Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood e-News March 12, 2014
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 & News contact: Mary Mullen, mmullen@chorus.net 298-0843
Website: http://www.dunnsmarsh.org
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dunns-Marsh-Neighborhood-Association/18765419350 <file://localhost/pages/Dunns-Marsh-Neighborhood-Association/18765419350>
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CALENDAR (Numbers refer to the articles that tell more. Red = DMNA events)
Wed., March 12, before 5 p.m. - Last day to register to vote at the public libraries, #1
Thur., March 13, 7 pm - DMNA Council Meeting, Prairie UU Society, #2
Sat., March 15, 12:30 p.m. - Marlborough Garden Registration, Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Dr., #4 #5
Sat., March 15, 5-7 p.m. - Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Chili Fest, Prairie Society, #3
Mon., March 17 - Verona Road traffic shifted to southbound lanes, #14
Tues., March 18, 5:30 pm - Marlborough Garden Registration, Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Dr., #4 #5
Thur., March 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Verona Road Open House, Fitchburg Fire Station #2, #16
Tues., March 31 - Last day to enroll for 2014 coverage under the Affordable Care Act, #21
Tues., April 1, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. - ELECTION DAY
Thurs., April 3, 6:30 p.m. - Fitchburg Water Conservation Campaign Kick Off, Fitchburg Library
Thurs., April 10, 7 pm - DMNA Council Meeting, Prairie UU Society
Sat., April 19, 9 a.m. - Dunn’s Marsh Waterway Cleanup
April 21-22 & 24-27 – Inexpensive tag & Microchip event for pets, #22
Sat., May 3 - Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Sale,, Alliant Energy Center parking lot, #19
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ARTICLES
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
1 - Last Day to Register to VOTE Is March 12
2 - Council Meeting is March 13
3 - Eat w/the Best at the Chili Fest, Saturday, March 15
4 - Garden Registration, March 15 & 18 (Attachment: “1 flyer 2014 garden.jpg”
5 - ¿Quiesiera usted un juerto para cultivar su propia comida? (Attachment: “1 flyer 2014 garden.jpg”)
6 - Kids’ Mosaic Project Gets Results (Attachment: “2 pics design party. jpg”)
7 - DM Neighborhood Council Contact Information
8 - Uncleared Sidewalks in Commercial Areas Present a Problem
9 - Report a Problem Gets Fast Results
10 - Good Webpage to Learn about Neighborhood Amenities
(Attachments: “3 map bike routes.jpg,” “4 map adjacent neighborhoods.jpg,” “5 map neighborhood assets.jpg”)
ELECTION
11 - Voting Place Moves to Old Pizza Hut Below Head Start
12 - Sample Ballot for April 1 Election Includes Referendum on Marijuana
(Also see article #1) continued on next page
VERONA ROAD & related
13 - Did You Know This about Wisconsin Public Transportation?
14 - Verona Road Lane Squeeze Put Off Until March 17
15 - Verona Road Construction Update for March 10-14
16 - Verona Road: Quarterly Open House Meetings Scheduled for 2014
ENVIRONMENTAL
17 - Crowd Attends Dunn’s Marsh Master Plan Meeting
18 - Camp Green Star - Urban Farming for Kids
19 - What’s New At City’s Annual Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale?
20 - Fitchburg Green (Land) and Blue (Water) E-News Blast #46 - Note Earth Day Entry (#4)
MISCELLANEOUS
21 - Affordable Health Insurance Plans Still Available in Wisconsin
22 - Deeply Discounted Dog/Cat Tag & Microship Event Offered in April
23 - Big Step for a Stronger Workforce, Economy - from Dane Co. Executive
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IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
1 - Last Day to Register to VOTE Is March 12
OK, so March 12 isn’t the last day to register to vote in the April election, BUT it is the last day to register off-site with a special registration deputy and not have to show proof of where you live.
The simplest way to register or update your voter registration is to visit any City of Madison library by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12.
Voter registration applications for the Spring Election can be submitted by mail if postmarked no later than March 12. The registration process can be started online through https://MyVote.wi.gov. First time Wisconsin voters registering by mail must also include proof of address (photocopy of utility bill, bank statement, Wisconsin license/ID, paycheck, or government document).
Voter registrations for the Spring Election may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office in person until the close of business on Friday, March 28. Anyone registering to vote in the Clerk’s Office between March 13 and March 28 will be required to show proof of address.
Voters may register at the polls on Election Day with proof of address. For more information, visit www.cityofmadison.com/election <http://www.cityofmadison.com/election> .
