Posts
Monona resident Lisa jo VonAllmen sent the following message and information about a Monona area CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) that is different from your standard CSA. http://www.simplywi.com/content/4732
Contact info is on the web site.
Read on...
Greetings friends,
Do you try and feed your family organic food? I know I do, I try... but it isn't always easy to get or affordable for my budget. I'm excited to tell you about a friend of mine who lives in Monona. She has been working very hard over the last few years creating a new breed of CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Her company is Simply Wisconsin www.simplywi.com and her mission is to to ensure everyone has access to organic produce that is fresh, local, and affordable. The reason I say this is a new breed of CSA is because she pulls from about 30 farms, most of them Wisconsin Farms, a couple from MN. By doing this she is able to offer more varieties than a single CSA farm can. In addition to the produce share she also offers CSA shares for meat, cheese, eggs and pantry items!
I'm really excited about this concept so I have volunteered to have the CSA pick up site at my house on Rothman Place! I think other folks in Monona/Madison might be excited about this too so I wanted you to know about it.
Ordering is easy too you can order by mail, in person, phone, fax, email, or Google Checkout (which is similar to paypal) via the web form. Here are the details...
*Complete the form and get it to me or Deb in person or by mail – we can accept check payment or credit card payments, or members can be invoiced. Members are eligible to receive the $50 early sign-up discount if you sign-up and pay in full prior to 2/1/10.
Contact info is on the web site.
*Complete the form and fax it to (608) 237-2082 – we can accept check payment or credit card payments, or members can be invoiced. Members are eligible to receive the $50 early sign-up discount if they sign-up and pay in full prior to 2/1/10.
*Send either of us an E-mail with all pertinent information – name, address, phone, E-mail, and desired share(s) – we can accept check payment or credit card payments, or members can be invoiced. Members are eligible to receive the $50 early sign-up discount if you sign-up and pay in full prior to 2/1/10. *Sign-up and pay online via Google Checkout – they must have or establish a Google Checkout account (which is similar to PayPal) – the link for the online sign-up is:
http://simplywisconsin.smallfarmcentral.com
Members are eligible to receive the $50 early sign-up discount if you sign-up and pay in full prior to 2/1/10. If you sign-up online, you need to select the shares you would like, and check the “No . . . Share Thanks” for the shares you do not want. The sign-up and checkout procedure need to be completed to be completely registered. Anyone who has problems signing up online should contact Deb directly, as I can work you through it or correct any mistakes from here her office. Thank you for your time I know we are all so busy. My hope is that this will be one less thing you will need to worry about... the 'dreaded food shopping'!
And - friends, it will be wonderful to see you at the pick site - my house starting in June. Bring the kids and stay and play for awhile too!
Lisa jo VonAllmen
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monona Council Passes 2010 Budget, Makes Sausage
The Monona city council passed the 2010 operating budget with a 2.55% levy increase, but a decrease of $35.14 municipal property tax on the median $270,000 home. (This seemingly contradictory combination occurs because median home values dropped while the total value of property in the city increased.)
All of the proposed budget amendments passed except for a proposal to contract with McFarland for inspection services. The Public Safety Commission will take this proposal up at its December 9 meeting.
2010 Operating Budget Amendments
Passage of the the budget was remarkably swift, but debate on combining the fire chief and EMS Director/Fire Marshall positions was an interminable tangle. I unsuccessfully attempted to table the matter until we had a proposal from the mayor and administration. My first concern is that we are insufficiently clear as to what we want to do. Second, the fire chief will take up the duties of the EMS Director/Fire Marshall one that position is vacant. There was no need to rush to amend the ordinance.
But the council forged ahead with multiple "friendly amendments" to one one main motion. I supported the amendment because on the whole it improved the main proposal, but voted against the proposed ordinance change. Lost that one 5-1. Sausage was made.
The council also approved:
All of the proposed budget amendments passed except for a proposal to contract with McFarland for inspection services. The Public Safety Commission will take this proposal up at its December 9 meeting.
2010 Operating Budget Amendments
Passage of the the budget was remarkably swift, but debate on combining the fire chief and EMS Director/Fire Marshall positions was an interminable tangle. I unsuccessfully attempted to table the matter until we had a proposal from the mayor and administration. My first concern is that we are insufficiently clear as to what we want to do. Second, the fire chief will take up the duties of the EMS Director/Fire Marshall one that position is vacant. There was no need to rush to amend the ordinance.
