Monona City Council Preview - June 6, 2011

The Monona city council gathers next Monday. Several items of interest are on the agenda.  

* a. Consideration of Resolution 11-06-1781, 2010 Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR) Review and Recommendations (Director of Public Works).

b. Consideration of Resolution 11-06-1782 Authorization to Proceed with Planning for Tax Increment District Amendment (CDA). This resolution would begin the process of amending TID #2. City Redevelopment Districts can be viewed here (related but not the same as TIDs). Somewhat dated TID map.TID #2 is at the southern end of the city along Broadway.

* c. Consideration of Resolution 11-06-1783 Approval of Proposal from BT Squared for Design, Surveying, and Construction Engineering Services for 2011 Dredging Project (Public Works Committee). This item is a $54,000 engineering services contract. It concerns me that proposals were not sought from any other engineering firm. I copy the entire resolution below. BT Squared has done the engineering for the Belle Isle street project that is currently underway.

My concerns about the process are several:

Foremost is the lack of engineering proposals from other firms. We might have gotten a better proposal from another firm. BT Squared's involvement in the Belle Isle area gives them a better understanding of the issues relating to the dredging project. Is that factor enough to warrant exclusion of other firms from consideration?

Second, according to the resolution,"the Public Works Committee directed staff to work with BT Squared to develop a proposal to provide design and construction engineering services for the dredging...". Directing staff in that manner is not the PWC's role. I look forward to hearing more about the process at Monday's meeting.

Third, the absence of competing proposals is contrary to city policy for professional contracts in this amount. 

WHEREAS

, the 2011 Capital Budget includes of total of $250,000 for Belle Isle dredging to be

completed in conjunction with the scheduled 2011 street improvements to Tecumseh Avenue,

Neponset Trail, Nishishin Trail, Nishishin Trail NE and Pocahontas Drive in the Belle Isle

neighborhood; and,

WHEREAS

, the Public Works Committee, acknowledging the work completed by BT Squared to date as

engineer for the 2011 Belle Isle street improvements project, and recognizing the benefits of project

continuity, directed staff to work with BT Squared to develop a proposal to provide design and

construction engineering services for the dredging of the lagoons on Belle Isle; and,

WHEREAS

, BT Squared submitted a proposal (attached) which includes planning, design, permitting,

bid document preparation, and construction administration services to dredge silt from Lagoon du

Nord, Lagoon du Sud, and Sumac Lagoon on Belle Isle and pipe the silt to Winnequah Park for

dewatering during the fall of 2011 (Phase 1), then use the dredged material for the grading of a

section of Winnequah Park in 2012 (Phase 2); and,

WHEREAS

, the Public Works Committee, at its regularly scheduled meeting on June 1, 2011,

recommended that the City contract with BT Squared to perform Phase I of the work.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,

by the Common Council of the City of Monona that Phase

I of the proposal by BT Squared to provide design, surveying, and construction engineering services

for the dredging of Lagoon du Nord, Lagoon du Sud, and Sumac Lagoon at a cost not to exceed

$54,130 is hereby approved, and the Director of Public Works is authorized to proceed with the

processing of an Independent Contractor Agreement with BT Squared to provide the aforementioned

services.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED

, that the Director of Public Works is hereby directed to investigate the

cost and permit requirements needed to dredge the inlet between Cove Circle and Squaw Circle and

to issue a future amendment to the contract with BT Squared to include design and construction

engineering for dredging at this location.

***

* d. Consideration of Resolution 11-06-1784 Award of Contract for 2011 Road Maintenance Program (Public Works Committee).

* e. Consideration of Resolution 11-06-1785 Award of Contract for 2011 Parking Lot Maintenance Program (Public Works Committee).

H. Miscellaneous Business.

1. Update on South Winnequah Road Safety Recommendations (City Administrator). I requested this report because I'm wondering what the status is of the actions required by the council (other than removing the Frost Woods stop signs).

APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL FROM BT SQUARED FOR DESIGN, SURVEYING, AND

CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR 2011 DREDGING PROJECT

Slow, no-wake order continues on Lake Monona

Update: Lake Monona dropped 0.01' to 846.90' as July 27.