Check https://MyVote.wi.gov to verify your voter registration or the status of your absentee ballot.
Save yourself the inconvenience of having to go downtown to register or of registering at the polls. If you register by March 12, the clerk’s office sends you a card. If it doesn’t come back to the clerk, that proves that you live where you said you did, and you don’t have to monkey with bringing the right documentation in to prove that you live there.
by Mary Mullen, information from City of Madison website
2 - Council Meeting is March 13
The Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Council meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at 2010 Whenona Drive, Prairie UU Society. This month that date falls on Thursday, March 13.
The agenda includes routine business, planning for upcoming events like the Chili Fest that happens this Saturday (5 p.m. at Prairie UU) and Make Music Madison, outdoor music on Saturday, June 21, to be co-sponsored with Prairie UU and held on the grounds of the church. All attending the meeting will also hear a brief presentation by Jim Roloff, of Bluestone Custom Homes. His company will be building single family homes on Allied Drive where apartments were torn down a few years ago.
Various DMNA committee conveners will report on what their committees are doing. You can also learn about the Madison Art Commission grant application that is being made.
Any resident may attend the Council meetings. If you want the Council to discuss a particular issue, please contact the president beforehand, Mary Mullen, 298-0843 or mmullen@chorus.net
by Mary Mullen
3 - Eat w/the Best at the Chili Fest, Saturday, March 15
The Annual Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood CHILI FEST is happening this Sat., March 15, 5:00-7:00 pm, at 2010 Whenona Drive (Prairie UU Society).
It’s a fun time for kids and adults alike, focused on sampling local chilis brought by the neighbors. Most people stay to visit, play cards or table games. Kids will be provided with fun just for them.
A special feature of the Chili-Fest is voting for the chili you like best. A prize will be offered for the highest vote-getter.
Bring your own special chili, a new recipe you want to try, or something to go with chili such as cornbread, beverages, or desert. Ice cream and crackers will be provided. We’ll all eat like royalty.
If you live in the neighborhood, you and your family and friends are all welcome. The neighborhood includes everyone living between Seminole Highway and Carling/Allied Drive south of the Beltline/Verona Road. The southern boundary is Dunn’s Marsh.
by Mary Mullen
FESTIVAL DE CHILI
¡ TRAIGA SU MEJOR CAZUELA DE CHILI Y HAGA BAILAR A NUESTROS PALADARES!
¡PODRA GANAR UN PREMIO!
Cuando: Sabado, 15 de marzo de 2014
Hora: 5:00 p.m.
Lugar: Iglesia Unitarian Universal
2010 Whenona Drive
Madion, WI 53711
4 -Garden Registration, March 15 & 18 (Attachment: “1 flyer 2014 garden.jpg”)
The Marlborough Community Garden registration days are scheduled for Saturday, March 15 and Tuesday, March 18. They will be held at Prairie UU Society, 2010 Whenona Drive.
Dates and times are:
Saturday, March 15, noon until 3 p.m.
Tuesday, March 18, 5:30-7:30
It’s best to come right at opening time because there’s a fair amount of paperwork to fill out.
Fees are due at the registration time. Depending on income and family size, recommended rental for a 20x20-foot plot is $10, $35 or $65, although some gardeners pay what they think is a fair price. Last year’s gardeners who did not come to the required 2 work days must pay an extra $10 for each workday missed.
by Mary Mullen
5 - ¿Quiesiera usted un juerto para cultivar su propia comida? (Attachment: “1 flyer 2014 garden.jpg”)
Asiste una junta por todos los jardineros & inscribase para un lote en el Huerto de Marlborough. Prent un lote por $10. La dará semillas gratis para todos.
CUNDO
Sábado, 15 de marzo a la 12:30 pm. Por Favor, llegue puntaualmente.
O
Martes, 18 de marzo a las 5:30 pm. Por Favor, llegue puntaualmente.
DONDE
Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society
2010 Whenona Drive, Madison, WI
¡Inscribase para obtener su propia parcela!
CONTACTO
Para inscribir, venga al día de inscripción, o llame a Angelica al 332-4832 o a Micha al 219-6043.
6 - Kids’ Mosaic Project Gets Results (Attachment: “2 pics design party. jpg”)
Due to the indefatigable Elizabeth Doyle, many neighborhood kids got traced and had a chance to provide ideas for what should go inside the mosaic figures that will materialize on a wall near the roundabout under Verona Road.