But the council forged ahead with multiple "friendly amendments" to one one main motion. I supported the amendment because on the whole it improved the main proposal, but voted against the proposed ordinance change. Lost that one 5-1. Sausage was made.
The council also approved:
- a payment of $19,000 to Vierbicher. Resolution 09-11-1663 Amendment to Contract with Vierbicher Associates for 2009 Street & Utility Improvements
- a Resolution 09-11-1666 Declaring Redevelopment Area No. 7 a Blighted Area
Exhibit A, Map of Proposed Blighted Area* - a Resolution 09-11-1667 Participation in Membership with Multi Jurisdictional Public Safety Information System
- a Resolution 09-11-1668 Approving a Contract with Schmidt's Auto for Towing and Impound Services
Ooooh! Scary
Labels:
Environment,
Four Lakes,
Madison,
Monona
I asume most of you received the scaremail from the realtors association about the Dane County Water Body Classification Project. Believe it or not, they may not be telling the entire story (although maybe it passes for Fox Newsy "fair and balanced").
Anyway, click Myths and Facts about the Waterbody Classification Project to get a PDF document prepared by the Department of Planning & Development & Office of Lakes and Watersheds answering many of the claims made against the project.
The full revised draft:
Waterbody Classification: Shoreland and Riparian Management Plan, Public Hearing Draft 11-5-09
Excerpts:
Dane County Waterbody Classification Project
Phase II: Shoreland and Riparian Management Plan
B. Executive Summary
1. Problem
Shorelands, or the areas closest to navigable waters, provide critical functions related to the water quality, ecology, biodiversity and environmental health of Dane County’s waters....[P]oorly designed urban and suburban development in shoreland areas can have disproportionate environmental impacts....Although many of these impacts can be effectively mitigated with relatively inexpensive design, landscaping and engineering practices, such practices are not common in current single-lot residential development, even in shoreland areas.
Recent science suggests that individual waters respond to development impacts in different ways....Dane County’s current shoreland management program, however, is based on an antiquated statewide model ordinance that applies the same rigid zoning standards to all unincorporated shorelands in the county, making no distinction between environmentally sensitive and more resilient waters....
In incorporated cities and villages, shoreland management practices vary widely from community to community....This results in uneven and inconsistent shoreland management, along the same body of water.
2. Response
The Shoreland and Riparian Management Plan attempts to create a flexible, yet rigorous, set of
recommendations to better protect Dane County’s surface waters from near-shore impacts....One size does not fit all. The Shoreland and Riparian Management Plan builds on the sound science and research of the Phase I Waterbody Classification Report, which classifies Dane County Waters into Urban, Developing and Rural categories, based on their physical characteristics and planned level of development....
The Shoreland and Riparian Management Plan fills in a critical gap by specifically addressing impacts to critical areas immediately adjacent to county surface waters....
3. Purposes
• Protect, enhance and restore water quality, habitat, and natural scenic beauty.
• Treat different types of waterbodies differently.
• Treat similar types of waterbodies similarly.
• Provide consistency across government boundaries.
• Allow flexibility for landowner & municipalities.
• Complement other water-related efforts.
• Focus limited resources where they will do the most good.
4. Approach
The Shoreland and Riparian Management Plan takes a multi-pronged approach to addressing impacts to Dane County’s waters resulting from shoreland development. The plan applies to shoreland areas within unincorporated and incorporated communities of Dane County. Under state law, “shorelands” are defined as areas within 1,000 feet of the ordinary highwater mark of navigable lakes or ponds and within 300 feet of navigable streams and rivers. Non-navigable waters, such as artificial dry stormwater basins with no natural waterway history, or active agricultural drainages exempted by state law, would not be affected.
