Robin's Highlights - District 24

2012 Dane County Budget

2011-11-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

As I and other County Board Supervisors worked to finalize the Dane County budget we had to balance many factors – we had to account for unprecedented cuts from Governor Walker’s state budget coupled with uncertain sales tax revenues at the same time that many residents are seeing their incomes decrease. We strove to ensure this budget reflects “the Dane County way” of providing a safety net for the needy and security for those who live and visit the county. To me, doing things the Dane County way means maintaining Dane County as a place where people want to live, raise a family, educate their children and have unique natural resources preserved for future generations. It means providing services to those who are in crisis as well as funding programs that help keep people out of crisis situations. It means maintaining public safety as efficiently as possible, using appropriate technology and risk-based decision-making. It means cleaning up our lakes and keeping our roads plowed and well maintained.

Here’s more detail on parts of the County budget:

The County serves as the safety net for people in crisis. Human Services programs comprise 50% of the county budget, with various point of service agencies implement various programs. Some of the programs funded include:
• Preventative programs such as Joining Forces for Families, including funds for the Children’s Service Society, which can use that money to leverage additional federal funds.
• The Early Childhood Initiative, which helps hundreds of moms and dads find jobs to help support their families.
• Women in Transition case management, the Family Preservation Program, the Employment and Training Housing Initiative, the Foreclosure Prevention Program and partial funding for the Tenant Resource Center.
• Funding a new Mental Health Drop-in Clinic modeled after a small program that dispenses medications and has met with success in alleviating pressure on inpatient services. The new drop in clinic will include other mental health and addiction services for those who are currently not served, thereby reducing waiting lists.
• Adding a $250,000 contingency fund to protect the Human Services Department against unanticipated state or federal funding reductions
• Full funding for Youth Resource Centers, the Salvation Army’s Warming House and the Briarpatch program for runaway youths.
• Senior adult day care centers including the Colonial Club in Sun Prairie and Oregon Senior Center’s Adult Day Care program.

The County Jail, the 911 Center and the Sheriff’s Department are all included in the Public Safety budget. This budget includes funding to continue upgrades to the 911 center, continuing with the implementation of audit recommendations.

This budget incorporates a number of efficiencies from streamlining the criminal justice system and funds the Criminal Justice Council (comprised of the County Executive, the County Board Chair, the Sheriff, the District Attorney, the Chief Judge and the Clerk of Courts) to identify and implement future efficiencies. For example, 40% of all people booked into the Dane County jail are released within 24 hours – and the cost of booking is the largest cost associated with that 24 hour period. This budget includes a new risk assessment position at the jail to conduct this assessment before booking – thus eliminating booking costs for those deemed to be low risk. Another savings includes closing one floor of the Huber Center, and plans are underway to establish a day reporting center that will eventually lead to the closing of the Huber Center saving even more money in the long term.

The budget also caps overtime for the Sheriff’s Department at 6.6% of total salaries, anticipated to save the county over $300,000. Lastly, we included funds for the Sheriff to replace their records management system so that the Sheriff will be better able to manage various aspects of the Department in the future.

This budget includes several programs aimed at cleaning up the Yahara chain of lakes (including Lake Monona). Funding for Land and Water Resources positions were restored in this budget and funding for weed cutting was maintained.

The budget also included funding for a five-part initiative to protect and enhance the lakes, including:
1. An effort to remove carp and reduce sediment, focusing first on Cherokee Marsh and Mud Lake;
2. An additional $1.65 million for a program which cost-shares municipal improvements of storm drain outlets that dump untreated storm water and litter into county lakes, rivers, and streams;
3. A $3.4 million fund for acquisitions that improve the water quality of Yahara River lakes and their tributaries;
4. Initial funding to implement recommendations from the Yahara CLEAN initiative to reduce phosphorus, sediment loadings, and beach pollutants; and
5. A clean beach effort to partner with municipalities to address water quality at two beaches each year.

To offset cuts from the state to the transportation budget, we are planning on using trained parks staff to help keep the roads open in the winter. While they won’t be able to help with road maintenance in the summer, at least there should be adequate staff during winter storms. This is another example of how our county employees are willing to work with us to solve our budget problems.