Teacher and artist Elizabeth Doyle had originally scheduled 2 workshops for tracing and 2 for creating designs, but when fewer kids showed up than she had hoped for, she went to where the kids were. As a result, 77 tracings were made.
On March 8, 7 kids came to the Boys & Girls Club to color the figures she provided as coloring book pages. Twice as many showed up at Prairie UU Society on March 9. Elizabeth planned to visit the Boys and Girls Club after school club, the Allied boys Group, and the youth group at Second Baptist Church to get more kids to participate in providing designs inside the tracings.
For a preview of some of the tracings and designs suggested inside the figures, see the attachment.
During the next month the artist will finalize plans for the figures and the designs inside of them. Then more workshops will be scheduled for weekends. After school is out, mosaic-making workshops will move to weekdays. Stay tuned.
by Mary Mullen
7 - DM Neighborhood Council Contact Information
We’ve had several changes in contact information for the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Council.
All the Council members are listed below, with phone numbers and e-mails. Those without e-mails either have none or seldom view them.
The letters in parentheses indicate the part of the neighborhood each member represents: M=Marlborough, C=Crawford, B=Belmar. Currently we have no representative from Allied, but a space is preserved for one. Please contact DMNA President Mary Mullen if you live in the Allied area and wish to serve on the Neighborhood Council.
Mary Mullen, President, (M), 298-0843, mmullen@chorus.net
Deacon Tony Williams, Vice President (C), 333-2065, adwilliams043@gmail.com
Thea Bach, Secretary (M), 274-7730, 239-9810 (cell)
Yannette Cole, Treasurer (M) , 332-7003, yfcole@gmail.com
Heidi Figueroa (M), 332-6892, heidivette2003@yahoo.com
Lucheia (Lucy) Blue (C), 274-4080
Selena Pettigrew (C), 217-3639, selenapettigrew@gmail.com
Denise Williams (C), 438-7396, adwilliams510@gmail.com
Dorothy Krause (B), 271-7532, dorothyk@charter.net
Karen Walters (B), 274-4673, Karen.walters@outlook.com
Rachel Potter (B), 280-0882, rachelpotter5@yahoo.com
Feel free to contact any of us with your ideas or about issues in the neighborhood.
by Mary Mullen
8 - Uncleared Sidewalks in Commercial Areas Present a Problem
The City of Madison requires that all property owners clear the snow from their sidewalks after each snow event. Yet, there are sidewalks in commercial areas of our neighborhood that seem to be orphans. They are left clogged with drifts, causing pedestrians to make winding pathways through deep snow or walk or roll their wheelchairs in the street.
One of these uncleared sidewalks is associated with Madison Plaza. While the Mobil station has always cleared its sidewalks, Madison Plaza has constantly neglected stretches it is responsible for both on Britta Parkway just east of the Mobil station and along the Verona frontage road on the other side of the station before the first driveway into the Plaza
These sidewalk areas, with the address 4611 Verona Road, had not been cleared of snow all winter. Repeated phone messages to the City from nearby resident Katherine Vanderbilt and several communications from me to the 10th District Alder were not effective in getting them cleared. One section, just to the south of the Mobil station along Verona Rd was finally cleaned after I used Madison’s Report a Problem following the snow of 2/18/14. In the photo from Britta Parkway, you can see a man choosing to walk on the street instead of slogging through the snow. People in wheelchairs have also had to get out on the road - definitely not safe either on Britta Parkway or the Verona Road frontage road.
Then, after the big March 5 snow, Madison Plaza again did not clear that sidewalk on Britta. Another communication with Report a Problem revealed that the Plaza had again been ticketed, and if the sidewalk was not cleared by March 10, city crews were scheduled to to the clearing.
Another stretch of sidewalk along the Verona frontage road has also been left full of snow. This is the portion between Walgreen’s and New Beginnings daycare toward MacDonald’s. The DMNA is working on this issue as well.
by Mary Mullen
9 - Report a Problem Gets Fast Results
Got a problem you think the City of Madison should take care of? An easy and fast way to get action is to use Report a Problem. Go to http://www.cityofmadison.com/reportAProblem/ and choose the type of problem you’ve noticed.
There are many categories to choose from. Some are Abandoned Bicycle, Graffiti, Pothole Concern, Refuse Collection, Sidewalk Concern, Snow Removal, Tree Concerns, General Requests, and more.
Recently, I’ve had extremely fast response when reporting uncleared sidewalks. In fact, twice I’ve reported the uncleared sidewalk on Britta Parkway that belongs to Madison Plaza. It’s located just east of the sidewalk that belongs to the Mobil station. Back in February when I first used Report a Problem and included a photo, the Building Inspection Department issued Madison Plaza a citation and fine. The walk was cleared very soon after that.
