Madison meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Madison council adopts 2027 budget, ends interim police monitor appointment

The Common Council on Oct. 20 adopted the 2027 Executive Operating Budget and voted 14-6 to terminate the appointment of the Interim Independent Police Monitor, according to official minutes. The same meeting produced citywide rezoning, a $200,000 police drone grant and an $80,000 childcare loan.

Council: budget, monitor, drones, zoning

Along with the budget, the council approved zoning changes converting Planned Development districts to residential and commercial zones in Districts 1, 3, 5-7, 9 and 12-20 on a unanimous vote. Zoning for District 11 and 122 State Street was re-referred.

The council authorized a $200,000 grant for a police drone pilot program (unanimous) and an $80,000 loan for childcare facility improvements (unanimous). It approved a W Beltline Path transportation agreement (unanimous) and adopted resolutions for Transgender Day of Remembrance and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Finance Committee advances budget and property deals

On Oct. 13 the Finance Committee referred the 2027 Executive Operating Budget to the Common Council for a public hearing by voice vote. It recommended adoption of a purchase and lease at 1313 Northport Drive (voice vote) and re-referred the acquisition of 4484 Robertson Road to its Oct. 26 meeting (voice vote).

A day earlier, the committee adopted a consent agenda of 20 items. Those included recommended approval of the $80,000 childcare facility loan for 4657 Verona Road, a $200,000 COPS microgrant for the police drone pilot, a South Point Public Works Facility contract and the 2027 Central Business Improvement District plan. The committee returned the W Beltline Path TAP project to the Board of Public Works and referred a bus terminal agreement to the Transportation Commission.

Plan Commission: garage, mixed-use building, rezonings

The Plan Commission on Oct. 19 approved a conditional use for a detached garage at 1032 Sherman Avenue and a conditional use for a mixed-use building at 301 S Westfield Road, with conditions requiring a tree study and a parking lot redesign. It recommended approval of a deed restriction release at 845 Vilas Avenue and rezonings at 5025 Sheboygan Avenue, 6302 Driscoll Drive, 279 Junction Road and 301 S Westfield Road, plus multiple Planned Development-to-conventional ordinances covering Districts 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20.

Board of Review amends three assessments

The Board of Review on Oct. 14 amended the assessment at 4222 Mandan Cres to $559,800 (2-1), 5318 Fayette Ave to $242,100 (3-0) and 404 E Dean Ave to $173,100 (3-0). It sustained assessments at 1132 Curtis Ct, 3621 Gregory St, 3617 Gregory St and 1109 Erin St, each 3-0, and denied a hearing for 715 Rethke Ave by voice vote because the owner did not appear.

Other actions

The TIF Review Board approved its meeting minutes and the TIF Review Board / Joint Review Board 2026 Annual Report on Oct. 15. The Common Council Executive Committee approved meeting minutes by voice vote on Oct. 20. The President's Workgroup on MPD Use of Deadly Force, De-Escalation and Body-Worn Cameras rescheduled its Oct. 29 virtual public listening session to 4:30 p.m. and adopted prior minutes; minutes state no formal policy changes were adopted. The Zoning Board of Appeals met virtually Oct. 15; its draft minutes list a variance petition for 124 N Fourth St but record no final decisions or votes.

Coming up

• **Finance Committee, Oct. 26:** issuance of Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 2026-C, not to exceed $17,960,000; purchase of 4484 Robertson Road for $2,265,000; 2027 budget amendments.
• **Water Utility Board, Oct. 27:** annual election of 2027 board officers and monthly water quality and finance reports.
• **Transportation Commission, Oct. 28:** public hearing on proposed Paratransit Agency fare increases and Commute Card and Unlimited Ride Pass contract rates; review of proposed 2027 department budgets.
• **Board of Health for Madison and Dane County, Oct. 28:** lease amendments for The Village on Park and a 1% increase in licensed establishment fee schedules for 2027.
• **President's Workgroup on body-worn cameras, Oct. 30:** review of feasibility reports and comparison with other municipalities' policies.

Madison's 2027 budget heads to public hearing; council approves software contract and federal grant

Madison's 2027 Executive Operating Budget is headed to a Common Council public hearing after the Finance Committee referred it on Oct. 13, one of several money decisions city bodies recorded over the past two weeks. The same committee recommended the city buy and lease property at 1313 Northport Drive.

Budget and contracts

The Finance Committee on Oct. 13 referred the 2027 Executive Operating Budget to the Common Council (voice vote), recommended adoption of the 1313 Northport Drive purchase and lease (voice vote), and re-referred the 4484 Robertson Road acquisition to its Oct. 26 meeting (voice vote).

On Oct. 12 the committee recommended approval of an $80,000 childcare facility loan for 4657 Verona Road, a $200,000 COPS microgrant for a police drone pilot, the South Point Public Works Facility contract, and the 2027 Central Business Improvement District plan. It returned the W Beltline Path TAP project to the Board of Public Works and referred a bus terminal agreement to the Transportation Commission.

