Here it is . . . what you need to know for today as of the time I posted it. Just so you know, I may add a few items in the next few hours if they pop up.
DNR MAY BLOCK EDGEWATER PIER
Those of us following the issue closely aren’t too surprised. The UDC has repeatedly asked, and Dunn has repeatedly dodged the question. But the DNR finally says that it will take 90 days to review and the pier is likely a problem. Hopefully, Hammes finally gets this issue resolved.
DAILY REPORTER ACTS LIKE CAMPUS NEWSPAPERS
Ok, that’s slightly unfair, because I find the Daily Reporter to be generally very reliable and accurate. So I was surprised when he made a very basic mistake.
The Madison Common Council on Tuesday will vote whether to accept the Central Park Design and Implementation Task Force’s final report, an 80-page document that lays out how to develop and expand the park in the future.
Central park is not up for a vote tonight on the Council Agenda, its being introduced. It’s an item under the heading INTRODUCTION OF NEW BUSINESS FOR REFERRAL WITHOUT DEBATE for items 63 – 99. This is item number 78. I only point this out, because many people get this wrong, and it was a chance to educate folks on how to read the agenda.
CDA WANTS TO HIRE MANAGER
Nice change of words in the headline by the editor. The Council approved a project manager, but they CDA wants to hire an Executive Director, as I told you yesterday. The key to the story is here:
The director, who would be appointed by the CDA board, would be paid between $82,150 and $110,900 a year.
The city won’t need extra money for the position this year because it won’t be filled before May and the council budgeted $65,000 for a CDA project manager position, which would be eliminated.
and of course there is this:
Mark Olinger, Planning and Development director from 1999 until Cieslewicz let his five-year contract expire in January, said he may seek the CDA job. Olinger, provisional planning director through June 1, declined comment on his expired contract. Cieslewicz has also declined comment on the contract.
I’m guessing they cut a deal for Olinger to get this job, and that is why neither will comment.
TASERS DISPROPORTIONATELY USED ON BLACK MALES IN MADISON
Is anyone surprised? And does anyone think that will change?
NO MORE CHANGE!
But it’ll cost you 20 cents more an hour? Somehow, I missed that part. I wonder if its a mistake?
YOUTH PROGRAMS TO BE CUT BY SCHOOLS
This is just the beginning . . . and bad for the city, because as these programs go away, there will be increasing pressure on neighborhood youth programs to help make sure there are constructive things for youth to do in our community.
HOW FAR WILL THEY GO FOR GOOGLE
To the absurd.
ITS NOT JUST MADISON NEIGHBORS
Neighboring businesses also don’t like noise from bars. And businesses have ways to get more attention than the neighbors.
WYOU IS MOVED!
They are now neighbors in the Social Justice Center at 1202 Williamson St and the space is starting to take shape. Lookin’ good! It might be a good time to send them a little office warming gift if you’ve been thinking about it. This is a make or break year for them and they need community support!
PAY DAY LENDING LOBBYISTS
Let the cash flow! And flow . . . and flow . . .
MORE COUNCIL LATE ITEMS
Last week, they snuck through the approval to continue their lawsuit against the county over parking calls. This week, it looks like there are more items. One of which would reinstate a few more of the people who were booted off committees for not filing their forms.
CONGRATULATIONS
It’s been a weird month for hospital related weddings for friends. This time, a friend gets married in a hospital bed at home. Congratulations Shawn and Jack! I hope you have many happy days together! For those of you who know them, or maybe even if you don’t, if you want to help out with daily expenses as Jack struggles with Stage IV bladder cancer, you can send money here: Jack Siepert Fund, Park Bank, PO Box 8969, Madison WI 53791
ICE RINKS CLOSED
Feb. 28 – Due to deteriorating ice conditions, the outdoor ice rinks are officially closed for the season. Parks Staff will be removing the hockey boards, and putting up the thin ice signs. As the weather warms up, staff recommends that all park users stay off of the ice and exercise caution when walking near the ice rinks, especially Vilas and Tenney lagoons. The depths of the lagoons do reach 5 feet.
Parks Staff thanks everyone for a wonderful skating season. With any luck, in a few weeks people can trade their ice skates for golf shoes and continue enjoying your Madison parks.