After the March 5 snow, again Madison Plaza did not clear that stretch. I took a photo on March 7 and reported the problem on March 9. On March 10 I got a response that a citation had been issued on the 7th and that a crew would be sent to clear it on the 10th if the owners did not get to it.
Why not try Report a Problem when you notice an issue the City can deal with?
by Mary Mullen
10 - Good Webpage to Learn about Neighborhood Amenities
(Attachments: “3 map bike routes.jpg,” “4 map adjacent neighborhoods.jpg,” “5 map neighborhood assets.jpg”)
Looking for a quick visual of neighborhood amenties? One easy place to look is the webpage for the Allied Drive Neighborhood Resource Team: https://www.cityofmadison.com/mayor/nrt/allied.cfm <file://localhost/mayor/nrt/allied.cfm>
Now, non-Allied residents, hang on. These maps of amenities include more than Allied Drive. In fact, the maps show bike routes, community assets, existing land use, residential structure types, and weekday bus routes within the entire Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood - City of Madison jurisdiction only - plus the same for the Madison neighborhoods of Arbor Hills, Nakoma, Summit Ridge, Meadowood and portions of several others.
If you never understood what was included those other neighborhoods or wondered what their neighborhood boundaries were well, here’s your chance.
Assets located in the Fitchburg part of the Dunn’s Marsh neighborhood - except for bike routes and some open space - are not noted since this is a City of Madison document. Community assets are things like park and open spaces, community gardens, libraries, schools, community centers, police stations, and fire stations.
You’ll see that our neighborhood is completley blessed with open space and community gardens, and that we have a community center, the Boys and Girls Club, although it is not named. Park and open space areas are shown for the entire area of the map, but surprisingly, Belmar Park, within the neighborhood, is missing.
Editor’s note: Isn’t it about time that our municipalities cooperate in this kind of mapping in order to give a better picture of our neighborhood? Isn’t it misleading to stop mapping of bus routes at the Fitchburg line, or to fail to show housing types in the Fitchburg part of our neighborhood? There is no wall at these boundaries, and to fail to show Belmar Park, for example, is to suggest that no one from Allied uses it - obviously untrue. Failing to show the bus routes that extend into the Belmar area on Crescent Road and Red Arrrow trail is also confusing.
While we do have all that wonderful open space, the maps make it clear that are no schools, libraries, police or fire stations within the neighborhood.
I was also surprised that churches were not listed. We have two churches with buildings in the neighborhood, Prairie Unitarian Universalist Society, corner of Whenona and Crawford where we have many of our DMNA meetings, and Second Baptist Church, on Britta Parkway. The Land Use map does show the locations of those churches, labeled “Institutional Uses.” Another church parks its bus next to the Boys and Girls Club.
As you look at the maps, you’ll notice that only the Allied part of the neighborhood is outlines and the area designated at the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association is incorrect. In fact, the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood Association’s service area includes the Fitchburg area it surrounds as well as Dunn’s Marsh and the other public lands around the marsh.
ELECTION ARTICLES
11 - Voting Place Moves to Old Pizza Hut Below Head Start
For many years Madison 10th District voters have gone to the Head Start building at the corner of Red Arrow Trail and Thurston. But starting with this election - Tuesday, April 1 - the polls have been moved down the hill to the brown building to the corner of the Verona Frontage Road and Red Arrow Trail. It was once a Pizza Hut.
The address of our new polling place is 4700 Verona Road, Madison. The building belongs to the Dane County Parent Council. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1.
Fitchburg voters from the neighborhood go to Fitchburg Fire Station #2, 5415 King James Way, Fitchburg, WI 53719
Photo ID is NOT required at this time. The issue of photo ID is still in the courts.
by Mary Mullen
12 - Sample Ballot for April 1 Election Includes Referendum on Marijuana
(Also see article #1)
Currently, I haven’t heard much about the elections coming up on Tuesday, April 1. That could be because many candidates are running unopposed.
As Election Day comes closer, undoubtedly we will hear more because there is a controversial item on the ballot put forward by Dane County: "Should the state government enact legislation legalizing marijuana?" Both Madison and Fitchburg voters will have a chance to vote on this question
The Madison Ballot for our neighborhood is printed immediately below. As of this printing, Fitchburg hasn’t posted their ballot.
