Presidential Posts

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Cannonball path - Fitchburg, Tues., Aug.28

 Dunn’s Marsh e-Notice, 8/28/12


This Tuesday, August 28, the Fitchburg Finance Committee and the Fitchburg City Council will be considering a resolution about the Cannonball Bike Path that crosses Seminole Highway just south of the Arboretum and Belmar Hills.

We encourage people to attend the Finance Committee meeting at 6:30 and the Fitchburg Council Meeting at 7:30 to give their opinions about the path.  Much more information is given below.  The meeting is at the Fitchburg City Hall, on Lacy Road, just east of Fish Hatchery Road.

Full packets for all meetings can be found at
http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/meeting_minutes/index.php <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/meeting_minutes/index.php> with the Council packet at http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/meeting_minutes/files/CC_082812_PK.pdf <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/meeting_minutes/files/CC_082812_PK.pdf>  The Cannonball information starts on page 367 of that pdf file.

The fifth “article” below is about the mountain bike park proposed for county land south of Dunn’s Marsh between Seminole Highway and the Badger State Trail.



1 - Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association Position

The Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association supports the Fitchburg staff recommendations for the path and sent e-mails earlier in the month to Fitchburg committees and alders to convey this information, as follows:

   1. A 10-foot wide asphalt path for the entire length of the corridor

    2. Way-finding signs along the corridor, especially at the connection to all the paths and trails located just south of Lovell Lane (These would include the Badger State Trail, the Southwest Commuter Trail, the Capitol City Trail, and the Military Ridge Trail).

    3. A neighborhood connection path to Belmar in the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood.  
We assume this would be from the Apache Pond area, although in the past our Association has also talked about and wished for an off-road path on the west side of Seminole Highway that would continue as a boardwalk from the Cannonball south to the Capitol City Trail.

    4. A 10-foot wide pedestrian island on Seminole Highway and associated roadway improvements to accommodate the island.
   In talks with WisDOT on 7/23/12 we were assured that there would also be striping on the road at both the Cannonball and Capitol City Trail crossings, and want to speak up for that to you as well.
   
In addition, we suggested having caution lights for Seminole Highway motorists at these crossings.  We feel this is prudent because of the additional traffic that will flood Seminole during the Verona Road construction process.  Estimates are that traffic will increase by 350-450 cars during the peak hours.  Of course there will also be an increase during non-peak hours also although that number hasn’t been quantified by WisDOT.
    
There was some discussion about whether there would be an actual raised island at the Cannonball crossing.  We highly recommend that and further suggest that it be wide enough to hold a family of bicyclists side by side since we expect that families will use this path.
We discussed the lighting issue, and at this time we favor an unlighted path, especially past the Arboretum and Dunn’s Marsh.  Since much of the area south of the Arboretum and Dunn’s Marsh is quite open, we feel that sky light will provide adequate lighting for those that happen to use the path at night.



2 - Fitchburg Responses to the Cannonball Resolution

The Fitchburg Transportation and Transit Commission (TTC) supported the pedestrian island at the Seminole Highway crossing, but the Board of Public Works did not.  Alder Steve Arnold, who is on the TTC, supports having the safety island.  In the next section of this e-mail, I’ve included his remarks which were sent to bicycle list-serves today (Aug. 27).  They give a lot of background and reasons for supporting the island.

Fitchburg Alder Dorothy Krause, from our neighborhood, discussed the island issue with Fitchburg Transportation Engineer Ahnaray Bizjak today (August 27) , and if a compromise is necessary, Dorothy may suggest an amendment  supporting pedestrian/biker activated caution lights at the Cannonball crossing and also at the Capital City Trail crossing just south of the Cannonball.  Her comments to the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Council are also printed below

At this time it is not known how Alder Carol Poole is thinking.  She, as well as Dorothy Krause, also represents the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood.  You can let all the Fitchburg alders know your opinion.  Find their addresses at
http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/government/commonCouncil/ <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/government/commonCouncil/>




3 - Alder Steve Arnold’s Communication to the Bikies’ List-Serve

At meetings beginning at 6:30 the Fitchburg Finance Committee, and at 7:30 on Tuesday, August 28, the Fitchburg Common Council, will consider a resolution to approve the staff design of Fitchburg's portion of the Cannonball Path.

Staff has proposed, and the Transportation and Transit Commission has recommended, widening of Seminole Highway where the Path crosses, and a ten-foot wide safety island, so Path uses may cross Seminole Hwy one lane at a time.  This will be particularly important when Verona Road construction starts next year, as considerable traffic will use Seminole Hwy to avoid the construction.

Fitchburg's Board of Public Works has amended the design to remove the safety island, citing cost and "safety" concerns.  (One member said safety islands make him feel less safe, I presume while driving.)

I will argue for the safety island, as recommended by staff.  The widening to accommodate the island will have a traffic calming effect, which staff hopes to use to argue for a lower speed limit (e.g., 30 MPH instead of the current 40 MPH) from the Madison limits through the intersections of the Cannonball Path, Dawley Drive, and the Cap City Trail.  The lower speed limit will improve safety not only for Cannonball users, but also for Cap City Trail users and cyclists on Seminole Hwy.

The Dunns Marsh neighborhood Association supports the safety island.

