LEAD PIPES - On a second try, after the State's Public Service Commission nixed the Common Council's decision to reimburse property owners 50% up to $1000 for the cost of their mandated lead pipe replacement, the Council moved forward once again. Again on a close vote, we voted for the 50/50% split in cost. I believe the struggle has finally ended and that the community will share in having our lakes uncontaminated by the chemical treatments that had been the other option discussed in the first round. Congratulations to Madison for doing the right thing!
HIGH SPEED RAIL - The die has yet to be tossed. What recommendation will Madison make as far as rail alignment and station site alternatives for high-speed rail to connect Madison with the Chicago to Twin Cities proposed high-speed rail route? Initially, the State Department of Transportation had given a December 15 deadline for issuing our recommendation to the state, after having received their report only a couple months earlier. Now that the Congressional bill which would fund rail initiatives was voted down, we have just a little more time to make our decision. I expect that neighborhood meetings as well as city committee meetings will be occurring in the upcoming couple of months, with a decision being forced possibly as early as March. The Tenney Lapham area most definitely will be impacted by the State's preferred option in respect to noise in some areas, more auto traffic flowing through the area and other issues. I'd highly recommend that anyone interested in this issue to inform themselves about the various meetings coming up because this is your time to give your input. Also, the consultant's report with recommendations can be found on the City of Madison's website under both "Reports" and "Transportation Issues."
SNOW REMOVAL - It's already been a very difficult season for snow removal with large quantities of snow coming down combined with the very cold temperatures. Streets Division is trying its best to try to keep up with the vast amount of work throughout the entire city. Icing has been very problematic since the salt apparently wouldn't work due to the low temperatures. Now they're additionally using liquid calcium chloride to deal with it and, as of the date of this writing, they'd completed their third general plowing in 10 days. They haven't been able to do any significant snow removal from curbcuts or bus stops and also have had numerous vision hazards at intersections and median breaks. For specific problems, call Streets Division at 266-4532 regarding plowing, Building Inspection at 266-4551 about curbcuts, the Police Department regarding parking enforcement. Also, feel free to contact me on this or any other issues.
-Alder Barbara Vedder
249-8428