COURT OF APPEALS - DISTRICT 4 - VOTE FOR ONE
GARY E. SHERMAN (Non-Partisan)
DANE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, BRANCH 1 - VOTE FOR ONE
JOHN W. MARKSON (Non-Partisan)
DANE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, BRANCH 7 - VOTE FOR ONE
WILLIAM E. HANRAHAN (Non-Partisan)
COUNTY BOARD SUPERVISOR (SU04) - VOTE FOR ONE
KYLE RICHMOND (Non-Partisan)
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER (SEAT 6) - MADISON METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT - VOTE FOR ONE
WAYNE STRONG (Non-Partisan)
MICHAEL FLORES (Non-Partisan)
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER (SEAT 7) - MADISON METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT - VOTE FOR ONE
ED HUGHES (Non-Partisan)
DANE COUNTY REFERENDUM #1
"Should the Wisconsin Constitution be amended to require a nonpartisan system for redistricting legislative and congressional districts in the state?" Yes _____ No _____
DANE COUNTY REFERENDUM #2
"Should the state government enact legislation legalizing marijuana?" Yes ______ No ___
VERONA ROAD & related
13 - Did You Know This about Wisconsin Public Transportation?
This is Wisconsin Transit Week, as proclaimed by Governor Walker.
Did you know:
· Wisconsin's transit systems provide access to public transportation for approximately 55% of the state’s population.
· Households that use public transportation and live with one less car can save on average almost $10,000 every year.
· Households within close proximity to public transportation drive on average 4,400 fewer miles a year - using approximately 200 fewer gallons of gas.
14 - Verona Road Lane Squeeze Put Off Until March 17
Due to the cold temperatures, the major traffic switch to put all of Verona Road traffic on one side of the median is rescheduled for the week of March 17.
Starting that week, all traffic will be shifted to the southbound lanes of Verona Road between the Beltline and Raymond Road. Read more about the lead-up to this in the next article.
For more information, contact:
Steven Theisen
Verona Road Project Communications Manager
steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov <mailto:steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov?subject=Verona%20Road%20Project%2C%20Weekly%20Construction%20Update%20-%20March%203-7 <mailto:steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov?subject=Verona%20Road%20Project%2C%20Weekly%20Construction%20Update%20-%20March%203-7> > | (608) 884-1230
WisDOT and the Verona Road Project Team
www.VeronaRoadProject.wi.gov
<http://www.veronaroadproject.wi.gov <http://www.veronaroadproject.wi.gov> > Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook <http://www.facebook>
15 - Verona Road Construction Weekly Update for March 10-14
Weekly construction updates include upcoming lane closures and traffic impacts related to the major Verona Road reconstruction.
Stay involved and informed with the project website and project Facebook page <http://www.facebook.com/WIVeronaRoadProject> .
Construction update for March 10-14
All lane restrictions and work operations are weather dependent and subject to change.
Verona Road work
- Nightly single lane closures on northbound and southbound Verona Road, from the Beltline south to the Raymond Road intersection.
- 10 p.m. - 5 a.m. (March 10-14)
- Work is ongoing to install temporary traffic signals at the Beltline/Verona Road interchange. The temporary traffic signals at the Beltline/Verona Road interchange are scheduled to be operational on Monday night (March 10).
- In addition to removing existing traffic signals, crews will remove existing median islands along Verona Road, between the Beltline and the Atticus Way/Summit Road intersection.
- Daytime single lane closures on northbound and southbound Verona Road, from the Beltline to the Raymond Road intersection.
- 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (March 11-13)
- Crews will pour concrete pavement in the existing median islands that were removed.
- Daytime work will continue to install temporary street lighting along Verona Road and the frontage roads.
- Work on the frontage roads will require flagging traffic.
- Work to occur approximately 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. (March 10-14)
- Traffic signals are installed and fully operational.
- Traffic signals are installed and fully operational.
The major traffic switch is rescheduled for the week of March 17. Starting that week, all traffic will be shifted to the southbound lanes of Verona Road between the Beltline and Raymond Road.
- Two lanes will remain open to traffic in each direction on Verona Road, between the Beltline and Raymond Road.
- Access to area businesses and neighborhoods will remain open for motorists with destinations in the work zone.
- Backups and delays are expected in the area, especially during peak travel times.
- Alternate routes are encouraged for commuters and through travelers to avoid those delays.
- The West Beltline Frontage Road to be closed to through traffic, between Britta Parkway and Whenona Drive (south of the Beltline).
- Week of March 17 to July 10, 2014
- Access to area businesses to remain open.