To begin upgrades at the Alliant Energy Center, the County Board included a budget amendment for a feasibility study to increase animal housing capacity for the World Dairy Expo during the annual event. We anticipate that this will help jump-start additional public/private efforts to keep World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin, which contributes an estimated $18.7 million to Dane County’s economy.

In summary, 15.5 County positions were eliminated in this budget. The 2012 budget, as approved by the County Board, will result in an increase of $28.24 in county taxes on an average Madison home of $239,239. Taxes to support county government services, including the Sheriff’s Office and the jail, human services for children, the disabled, and the elderly, emergency radio interoperability, and county roads and bridges, will total about $687 for the average homeowner in 2012.

State Budget Impacts to Dane County

2011-07-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

The Governor signed the 2011-2013 budget into law on June 26, 2011. The following is a summary of the new state budget and its impact on Dane County. Clearly the County will be struggling to continue to provide the same level of service, especially to our most vulnerable populations, but we will continue to streamline and increase efficiencies as much as possible. The county budget process will start in late August as County Executive Parisi develops his budget and public input on the budget occur into the fall.

Property Tax Levy Limit: For each year in the biennium, each county/municipality is required to adopt a levy limit that allows a levy increase equal to the greater of 0% or the increase in equalized value due to net new construction. This percentage increase would be based on the prior year actual levy. Unused levy authority could be carried forward but only to a maximum of 0.5% of the prior year levy and only with a ¾ affirmative vote by the County Board. If no carry forward is adopted for 2011-2012, the county would not have to reduce its levy that year under the debt service adjustment on debt issued before July 1, 2005. The county tax rate limit would be suspended for 2011 through 2013, but beginning in 2013-2014 the tax rate limit would revert back to the 1992-1993 tax rates.

Impact: Save Dane County $1.3 – 2.9 million if the county is not required to reduce its levy for reductions in debt issued prior to July 1, 2005.

Child Support: The state budget reduces child support funding by $12.5 million per year which then lessens federal matching funds. In addition, the budget requires DCF to distribute the reduced funding based on county performance.

Impact: Funding reduction of $840,000 (state & federal matching) per year.

Dane County RTA: The budget bill includes language that eliminates all RTAs including the Dane County RTA.

Income Maintenance: Income Maintenance programs are now required to be implemented by at least 10 separate multi-county consortia statewide. Each consortia must have a plan in place by Oct. 1, 2011, approved by DHS by Oct. 31, 2011, and DHS must enter into contracts with the consortia starting Jan. 1, 2012. The State will perform other administrative duties including relocating the document processing unit outside of Dane County no later than July 1, 2012. Counties would contribute their Income Maintenance overmatch to their IM consortia. Dane County is early in the negotiation process with other counties.

Impact: Estimated funding loss of $200,000 per year and 2-3 staff positions.

Badger Prairie Health Care Center: The budget includes a $1 million increase to supplemental payments to municipal nursing homes, including Badger Prairie Health Care Center.

Impact: Estimated increase of $31,000 per year for Badger Prairie Health Care Center.

Treatment Alternative Diversion Program: The budget reduces the Treatment Alternative Diversion Program by 10% and requires any county receiving a grant by 1/1/2012 to provide a 25% match. Starting in the 2012 budget, the TAD program grants will be available to new counties through a “competitive grant process”. Prior TAD counties would be able to re-apply.

Impact: In 2010-2011, Dane County received $154,427 in TAD funding. With the 10% reduction and the 25% match requirement, it is uncertain whether the Dane County DART program will still be viable.

W-2: The state budget reduces grants by $20 per month to recipients who receive them and tightens program timelines.

Impact: The negative impact will be on Dane County W-2 consumers. Dane County will operate the program in compliance with State rules and regulations and within the funds contracted to us for the program benefits, services and administration.

Wisconsin Quality Home Care Authority: The budget eliminates $1million in funding for the Authority and the Dane County Quality Home Care Commission. The statutory language creating the Authority and Commission was repealed in WI Act 10 (Budget Repair Bill). The Dane County Quality Home Care Commission would be dissolved.

