to get your equipment ready BEFORE winter arrives. At the calibration training, you’ll learn how to calibrate both a walk behind drop spreader and a walk behind broadcast spreader.
Methods used will work on any walk behind broadcast spreader units. Training will be limited to 10 participants and will include time for questions.