5. Policies
The plan recommends using a variety of strategies and implementation tools to achieve goals and objectives for each class of navigable water. Specific policy recommendations include:
a. Shoreland Zoning Regulations: For each class of Urban, Developing and Rural lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, the plan recommends two sets of regulatory policies: traditional zoning standards, based on setbacks and designated buffer areas, and performance-based standards, based on designs that meet objective, measurable engineering criteria....
b. Public Lands: The Dane County Waterbody Classification System should be considered during future updates to the Parks and Open Space Plan, the Land and Water Conservation Plan, and other priority-setting documents for county land acquisition. Dane County should also set a very high standard for environmental stewardship and management of all publicly-owned shoreland properties.
c. Public Infrastructure: County, municipal, regional and state facilities should be managed to minimize their negative impact on the condition of Dane County surface water resources....
d. Incentives and Technical Assistance: Existing cost-share and other incentive programs should use the Dane County Waterbody Classification System to better target funding to those waters that can most benefit from particular programs. Dane County should also develop new incentive and costshare programs for riparian landowners who volunteer to restore shoreland habitat on their property.
e. Education and Outreach: Dane County and its partners conduct a variety of outreach and
educational programs focused on protecting, restoring or enhancing Dane County’s surface waters, and to assist local governments, landowners and others with natural resource protection, invasive species control, habitat protection and native landscaping. Educational programs should be targeted to the specific needs of each waterbody class.
END OF EXCERPT
The Lakes and Watershed Commission has scheduled two public input sessions on the revised draft shoreland and riparian management plan: Tuesday, November 17 (Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli St) and Wednesday, November 18 (Sun Prairie City Office meeting room, 300 E Main St). Both meetings will be from 7-9 p.m.
Anyway, click Myths and Facts about the Waterbody Classification Project to get a PDF document prepared by the Department of Planning & Development & Office of Lakes and Watersheds answering many of the claims made against the project.
"The purpose of the project is to develop a better understanding of the unique characteristics of various types of waterbodies, their resilience to shoreland development and to develop strategies to protect those waters....The LWC is holding two public hearings November 17th and 18th in the event the Commission and the Board decides to consider approval/adoption of the plan."
The full revised draft:
Waterbody Classification: Shoreland and Riparian Management Plan, Public Hearing Draft 11-5-09
Excerpts:
Dane County Waterbody Classification Project
Phase II: Shoreland and Riparian Management Plan
B. Executive Summary
1. Problem
Shorelands, or the areas closest to navigable waters, provide critical functions related to the water quality, ecology, biodiversity and environmental health of Dane County’s waters....[P]oorly designed urban and suburban development in shoreland areas can have disproportionate environmental impacts....Although many of these impacts can be effectively mitigated with relatively inexpensive design, landscaping and engineering practices, such practices are not common in current single-lot residential development, even in shoreland areas.
Recent science suggests that individual waters respond to development impacts in different ways....Dane County’s current shoreland management program, however, is based on an antiquated statewide model ordinance that applies the same rigid zoning standards to all unincorporated shorelands in the county, making no distinction between environmentally sensitive and more resilient waters....
In incorporated cities and villages, shoreland management practices vary widely from community to community....This results in uneven and inconsistent shoreland management, along the same body of water.
2. Response
The Shoreland and Riparian Management Plan attempts to create a flexible, yet rigorous, set of
recommendations to better protect Dane County’s surface waters from near-shore impacts....One size does not fit all. The Shoreland and Riparian Management Plan builds on the sound science and research of the Phase I Waterbody Classification Report, which classifies Dane County Waters into Urban, Developing and Rural categories, based on their physical characteristics and planned level of development....
The Shoreland and Riparian Management Plan fills in a critical gap by specifically addressing impacts to critical areas immediately adjacent to county surface waters....
3. Purposes
• Protect, enhance and restore water quality, habitat, and natural scenic beauty.
• Treat different types of waterbodies differently.
• Treat similar types of waterbodies similarly.
• Provide consistency across government boundaries.
• Allow flexibility for landowner & municipalities.
• Complement other water-related efforts.
• Focus limited resources where they will do the most good.
4. Approach
The Shoreland and Riparian Management Plan takes a multi-pronged approach to addressing impacts to Dane County’s waters resulting from shoreland development. The plan applies to shoreland areas within unincorporated and incorporated communities of Dane County. Under state law, “shorelands” are defined as areas within 1,000 feet of the ordinary highwater mark of navigable lakes or ponds and within 300 feet of navigable streams and rivers. Non-navigable waters, such as artificial dry stormwater basins with no natural waterway history, or active agricultural drainages exempted by state law, would not be affected.