The Board of Public Works agenda for Oct. 7 listed Contract No. 9782 for the South Point Public Works Facility, awarded to apparent low bidder J.H. Findorff & Son, Inc., at approximately $42,300,000 total with a $500,000 budget amendment. That meeting's minutes have not been published, so no board vote is recorded here.

Common Council, Oct. 6

By unanimous votes, the council renamed the Traffic Engineering Division the Mobility and Infrastructure Division, approved a $100,805 USDOJ grant for law enforcement initiatives, approved a contract amendment for Trapeze software not to exceed $303,469, approved Public Works Contract No. 9806 for 2026 Playgrounds - Set 2, approved Public Works Contract No. 7802 for Capital City Path tree removal, and adopted proclamations for Pedestrian Safety Month and White Cane Safety Day. It granted new alcohol licenses for The Journey Buffet & Grill and Cielo, and disallowed 8 risk management claims ranging from $75.00 to $250,000.00.

Development and land use

The Plan Commission on Oct. 5 recommended the council authorize the Near West and North area plans and their public participation plans. It approved a conditional use with amended conditions for a coffee shop drive-through at 6401 Cottage Grove Road and a conditional use for a four-story, 187-unit multi-family building at 9503 Elderberry Road / 354 Bear Claw Way, recommended an amended planned development at 1051-1053 Williamson Street, and approved demolition permits for commercial buildings at 222 E Olin Avenue and 845 Vilas Avenue.

The Landmarks Commission's Oct. 5 agenda listed a demolition historic value review for a place of worship at 5501 University Avenue (District 19) and National Register nomination reviews for 680 N Park Street and 4025 Euclid Avenue. No final decisions are listed, and minutes are not yet published.

Health, housing and assessments

The Board of Health on Oct. 7 reconsidered a resolution for new Harm Reduction Specialist positions (6-0) and recommended approval of Substitute 2 (6-0). It returned a sole source contract with Young Parent Collective to the Finance Committee with a recommendation for approval (5-0, 1 abstention) and did the same for a Nurse-Family Partnership funding contract (6-0). It accepted additional state DHS funds for Public Health Emergency Preparedness (6-0) and DCF funds for the MIECHV Grant Program (6-0).

The Community Development Authority's Oct. 8 agenda included Resolution No. 4740 on a proposed housing project and financing, Resolution No. 4735 on FY 2025 final audits, and Resolution No. 4739 on the FY 2027 PHA Annual Plan. Minutes are not yet published.

The Board of Review amended assessments across four meetings. On Oct. 7 it set 4801 Annamark Dr at $6,480,000 and 4802 Tradewinds Pkwy at $9,563,700 (3-0 each) and sustained 501 Northport Dr at $7,400,000. On Oct. 8 it amended 5204 Manitowoc Pkwy to $450,000 and denied three appeals because owners did not appear. On Oct. 14 it amended 4222 Mandan Cres to $559,800 (2-1), 5318 Fayette Ave to $242,100 and 404 E Dean Ave to $173,100.

Police policy

The President's Workgroup on MPD Use of Deadly Force, De-Escalation and Body-Worn Cameras approved minutes on Oct. 14, moved its Oct. 29 virtual public listening session to 4:30 p.m., and adopted no formal policy changes. Its Oct. 16 agenda covered records redaction and editing and reviews of Madison and Milwaukee camera policies.

Other decisions

The Facilities, Programs and Fees Subcommittee on Oct. 5 approved the C4 Tailgate Tour at Edward Klief Park for Oct. 24, 2026 (voice vote) and the 2027 meeting schedule (voice vote); an EDM concert permit request from RushLink Inc was withdrawn. The Personnel Board recommended two classification changes to the Finance Committee. The TIF Review Board approved its 2026 Annual Report on Oct. 15. The Zoning Board of Appeals' Oct. 15 draft minutes record no final decisions or votes.

Coming up

• **Oct. 19** — Plan Commission takes up rezoning requests and a 257-unit mixed-use development at 301 S Westfield Road.
• **Oct. 20** — Common Council public hearing on the 2027 Executive Operating Budget, plus zoning changes in Districts 1, 3, 6 and 7.
• **Oct. 21** — Board of Public Works considers an emergency declaration for a sanitary sewer main failure on Tulane Ave near 3572 Hargrove St.
• **Oct. 21** — Alcohol License Review Committee holds public hearings on new licenses for Motel 6 Madison East, The Flying Fox and Tru by Hilton.
• **Oct. 22** — Housing Policy Committee hears presentations on housing stability from MMSD and the Community Development Division.
• **Oct. 29** — Workgroup public listening session on police use of force and body-worn cameras, 4:30 p.m.

Plan Commission backs 92-unit development; Park board approves $125K for parks funds

The Plan Commission recommended approval of an amended planned development for a 92-unit project at 6145-6301 Mineral Point Road and 510 Genomic Drive, sending it to the Common Council with conditions and waivers. The Board of Park Commissioners authorized up to $125,000 in CDBG funds for neighborhood projects in the North East Area Plan.

Plan Commission

The commission voted by voice to recommend the amended planned development, including a Specific Implementation Plan, to the Common Council. It granted waivers for building setback/frontage and bicycle parking requirements. The commission also referred a conditional use request for the new Sennett Middle School at 502 Pflaum Road to August 31, pending a Landmarks Commission recommendation. It approved minutes from July 27 and recommended a land transfer to the Board of Public Works.