See the madison.com story.


"Lake levels on Monday morning were higher than the targeted maximum levels on all four lakes.


Lake Mendota was at 851.34 feet above sea level, with a targeted maximum of 850.10 feet; Lake Monona was at 846.91 feet, targeted at 845.20 feet; Lake Waubesa was at 846.42 feet, targeted at 845 feet; and Lake Kegonsa was at 843.68 feet, targeted at 843.50 feet."

The order only applies to Lake Monona. This morning's lake level on Lake Monona hasn't been posted yet.

Slow No Wake Order on Lake Monona

According to a post by Scott Beedy on Channel3000's community web pages a slow, no wake order has been issued for Lake Monona..
http://mononagrove.channel3000.com/content/slow-no-wake-order-imposed-lake-monona

Dane County press release: http://www.countyofdane.com/press/details.aspx?id=2228

This order is only for Lake Monona and not any other lakes in the Yahara Chain. It went into effect at sunrise, Saturday July 24th.

Lake Monona was at el. 846.9' this morning (July 25), up 0.63' since July 22.

***

The Yahara Lakes Legacy Partnership is looking for input on the lakes. Go to Yahara Lakes Legacy Partnership. The meeting has been held, but it is NOT too late. Read the materials that are posted and complete the survey monkey.

Water Is Not Detained

Lake Edge Park in Monona water detention basin went kablooie last night.

Containment wall collapses: Try this one.

http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12693115

Water Levels in the Yahara Lakes

The Nelson Institute is presenting a forum on water levels in the Yahara Lakes. From their e-flyer:

NELSON INSTITUTE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM


April 6 -- Water Levels in the Upper Yahara Lakes: Surface and Groundwater Influences

Water levels in the Yahara Lakes are heavily influenced by a number of physical factors, both natural (precipitation, groundwater levels) and human-made (paved surfaces, bridges, dams and other land uses). This forum will explore the complex river system that includes the Yahara Lakes and examine how it responds to these influences.

Forums are FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Water Levels in the Upper Yahara Lakes:

Surface and Groundwater Influences
Presentations:

KENNETH POTTER, Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering and Chair, Water Resources Management Program

JEREMY BALOUSEK, Urban Conservation Engineer, Dane County Office of Land and Water Resources

SUE JOSHEFF, Basin Supervisor, Division of Water, Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources

PETER HUGHES, Assistant Center Director, Wisconsin Water Science Center, US Geological Survey


TUESDAY, APRIL 6

5:30 - 7:00 PM

1106 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING BLDG.

1513 UNIVERSITY AVENUE

Bus Routes 2,3, 70, 71, 72, 19, 81, 14, and 15.

Free parking in Lot 17.

Sponsored by:

For more information: www.nelson.wisc. edu/community/ programs/ community- environmental- forums

Event Contact: lambersonphi@ wisc.edu
http://www.danewaters.com/

http://www.yaharalakes.org/

http://www.engr.wisc.edu/cee/

Lake Level Management Presentation UPDATED

Update: Here are some links for Madison climate that I also posted in the comments.

Madison precipitation history

Madison climate

Original post:

Just came across this interesting presentation about lake levels by Kevin Connors at Dane County Land & Water Resources Department.

Lake Level Management on the Yahara Chain of Lakes (7.3 MB PDF)

Go here for more lake level data.

And here for current and historical levels Lake Level Search Page.Lake Monona is currently about 1.8' lower than last year on the same date.

Lower Yahara River Trail - Public Meeting June 17

From Dane County Parks, an annoucnement of a Public Information Meeting on the Lower Yahara River Trail Planning, June 17 at 7 pm at the Lussier Family Heritage Center.