5. Policies
The plan recommends using a variety of strategies and implementation tools to achieve goals and objectives for each class of navigable water. Specific policy recommendations include:
a. Shoreland Zoning Regulations: For each class of Urban, Developing and Rural lakes, ponds, rivers and streams, the plan recommends two sets of regulatory policies: traditional zoning standards, based on setbacks and designated buffer areas, and performance-based standards, based on designs that meet objective, measurable engineering criteria....
b. Public Lands: The Dane County Waterbody Classification System should be considered during future updates to the Parks and Open Space Plan, the Land and Water Conservation Plan, and other priority-setting documents for county land acquisition. Dane County should also set a very high standard for environmental stewardship and management of all publicly-owned shoreland properties.
c. Public Infrastructure: County, municipal, regional and state facilities should be managed to minimize their negative impact on the condition of Dane County surface water resources....
d. Incentives and Technical Assistance: Existing cost-share and other incentive programs should use the Dane County Waterbody Classification System to better target funding to those waters that can most benefit from particular programs. Dane County should also develop new incentive and costshare programs for riparian landowners who volunteer to restore shoreland habitat on their property.
e. Education and Outreach: Dane County and its partners conduct a variety of outreach and
educational programs focused on protecting, restoring or enhancing Dane County’s surface waters, and to assist local governments, landowners and others with natural resource protection, invasive species control, habitat protection and native landscaping. Educational programs should be targeted to the specific needs of each waterbody class.
END OF EXCERPT
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Monona City Council Preview - Nov. 16
Labels:
Budget,
Four Lakes,
Monona,
Public Safety
The Monona city council will take up the 2010 operating budget for a second reading. A number of minor amendments are proposed, including restoring $3000 funding for the youth center.
AGENDA 11/16/09
One significant amendment is a proposed agreement to share a building inspector with the Village of McFarland and to supplement that half-time position with contracting for specialized inspection services. The amendment would reduce the levy by $24,000. I like the concept, but it has not been reviewed by the Public Safety Commission and I'm not comfortable buying into the idea sight unseen. I'd hate to take the money out of the levy and then find out that we need it after all.
2010 Operating Budget Amendments
The council will also be taking up:
Resolution 09-11-1663 Amendment to Contract with Vierbicher Associates for 2009 Street & Utility Improvements Vierbicher underestimated the hours needed for construction inspection. they say the road contractor was too slow, but they completed the road work on time. They want an extra $28,746. The contract was 'not to exceed'. I'm willing to pay them something because they did do the work, but not the entire amount. A complicating factor is that Vierbicher did go to the Public Works Committee early on and got some sort of assurances they would be compensated - an assurance exceeding the power of the committee or the city engineer.
AGENDA 11/16/09
One significant amendment is a proposed agreement to share a building inspector with the Village of McFarland and to supplement that half-time position with contracting for specialized inspection services. The amendment would reduce the levy by $24,000. I like the concept, but it has not been reviewed by the Public Safety Commission and I'm not comfortable buying into the idea sight unseen. I'd hate to take the money out of the levy and then find out that we need it after all.
2010 Operating Budget Amendments
The council will also be taking up:
Resolution 09-11-1663 Amendment to Contract with Vierbicher Associates for 2009 Street & Utility Improvements Vierbicher underestimated the hours needed for construction inspection. they say the road contractor was too slow, but they completed the road work on time. They want an extra $28,746. The contract was 'not to exceed'. I'm willing to pay them something because they did do the work, but not the entire amount. A complicating factor is that Vierbicher did go to the Public Works Committee early on and got some sort of assurances they would be compensated - an assurance exceeding the power of the committee or the city engineer.
Resolution 09-10-1661 Eliminating the EMS Director Position and Transferring Duties to Fire Chief These two items relate to the consolidation of the Fire Chief and EMS Director/Fire Marshall into a full time position. Again, I support the general concept, but I'm not sure that we need to formalize the new arrangement yet by adopting an ordinance. I'd like to see a proposal from the mayor first.
Also on the agenda:
Resolution 09-11-1667 Participation in Membership with Multi Jurisdictional Public Safety Information System It sounds hopelessly arcane and it probably is, but this proposal would make dramatic improvements in the way information is handled in the police department.
Ordinance 11-09-609 Amending Code to Require Year-Round Permits for Monona Boat Launch Sites This would require boat launch fees to be paid year-round and would include canoes and kayaks.
Staff reports:
Also on the agenda:
Resolution 09-11-1667 Participation in Membership with Multi Jurisdictional Public Safety Information System It sounds hopelessly arcane and it probably is, but this proposal would make dramatic improvements in the way information is handled in the police department.