The funding for the staff-proposed safety island has already been approved by the Common Council in the capital improvement program. Saving the money for the safety island is not a good tradeoff for the safety of trail users.  Citizens speaking at Council members can have a powerful effect on the Council members.  If you have an opinion on this matter, please consider registering to speak in support.  You can also let your Alders know your opinion directly by e-mail.  Our addresses are at
http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/government/commonCouncil/ <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/government/commonCouncil/> .

Background:  The Path will follow the old Union Pacific right-of-way from the Military Ridge Trail at McKee Road northwest to the "bicycle interchange with the Capital City Trail, Southwest Path, and Badger State Trail, along the Arboretum and Arbor Hills neighborhood, past Leopold School, and finally cross the Beltline on its own overpass between Kayser Ford and Culvers.  It will be an awesome commuter route from southwest Dane County to the Fish Hatchery Road and Park Street Corridors.  The Beltline overpass and Fitchburg portions of the trail will be built next year.  Snow will be removed for winter commuting. There is a map at
http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/departments/cityHall/publicWorks/CannonballPath.php <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/departments/cityHall/publicWorks/CannonballPath.php> .

(Lighting:  For those of you interested in whether the Path will be lighted, c.f. Madison's Southwest Commuter Path, the Madison portion of the Cannonball will be lighted.  The Fitchburg portion will *not* be lighted initially, but underground work for future lighting of the Fitchburg portion has been recommended as a bid option, in case favorable bids allow it to fit into the project budget.)



4 - Alder Dorothy Krause’s Communication to the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Council

I just talked to Ahna [Bizjak, Fitchburg Transportation Project Engineer] about possibilities. The issue is, of course, money, for the most part, but there is a bit more. The cost for the island at Cannonball and Seminole is $74,000, and doesn't do anything for the Cap City crossing. If we put people-activated yellow flashing yield lights, the cost for a crossing is $10,000... so if we put them at Cannonball AND at Cap City, the total cost would be $20,000 and we'd have equal protection for both crossings. So that would be, what, 30% of the cost. When Finance does a compare and contrast, I'd bet that they would recommend lights.

Two of Ahna's points, beyond the cost, is that we don't want to give such focus to one crossing that the other gets downplayed. People already don't respect the need to stop at Cap City when there are bikes waiting. She also pointed out that with the island, it makes the road at least ten feet wider, and people [bicyclists] that don't want to stop have that much more distance to gauge traffic. Not a problem when traffic is light or from one direction only, but a huge risk if there is traffic both ways that they need to judge. There is also some traffic calming effect to an island, but again, I'm coming around to whether putting that much focus on one crossing makes the other more of a concern.

So something needs to be at Seminole and Cannonball certainly, but I'd suggest an amendment for ped/bike activated lights for both crossings in place of the island. Then if people don't want to use the lights, they have that option... but they are there to help drivers know to stop for bikes. And, yes, people should come and present their thoughts to either or both groups.




5 - About the Proposed Mountain Bike Park

About 25 people learned a lot more about the mountain bike park proposed by CORP (Capital Off-Road Pathfinders) for the Dane County parkland just west of Dawley Park and south of Dunn’s Marsh above the Capital City Trail.  The information session on August 23 was put on by the Dane County Parks Department and the City of Fitchburg.

Here are some of the points that were made:
  • The trails would be 3 feet wide with a wheel track about a foot wide – much like a deer trail or hiking trail, NOT like a 20-foot wide cross-country ski trail.
  • Trails are one-way only although hikers might choose to go the opposite way to be more aware of approaching bikers.
  • Trails would be laid out by a professional mountain bike trail designer who would be working for “sustainable trail design” and erosion-free trails.  Trails would be placed mostly along the contours of the land rather than up/down hill.  Currently because of the invasive Siberian honeysuckle shrubs, erosion is occurring since they shade out other vegetation including grass.
  • The map of trails you may have looked at earlier are only conceptual.  Actual locations have not been decided.
  • “Technical trail features” such as jumps would not be built.  This park would be strictly for beginners who want to learn how to ride on the ground rather than on paved or gravel paths.  It would be very different from the Quarry Ridge Mountain Bike Park which is located further down the Military Ridge Trail, the Badger Ridge trails, or from Cam Rock Park.
  • It would serve young people and families wanting to get a feel for off-road mountain biking.
  • Bicyclists age 16 and over would have to pay for a permit to ride there - $5 per day or $16 per year.  Seniors age 65 or older would pay $12 for an annual pass.  Riders below age 16 and hikers of any age could use the paths for free.
  • A lot of invasive species, mainly Siberian honeysuckle and buckthorn would have to be removed from the park even before location of the paths could be decided.  This work would be done by CORP volunteers.
  • CORP volunteers would also help maintain and monitor the path.
  • Dane County Parks will consider working with the City of Fitchburg and neighboring landowners in providing a 4-foot high woven wire fence (not cyclone fence) between County and private lands on the southern border (Pine Ridge neighborhood).  Dane County would pay for the fence.
  • Only a few entrances would lead into the park.
  • The reason for locating a mountain bike park here would be to make beginner mountain biking easily accessible by bicycle from the nearby Capital City Trail, Cannonball Trail, and the Southwest Commuter Path/Badger State Trail.
  • Park hours would be 5 a.m.-10 p.m. - or basically dawn to dusk.