For Immediate Release
May 28, 2009
Contact: Chris James, Park Planner, 608-224-3763


Dane County Land and Water Resources Department to Host Public Information Meeting for Phase One Lower Yahara River Trail Planning

Dane County is working together with a stakeholder team and consulting firm Graef to prepare construction drawings and estimates for a multi use trail that would extend from the Capital City Trail at Lake Farm County Park to McDaniel Park in the Village of McFarland. The trail would be a combination of paved surface and boardwalk with several designated shore fishing stations. Provision of this trail is anticipated to reduce trespassing issues and improve safety on the Wisconsin and Southern Railroad Company active rail line that parallels the proposed trail. The planning effort is also investigating possible expansion of the existing railroad trestle at Lake Waubesa to improve both water flow and boat navigation. Dane County and their partners are currently seeking Federal transportation dollars that could fund up to 100 percent of construction costs.

A public information meeting to provide a project overview and solicit input will be held on Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lussier Family Heritage Center, 3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison, WI 53711.

For further information about the upcoming meeting, please contact Chris James, Dane County Parks Division at 608-224-3763.

Emphasis added by me.

Lake Levels on the Yahara Chain

To see the latest summary of state and county actions to address high water levels on the Yahara Lakes see the following:

http://www.thewheelerreport.com/releases/Apr09/apr6/0406dnrflooding.pdf

The action plan calls for regular meetings involving the city, county and state engineers to review rainfall, soil saturation and lake levels. It also sets priorities for clearing and enlarging clogged or small bridge openings which may hold back water, data gathering and communication.

Other highlights of the action plan include:

• Identify alternatives and feasibility of modifying the Stoughton, Upper Mud Lake and Highway 113 railroad bridges.
• Upgrade Cherokee Marsh lift station, manholes and emergency plan.
• Assess stability of Tenney Lock and Dam.
• Set maximum water level for Tenney Lock/Dam.
• Install flow gauges on Six Mile, Dorn and Starkweather Creeks.
• Complete Mendota portion of hydraulic system model, and expand model to other lakes.
• Create public feedback area on Dane County’s existing lake level Web page.
• Inform public on the status of the Lakes and upcoming management issues.
• Convene a technical group consisting of DNR, County, and municipalities to coordinate dam and water level information.
• Convene a Yahara System flooding advisory group.
  

“These steps represent an initial list,” DNR Secretary Matt Frank said.

Lake Monona was at 845.73' EL. this morning; still above summer max, but steadily creeping downward.

Lake Levels: http://www.countyofdane.com/landconservation/lakelevelpg.aspx

This upcoming seminar may be of interest:

From Sandbags to Sanity: Lessons from the Midwest Floods of 2008

April 20, 2009The Monona TerraceMadison, WI

http://www.lafollette.wisc.edu/publicservice/floods/index.html

Four Lakes Flooding

I attended a Dane County meeting on the proposed widening of the railroad bridge over the Yahara River at Upper Mud Lake on Wednesday. The overall project also includes a multi-use pathway running parallel to the tracks between Lake Farm Park and the village of McFarland.

The impact of the railroad trestle on water elevation is still under evaluation. The models are being fine-tuned. It appears likely that the trestle does not significantly affect lake levels. The final data may change this tentative conclusion. However, it is clear that the trestle restricts flow during times of high water.

Regardless of the bridge's impact on water flows and levels, widening the opening railroad bridge would also improve boat navigation. The existing opening basically creates a one-lane road for boats under the bridge. A widened opening would allow boat traffic to proceed simultaneously in each direction.

I also attended a meeting of the Monona ad hoc committee on flood mitigation [Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee (Ad Hoc)]. We received some moderately encouraging news about Lake Levels. After staying quite high all winter, the county and the weather have cooperated to bring down the level of Lake Monona to within a couple inches of the summer minimum and about .4' below the level last year on March 6. (I am told the lake needs to be at the summer minimum by about March 1 for spring fish spawning.).

We caught a break with the lack of snow after New Year's so the snow melt should present as many challenges as last year. These factors provide the county with a little more flexibility in managing lake levels. The large amount of precipitation the last two years still means the groundwater is quite high, however, so large spring rains will still potentially cause problems.