Board of Park Commissioners

The board approved the Friends of Kettle Pond Conservation Park application and authorized up to $125,000 in CDBG funds for North East Area Plan projects, returning the item to the Finance Committee with a recommendation for approval. It also accepted the August 2026 Superintendent's Report and the Facilities, Programs and Fees Subcommittee minutes.

Other decisions

The Habitat Stewardship Subcommittee approved minutes from May 12, 2026, and adjourned at 5:47 PM. No substantive decisions were made.

Notable agenda items

Several recent meetings were held without published minutes, so outcomes are not yet available. The Police and Fire Commission considered promoting six firefighters to Apparatus Engineer effective August 17, and reviewed the police chief's preliminary promotion recommendation. The Community Development Authority board considered resolutions including a $1,201,681.55 loan from the city for Monona Shores Apartments, a $58,000 painting contract for Karabis Apartments, a $290,135 boiler replacement contract, and a HUD application to demolish the 60-unit Gay Braxton public housing development. The Transportation Commission considered contracts for corridor safety studies and planning for East Washington Avenue and Schroeder Road. The Alcohol License Review Committee held public hearings on new liquor licenses for The Historian Hotel, Madison Public Market, The Oaks Lounge, and begonia. restaurant. The Board of Review heard three property assessment objections on August 19 and three on August 20.

Coming up

• **Room Tax Commission** (Aug 24): Financial updates from Destination Madison, Monona Terrace, Overture Center, and Alliant Energy Center.
• **Landmarks Commission** (Aug 24): Review of Edgewater Hotel addition, amendments to two landmark nominations, and four demolition permits.
• **Common Council discussion** (Aug 24): Briefing on the city's response to recent protests and reopening of Williamson & Baldwin St. No formal action or votes.
• **Community Resources Committee** (Aug 26): Applicant presentations for the 2026 Employment and Career Development RFP.
• **Joint Campus Area Committee** (Aug 27): Meeting cancelled.

Madison Common Council approves $173.8M borrowing, confirms top officials

The Madison Common Council on Aug. 4 confirmed three top city officials and authorized up to $173.83 million in borrowing, among other actions. The council also approved a mid-year budget appropriation and granted several new liquor licenses. All votes on these items were unanimous.

Common Council

The council confirmed the mayor's appointments of Charles J. Romines as Director of Public Works, David Schmiedicke as Finance Director, and Christine Knapp as Water Utility General Manager, each by unanimous vote. It authorized the issuance of up to $173,830,000 in general obligation promissory notes, also unanimously, and approved a mid-year budget appropriation resolution. New liquor licenses were granted to Cambria Hotel, Tacos El Arriero, Killdevil Rum Club, Grandad's Farm Stop, Osaka, and Harley's Liquor & Bait. An ordinance that would have added public reporting requirements for the Office of the Independent Monitor and Police Civilian Oversight Board was withdrawn at the sponsors' request. The appointment of an alder for District 1 was referred to a future meeting.

Other decisions

Several other boards and commissions made decisions during the week.

• **Board of Review** (Aug. 5) sustained three 2026 property assessments, each by a 3-0 vote: 4750 S Biltmore Ln (SLJ II LLC, $20,770,000), 6905 Odana Rd (CPC Madison LLC, $9,204,300), and 6725 Odana Rd (CPC Madison LLC, $4,655,700).
• **Board of Health for Madison and Dane County** (Aug. 5) accepted state funds for the "Take a Hike, Not a Tick" project (7-0) and authorized line-item budget transfers (7-0).
• **Personnel Board** (Aug. 5) advanced two position reclassifications to the Finance Committee with a recommendation for Common Council adoption: an Administrative Assistant to IT Specialist 1 in the Police Department, and creation of Fire Community Education Specialist classifications.
• **Community Development Block Grant Committee** (Aug. 6) approved up to $125,000 in federal CDBG funds for North East Area Plan projects and up to $1.3 million in City Affordable Housing Funds for energy efficiency upgrades at Monona Shores Apartments and CDA 95-1 "The Reservoir," both unanimously.
• **Madison Public Library Board** (Aug. 6) approved a blanket authorization to accept gifts up to $50,000 for FY2026, Central Library 2027 events and 2028 wedding pricing, the 2027 Intersystem Resource Library Agreement, and a board statement on HR 7661, all by voice vote.

Agenda-only meetings

Many meetings were held with no decisions yet, as minutes have not been published. These include the Landmarks Commission (Aug. 3), City-County Homeless Issues Committee (Aug. 3), Common Council Executive Committee (Aug. 4), Board of Public Works (Aug. 5), Affirmative Action Commission (Aug. 6), Police and Fire Commission (Aug. 10), Plan Commission (Aug. 10), Transportation Commission (Aug. 12), Board of Park Commissioners (Aug. 12), Community Development Authority (Aug. 13), and Equal Opportunities Commission (Aug. 13). The Habitat Stewardship Subcommittee meeting scheduled for Aug. 11 was cancelled and rescheduled to Aug. 18. The Public Safety Review Committee meeting on Aug. 12 was cancelled.