Ordinance 11-09-609 Amending Code to Require Year-Round Permits for Monona Boat Launch Sites This would require boat launch fees to be paid year-round and would include canoes and kayaks.
Staff reports:
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Speed Obsessed - Update
Labels:
Monona,
Public Safety,
Transportation
Update: The gigantic red lettering in the original post is not an indication that I have gone off the rails completely - or at least no more than usual. It is a technical problem I encounter when trying to copy text into a blog post while using the Firefox browser. Working on it....Ok, I think I fixed it.
Don't you hate it when someone yammers on and on about the same topic, blah-blah-blah? Flogging a dead horse or "thrice to slay the slain".
You may want to avert your eyes because I came across some excellent information related to addressing residential speeding on a web site called Center for Problem-Oriented Policing.
The summary of responses page is also worth a look (stop signs, often a popular response to speeding, are not very effective). They list six total responses:
1. Using traffic calming (speed tables and such);
2. Posting warning signs and signals. “Painting speed limits or “SLOW” on the road surface, in combination with posting roadside signs, can help reduce speed.”
3. Conducting anti-speeding public awareness campaigns.
4. Informing complainants about actual speeds. “Complainants do not always estimate vehicle speeds accurately.
5. Providing realistic driver training.
6. Enforcing speeding laws. “Long-term changes in drivers’ attitudes toward speeding depend on drivers’ perceived risk of being stopped.27 However, a considerable investment of resources is required to significantly increase the risk of getting caught.”
(To my surprise, the About Us page explains that, "The University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School’s Frank J. Remington Center is the academic home of the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing’s director, Michael Scott. Law students there also serve as research assistants to the POP Center.")
***
Don't you hate it when someone yammers on and on about the same topic, blah-blah-blah? Flogging a dead horse or "thrice to slay the slain".
You may want to avert your eyes because I came across some excellent information related to addressing residential speeding on a web site called Center for Problem-Oriented Policing.
Speeding in Residential Areas:
This guide addresses the problem of speeding in residential areas, one of the most common sources of citizen complaints to the police. It is often the chief concern of community groups, largely because of the perceived risks to children. Yet because speeding must compete with other problems for police attention, problems that may appear far more serious, the police often do not devote a lot of resources to it.
Speeding in residential areas causes five basic types of harm:
- it makes citizens fear for children's safety;
- it makes pedestrians and bicyclists fear for their safety;
- it increases the risk of vehicle crashes;
- it increases the seriousness of injuries to other drivers,passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists struck by a vehicle; and
- it increases noise from engine acceleration and tire friction.
The summary of responses page is also worth a look (stop signs, often a popular response to speeding, are not very effective). They list six total responses:
1. Using traffic calming (speed tables and such);
2. Posting warning signs and signals. “Painting speed limits or “SLOW” on the road surface, in combination with posting roadside signs, can help reduce speed.”
3. Conducting anti-speeding public awareness campaigns.
4. Informing complainants about actual speeds. “Complainants do not always estimate vehicle speeds accurately.
5. Providing realistic driver training.
6. Enforcing speeding laws. “Long-term changes in drivers’ attitudes toward speeding depend on drivers’ perceived risk of being stopped.27 However, a considerable investment of resources is required to significantly increase the risk of getting caught.”
(To my surprise, the About Us page explains that, "The University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School’s Frank J. Remington Center is the academic home of the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing’s director, Michael Scott. Law students there also serve as research assistants to the POP Center.")
Monona PSC Brief - Traffic
Labels:
Monona,
Public Safety,
Transportation
The Monona Public Safety Commission met last evening (November 11) and heard from about 8 to 10 residents regarding speeding, especially on Winnequah Road. Residents expressed their strong concern that the road is not safe, especially for young pedestrians.
Speakers advocated a number of possible solutions including: stop signs, speed tables and cushions, crosswalks, and alterations to the bump outs. Mayor Kahl, City Administrator Marsh, and Alder Wiswell attended (Alder Veserat and I are members of the PSC). Mayor Kahl also advocated sidewalks.
The PSC heard a report form the police department on speed and crash data. Traffic Speed and Traffic Stats 11-11-09. The city administrator also reported that the rubber speed cushions are used on a seasonal basis in cold weather cities, including Milwaukee.