Approximately 25 people attended this information session.   Attendees included several members of CORP, other mountain bikers, Pine Ridge Neighborhood Association President Kurt Miller and  a number of homeowners from the Pine Ridge Neighborhood, Dream Bikes Proprietor Erik Lee, Fitchburg Transportation Project Engineer Ahnaray Bizjak, Jerry Sieling who is a member of the Fitchburg Transportation and Transit Commission, this reporter from the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association, and other interested people.

Ahnaray Bizjak gave a report on the proposed bicycle hub building that will go into Dawley Park west of Seminole Highway.  It will include educational information, toilets with movement-sensitive lights, a water fountain and water bottle filling faucet, benches, places to park bikes including some covered parking, and a partially sheltered deck looking down to Dunn’s Marsh.

Fitchburg has a $100,000 grant from Dane County for the bicycle hub.


-----  This e-mail Notice is from the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association.  Direct questions about it to Mary Mullen, Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association Communications, 608.298.0843.  ---

 
 

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

For marsh lovers, mountain bikers, bus riders

Two meetings coming up at Fitchburg may interest those who consider Dunn’s Marsh “their marsh” and those who are bikers, mountain variety or other.  Bus riders in the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood may want to attend the DMNA Council meeting on Wed., Sept. 5 where we will hear a presentation about potential bus route changes in the neighborhood.

1. Thursday, August 16, 9 a.m. at the Fitchburg City Hall, 5520 Lacy Road, Floor 2.  Kick-off to Nine Springs Creek Stormwater Master Planning, which is supported by a $134,165 grant to Fitchburg.  One feature of the plan will be a Dunn’s Marsh Stormwater  Management Plan.

2. Thursday, August 23, 7 p.m. at the Fitchburg Community Center, 5510 Lacy Road, in the Fitchburg Room.  This is an informational meeting about the proposed mountain bike park just south of Dunn’s Marsh and between Dawley Park and the Badger State Trail (extension of the Southwest Commuter Path).  The plans for the  bike hub for Dawley Park will also be reviewed.  

3. Wednesday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. at Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Drive (corner of Crawford and Whenona).  The DMNA Council will discuss the proposal to drop the Crawford loop on Route 19 and hear a presentation on a route to serve the Target area, West and South Transfer hubs, and the Fitchburg town hall.

A map of the proposed mountain bike trails and the press release about that meeting are attached.



Mary Mullen
Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association Communications
608-298-0843



 

Monday, August 13, 2012

Tues. BALLOT, lots more news

Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood e-News  
                                       
August 12, 2012

The DMN e-News and an occasional hard copy DMN News are published by the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association (DMNA) on an “as-needed” schedule.  The Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association, Inc. has been working to unite neighbors to solve mutual problems and promote fellowship among neighbors since 1973.  Our neighborhood is in Madison & Fitchburg.
               President, Bob Hague, bphague@tds.net   218-1760
               News contact, Mary Mullen, mmullen@chorus.net  298-0843
               Website: http://www.dunnsmarsh.org <http://www.dunnsmarsh.org>   (under construction)
               On Facebook:  Just type Dunn’s Marsh into the Facebook search box.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VOTE in the PRIMARY ELECTION, this Tuesday, August 14, 7 am-8 pm.  Check out the ballots - attachments 1 and 2.  Madison residents vote at Head Start, Red Arrow Trail.  Fitchburg residents vote at Fire Station #2, 5415 King James Lane.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

CALENDAR (# denotes the articles with more information)
Tues., Aug. 14 - PRIMARY ELECTION, #1-4
Thur., Aug. 16 -  Nine Springs Creek Plan meeting, #5
Fri., Aug 17 - Dane Dances! #18
Sun., Aug. 26 - Women’s Equality Day
Mon., Aug. 27 - Gangs presentation,  #16
Tues., Aug. 28 - Cannonball Path meeting, #7
Wed., Sept. 5 - DMNA Council/Bus route presentation, #9
Thur., Sept. 13 - Free Health Screenings, #17
Sat., Sept. 29, noon-4:00 - CAC Gardens Day, Marlborough Park Gardens
 
Tuesdays - Freshmobile,10-1, near Boys & Girls Club
Fridays - Freshmobile, 3-6, near Boys & Girls Club
Fridays in August - Dane Dances! #18


ARTICLES in the August 12, 2012 DUNN’S MARSH NEIGHBORHOOD E-NEWS

 
          TUESDAY’S PRIMARY ELECTION
1 - Primary election is TUESDAY, AUGUST 14. Resources here.
2 - Don’t Be Confused by the Partisan Primary Ballot
      
(Attachments: “1 ballot Madison.jpg” & 2 ballot Fitchburg.jpg”)
3 - Ballots Are Slightly Different for Madison and Fitchburg Voters
            
(Attachments: “1 ballot Madison.jpg” & 2 ballot Fitchburg.jpg”)
4 - Register at the Polls Tuesday, August 14

           IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
5 -
Interested in Dunn’s Marsh?  This Is for You, August 16  (Attachment:  “3 Nine Springs map.jpg”)
6 - Stormwater Master Planning Will Include Dunn’s Marsh Element
       