Coming up

Meetings worth attending in the next two weeks:

• **Facilities, Programs and Fees Subcommittee** (Aug. 17, virtual) – review 2027 fee structures for athletic reservations, recreation services, shelter reservations, and watercraft permits.
• **Alcohol License Review Committee** (Aug. 19) – public hearings on new liquor licenses for The Historian Hotel, Madison Public Market, The Oaks Lounge, and begonia. restaurant, plus condition changes for Luna's Groceries and Fya Syde Kitchen.
• **Urban Design Commission** (Aug. 19, virtual) – review of a major amendment for 1001 Wisconsin Place and a public building for MMSD schools at 5606 Russett Road.
• **Board of Review** (Aug. 19 and 20) – hearings on property assessment objections, including 818 North Star Dr ($18.5M) and 4510 N Sherman Ave ($361,200).
• **Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center Board** (Aug. 20) – review of the 2027 operating budget and mid-year reports.

The Joint Campus Area Committee meeting scheduled for Aug. 27 has been cancelled.

Finance Committee recommends $173.8M in borrowing; Plan Commission approves new school

The Madison Finance Committee recommended the city issue up to $173.8 million in general obligation promissory notes and approved several other financial measures at its July 27 meeting. The Plan Commission also approved a new public school building at 4301 Cherokee Drive, among other land-use decisions.

Finance and Budget

The Finance Committee voted to recommend to the Common Council the issuance of up to $173,830,000 in General Obligation Promissory Notes, along with a Mid-Year Appropriation Resolution amending the 2026 operating and capital budgets. The committee also recommended the sale of up to $10,369,862 in Subordinate Water Utility Revenue Bonds and loans of up to $5,691,636.97 for Monona Shores and Revival Ridge Apartments.

In personnel actions, the committee recommended confirmation of David Schmiedicke as Finance Director, Christine Knapp as Water Utility General Manager, and Charles J. Romines as Director of Public Works. It also recommended acceptance of a $250,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and up to $1,505,000 from the Dane County Conservation Fund, plus a revised rate for the 2026 Resource Recovery Special Charge and noncompetitive contracts with Arch Solar C&I and Strand Associates, Inc.

Planning and Development

The Plan Commission approved a demolition permit and conditional uses for a new public school building at 4301 Cherokee Drive, both by 7-1 votes. It also approved conditional uses for a 124-unit mixed-use building at 108 N Leon Street and for Exhibition Hall additions at the Alliant Energy Center, both by voice vote. The commission recommended the Common Council adopt amended Oscar Avenue setbacks (voice vote) and approved removal of residential parking permit prohibitions for 101-109 N Franklin St and 510 E Mifflin St (voice vote). A request for a new Sennett Middle School building at 502 Pflaum Road was referred to the August 10, 2026 meeting.

Property Assessments

The Board of Review, meeting July 29, sustained three 2026 property assessments and amended one. Assessments were sustained for 4114 St Clair St, 2026 Prairie Rd, and 123 N Blount St #605, each by 3-0 votes. The assessment for 12 Sherman Ter #1 was amended to $165,800 (3-0). The board has additional objections scheduled for later meetings, including properties on Lois Lowry Ln, Edgewood Ave, Cameron Dr, and three commercial parcels on Odana Rd and S Biltmore Ln.

Other Meetings

Several other boards met during the period with agenda items pending. The Water Utility Board considered a $10.4 million bond issue and the appointment of Christine Knapp as General Manager. The Board of Public Works reviewed $1.17 million in infrastructure contracts, including $720,000 for East Washington Avenue improvements and $450,000 for intersection safety upgrades. The Community Development Block Grant Committee considered $1.425 million in grants for housing and neighborhood projects. The Library Board weighed a $50,000 gift cap and event pricing. The Personnel Board discussed police and fire position changes. None of these bodies had published minutes as of this writing.

Coming up

The Police and Fire Commission will attend a Madison Fire Department recognition and promotions event on August 14. A quorum of the commission may be present. No other upcoming meetings were listed in the next 14 days.

Madison council approves $15M for bus rapid transit; finance panel recommends $173.8M in bonds

The Madison Common Council unanimously appropriated $15 million for the North-South Bus Rapid Transit project on July 21, the largest single spending decision among a busy two weeks of city meetings. The same session confirmed Matthew W. Tucker as Building Inspection Division Director and approved a zoning change for 1201 Huxley Street to TR-U2.

Common Council and Finance

The Council also referred $173.83 million in General Obligation Promissory Notes parameters to committee and approved the Regent Street Assessment District for 2027. On July 27, the Finance Committee recommended the full Council issue up to $173,830,000 in General Obligation Promissory Notes, along with a mid-year appropriation resolution to amend the 2026 operating and capital budgets.