After a good discussion, the commission vote to ask staff (city engineer and police chief and fire chief) to develop recommendations and bring those back for our review.
Some members of the PSC seemed less than enthralled with the proposed Residential Traffic Management Program (RTMP Final Draft 11-11-09). Staff, on the other hand, especially the police chief and patrol lieutenant strongly advocated for the proposal because they want a process to evaluate citizen requests for action on traffic issues.
I should note that while I drafted the RTMP, it was originally an idea proposed by the police chief and carried over from before my time on the PSC.
The opposition saw the proposal as unnecessary and heavy-handed. There was some unfortunate confusion about the NTMP Summary document that I included with the draft policy. That summary from Boulder, Colorado suggested several alternatives on how to address the seven issues that tend to come up whenever a municipality develops a traffic management program. Some members thought the summary was part of the proposed program.
Other members and staff supported the idea of having a framework for processing the requests and complaints, although some members did suggest the program could be simplified.
I plan to revise the program a little and the commission will take another look at the policy.
Speakers advocated a number of possible solutions including: stop signs, speed tables and cushions, crosswalks, and alterations to the bump outs. Mayor Kahl, City Administrator Marsh, and Alder Wiswell attended (Alder Veserat and I are members of the PSC). Mayor Kahl also advocated sidewalks.
The PSC heard a report form the police department on speed and crash data. Traffic Speed and Traffic Stats 11-11-09. The city administrator also reported that the rubber speed cushions are used on a seasonal basis in cold weather cities, including Milwaukee.
After a good discussion, the commission vote to ask staff (city engineer and police chief and fire chief) to develop recommendations and bring those back for our review.
***
Some members of the PSC seemed less than enthralled with the proposed Residential Traffic Management Program (RTMP Final Draft 11-11-09). Staff, on the other hand, especially the police chief and patrol lieutenant strongly advocated for the proposal because they want a process to evaluate citizen requests for action on traffic issues.
I should note that while I drafted the RTMP, it was originally an idea proposed by the police chief and carried over from before my time on the PSC.
The opposition saw the proposal as unnecessary and heavy-handed. There was some unfortunate confusion about the NTMP Summary document that I included with the draft policy. That summary from Boulder, Colorado suggested several alternatives on how to address the seven issues that tend to come up whenever a municipality develops a traffic management program. Some members thought the summary was part of the proposed program.
Other members and staff supported the idea of having a framework for processing the requests and complaints, although some members did suggest the program could be simplified.
I plan to revise the program a little and the commission will take another look at the policy.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Monona Speed Data
Labels:
Monona,
Public Safety,
Transportation
Here is the most recent data collected by Monona PD. Traffic Speed and Traffic Stats 11-11-09
The data shows a significant speeding problem in April at Maywood/Winnequah where as many as 10% of drivers are more than 10 mph over the speed limit (i.e. they were traveling 35 mph). Speeds had dropped by early October. Lesser problems, but still problems, farther south on Winnequah. Very few speeding problems at other locations have been detected so far.
The speed and traffic data was collected by using a Radar Traffic Classifier. Drivers do not know their speed is being collected.
The data shows a significant speeding problem in April at Maywood/Winnequah where as many as 10% of drivers are more than 10 mph over the speed limit (i.e. they were traveling 35 mph). Speeds had dropped by early October. Lesser problems, but still problems, farther south on Winnequah. Very few speeding problems at other locations have been detected so far.
The speed and traffic data was collected by using a Radar Traffic Classifier. Drivers do not know their speed is being collected.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Putting the Mayor in Charge of Schools?
Labels:
Milwaukee,
Schools,
State and national Politics
Am I the only one who just doesn't get how putting the mayor of Milwaukee in charge of the Milwaukee public schools is going to fix that school system?
The draft proposal would give the mayor incredibly expansive powers, including the power to appoint the school superintendent who would serve at the pleasure of the mayor and the to appoint half of the members of budget committee. The draft also transfers most of the remaining power from the elected school board to mayor's appointed superintendent. The proposal is profoundly undemocratic.
(Try a search for 'superintendent' within the draft legislation and in nearly every instance, the super takes power away from the school board.)
Would it work? Is there any reason to think the mayor of Milwaukee knows anything about running a big city school system? Doesn't the mayor already have plenty to do without adding a 82,000 student school system to his plate?