(Attachment:  “3 Nine Springs map.jpg”)
7 - Cannonball Plans to Come Before Fitchburg Committees and Council, Aug. 20 & 28
8 - For Bicyclists on the Southwest Commuter Path
9 - Neighborhood Bus Route Alternatives Presentation at DMNA Council, Sept. 5
            
(Attachment: “4 Route 19 map.jpg”
10 - Graphics Show Designs Associated With Verona Road Project
           
Attachments:  “5 graphic driftless theme.jpg” & “6 graphic pedcross/tunnel.jpg”)
11 - The Lines Are Coming Closer
12 - DMNA Picnic - Great Fun with Good Food, Visiting, Singing, and Dancing
13 - Why Do Families Move Out of Our Neighborhood?
 
                       
            EVERYTHING ELSE
14 - Focus on Energy and MG&E continue the Express Energy Efficiency Program in Fitchburg (extended into August 2012)
15 - Free Home Energy Surveys Available to Madison Residents
.
16 - Gang Activity Presentation, August 27
17 - Health & Resource Fair Offers Free Health Screenings, Sept. 13
18 - Dance for Free Every Friday in August at Monona Terrace:  Live Music

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARTICLES

TUESDAY’S PRIMARY ELECTION

 
1 - Primary election is TUESDAY, AUGUST 14.  Resources here.

We're just a couple of days away from the August 14 primary election, when political parties will choose their candidates for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, state legislature and some county offices. For many races, the likely winner of the November election will be chosen on August 14, so your vote really matters!
 
For information about the candidates, check www.wisconsinvote.org <http://www.wisconsinvote.org>  or Wisconsin Eye's Campaign 2012 website, http://www.wiseye.org/Programming/Campaign2012.aspx
 
If you live in Dane County, check the LWV Dane County's Candidates' Answers voter guide, http://www.lwvdanecounty.org/content/candidates-answers-fall-partisan-primary-2012
 
Don’t be surprised by the names on the ballot. This is because of the new redistricting plan that has gone into effect since the June 5 recall elections. You can check your polling place and find a sample ballot using the Voter Public Access website https://vpa.wi.gov/ or by contacting your municipal clerk. Or simply look at the ballots attached to this e-News.  Spending a few minutes to prepare ahead of time might save you an extra trip on Election Day!
 
The time is past to cast an absentee ballot but you can register at your polling place on Election Day. For information about voter registration or absentee voting, go to the Wisconsin Governmental Accountability Board (GAB) website or contact your municipal clerk or election commission.  The GAB website is http://gab.wi.gov/elections-voting/voters
 
                                      News from the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Education Network
 
 

2 - Don’t Be Confused by the Partisan Primary Ballot
            
(Attachments: “1 ballot Madison.jpg” & 2 ballot Fitchburg.jpg”)

The partisan primary ballot can be confusing.  The ballot you will receive is actually 4 ballots - 2 on each side of the heavy-duty paper ballot you will vote on.  But if you want your vote to count, vote only on one of the ballots.  In the August 14 primary election you may NOT vote for, say, a Republican candidate for one office and a Democratic candidate for another office.
 
Here's how it works:
At the top of the ballot, you will have the option to designate which party's primary you wish to vote in. The choices are: Republican, Democratic, Constitutional, and Americans Elect.  You do NOT have to designate the party.
 
If you designate a party preference, only your votes cast within that party will be counted.  However, where there are several candidates listed for a particular office, you must choose one, or none will be counted for that office. It really makes sense.  How could the tabulator know which candidate you want when, say, you chose the Democratic primary, but there are 3 Democrats to choose from for a particular office?  
 
If you do not designate a party preference, you must still cast your vote within one party, or none of your votes will be counted! So, keep all of your votes within one party for this primary election.  
 
A “write-in” option will be available for each position within each party listing, but don’t make the mistake of writing in a candidate from another party, or your vote won’t count.
 
Now...get ready, get set, and VOTE!
                                                                        Based on League of Women Voters article
 


3 - Ballots Are Slightly Different for Madison and Fitchburg Voters
            
(Attachments: “1 ballot Madison.jpg” & 2 ballot Fitchburg.jpg”)

Sample ballots for Madison and Fitchburg voters are attached.  Here’s what you’ll see.
 
First of all, the ballots for the Constitutional and Americans Elect parties are not shown since neither party fielded any candidates.  Be assured that if you want to vote in either of those parties, you may write in a candidate.  But only vote in that primary and don’t write in the name of any candidate that appears on the Republican or Democratic primary ballot or your vote won’t count.
 
Most of us will choose to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary.  The ballot you will get at the Madison polls at Head Start on Red Arrow Trail or at the Fitchburg polls at Fire Station #2, 5415 King James Way, will differ in only two races.
 
Madison voters are in State Senate District 26 and State Assembly District 77.  Fitchburg voters are in State Senate District 16 and State Assembly District 47.   
 
Voters in the Madison Democratic primary for Senate District 26 may vote for Fred Risser or write in a candidate.  For Assembly District 77, Madison voters may vote for Terese Berceau or write in a candidate.  Risser and Berceau currently hold these posts.  Those who are voting on the Republican primary ballot may write in a candidate for Senate District 26 and Assembly District 77.  There are no Republican candidates for these seats.
 