The Finance Committee also recommended the Council confirm three department directors: David Schmiedicke (Finance Director), Christine Knapp (Water Utility General Manager), and Charles J. Romines (Director of Public Works). Additional recommendations included the sale of up to $10,369,862 in Subordinate Water Utility Revenue Bonds, loans up to $5,691,636.97 for Monona Shores and Revival Ridge Apartments, and acceptance of a $250,000 WEDC grant and up to $1,505,000 in Dane County Conservation Fund grant.

Plan Commission

The Plan Commission approved a demolition permit and conditional uses for a new public school building at 4301 Cherokee Drive, both by 7-1 votes. The commission also approved conditional uses for a 124-unit mixed-use building at 108 N Leon Street and for Exhibition Hall additions at the Alliant Energy Center. A request for a new Sennett Middle School building at 502 Pflaum Road was referred to August 10, 2026.

TIF Review Board

The TIF Review Board approved project plan amendments for five existing Tax Incremental Districts: TID 44 (Royster Clark), TID 46 (Research Park), TID 50 (State and Lake), TID 51 (South Madison), and TID 54 (Pennsylvania Ave). The board also approved project plans, boundaries, and use of the half-mile rule for two new districts: TID 56 (Grand Canyon) and TID 57 (Medical Circle).

Board of Public Works

The Board approved a $46,937.29 change order for the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park and referred COR-59 to its next meeting. The board recommended Council accept sanitary sewer improvements at 2110 Schlimgen Avenue, storm sewer improvements at 1004-1032 S. Park Street, and pavement at Village at Autumn Lake Phase 13. It also recommended plans and bid authorization for Cypress Spray Park Redevelopment and contracts for the Municipal Building flagpole replacement and 2026 Sport Courts Resurfacing.

Landmarks Commission

The Commission approved demolition permits for four commercial buildings after finding no known historic value: 1800 University Avenue, 6201 Mineral Point Rd, 6203 Mineral Point Rd, and 6209 Mineral Point Rd. It also approved a development adjacent to Grace Episcopal Church at 16 N Carroll Street and adopted a new Historic Resource Nomination Form with amended language.

Board of Review

Across three sessions, the Board of Review sustained assessments for seven properties and amended three. On July 22, it amended 2314 Brentwood Pkwy to $674,000 and 2406 Brentwood Pkwy to $566,300 (both 3-0). On July 29, it amended 12 Sherman Ter #1 to $165,800 (3-0). A July 21 session to hear objections on four parcels with assessments ranging from $6,258,900 to $44,219,600 had minutes not yet published.

Monona Terrace and Other Bodies

The Monona Terrace Booking Event Assistance Advisory Committee approved $230,350 in facility rental funding across seven events, including $82,500 for the American Society of Animal Science and $43,500 for the Church of the Brethren 2029 Annual Conference. The Common Council Executive Committee approved the 2027 Common Council Office budget request. The Housing Policy Committee approved June minutes and received a presentation on minimum housing and property maintenance services.

Coming up

• **Aug. 3 — Landmarks Commission:** Public hearing on landmark nomination for the Wonder Bar at 222 E Olin Avenue, plus demolition permit reviews for 222 and 232 E Olin Avenue.
• **Aug. 5 — Board of Public Works:** Votes on a $720,000 contract for East Washington Avenue improvements, a $450,000 contract for intersection safety upgrades at 27 locations, and a land transfer to Dane County for airport parking expansion.
• **Aug. 5 — Board of Review:** Hearings on three high-value assessment objections, including 4750 S Biltmore Ln at $20,770,000.
• **Aug. 6 — CDBG Committee:** Vote on up to $125,000 in neighborhood improvement funds and up to $1,300,000 in affordable housing funds for Monona Shores Apartments and CDA 95-1 "The Reservoir."

Madison Finance Committee advances $15 million for North-South Bus Rapid Transit; Plan Commission approves multiple developments

The Madison Finance Committee recommended a $15 million budget amendment and jurisdictional transfer agreement for the North-South Bus Rapid Transit project at its July 13 meeting, the largest dollar item decided across city panels in the past two weeks.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee recommended multiple actions to the Common Council, including the $15 million budget amendment for the North-South Bus Rapid Transit project and a jurisdictional transfer agreement involving several city streets. The committee also recommended Matthew W. Tucker for a five-year term as Building Inspection Division Director, a noncompetitive contract with Aro Eberle Architects, Inc. for Odana Hills improvements, rules and procedures for the 2027 Capital and Operating Budgets, and an amendment to the 2026 Sanitary Sewer Utility Capital Budget for Fordem Avenue–First Street Relief. All items were recommended to the Council for final action.

Plan Commission

The Plan Commission elected Emily Gnam as Chair and Nicole Solheim as Vice-Chair by voice vote on July 13. The commission approved a conditional use for a residential complex at 1910 Roth Street and 1201 Huxley Street, recommended a zoning change for 1201 Huxley Street to the Common Council, and forwarded a Certified Survey Map for the same site. It also approved stadium construction at 2219 Monroe Street, an office-to-residential conversion at 3602 Atwood Avenue, and a Certified Survey Map for 4908 Felland Road — all by voice vote. The commission referred Alliant Energy Center additions to its July 27, 2026 meeting.