- Alternate routes are required.
from WisDOT webside, http://projects.511wi.gov/web/veronaroad-18-151/news
16 - Verona Road: Quarterly Open House Meetings Scheduled for 2014
Quarterly open house meetings are scheduled for 2014 to promote public understanding of the Verona Road (US 18/151) reconstruction project. The meetings will be located at the City of Fitchburg Fire Station No. 2 (5415 King James Way, Fitchburg) from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:
· Thursday, March 27, 2014
· Thursday, June 26, 2014
· Thursday, September 25, 2014
· Thursday, December 18, 2014
No formal presentations are scheduled; stop by at your convenience.
Maps and exhibits of the Verona Road improvements will be on display. Wisconsin Department of Transportation representatives will be available at these meetings to discuss the project on an individual basis.
Stay involved and informed with the project website <http://lists.wi.gov/t/923595/1837417/3720/0/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/923595/1837417/3720/0/> > and project Facebook page <http://lists.wi.gov/t/923595/1837417/3202/0/ <http://lists.wi.gov/t/923595/1837417/3202/0/> > .
For more information contact:
Mark Vesperman, P.E.
Verona Road Design Project Manager
mark.vesperman@dot.wi.gov <mailto:mark.vesperman@dot.wi.gov?subject=Quarterly%20open%20house%20meetings%20in%202014 <mailto:mark.vesperman@dot.wi.gov?subject=Quarterly%20open%20house%20meetings%20in%202014> > | (608) 246-7548
Steven Theisen
Verona Road Project Communications Manager
steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov <mailto:steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov?subject=Quarterly%20open%20house%20meetings%20in%202014 <mailto:steven.theisen@dot.wi.gov?subject=Quarterly%20open%20house%20meetings%20in%202014> > | (608) 884-1230
WisDOT and the Verona Road Project Team
www.VeronaRoadProject.wi.gov
<http://www.veronaroadproject.wi.gov <http://www.veronaroadproject.wi.gov> > Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WIVeronaRoadProject <http://www.facebook.com/WIVeronaRoadProject <http://www.facebook.com/WIVeronaRoadProject> >
From Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation
ENVIRONMENTAL ARTICLES
17 - Crowd Attends Dunn’s Marsh Master Plan Meeting
The large crowd attending the Dunn’s Marsh Master Plan Meeting included a UW class that will be making some proposals, a lot of staff from Fitchburg, Madison, Dane County, and the State of Wisconsin, plus at least 8 Dunn’s Marsh residents who are especially interested in the marsh.
Rick Eilertson, Fitchburg’s Environmental Engineer made the presentation which covered recommendation related to water resources, vegetation management, recreation, and intergovernmental agreements and grant applications. He and other officials answered questions posed by members of the audience.
To get into this topic easily, let’s get into the recreation topic first. Well, don’t get your hopes up that Dunn’s Marsh will be a swimming hole, place to drop a fish line in, a good place to let your dog play retriever, or even a place to canoe. The water is too dirty and polluted for that, and Rick pointed out that at its deepest, it’s probably only 18 inches deep - enough to float a canoe or drown in, but definitely not a safe place to practice diving. These facts were brought out by a question by Fitchburg Alder Carol Poole.
On the other hand, the marsh is a great place to watch birds. It is supposed to be maintained that way according to the deed that was drawn up when Madison bought the marsh and its surrounding land from Gene Dawley who insisted that the land be maintained as a bird sanctuary.
In brief, here are some other things we learned.
1. It’s very difficult to get treatment for much of urban runoff because a lot of the Dunn’s Marsh watershed is fully developed and the big stormwater pipe importing storm water from Orchard Ridge is 20-30 feet deep in places.
2. A filtering structure could be put in to prevent larger objects from flowing to the ditch by the Nature’s Retreat apartments and behind the condos to the east. To see such a structure, explore the small fenced area just to the northeast of Culver’s on the Beltline.
Some “bio-retention” (wet) ponds will be built on Thermo-Fisher property which is west and southwest of Allied Drive and near the intersection of the Cannonball/Capital City/Badger State Trail. The Pine Ridge neighborhood which is sandwiched between PD and public property around Dunn’s Marsh will also get a bio-retention pond.