The other bit of encouraging news is that the county (read Kevin Connors) is providing more information to the various stakeholders (I hate that word; please suggest a better one!) like Monona, Madison, McFarland, and the DNR. Along with others I have urged the county to be more transparent in the way it operates the lakes. We may still disagree about how the lake levels are managed, but at least when we disagree it will be with the same data in hand.

I also have to give kudos to our County Supervisor Robin Schmidt who loves meetings so much that she started her Wednesday morning attending the Monona Drive Advisory (Ad-Hoc) committee meeting, ended the day with a Madison Area MPO meeting and then attended most of Monona's Flood Committee meeting in the early evening of Thursday before heading off to the Dane County Board Supervisors regular meeting.

Lake Levels Again

The State Journal carried an interesting story about Madison's request that DNR review the lake levels.

http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/313764

In a letter received by Mayor Dave Cieslewicz on Monday, DNR Secretary Matthew Frank also warned that it is unlikely the complicated review would be completed by spring 2009, as had been sought by the city.

In its letter seeking the review, the Madison City Council asked that the DNR, which is charged by state statute with setting lake levels, "review and revise, if necessary," the water levels for Lakes Mendota and Monona.

But Frank said that before the agency can begin a review process, it needs the city to "request a specific desired water level regime as a starting point."

That last statement strikes me as a bit strange - they do the science, don't they? - but I suppose Monona could simply request a level that would 1. prevent flooding and 2. maintain recreational uses.

In reality, the major problem is not the lake level targets, but rather the way the lake level has been managed by the county. If the lake levels were kept at the targets, then we would never have any flooding. Lake Monona takes a very long time to drop its level, especially with restrictions to flow from luxuriant weed growth in the Yahara River channel. That delay means the county needs to be very careful about letting water flow out of Lake Mendota when Lake Monona is near or above its targets.

Good News on Flooding and Biking

From WKOW

http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8821133&nav=menu1362_2

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk announced Monday the county has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire a consultant to study the feasibility of constructing a new recreational trail from Lake Farm County Park to McDaniel Park in the Village of McFarland. The study is funded by the 2008 County budget. Firms interested in submitting proposals for the $66,500 RFP have until September 3rd to do so.

In addition to exploring additional recreational opportunities, the study will also analyze flows through an existing railroad trestle on the Yahara River near Lake Farm County Park to determine if widening the existing structure may help to improve water flow and help minimize the impacts of flooding during high water events upriver. A wider railroad bridge may also improve the ability of boats to move between the two bodies of water.

***

The railroad corridor is currently owned by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and leased by Wisconsin and Southern Railroad Company.

***

"We are excited to see this planning effort move forward that may reveal steps that can be taken to reduce flooding over the long term on Belle Isle and Lake Monona," said Supervisor Robin Schmidt.

The Yahara Lakes Advisory Group also has recommended studying the effects of widening the existing railroad trestle to improve water flow on the Yahara River. In addition, students from the University of Wisconsin Madison Engineering Department recently completed a flow analysis of the river at the railroad trestle that suggests a widened opening could lower upstream water levels during flood events.

"The trestle may be key to addressing flooding and I'm interested in providing boaters, anglers, joggers and bikers more opportunities. This study will provide us answers so we can determine the best approaches on addressing these needs," said Supervisor Patrick Miles.

"This seems like it could be a very common sense solution to help us better manage water levels and reduce flooding on the Yahara chain of lakes," said Supervisor Brett Hulsey, Chair of the Lakes and Watershed Commission.

Railroad Washout Pictures

These photos are a bit dated (June 13, 2008), but show the amazing force of water after the intense June storms. The photos were taken near Reedsburg and Wauzeka.

No Wake Rules Adjusted AGAIN

ADDENDUM: The no wake ban is back: Slow, no-wake order back on for Yahara Lakes after storms


On July 9, Dane County eased the no wake rules on the Yahara Chain of Lakes.

Dane County Eases Slow, No Wake Rules on Yahara Chain of Lakes.

"· Lake Monona: Effective noon on Thursday, July 10, the Slow, No Wake order is modified to 500 feet with one exception. The Slow, No Wake order is maintained for all of Squaw Bay."