Landmarks Commission

On July 6, the Landmarks Commission approved a Certificate of Approval for the Tenney Park Path Replacement and Regrading at 1440 E Johnson Street by voice vote. It also approved a demolition review finding for 4301 Cherokee Drive, determining the property has historic value but is not significant. No action was taken on the 1960s–1980s Public and Commercial Architecture CLG Survey Grant.

Board of Health Budget Committee

The Board of Health Budget Committee approved the 2027 Public Health Madison & Dane County Budget Proposal and referred it to the full Board of Health by a 2–0 voice vote on July 17. The committee also approved its June 18, 2026 minutes by the same 2–0 voice vote.

Items pending minutes

Several boards and commissions met between July 6 and July 17 with agendas published but minutes not yet available. These include the Common Council (zoning text amendments on building heights and street access, liquor license public hearings, and a 2027 operating budget outlook), the Board of Public Works ($650,000 Odana Hills clubhouse contract with Aro Eberle Architects, a $160,000 Willows Biobasin Repair project, and $317,050 Glenway Backyard Pipe Repairs), and the Community Development Authority (Resolution 4725 accepting up to $4,840,040 in city loans for Revival Ridge Apartments capital improvements). The Board of Park Commissioners was scheduled to vote on master plans for Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Odana Hills East Park. The Equal Opportunities Commission was set to discuss a proposed change to Madison General Ordinance 39.03 updating the definition of family.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Landmarks Commission:** Demolition permit considerations for 1800 University Avenue and three properties on Mineral Point Road, plus a certificate of approval request for 16 N Carroll Street adjacent to Grace Episcopal Church.
• **July 21 — Common Council:** Confirmation of Matthew W. Tucker as Building Inspection Division Director, authorization of bids for Willows Biobasin Repair and Glenway Backyard Pipe Repairs, and a zoning change for 1201 Huxley Street.
• **July 22 — Board of Public Works:** Vote on the $1,029,217.20 Cypress Spray Park redevelopment and Change Order No. 18 for the Imagination Center at Reindahl Park ($46,937.29 to CCI Corporate Contractors Inc.).
• **July 23 — TIF Review Board:** Votes on project plan amendments for five existing TIF districts and creation of two new districts — TID 56 (Grand Canyon) and TID 57 (Medical Circle).
• **July 23 — Disability Rights Commission:** Discussion of motorized e-device guidance for parks and an accessible emergency-planning guide.

Madison Finance Committee backs two new TIF districts; Board of Review upholds $46.27M commercial assessment

The Madison Finance Committee recommended creating two new Tax Incremental Districts and amending five existing ones on June 29, while the Board of Review sustained a $46,270,000 commercial property assessment and a $510,100 residential assessment in separate 4-0 votes on July 1.

Finance Committee: New TIDs, lease, parking restructuring

The Finance Committee recommended adoption of new TID #56 (Grand Canyon) and TID #57 (Medical Circle) project plans, along with amendments to TIDs #44, #46, #50, #51, and #54. The committee also approved a 10-year lease for the Employee Assistance Program office at 122 E Olin Ave and a parking classification restructuring that includes four new full-time-equivalent positions. A proposal to convert an administrative assistant position to a Police IT Specialist 1 was re-referred rather than acted on. The committee approved a non-competitive provider authorization for Metro Transit bus parts and a contract amendment with Carollo Engineers for a sanitary sewer study. All approvals were by voice vote.

Plan Commission: Warehousing approved, zoning changes recommended

The Plan Commission approved a conditional use for warehousing and storage at 3517 W Beltline Highway by voice vote. It also approved amplified sound for a restaurant at 1336 Drake St with specific hours and conditions, by voice vote. The commission recommended two zoning text amendments to the Common Council: one removing collector street access requirements for ten use types, and another allowing taller nonresidential buildings via conditional use approval. A partial release of a building construction envelope at 5 Hodgson Ct was also recommended for approval. All items passed by voice vote.

Board of Review: Assessments sustained, deadline waivers mixed

The Board of Review sustained the assessment at 5020 American Pkwy at $46,270,000 by a 4-0 vote, and the assessment at 866 Woodrow St at $510,100 by a 4-0 vote. The board approved three of five deadline-waiver requests for property tax appeals — for 3122 Dorchester Way #6, 18 N Kenosha Dr, and 3922 Jenna Dr — and denied waivers for 605 Tabby Turn Dr and 1015 N Sunnyvale Ln #G. Minutes from May 18, 2026 were approved.

Urban Design Commission and Affirmative Action Commission

The Urban Design Commission granted final approval for signage at 128 Langdon Street and facade alterations at 430 W Gilman Street, both by voice vote. It issued a conditional advisory recommendation to approve a residential building complex at 1910 Roth Street and 1201 Huxley Street by a 3-1-1 vote. A major exterior alteration project at 110 E Rusk Avenue was referred to the July 15 meeting.

The Affirmative Action Commission recommended adopting an amendment to Madison General Ordinances Section 39.02(9)(a)2.i to clarify exemptions for self-governed nations, tribes, and communities of Indigenous peoples, by voice vote.