Voters in the Fitchburg Democratic primary for Senate District 16 may vote for Mark Miller or write in a candidate.  Mark Miller holds this position now.  For Assembly District 47, Democratic primary voters may choose between Amanda Hall or Robb Kahl, while Republican voters may either vote for Sandy Bakk or write in a candidate.  This is a vacant seat at present.
 
Again, remember that you may vote in only one primary.  You can’t vote for a Republican and then skip over to vote for a Democrat for the same or a different office.
                                                                        by Mary Mullen
 
 
 
4 - Register at the Polls Tuesday, August 14

Residents who are eligible to vote but haven’t registered may register at the polls on Tuesday, August 14.
 
The trick is to bring the correct documents to the polls.  
 
Everyone who has been issued a Wisconsin driver’s license must provide that information on the registration form.  A Wisconsin ID card will work in place of a license.  Residents without either one need to provide the last 4 digits of their Social Security number.
 
Residents must also provide proof of residence at their address in the neighborhood.  The Wisconsin Governmental Accountability Board lists the following items as valid proof of residence as long as they contain your first and last name and current and complete residential address.
    1. A current and valid Wisconsin driver license.
    2. A current and valid Wisconsin identification card.
    3. Any other official identification card or license issued by a Wisconsin governmental body or unit.
    4. Any identification card issued by an employer in the normal course of business and bearing a photo of the card holder, but not including a business card.
    5. A real estate tax bill or receipt for the current year or the year preceding the date of the election.
    6. A residential lease which is effective for a period that includes election day (NOT for first-time voters registering by mail).
    7. A university, college or technical institute identification card (must include photo), ONLY if the bearer provides a fee receipt dated within the last nine months or the institution provides a certified housing list to the municipal clerk.  [Note:  For UW students Enrollment Verification forms that can be printed from the student’s UW internet site are acceptable.)
    8. A gas, electric or telephone service statement (utility bill) for the period commencing not earlier than 90 days before election day.
    9. Bank statement.
    10. Paycheck.
    11. A check or other document issued by a unit of government.

For other useful information about voting and elections, see the GAB Internet pages at <http://gab.wi.gov/elections-voting/voters>
                                                                                                by Mary Mullen



IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

 
5 -
Interested in Dunn’s Marsh?  This Is for You, August 16  
        
(Attachment:  “3 Nine Springs map.jpg”)

Fitchburg is about to undertake a big stormwater study and action plan for the Nine Springs Creek watershed.  The watershed begins with the Dunn’s Marsh drainage basin, and $15,850 of the $134,165 grant total is especially dedicated for Dunn’s Marsh.
 
Dunn’s Marsh residents interested in the marsh are especially invited to the kick-off meeting for the grant.
It will held on Thursday, August 16, 9 a.m. at the Fitchburg City Hall, 5520 Lacy Road, Floor 2.
 
If you can’t make it, watch the Fitchburg website at http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/ <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us/>
since the presentation part of the meeting will be videotaped.
 
For more information, read below and/or contact Rick Eilertson, Fitchburg’s Environmental Engineer, 608.270.4264, 608.235.0412 (direct) or rick.eilertson@city.fitchburg.wi.us.

 
 
 
6 - Stormwater Master Planning Will Include Dunn’s Marsh Element
       
(Attachment:  “3 Nine Springs map.jpg”)

The DNR stormwater master planning grant awarded to Fitchburg    will include a Dunn’s Marsh Management Plan.
 
For those in the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood who tried but didn’t get the State of Wisconsin to commit to monitoring water quality and quantity in Dunn’s Marsh both before and after the Verona Road/West Beltline construction project, this grant is good news.  The project summary promises “preliminary stormwater quantity and quality monitoring.”
 
The project summary for the Dunn’s Marsh aspect of the study says:
 
Dunn's Marsh Stormwater Management Plan - This proposed plan would include an evaluation of the 1994 R.A. Smith recommendations, preliminary stormwater quantity and quality monitoring, water sampling, sediment depth probes and sampling, provide a vegetative and aquatic inventory analysis, and recommendations for future management and maintenance of the Dunn's Marsh Watershed. Periodic meetings between the City of Fitchburg, City of Madison, and UW-Arboretum would be incorporated during critical stages of the plan.
 
The six elements of the $134,165 grant are:
 
1. Compile historical information on stormwater facilities in the Nine Springs Creek Watershed.
 
2.  Conduct a minimum of 3 public information meetings with the stakeholders in the watershed:  residents, business owners, adjacent municipalities, school districts, DMNR, Dane County, local civic groups, and other interested parties.
 
3. Create Nine Springs Creek Watershed Master Plan
 
4.. Update Stormwater System Mapping
 
5. Make financial recommendations for changes in the rate schedule for the Fitchburg Stormwater Utility.
 
6. Create Dunn’s Marsh Stormwater Management Plan
                                                                                               by Mary Mullen                                  
 

 
7 - Cannonball Plans to Come Before Fitchburg Committees and Council, Aug. 20 & 28

The purpose of this memo is to provide you with an update on the status of the Cannoball Bike Path project and the design elements that are being recommended by staff for final design as well as the schedule for the approval process.
 