Youth Aids & Juvenile Corrections Institutions (JCI) Daily Rates: The budget reduced Youth Aids by 10%. The state daily rates for juvenile correction institutions have been increased to $284 in 2011-2012 and $289 in 2012-2013, and the increases include $17 to offset juvenile corrections deficit.

Impact: Dane County will see a loss in Youth Aids funds of $355,000 in 2011 and $710,000 in both 2012 and 2013. The state will charge Dane County $53,4234 more in 2011, $161,835 in 2012 and $180,000 in 2013 for juvenile institution placements.

Family Care: The budget put an enrollment cap on Family Care participants and prohibits expansion to new counties. Dane County has not yet implemented Family Care. The budget fully funds Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) started in the 2009-2011 biennium, and it funds the new ADRCs in 13 counties starting 2011-2012, providing them with $379,400 in 2011-12 and $5.9 million in 2012-2013.

Impact: Dane County may be among the 13 counties eligible in the State budget for funding of operating costs for an ADRC in Dane County ($2.8 mil State funds and $1.2 mil in medical assistance) starting some time in 2012. County staff are working on determining if this Center can be started and operated for the funds available and with no additional local contribution. A Center would most certainly have a positive service impact, but any fiscal impact is hard to determine.

Shared Revenue: The state budget reduces shared revenue for counties and municipalities by $76.8 million in FY 2012. In the past, local governments were required to continue public safety and fire protection funding lo lower than the previous year’s levels (termed Maintenance of Effort). The state budget repeals local government maintenance of effort requirement for public safety.
Impact: Under this budget, Dane County’s shared revenue would be reduced by $525,000 for 2012 and beyond.

Working Lands Initiative: The state budget repeals the conversion fee and PACE bonding authority ($12 million), however, statutory authority for the program as well as the PACE gifts, grants and working lands appropriations and agricultural enterprise areas were maintained. The budget does delete the DATCP requirement for PACE applications, and uses $5.2 million in Stewardship funds for 16 farms approved in 2009. The budget calls for a study to develop a less expensive program. Conversion fees collected by a political subdivision for 2011 (prior to budget bill) are to be retained by that political subdivision.

Impact: If Dane County is allowed to keep state’s portion of conversion fees, it would retain the $84,718 collected for 2011-12. If the county is not allowed to keep state portion, then Dane County will need to reduce budgeted revenues by $25,000.

Stewardship Funds: The state budget reduces bonding authority under the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program from $86 million to $60 million each fiscal year and prevents unused money from being rolled over. The Joint Finance Committee will oversee purchases of $250,000 or more via passive review. DNR is required to set aside $6 million for dam safety grants to counties. For stewardship fund proposed acquisition, local governments may adopt a nonbinding resolution in support or opposition to the land acquisition.

Impact: Over the biennium, $2.5 million is transferred from the Conservation Fund to the General Fund.

Recycling Grants: The state budget provides $19 million per year for the recycling grant program. Another $1 million will be split between all the municipalities that enter into cooperative agreements for recycling services. The entire recycling surcharge tax ($23.4 million annually) was renamed economic development fund.

Impact: The same amount of fees will be collected from our landfill, but local municipalities’ recycling grants have been cut by 40%. Over the biennium, $46.8 million is transferred from the Recycling Fund to new “Economic Development Fund”. In addition, the budget transfers $16.1 million from the Recycling Fund to the Environmental Fund, and transfers $21 million from the Environmental Fund to the Transportation Fund.

Transportation Aids: The budget maintains funding for the General Transportation Aids for 2011, and provides a 10% reduction in aids for 2012 and no increase for 2013. The budget also increases the bicycle/pedestrian facilities grant program by $1 million each or $3.7 million per year. Funding for town road projects (but not counties) was increased by $5 million.

Impact: Dane County will lose $346,417 in both 2012 and 2013.

The budget also includes a provision that
a) prohibits a county from using its own workforce for a highway improvement project in another county or a municipality in a different county unless
1) a portion of the project lies within the county doing the work and no portion of the project extends beyond an enjoining county; or
2) the project lies within a municipality that lies partially within the county doing the work; and
b) prohibits a county from using its own workforce to perform a highway improvement project for a city or village with a population over 5,000, except as allowed in limited circumstances under the local roads improvement program.”