Within hours of that order, Ma Nature walloped the area with another storm (contrary to the expectations in the order of no significant rainfall in the next six days after July 9!).

Update: City cleans up as big storm causes a big mess

UPDATE: Some parts of area receive more than 4 inches in latest storm WSJ

Lake Monona rose to 847.17 this morning and seems likely to rise more as the lat rains work their way through the system.

Historical Lake Levels REVISED

July 4 addition:

Lake Monona fell 0.10' yesterday to 847.17, a significant increase in the pace.

Contrary to my original post, Lake Monona first exceeded 847 (adjusted for datum change) in 1928, not 1993. The maximum reading on Lake Monona exceeded 847 (adjusted) again in March 1937 and yet again in July 1950, July 1993, June 1996, June and July 2000, August 2007, and June and July 2008.

In the past, Lake Monona stayed at 847 or higher for a day or a few days (five consecutive days max). That changed in 2000, 2007 and 2008.

In 2000, however, Lake Monona stayed above 847 from for 38 days from June 5 through July 12. In August and September 2007, Lake Monona stayed above 847 for 18 days from August 24 to September 10.

In 2008, Lake Monona has been above 847 since June 10 (twenty-five days and counting).

July 3, 2008 Revision:

I spoke with Kevin Connors Director of Dane County Land & Water Resources Department last evening. He said there was an adjustment of some 2.5' to the lake datum points about 20 years ago. That would account for the jump in maximum lake levels in 1979.

It appears that this change occurred on October 1, 1979. The lake level went from 841.14 on September 30 to 844.85 on October 1, a change of about 3.71'.

I have completed the adjustments.



Will complete further revisions later.
Original Post with Adjusted Elevations (and necessary edits):
My son and I took a drive over to the Tenney Park last evening to look at the roaring whitewater pouring through the locks. While there we chatted with the friendly lockmaster, Greg Anderson of Monona. It's quite a sight (the water, not Greg). Tenney Park Locks - Dane County Parks It gives you some ideaq of the forces at work in our lakes right now. Awesome and potentially terrible.


Lake level data from Dane County. There is a wealth of lake information on the County's web site. You can also retrieve historical data back to 1915 and put it into charts and graphs.

Current Lake Monona level as of 06-20-08 is 847.77

The all-time high is 847.86 on June 16, 2008.

Summer Target min 844.70
Summer Target max 845.20
100-Year Flood Elevation* 848

* 100-Year Flood Elevation: the 100-year flood elevation establishes the extent of the 100-year floodplain. The 100-year floodplain is the area that has a 1% probability of flooding every year, and where predicted flood water elevations above mean sea level have been established. Properties in the floodplain are considered to be at high risk of flooding under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Construction in these areas must meet local floodplain zoning ordinance requirements, including evidence that principle structures are above the 100-year flood elevation as shown on the adopted floodplain maps.

Historical Levels for Lake Monona

1915-1930
Summary of readings
Minimum reading 840.5 (adjusted 844.21)
Maximum reading 843.66 (adjusted 847.37)
Average reading 841.65 (adjusted 845.36)

1931-1945
Summary of readings
Minimum reading 839.97 (adjusted 843.68)
Maximum reading 843.59 (adjusted 847.30)
Average reading 841.06 (adjusted 844.77)

1946-1960
Summary of readings
Minimum reading 839.98 (adjusted 843.69)
Maximum reading 843.48 (adjusted 847.19)
Average reading 841.25 (adjusted 844.96)

1961-1975
Summary of readings
Minimum reading 839.61 (adjusted 843.32)
Maximum reading 842.97 (adjusted 846.68)
Average reading 841.34 (adjusted 845.05)


1976 to September 30, 1979
Summary of readings
Minimum reading 839.93 (adjusted 843.64)
Maximum reading 842.95 (adjusted 846.66)
Average reading 841.13 (adjusted 844.84)

No adjustment required after October 1, 1979

October 1, 1979 through 1990
Summary of readings
Minimum reading 843.87
Maximum reading 846.29 (October 10, 1986)
Average reading 845.01