Based on the input that we heard at the meeting, staff is recommending the following improvements to be included in the project:
1. A 10-ft wide asphalt path for the entire length of the corridor
2. Providing way-finding signs along the corridor, especially at the connection to all of the various paths/trails located just south of Lovell Lane
3. A neighborhood connection path to Belmar
4. A 10-ft wide pedestrian island on Seminole Highway and associated roadway improvements to accommodate the island
 
Due to budget constraints, city staff is not recommending a second connection to Capital City State Trail on the west end, as was shown with the 2-bridge design option. Also, due to budget constraints and current opposition to lighting, city staff is not recommending lighting at this time.
 
To document these recommendations, staff has prepared Resolution R-77-12, Approving the Final Design Elements for Cannonball Path, which will be acted on by various committees or commissions at the following dates and times.
 
·     Transportation and Transit Commission (TTC): 6:30 pm, Thursday, August 9, 2012, Meeting Room, Fitchburg City Hall
·     Board of Public Works (BPW): 5:30 pm, Monday, August 20, 2012, Meeting Room,, Fitchburg City Hall
·     Finance Committee: 6:30 pm, Tuesday, August 28, 2012, Meeting Room, Fitchburg City Hall
·     Fitchburg Common Council: 7:30 pm, Tuesday, August 28, 2012, Council Chambers,, Fitchburg City Hall
 
Please feel free to attend these meetings or contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns with this project by phone at 270-4262 or e-mail at ahnaray.bizjak@city.fitchburg.wi.us.
                                                            from Ahnaray Bizjak, Fitchburg Transportation Project Engineer
                                                                                              

[Editor’s note:  At its August 8 meeting, the DMNA Council supported the staff recommendations.  It is communicating this information to the Fitchburg committees and commissions.]



8 - For Bicyclists on the Southwest Commuter Path

Several people have asked recently about what is going on next to the SW Path from Orchard to Randall. After finding out that this was being done by the UW, Bikies e-list member Robbie Webber emailed someone and got this reply:
 
"The landscaping project along the rail corridor from Randall to Orchard is just that, landscape improvements only – no roads, no building, no parking, etc. as part of the Charter Street Heating Plant
project. We worked with the DOT to remove the rail spur that was used to store coal cars. We wanted to prevent personal vehicles from parking in this area (during football games especially) so we will be planting a mixture of native prairie plantings and shrubs along with some strategically placed large boulders. DOT was OK with this as they consider this type of landscape treatment temporary. They are maintaining ownership of the corridor in case sometime the future they need to return rails to this corridor (yah, right!). We just have use and maintenance agreement with DOT to do the landscaping."
 
                                                                        from Robbie Webber

 
 
 
9 - Neighborhood Bus Route Alternatives Presentation at DMNA Council, Sept. 5
            
(Attachment: “4 Route 19 map.jpg”)

Are you a Madison Metro Bus rider on Route 19 that winds through the neighborhood?  Or have you ever wished you could take a bus to the Fitchburg Library or City Hall Then you will want to attend the September 5 meeting of the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Council.
 
Why?  Two reasons.
 
First of all, as we learned from Fitchburg Alder Steve Arnold:
There is a suggestion by the Madison Transportation Planning Board (a.k.a. "MPO") staff that Metro route 19 not deviate to Crawford Dr, but instead operate only on the frontage road through the Crawford area (at both peak and non-peak times).  The proposal would be in the MPO's 5-year Transit Development Plan, to help guide Metro service changes, and so the change is not eminent, but in the draft it is priority 1 (1-2 year time frame). The intention is speed the route so it can more reliably complete each run per its schedule.  It would be about 0.3 miles (6 min. walk) from the center of Crawford to the nearest stop.

We have been asked how the neighborhood would respond to this change of route.  If you attend the September 5 meeting, you’ll have a chance to let us know how the DMNA should respond to the proposal to drop the Route 19 Crawford loop.
 
Secondly, Mr. Arnold, as a private citizen, is proposing new transit service that would serve the east side of the neighborhood.  His route proposal would allow riders to access not only Target and other businesses on PD/McKee Road but also the West and South Transfer points and the Fitchburg Library and City Hall.
 
Arnold will be giving a half hour presentation on his proposed route at the September 5 DM Council meeting.  The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Drive, corner of Whenona and Crawford.
                                                                        by Mary Mullen



10 - Graphics Show Designs Associated With Verona Road Project
           
Attaachments:  “5 graphic driftless theme.jpg” & “6 graphic pedcross/tunnel.jpg”)

The Verona Road/Beltline construction project is in the “design” stage.  Take a look at some of the  proposed designs that are attachments to the e-News.

 
 
11 - The Lines Are Coming Closer

West Beltline travelers will have noticed that American Transmission Company’s high voltage lines have now reached the Todd Drive area. It will only be a matter of time before they are strung on the poles that pass the Arboretum and the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood.
 
When activated, ATC’s new lines will carry 345 KV of power.
 
 
 
12 - DMNA Picnic - Great Fun with Good Food, Visiting, Singing, and Dancing



Some 30 attendees at the annual Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Picnic had an unusually good time on Friday, August 8.  Because of the hot weather, everybody moved to the shady and much cooler shelter in Marlborough Park.  It was a good decision, not only because of the heat, but because there were plenty of picnic tables.
 