Is an unresponsive school board the reason the Milwaukee students do so poorly and have a horrible black/white achievement gap? Or is a more likely cause the large number of unemployed and the huge disparity of black/white income? The fact that Milwaukee has the 7th highest poverty rate in the US? One-fourth of the people who live in Milwaukee are below the official poverty line. That's $21,000 for a family of four.
Maybe Doyle, Obama, and Barrett should take a crack at fixing that problem.
I don't pretend to understand the Milwaukee politics - supporters include State Sen. Lena Taylor, along with fellow Senators Jeff Plale and Tim Carpenter, and state Reps. Pedro Colón and Jason Fields (all Democrats who represent the Milwaukee area), but the Milwaukee NAACP opposes it as as does the teachers' union. A group has formed to fight the changes: Coalition To Stop the MPS Takeover.
And all this is coming right when Tom Barrett is expected to finally get off the fence and run for governor.
The whole idea smells of politics and another simplistic idea to fix schools.
A mayor's school takeover plot Socialist Worker Online - Nov 9, 2009. See if you can get past the byline and read this cogently written story.
The draft proposal would give the mayor incredibly expansive powers, including the power to appoint the school superintendent who would serve at the pleasure of the mayor and the to appoint half of the members of budget committee. The draft also transfers most of the remaining power from the elected school board to mayor's appointed superintendent. The proposal is profoundly undemocratic.
(Try a search for 'superintendent' within the draft legislation and in nearly every instance, the super takes power away from the school board.)
Would it work? Is there any reason to think the mayor of Milwaukee knows anything about running a big city school system? Doesn't the mayor already have plenty to do without adding a 82,000 student school system to his plate?
Is an unresponsive school board the reason the Milwaukee students do so poorly and have a horrible black/white achievement gap? Or is a more likely cause the large number of unemployed and the huge disparity of black/white income? The fact that Milwaukee has the 7th highest poverty rate in the US? One-fourth of the people who live in Milwaukee are below the official poverty line. That's $21,000 for a family of four.
Maybe Doyle, Obama, and Barrett should take a crack at fixing that problem.
I don't pretend to understand the Milwaukee politics - supporters include State Sen. Lena Taylor, along with fellow Senators Jeff Plale and Tim Carpenter, and state Reps. Pedro Colón and Jason Fields (all Democrats who represent the Milwaukee area), but the Milwaukee NAACP opposes it as as does the teachers' union. A group has formed to fight the changes: Coalition To Stop the MPS Takeover.
And all this is coming right when Tom Barrett is expected to finally get off the fence and run for governor.
The whole idea smells of politics and another simplistic idea to fix schools.
Doyle announces bill to let mayor take over MPS
Doyle says he has votes for MPS overhaul - JSOnlineWhy the Milwaukee Mayor should not take over MPS ACLU of Wisconsin
Is 'Mayoral Control' The Answer For Urban Schools? from the National Journal, a bunch of education experts:National Journal Online -- Education Experts -- Is 'Mayoral ...A mayor's school takeover plot Socialist Worker Online - Nov 9, 2009. See if you can get past the byline and read this cogently written story.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Monona Committee Stuff
Labels:
Environment,
Monona,
Parks
The Monona Plan Commission meets on Monday, November 9 at 7 p.m. and will take up the Aldo Leopold Nature Center's proposed 8,084 square-foot addition to the Center’s Educational Facilities at 300 Femrite Drive. In its application, the ALNC stated:
ALNC Application Letter (Nov 9).pdf
The Monona Park and Recreation Board will meet on Tuesday, November 10 at 6 p.m. to consider:
Lake Access/Boat Launch Ordinance to make a permit necessary year long instead of seasonal. This change would be consistent with Dane County/City of Madison ordinances that we share a partnership for offering Lake Access Permits. The board discussed and thought it was a good idea, but would like to include the language for hours at Lottes to 1 hour before sunrise for early morning fisherman.
Staff recommendation on Fireman’s Park Bathroom replacement
- Upgrade electrical to 200 amp service
- Move bathroom closer to the shelter.
