Madison School Board
Monday, July 28, 6 p.m.
Doyle Administration Building
Madison school board members meet tonight to discuss whether to hold a referendum to close a projected $9.2 million budget gap. To be included on the November ballot, the board must decide by early September. While the current economic climate might seem unfavorable for a tax increase, it won't hurt that the schools will be on the same ballot as Barack Obama.
Board of Estimates
Monday, July 28, 4:30 p.m.
Room 260, Madison Municipal Building
The board takes up the proposal to reject the U.S. Army's offer of a free building on Park Street for a homeless shelter. The city would instead buy the property from the Army, then resell it to a private developer. The homeless shelter would get some land owned by the Water Utility on Nakoosa Trail -- an isolated spot with limited bus service. Your government at work.
Madison Common Council
Monday, July 28, 6 p.m. (following the BOE meeting)
Room 260, Madison Municipal Building
The council finally gets the results of an eight-month staffing study of the Madison Police. See here for the full, 50-page report.
Health & Human Needs
Tuesday, July 29, 5 p.m.
Room 309, City-County Building
Public Works
Tuesday, July 29, 5:30 p.m.
Alliant Energy Center
Each committee will consider whether agencies contracting with Dane County should be mandated to offer employees domestic partner benefits, including health insurance and family medical leave.
Public Protection & Judiciary
Tuesday, July 29, 5:45 p.m.
Room 321, City-County Building
A smoking ban in Dane County? About time.
Community Development Authority
Wednesday, July 30, 12 p.m.
Room LL-130, Madison Municipal Building
The CDA helpfully holds a public hearing on plans to sell land for a new two- or three-story office building as part of the Villager Mall redevelopment. The building will house the new library, the Urban League and Planned Parenthood. Of course, the public hearing is being held during the middle of the day -- but maybe you could go on your lunch break.
"I disfavor meetings during the workday," says Stuart Levitan, chair of the CDA. But the CDA is required to hold a public hearing before it sells the land, and it couldn't wait until its next meeting in August.
Some residents have criticized housing the library in the new building, which they think is too close to busy Park Street, but Levitan says those plans are pretty much set.
"That's what has been talked about throughout the process," he says, adding the public will get more chances for input as the Villager's redevelopment continues. Hopefully at hearings not held during the day.