Potluck food was excellent, and people visited while grilling meat burgers, veggie burgers, and sweet corn.   Since the group was manageably small, everyone introduced themselves.
 
The real fun began when a couple of neighbors got out their guitars and song sheets.  Then, in the middle of the singing, Cindy Harrington performed some Hawaiian numbers that got several people up and dancing with her.  Everybody had a good laugh while the dancers got a good deal of exercise.  By the second time the park ranger came around, it was too dark to see the song sheets, so we all picked up and left.
 
From the neighborhood association point of view, this was also a successful picnic because over a third of the attendees had never been to the DMNA picnic before.  It was a nice mix of old and new.  
 
We hope more of you attend next year.
                                                           article by Mary Mullen
                                                          photos by Sina Davis
 


13 - Why Do Families Move Out of Our Neighborhood?

Recently two families who subscribed to the e-News let us know they were moving out of the neighborhood.  One was moving from Crescent Road and the other from Sheffield.   Without asking, I could only guess why they were leaving, so I got curious and asked. Their answers were quite complimentary to the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood
 
The first family moved to Brooklyn, a small town about 18 miles south of the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood.  Here’s what they said about their reasons.
 
[We] moved to the neighborhood in 2004 to rent the duplex on Crescent Rd. Newly married and was a short commute to work and a very nice neighborhood.  We thought we would stay only a year or two and then buy a home.  Well, we kept enjoying the commute and less expensive rent so we stuck around.   
 
We had our first child in 2010 and the accommodations felt smaller (only a two bedroom) so we began our search of where we wanted to live.  We weren't in a huge hurry until our second son was born in 2011.  Then we decided that while we love the advantages of the Madison school district, we would prefer to raise the boys, at least while they are young, in a smaller community.  Brookyln is close enough to Madison.  Plus my husband's sister and their children live in Oregon so it seemed a good fit.  
 
I think that the neighborhood association did a good job trying to make the neighborhood feel like a community within a community.


The second family, residents on Sheffield for 5 years, said this:
 
We had only planned on being in this house 3-5 years (we were here 5 years in June), but the real deciding factors were the fact that we are having a second child this winter which would make selling/moving very difficult next spring.  We want more space, 2 stall garage, and a basement, for our growing family, and the rates are so incredibly low right now - it's a great time to buy.
 
We're sad to leave - this neighborhood has got the BEST location!  We worked (and spent so much money) updating our house; hard to leave it, but in the long run we know it's the right decision. The new owner seems very nice and I think she will keep the place up very nicely.
 
Other people who’ve been on the e-mail list have moved out because of age and disability, graduating from college or university, wanting to be closer to work, going on to a new stage of life in other ways, and probably a host of other reasons. We always hope that new residents will be put in touch with the DMNA
 
The DMNA Welcoming Committee is aware of new families who have moved in on Danbury, Windflower, Clover, and DeVolis.   The Committee is giving them copies of our Welcoming binder that is filled with loads of positive information about the neighborhood.
 
If new people have moved in near you, let DMN Committee Chair Thea Bach know at 274-7730, 239-9810 or bachtown2@live.com, or send addresses and names, if you know them, to the newsletter contact.
 
Thanks to neighborhood resident Nathan Counley for keeping us informed about Windflower Way newbies.
                                                                                                            by Mary Mullen



EVERYTHING ELSE


14 - Focus on Energy and MG&E continue the Express Energy Efficiency Program in Fitchburg (extended into August 2012)

Single to three unit residential properties in Fitchburg were sent a mailing from MG&E during the past couple weeks with information on Focus on Energy's new Express Energy Efficiency Program being rolled out in selected communities in Wisconsin.  This FREE program includes a quick, 45-minute home visit to offer an advisory energy assessment of your home's energy use.  At your request and with your consent, rained technicians will also swap out your showerhead, sink aerators and light bulbs for low-flow, high-efficiency fixtures at no cost to you.  Visit Fitchburg's web page at www.city.fitchburg.wi.us <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us <http://www.city.fitchburg.wi.us> >  for more information.  Click on: www.focusonenergy.com/express <http://www.focusonenergy.com/express <http://www.focusonenergy.com/express> >  to schedule an appointment. A short video with Mayor Pfaff can be viewed at: http://factv.city.fitchburg.wi.us/Cablecast/Public/Show.aspx?ChannelID=2&ShowID=1874 <http://factv.city.fitchburg.wi.us/Cablecast/Public/Show.aspx?ChannelID=2&amp;ShowID=1874> and the longer video is at: http://factv.city.fitchburg.wi.us/Cablecast/Public/Show.aspx?ChannelID=2&ShowID=1889 <http://factv.city.fitchburg.wi.us/Cablecast/Public/Show.aspx?ChannelID=2&amp;ShowID=1889>
                                                                    Rick Eilertson, P.E.
                                                                     Fichburg Environmental Engineer



 
15 - Free Home Energy Surveys Available to Madison Residents

At its August 8 regular meeting, the DMNA Council learned that free home energy surveys are available from the Energy Service Corps.  Contact them at www.energyservicecorps.org/schedule <http://www.energyservicecorps.org/schedule> or at 608.251-9501
 
As their brochure points out, “We’ll come to your home or apartment to make recommendations on the steps you can take to save energy.  Then, we’ll seal cracks around window and doors to block drafts, replace old light bulbs with energy-saving CFLs, and take other simple steps to directly lower your energy bill.”
 