- Architecture to look similar to Ahuska/Dream Park Shelters to keep a consistency among Monona Park Shelters/Bathrooms
- ADA Accessible bathrooms and walking path from parking lot to bathroom and bathroom to shelter
- Water fountain on outside with wall pack lighting
- Mechanical room large enough for storage for Youth Sports to store equipment
- All equipment be vandal resistant or stainless steel construction
- Motion activated lighting and motion activated soap dispenser and hand dryers, no paper towels
Lagoon Treatment: Last month, Kevin Ripp – Aquafix - made an appearance to request to use the Winnequah Lagoon as a test area for a product his company uses to reduce the sludge/sediment on the bottom of the lagoon. Aquaxfix would create a bacteria that would eat the sediment.
Schluter Beach. The 2009 Capital Budget had $25,000 allocated to make repairs at Schluter Beach. During the 2010-2014 Capital Budget, there was an amendment to put in additional funding to make major changes to the Schluter Beach bath house. Does the committee still want to proceed with the repairs of Schluter Beach now, or wait until 2014. Pictures of current condition will be available in a power point at the meeting.
The License Review Committee also meets on Tuesday (at 4 p.m.) to consider Walgreen's proposal for a license to sell liquor and beer.
RTMP Final Draft 11-11-09
The NTMP Summary is an excellent review from Boulder, Colorado of the main issues arise in developing a program for citizen input on solutions to traffic-related problems.
PSC Agenda 11-11-09
The Center’s service has grown from 7,000 students in its first year, to over 33,000 annually.
The addition is required to support this growing demand for educational programs and services at the Center. The project is comprised of 8,084 gross square feet of new construction contiguous to the existing building, and 982 gross square feet of renovated space. The addition, designed by The Kubala Washatko Architects, is planned to be LEED certified and a net-zero energy building – a stellar example of innovation and sustainable living. The addition will house new educational space and will allow for interactive programming, presentations and improved visitor flow. It will feature environmentally-sensitive, energy efficient and recycled materials, as well as alternative energy technologies.
ALNC Application Letter (Nov 9).pdf
***
The Monona Park and Recreation Board will meet on Tuesday, November 10 at 6 p.m. to consider:
- Lake Access/Boat Launch Ordinance Change"; and
- Park & Open Space Plan; and
- Fireman’s Park Bathroom Capital Project; and
- Winnequah Lagoon Treatment – Aquafix; and
- Schluter Beach Capital Project
Lake Access/Boat Launch Ordinance to make a permit necessary year long instead of seasonal. This change would be consistent with Dane County/City of Madison ordinances that we share a partnership for offering Lake Access Permits. The board discussed and thought it was a good idea, but would like to include the language for hours at Lottes to 1 hour before sunrise for early morning fisherman.
Staff recommendation on Fireman’s Park Bathroom replacement
- Upgrade electrical to 200 amp service
- Move bathroom closer to the shelter.
- Architecture to look similar to Ahuska/Dream Park Shelters to keep a consistency among Monona Park Shelters/Bathrooms
- ADA Accessible bathrooms and walking path from parking lot to bathroom and bathroom to shelter
- Water fountain on outside with wall pack lighting
- Mechanical room large enough for storage for Youth Sports to store equipment
- All equipment be vandal resistant or stainless steel construction
- Motion activated lighting and motion activated soap dispenser and hand dryers, no paper towels
Lagoon Treatment: Last month, Kevin Ripp – Aquafix - made an appearance to request to use the Winnequah Lagoon as a test area for a product his company uses to reduce the sludge/sediment on the bottom of the lagoon. Aquaxfix would create a bacteria that would eat the sediment.
Schluter Beach. The 2009 Capital Budget had $25,000 allocated to make repairs at Schluter Beach. During the 2010-2014 Capital Budget, there was an amendment to put in additional funding to make major changes to the Schluter Beach bath house. Does the committee still want to proceed with the repairs of Schluter Beach now, or wait until 2014. Pictures of current condition will be available in a power point at the meeting.
***
The License Review Committee also meets on Tuesday (at 4 p.m.) to consider Walgreen's proposal for a license to sell liquor and beer.
***
The Public Safety Commission meets on Wednesday November 11 at 7 p.m. to review the draft Monona Residential Traffic Management Program and to discuss "South Winnequah Road Pedestrian and Biking Safety Issues".RTMP Final Draft 11-11-09
The NTMP Summary is an excellent review from Boulder, Colorado of the main issues arise in developing a program for citizen input on solutions to traffic-related problems.
PSC Agenda 11-11-09
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