1991 to 2000
Summary of readings
Minimum reading 843.61
Maximum reading 847.47 (June 15, 2000)
Average reading 844.96

2001 to June 20, 2008
Summary of readings
Minimum reading 843.44
Maximum reading 847.86
Average reading 844.97


From the Belle Isle Neighborhood Website:

High Water Levels 2007(847.46') Month Closeup
High Water Levels 2004(846.85')
High Water Levels 2000(Record 847.48')
High Water Levels 1993(847.12')

Public Works Flood Hearing and Some Thoughts

I attended last night's Monona Public Works Committee's public hearing on "Spring 2008 Rainfall and High Water Level for Lake Monona."

The agenda further stated: "Public Hearing for the purpose of the sharing of information and ideas relative to the Spring 2008 rainfall and subsequent high water level of Lake Monona. Included will be discussion of planned and possible future improvements to city infrastructure and shoreline in the Belle Isle area."

The meeting was well-attended - probably 75-80 residents with all city alders and the mayor in attendance.

[One item that also needs discussion are the recurrent sanitary sewage backups in the city. I know they recur on Maywood and Midmoor (Others?). And by the way, if you have water coming up the drain pipe on your floor that's probably sewage even if it looks fairly clear.]

I 'only' stayed for the first two and a half hours of the meeting, but here's what I heard and some thoughts. Former alder Peter McKeever spoke first and emphasized the importance of development and the resultant increase in stormwater runoff upstream in the watershed. (BTW, Peter looks a lot more relaxed these days). That brings more water to Lake Monona and the rest of the chain of lakes. Sue Manning presented some observations and very helpful slides. Alder Wiswell also spoke at some length.

The city staff made a brief presentation on the PW effort to aid in the flood response and longer term measures to address the Belle Isle problem. An intermediate step is the installation of two stormwater lift stations. These are being funded 75% by FEMA (FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency) and 25% by the city (I think the total cost is about $100K). That was denied by FEMA in 2006 and then approved in 2007 pending an environmental assessment).

Longer term the city has received a planning grant for flood mitigation from FEMA in the amount of little under $50K. A consultant will be hired to develop alternatives.

An item that was briefly touched while I was there is a possible widening of the railroad trestle over the water between Upper Mud Lake and Lake Waubesa. The opening is about 20' wide now and could be rebuilt to 50' in conjunction with the extension of a bike trail running partially along the tracks from Lake Farm Park to McFarland. This project is moving forward in the planning stages and is likely at least several years off.

Kevin Connors, Director of Dane County Land & Water Resources Department and the grand poobah of the lock and dams made a presentation and answered questions. He received quite a grilling. Several vitals points emerged:

• The chain of lakes are and must be managed as an overall system.
• There are a lot of competing interests, needs,wants, and desires.
• A string of events occurred to create the current high waters: Heavy rains late last summer and fall, 100+" of snowfall, and some 10" of rain in three events within seven days this June.
• The elevation difference between Lake Monona and the lakes downstream if only a few inches so that the lake empties slowly.
• The downstream dams at Babcock and La Follette Parks have been wide open since last August (usually wide open beginning in November). That is the only way to reduce lake Monona's level.
• Belle Isle residents want the county to stop any flow from Mendota to Monona for a few days to see if Monona can be brought down to safer levels more quickly. Connors has already reduced the flow by 50% and is considering further reductions. (I sent him an email asking him to do so and I understand the Mayor discussed this possibility with him.)

On a larger scale it is also clear that we are seeing more extreme weather events and that these are probably related to global climate change. See this timely story from Newsweek here: http://www.newsweek.com/id/143787 Warm globally, rain locally.

One other strategy that is essential for the city is to make the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission constantly mindful that upstream development brings water downstream.

FEMA accepting aid applications from Dane County

Go this Cap Times story for important news if you have flood or storm damage.

FEMA accepting aid applications from Dane County TCT

"Officials remind county residents and businesses reporting damage information to local units of government is not the same as applying for federal assistance."