Meetings with agendas but no published minutes

Several bodies met or are scheduled to meet with agendas available but minutes not yet published. The Ethics Board agenda for June 30 included a hearing on a complaint filed by Justin Rundle against Linda Horvath and elections for Chair and Vice Chair. The Common Council's July 7 agenda listed the two Plan Commission zoning amendments for review, public hearings on liquor and beer licenses at multiple locations, and a 2027 operating budget outlook presentation. The Community Development Authority's July 9 agenda included a resolution to accept up to a $4,840,040 city loan for capital improvements at Revival Ridge Apartments, plus $1,000,000 and $300,000 Affordable Housing Fund loans for energy efficiency at Monona Shores and the Reservoir, respectively.

Coming up

• **Plan Commission (July 13):** Public hearing on a 163-unit residential complex at 1201 Huxley Street and 1910 Roth Street; also a proposed 1,200-person capacity stadium at Goodman Athletic Complex, 2219 Monroe Street.
• **Finance Committee (July 13):** Appointment of Matthew W. Tucker as Building Inspection Division Director; $15 million appropriation for North-South Bus Rapid Transit; noncompetitive contract with Aro Eberle Architects for Odana Hills clubhouse.
• **Transportation Commission (July 15):** $15 million budget amendment for North-South Bus Rapid Transit; jurisdictional transfer agreement with WisDOT for multiple streets; discussion of "No Right on Red" policies.
• **Urban Design Commission (July 15):** Design reviews for MMSD Sennett Middle School at 502 Pflaum Road and Cherokee Middle School at 4301 Cherokee Drive.
• **Board of Health (July 17):** 2027 Public Health Madison and Dane County budget proposal; grant fund acceptance resolutions.

Madison Roundup: Council Adopts Area Plans, Public Works Board Approves $271K PFAS Change Order

The Madison Common Council unanimously adopted the Southeast Area Plan and Southwest Area Plan, amending the city's Comprehensive Plan, and authorized more than $2 million in engineering contracts during its June 23 meeting.

Common Council

The Council adopted the Southeast Area Plan and Southwest Area Plan, each with unanimous votes, amending the Comprehensive Plan. Members also approved rezoning of 1151 Jenifer Street from TR-C4 to TR-C3 (unanimous) and granted an alcohol license revocation action for Cielo with conditions (unanimous). The Council approved a $49,992 Drug Trafficking Response grant for the Police Department and authorized $2M+ in engineering contracts for the West Towne Path and Mineral Point Road, both unanimously. Hybrid meeting formats were confirmed through September 2026, and the 2026 Annual Action Plan for HUD submission was approved, both unanimously.

Board of Public Works

The Board approved Change Order No. 7 for the Well 15 PFAS Treatment Facility, increasing the contract by $271,561.06 over contingency and extending the schedule by 213 days (unanimous). The Board recommended to the Council adoption of a public easement and relocation order for MacArthur Road utilities (voice vote) and an amendment to Carollo Engineers' sanitary sewer study contract. Members also approved Addendum No. 1 to the Midpoint Meadows Phase 1 and Westwind Phase 1 Stormwater Management contracts, Contract No. 7431 for Cannonball Path Phase 6, Contract No. 8842 for the Southwest Commuter Path & West Washington Ave traffic signal, and Contract No. 9795 for James Madison Park Retaining Wall Repair.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee recommended adoption of new Tax Incremental Districts #56 (Grand Canyon) and #57 (Medical Circle), plus amendments to TIDs #44, #46, #50, #51, and #54. The committee approved a 10-year lease for the Employee Assistance Program office at 122 E Olin Ave and a parking classification restructuring creating four new FTE positions. The committee re-referred a proposal to create a Police IT Specialist 1 position. Members also approved authorization for a Metro Transit bus parts non-competitive provider and a Carollo Engineers contract amendment for a sanitary sewer study.

Plan Commission

The Plan Commission approved a conditional use for warehousing and storage at 3517 W Beltline Highway (voice vote) and approved amplified sound for a restaurant at 1336 Drake St with specific hours and conditions (voice vote). The Commission recommended two zoning text amendments to the Council: one removing collector street access requirements for ten use types, and another allowing taller nonresidential buildings via conditional use approval. A partial release of a building construction envelope at 5 Hodgson Ct was also recommended for approval.

Landmarks Commission

The Landmarks Commission elected Katherine Kaliszewski as Chair and Richard Arnesen as Vice Chair (voice votes). The Commission approved a Certificate of Approval for signage at 1138 Williamson Street (voice vote) and approved demolition permits for 3902 Winnemac Ave, 4635 Odana Road, 633 W Main Street, and 502 Pflaum Road, finding no historic value for each (voice votes). A demolition permit for 4301 Cherokee Drive was referred to a future meeting.

Housing Policy Committee

The Housing Policy Committee elected Paul Aylesworth and Heather Allen as co-chairs (voice votes). The committee voted to combine the November and December 2026 meetings into a single meeting on December 1, 2026 (voice vote). Members heard a presentation on evictions in Dane County from the Tenant Resource Center.