Presenter Caitlin Buhr, an AmeiCorps/WISPIRG worker, talked about many ways to save energy at home.   It’s not only to save money - Madison disconnections rose 30% this year - but also to save the environment.
 
Here are some things she mentioned.
 
·      Block cracks that let in drafts or allow heat to get in on hot days.
·      Use your blinds or shades to keep out the sun on hot days or keep out the cold on cold winter nights.
·      Insulate your attic well.
·      Raise your thermostat in the summer to 78º F for days you use the air conditioner and to 68º F on days when you use the furnace.  For every degree you raise the cooling temperature or lower the heating temperature, you will save 5% on your cooling or heating bill.
·      Change your furnace filter often, at least every 1-3 months.  Heating will be more efficient.
·      Lower your water heater temperature.  If you can’t hold your hand on the hot water pipe near the heater for 20 seconds or more, the temperature is too high. Hot water temperature should be no higher than 120º.
·      Repair faucet leaks.
·      Use low flow fixtures.  Aerated faucets are good.
·      Beware of “vampire” energy users - where electricity is used even when an appliance or item like a TV are off.  Of course you can pull the plug to stop the vampire, but putting items like TV, VCR, DVD player on one strip plug that can be switched off is much easier.  “Vampire” usage accounts for about 10% of American energy use.
·      When you buy a new appliance, look for the energy star models that will save a lot of energy compared to standard models.
·      Where possible, use compact fluorescent lights - CFLs - or LED lights.
 
                                                                                                by Mary Mullen
 
 
 
16 - Gang Activity Presentation at Meadowood, August 27

Monday, August 27, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
Meadowood Neighborhood Center, 5734 Raymond Road
 
Please join Shane Olson, Crime Prevention and Gang Officer and Meadowood neighbors for his presentation on gang activity in Madison neighborhoods.
 
Officer Olson routinely conducts home visits of at-risk youth, updates district staff with current street gang trends and works closely with our Memorial ERO and middle schools.
                                                            from Christine Olson, Meadowood Community Center
 
 

 
17 - Health & Resource Fair Offers Free Health Screenings, Sept. 13

The Madison Senior Center will be presenting a Health and Resource Fair on Thursday, September 13. Get free health screenings and pick up health information on from 9:00-11:30 am at the Madison Senior Center close to the Square at 330 W. Mifflin Street.   This event is open to the public.
 
Health Screenings will be offered for  Bone Density, Eye Pressure Test, Blood Glucose, Pulse Oximetry, Spinal Screening, and Blood Pressure.  Free Chair Massages and more will also be available.
 
There will be lots of giveaways and prizes and presentations on hydration and nutrition.
 
You could also join a bingo game at 1 pm.
 
                                                                       from Madison Senior Center Messenger newsletter
 
 
 
 
18 - Dance for Free Every Friday in August at Monona Terrace: Live Music

Dane Dances! with live bands, takes place each Friday in August on the Monona Terrace Rooftop. It is a free event with the specific objective to provide a diverse environment and grow relationships between people of different backgrounds in Dane County. Through music, dance, and food, we have created a quality program that has successfully brought people from all racial, ethnic, and social backgrounds together.
 
On a local note, Dunn’s Marsh resident Cindy Harrington and Dan Neuhaus often attend dressed as clowns to entertain kids at the event

5:30-9:30 pm Every Friday in August
DaneDances.org
 
Bands:
 
AUGUST 17 - Monona Terrace Rooftop
The Associates. 6:00 – Motown, rock, R&B and more
Primitive Culture. 8:00 - Funk, Blues, and Tropical rhythms
 
AUGUST 24- Monona Terrace Rooftop
Tony Castaneda. 6:00 - .Latin Jazz and Dance Band
Paul Cebar. 8:00 - Caribbean, multi-ethnic party
 
AUGUST 31- Monona Terrace Rooftop
MadiSalsa. 6:00 - Salsa and Latin
Eddie Butts. 8:00 - Funk, pop and R & B

ETHNIC FOOD VENDORS
Blowing Smoke, Francisco's, Kipps Cuisine, and Lake Vista Cafe
 
RAIN BACKUP LOCATIONS: August 17th & 31th –Inside Monona Terrace
August 24th – Alliant Energy Center
 
Mission Statement: Entertaining neighbors, families, and communities since 2000, Dane Dances! has established a solid reputation as a local event by drawing thousands to rooftop of the Monona Terrace every Friday evening in August.
 
Founded in 1999 by ex-New Yorker Peter Anderson, Dane Dances! is a non-profit volunteer organization committed to providing FREE and diverse entertainment to the public. A generous grant from Madison Gas & Electric and volunteers from the Study Circles on Race program made the first Dane Dances! series possible, attracting people from all walks of life.

                                    
 
 
------------  End of the August 12, 2012 Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood e-News  ----------------
                                                 Thanks for reading.