Applications for federal aid can be made by phone, 800-621-3362 or online at www.fema.gov/assistance.

Flood Meetings

The Monona ad hoc flood mitigation advisory committee met on short notice this past Tuesday (June 17, 2008). The committee mostly heard from Belle Isle residents regarding the current flooding for about 3 hours. Both long-term solutions and short-term adaptations were discussed. About 60 local residents, mostly from Belle Isle (Belle Isle Neighborhood Website), attended the meeting.

BTW, a great deal of information is now available on the city of Monona main web page.

I co-chair the committee and Jeff Wiswell is Chair. Other members in attendance were Susan Manning, Larry Miller, Daniel Schultz, Jack Fadness, and D. Bruce McConnell. Mayor Robb Kahl and city engineer Rich Vela also attended.

Sheriff Dave Mahoney made an appearance as did county supervisor Robin Schmidt, whose day job involves emergency government, as well as representatives from the American Red Cross. The Sheriff has made Huber inmates available for filling and distributing sandbags. The state DOC has also brought in prisoners to help out.

From the city's web site: The city Public Works Committee is holding a special Public Informational Meeting and Hearing on Wednesday, July 2, at 6:30 pm at the Monona Public Library. Residents who are concerned about flooding in Monona neighborhoods, including Belle Isle, as well as road and sewer conditions are encouraged to attend. PW Flood Hearing.pdf

According to the excellent Monona in the Making: History of the City of Pride, 1938-1975 by Dorothy Browne Haines (see also Dorothy Haines' 1999 History, Monona in the Making from the Historic Blooming Grove home page), the Belle Isle lagoons were originally dredged in 1916 and redredged in the 1930's. "By 1950, the Belle Isle lagoons were in need again. The problem was treated as a municipal project....The lagoon silt was sucked up the dredge of the Gunyon Dredging Company of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, at a cost of 36 cents per cubic yard....A special assessment of $50.65 was leveled against the 96 lots in Belle Isle that benefited by the dredging." (page 45). To my knowledge, the lagoons have not been dredged since then.

BTW, the Oneida Park restrooms were built in 1968 at a costs of $2353. (These are almost new by comparison to the Schluter Beach restroom building that dates from 1954.).

Report Your Flood Damage

If you have experienced problems related to flooding, please report the problem to the city. Sending an email creates a written record and you can send it to staff and elected officials.

Also, Dane County is urging residents to report storm- or flood-related damage. Click here for the press release from Dane Co. Here is some of the useful information from the County:

Dane County Emergency Management is requesting all INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES that sustained wind, flood, and general storm damage from the recent storms to report that damage to their local unit of government. Additionally, residents and businesses should document this damage. One of the best forms of documenting damage is to take photographs or video. Individuals in need of flood fighting supplies should contact their local municipality.

Public Health, Madison and Dane County has information regarding private well testing, basement clean-up from sewage, mold concerns, and beach/lake water quality. They can be reached at 266-4821.

To request or offer assistance for storm and flood victims, contact the United Way 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 from a land line or 246-HELP (4357) from a cellular telephone.

For more information contact: J. McLellan, Dept. of Emergency Management 608/267-2542 Damage Assessment Reference #061008-01

Flooding

I have had several contacts about flooding at homes in Monona that are not on Belle Isle. These folks are not sure what to do.

During regular work hours, anyone with flooding concerns should call City Hall at 222-2525 and ask for city engineer Rich Vela or leave a message (in this instance I would recommend leaving the message with live person in addition to voicemail). Outside of regular hours, call the police non-emergency number at 222-0463 (TDD 441-0399). They will contact the appropriate Public Works personnel.

My understanding is that sand and sandbags will be placed in Winnequah Park parking lots in addition to the 'normal' Belle Isle operations. In addition to the record-setting 4.11 inches of rain, it appears that plugged culverts may be the culprit with the Winnequah Park lagoon-related flooding. (See, Flooding a danger as rivers rise in wake of record rainfall). Also, inmates are coming in to help out on the islands.

It never hurts to call or email an alder or the mayor so that we know where the problems are.