Attending this informative meeting from the Dunn’s Marsh Neighborhood were residents Rachel Potter, David Martin, Jim Richmond, Elvice McAlpine, Mary Mullen, Patty Stockdale, Cathy Casper, and Carol Poole. Carol is one of the two Fitchburg alders who lives in the neighborhood.
by Mary Mullen
18 - Camp Green Star--Urban Farming for Kids
Registration is now open for Camp Green Star, a summer camp where kids get hands-on experience with sustainable gardening and raising chickens in the city--practical skills that can inspire them throughout their lives. Kids also learn about composting, using rainwater to water the garden, and making butter and ice cream by hand. Led by the Camp's experienced teachers, camp activities instill a sense of accomplishment.
The Camp's low student to teacher ratio provides more focused attention from the teachers.
Camp Green Star is a secular (non-religious) camp held on Madison's west side at Madison Christian Community. The site has seven acres, which allow kids to play tag and explore the prairie under the guidance of the teachers.
Camp is open to 7 to 13 year olds. Afternoon and full-day sessions are available. For more information, go to www.camp-green-star.com.
Camp Green Star was recently featured in an article in Edible Madison Magazine. http://ediblemadison.com/articles/view/run-play-garden-camp-green-star-teaches-kids-urban-agriculture
from Mary Eberle
Camp Green Star
19 - What’s New At City’s Annual Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale?
Spring is finally almost here and that means it’s time for the annual City of Madison Compost Bin And Rain Barrel Sale on Saturday, May 3rd at the Alliant Energy Center parking lot.
Rainwater harvesting and backyard composting are important individual actions to protect Madison area waterways. As part of the Clean Lakes Alliance citizen action campaign, each customer will receive a “Renew the Blue” sticker with their rain barrel or compost bin purchase. “When people do their smallest part to take care of the lakes, they are part of a collective whole.” says James Tye, vice president of the Clean Lakes Alliance. “With Renew the Blue, you’ll be doing your part to reach a community goal. If you’re working to clean up Madison’s lakes, the effort belongs to you.”
Also new to this year’s event is a wider selection. This year’s event features a modern rain barrel equipped with a high-flow spigot and a diverter. Rain barrels as well as a sleeker designed compost bin are available in 3 different colors. The smallest rain barrels start at 50 gallons and the larger systems can hold 200 connect to just one downspout. Just ½ inch of rain on a 1000 square roof space produces 300 gallons of harvestable rainwater.
Discounted rain barrels and compost bins are available to pre-order and are limited in supply. For more information and to pre-order visit in advance visit http://www.cityofmadison.com/streets/compost/CompostBinSale.cfm
article and photo from Bryant Moroder
20 - Fitchburg Green (Land) and Blue (Water) E-News Blast #46 - Note Earth Day Entry (#4)
1. City of Fitchburg Water Conservation Campaign Kick Off – Thursday, April 3rd, 6:30pm at the Fitchburg Public Library – The Mayor and City of Fitchburg Staff have made water conservation a top priority for 2014. Learn about existing groundwater supplies in Dane County, how to fix your toilet, and outdoor water wise landscaping. The event will be held at the City of Fitchburg Public Library and will feature speakers from the Wisconsin Geologic and Natural History Survey, Benjamin Plumbing, and the City of Fitchburg Department of Public Works.
2. Rock River Coalition Biannual Monitoring Confluence – Sat., March 29, 8:30am-3:30pm, Fitchburg Community Center (5510 Lacy Road). For citizen lake, stream and wetland volunteer monitors and all Rock River Coalition (RRC) members. There will be plenary speakers, panel discussion on nutrient management and several concurrent sessions targeting specific topics. More plans in process, so stay tuned! RSVP required to Nancy Sheehan at nancy@rockrivercoalition.org .
3. 2014 Earth Day, Arbor Day and Migratory Bird Day Events:
· Annual Waterway Cleanups of Fitchburg’s stormwater facilities and creeks – Sat., April 19th, 9am-Noon
· Shred Day Event for shredding and recycling confidential paper documents, Sat., May 3rd, 7:30am – 10:30 a.m.
· Electronics Recycling Event for computers, monitors, etc. – Sat., May 3rd, 8:30am – 11:30am
· Compost Bin & Rain Barrel Sale at the Alliant Energy Center – Sat., May 3rd
· Spring Community Cleanup Day of Fitchburg Parks and City Hall
· Arbor Day / International Migratory Bird Day Celebration – Cleanup & Tree Planting in Fitchburg Parks, McKee Farms Park Tree Walk & Migratory Bird Day Celebration - Sat., May 3rd
· Nine Springs Birding Event – Fri., May 9th Evening (www.madisonaudubon.org <http://www.madisonaudubon.org <http://www.madisonaudubon.org> > )
4. 2014 State Trail Passes Now Available at Fitchburg City Hall – With special thanks to a new partnership between the City of Fitchburg and the Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area, 2014 State Trail Passes are now available at Fitchburg City Hall from 7:30am-4:30pm Mondays through Fridays.