Other Meetings

The Common Council Executive Committee recommended adoption of the 2027 Common Council meeting dates (voice vote). The Sustainable Madison Committee received an update on the data center moratorium and discussed its work plan. The Personnel Board considered creating a Social Services Program Supervisor role and restructuring parking enforcement roles. The Board of Review reviewed objections for 866 Woodrow St (Assessment: $510,100) and 5020 American Pkwy (Assessment: $46,270,000). The Joint Campus Area Committee's June 25 meeting and the Deferred Compensation Committee's June 26 meeting were cancelled.

Coming Up

• **July 6:** Landmarks Commission reviews the demolition permit for 4301 Cherokee Drive and a path replacement at 1440 E Johnson Street.
• **July 6:** City-County Homeless Issues Committee reviews HUD funding opportunities and discusses the 2027 city-county budget.
• **July 7:** Common Council reviews zoning changes for building heights and street access, holds public hearings on liquor and beer licenses, and hears the 2027 operating budget outlook.
• **July 8:** Board of Public Works reviews a $650,000 contract for Odana Hills clubhouse and park improvements, a $160,000 Willows Biobasin Repair project, and a $317,050 Glenway Backyard Pipe Repairs project.
• **July 8:** Board of Park Commissioners votes on master plans for Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Odana Hills East Park.
• **July 16:** Zoning Board of Appeals considers variances for residential additions, garages, and parking requirements.

Council adopts area plans, $2M+ in contracts; TIDs and PFAS change order advance

The Madison Common Council adopted the Southeast and Southwest Area Plans and approved more than $2 million in engineering contracts during its June 23 meeting, capping a busy week of municipal actions that also included new tax increment districts, a $271,000 change order for a water treatment facility, and elections of several commission chairs.

Council adopts area plans and engineering contracts

The Common Council voted unanimously to adopt the Southeast Area Plan and Southwest Area Plan, amending the city’s Comprehensive Plan. It also rezoned 1151 Jenifer Street from TR-C4 to TR-C3 and granted an alcohol license revocation action for Cielo with conditions. In a separate vote, the council approved a $49,992 Drug Trafficking Response grant for the Police Department and authorized more than $2 million in engineering contracts for the West Towne Path and Mineral Point Road. All items passed unanimously or by voice vote. The council also confirmed hybrid meeting formats through September 2026 and approved the 2026 Annual Action Plan for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

New TIDs and land‑use changes move forward

The Finance Committee on June 29 voted to recommend new Tax Incremental Districts #56 (Grand Canyon) and #57 (Medical Circle) to the full council, along with amendments to five existing TIDs. The committee also approved a 10-year lease for the Employee Assistance Program office at 122 E Olin Ave and a restructuring of parking enforcement classifications that creates four new full‑time positions. A proposal to convert an administrative assistant role into a Police Department IT Specialist was re‑referred for further review.

On the same day, the Plan Commission approved a conditional use for warehousing and storage at 3517 W Beltline Highway and allowed amplified sound hours at a restaurant at 1336 Drake St with modified conditions. The commission recommended two zoning text amendments: one removing the requirement that a development abut a collector street for ten use types, and another permitting taller nonresidential buildings through conditional use approval. Both will be taken up by the Common Council on July 7.

Infrastructure and public works contracts approved

The Board of Public Works on June 24 unanimously approved Change Order No. 7 for the Well 15 PFAS Treatment Facility, increasing the contract by $271,561.06 and extending the schedule by 213 days. The board also recommended adoption of a public easement and relocation order for sewer and utility work near MacArthur Road and approved an amendment to the Carollo Engineers sanitary sewer study contract. Several other construction contracts advanced, including Cannonball Path Phase 6, a traffic signal for the Southwest Commuter Path and West Washington Avenue, and repair of the James Madison Park retaining wall.

Earlier in the week, the Landmarks Commission approved demolition permits for four properties—3902 Winnemac Ave, 4635 Odana Road, 633 W Main Street, and 502 Pflaum Road—after finding no historic value. A demolition permit for 4301 Cherokee Drive was referred to a future meeting. The commission also elected Katherine Kaliszewski as chair and Richard Arnesen as vice chair.

Committee leadership and other actions

The Housing Policy Committee elected Paul Aylesworth and Heather Allen as co-chairs on June 25 and voted to combine its November and December meetings into a single session on December 1. The Common Council Executive Committee recommended the 2027 Common Council meeting dates, while the Board of Review began considering objections to 2025 property assessments, including a $46.27 million commercial property on American Parkway.

Coming up

The Common Council will hold public hearings on July 7 regarding multiple new liquor and beer license applications, and will consider the two zoning text amendments recommended by the Plan Commission. The council will also receive a 2027 operating budget outlook.

The Board of Public Works meets July 8 and is expected to approve a $650,000 noncompetitive contract with Aro Eberle Architects for Odana Hills clubhouse and park improvements, as well as several street resurfacing and stormwater repair projects.

Also on July 8, the Board of Park Commissioners will vote on master plans for Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Odana Hills East Park, and will declare July as Park and Recreation Month.

The Landmarks Commission returns July 6 to reconsider the demolition review for 4301 Cherokee Drive, and the Zoning Board of Appeals hears variance requests for residential additions and garages on July 16.