Please note that Fitchburg’s web page is in the process of converting to a new format, which will include a new subscription mechanism to the mailing lists such as the “Fitchburg_Green” E-News. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, comments, and/or suggestions on future Green E-News topics.
From Kristofer Canto, Sustainability Specialist
City of Fitchburg Public Works
608-270-4274
MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES
21 - Affordable Health Insurance Plans Still Available in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, a family of four could pay as little as $106 per month for health coverage. A 27-year-old could pay as little as $96 per month.
Your last chance to enroll for 2014 coverage is March 31.
Enroll by March 15 and your coverage will start as early as April 1, 2014.
Go to https://www.healthcare.gov/ to see plans before you apply.
22 - Deeply Discounted Dog/Cat Tag & Microship Event Offered in April
Most of us never expect our beloved pets to be lost or stolen. The reality is that accidents do happen, and when they do, many owners are unprepared. The two biggest reasons for pet loss are children and workmen inadvertently letting them out of the house or yard. One in three pets will become lost at some point during their lives. And 90 percent of lost pets without proper identification never make it home again. Last year Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) received 1,020 dogs and 2,043 cats brought to the shelter as strays. 63% of those dogs and only12% of the cats were returned to their owners!
Many more pets could be reunited with their owners if they were microchipped and/or tagged. The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association has shown a return-to-owner rate of 52 percent for dogs who are microchipped, versus a rate of just 22 percent for dogs who enter a shelter and are not microchipped. That means microchipping your dog more than doubles your chances of finding it if it’s ever lost! Cats had an even more dramatic increase in successful returns home. Only 2 percent of un-chipped cats were returned to their owners, compared to more than 38 percent of cats that were microchipped. The combination of a tag and microchip gives the best of both worlds by providing a visual ID and an implanted ID.
DCHS will host a steeply discounted tag ($5) and microchip ($15) event April 21-22 and 24-27 at the shelter for both dogs and cats. Microchipping can also be done at the shelter on a walk-in basis any day during normal hours of operation or by appointment with your veterinarian.
It’s understandable, especially in tough economic times, that some owners can no longer afford to care for their pets. NEVER release your pet into the wild. Doing so will likely result in a slow, stressful and painful death of your animal. Please surrender it to DCHS so someone else can provide it a safe home.
If you find a stray or injured animal, bring it to the shelter at 5132 Voges Road or call Animal Services (608-255-2345). If after hours, take the animal to Madison Veterinary Specialists at 229 W. Beltline Hwy (phone: 608-274-7772).
Please go to the DCHS website (giveshelter.org) for more information or call 608-838-0413.
from Dane County Humane Society
23 - Big Step for a Stronger Workforce, Economy - from Dane Co. Executive
We’re all encouraged to see signs of economic recovery in Dane County. With this welcome news, we must take great care to ensure that as our community rebounds the opportunity exists for Dane County families from all walks of life to do the same.
For months I have worked with representatives from labor, business, and educational institutions, as well as economic and workforce development professionals to tackle a persistent challenge – connecting skilled employees with construction companies that are ready to hire but are facing a worker shortage.
The result is a new initiative, Project Big Step, aimed at preparing the county’s workforce for the growing construction industry – and assuring better access to these family supporting jobs to under-represented people, including minorities and women.
My Office of Economic and Workforce Development, together with the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin, will collaborate with the building trades contractors; community based organizations working in the construction trades, including WRTP Big Step; Construction Training Inc./START; Operation Fresh Start; the Urban League of Greater Madison; and the Madison College Apprenticeship Program, to build and implement a comprehensive strategy.
Our multi-phase approach will focus on assessing the skills needed for a project and on recruiting and training the workforce necessary to get the job done. The effort will also identify and bring back workers who left the construction industry during the Great Recession, and ensure Big Step trainees get hired and retained in the industry.
With a series of major building projects ahead, including a new $18 million expansion at our Alliant Energy Center, Dane County is uniquely positioned to work with key stakeholders to fulfill these goals.
With Big Step, we will strengthen our local economy and give our workforce the training and opportunity they need to find meaningful, family supporting employment.
by Dane County Executive Joe Parisi
(608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 843-8858
--- End of the March 12, 2014 DUNN’S MARSH NEIGHBORHOOD e-NEWS ---
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