Impact: Highway and Transportation staff are continuing to review the impact of this provision

The budget require that whenever a county, city, village or town “lets a public contract by bidding, the bidding must be on the basis of sealed competitive bids, the contract must be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, and the local government may not use a bidding method that gives preference based on the geographic location of the bidder or that uses other criteria for selecting the lowest responsible bidder.”

Impact: This provision makes the County’s “Best Value” ordinance illegal. Corporation Counsel Office is reviewing the best value ordinance in light of this provision.

The budget also provides $15 million in 2011-2012 for the state highway maintenance program and provides for a 2% increase for 2012-2013. Alter definitions of highway maintenance activities performed by counties.

Impact: The impact to Dane County will depend upon how the funds are distributed.

Prevailing Wage: The budget includes language that the prevailing wage threshold applies to $100,000 “multiple-trade”(no single trade accounted for 85% of labor costs) municipal/state projects.

Repeal prevailing wage rates for publicly funded private construction projects. Prevailing wage rates do not apply to governmental unit projects that do not compensate any individual performing work on the project. The budget also voids any local government prevailing wage ordinance upon the effective date of the budget bill.

A local government public works project for erection, construction, repair, remodeling, or demolition of residential property (two dwelling units or less) is not subject to prevailing wage. Prevailing wage does not apply to a residential development approved by a government authority for work paid for by the developer and dedicated over to a municipality for road, street, bridge, sanitary sewer or water main projects. All the prevailing wage changes are effective the date that the budget bill is effective.

Collective Bargaining: The budget bill subjects new public safety employees hired on or after the effective date of the bill to the requirement that they pay the same amounts toward their pensions as general occupation employees under Act 10. The design and selection of health coverage plans by the municipal employer for public safety employees is no longer a subject of collective bargaining. The budget also provides the required local employee retirement contribution for all employees, be deducted from the employee’s pre-tax income for purposes of federal/state income taxes (not FICA).

Buy Local Program: The budget funds the Buy Local Buy Wisconsin program at $200,000 per year.

Septic System Changes: The budget amends the sewage replacement requirements rules to alter the circumstances under which an owner must replace/rehabilitate a failing residential private sewage system. It also changes the grant program by increasing eligible replacement costs from 60% to 75% and raising the allowed maximum family income from $45,000 to $67,000 for a family of four. Under the changes, 450 families would be eligible at $5,200 per grant through a “highest priority” system based on an enforcement order.

Impact: This provision weakens enforcement of failing septic systems and expands the eligibility for the grant program while decreasing funding 17%. The weakened enforcement will come into effect when a family earning less than 300% of poverty level has a failing septic system but there is insufficient money in the fund to refund the family 75% of the cost of their system. Currently, the program at existing funding levels is prorating grant awards due to the high volume of applicants around the state. It is expected that grant applications will increase but with less money, applicants will receive much less than 75% of the cost of their system.

Assembly/Senate deleted these provisions.

Phosphorus Rules: Provisions to eliminate the phosphorus rules were removed from the budget.

Alliant Energy Center: The budget reduces the state’s share of debt payment for the Alliant Energy Center by10% and by $20,600 in 2012 and 2013.
Impact: Since the Alliant Energy Center operations are not funded by the County budget, this amount will have to come from Alliant Center operations. During the downturn in the economy, bookings at the Alliant Center have been less and thus their funding has declined. There may need to be county funds to help the Alliant Center make up this difference.

Circuit Courts: The budget reduces the Circuit Court Block Grant, Guardian ad litem fees and Victim Witness funding by 10%. The budget also eliminates the self help center on court information.

Impact: Circuit Court Block grant is reduced by $74,063 in 2011 and by $148,125 in 2012 & in 2013. Guardian ad litem fees are reduced by $16,290 in 2011 and by $32,580 in 2012 and 2013. Victim Witness funding is reduced by $27,375 in 2011 and by $54,750 in 2012 and 2013.

Small Claims Cases: The budget increases the jurisdictional amount for small claims cases from $5,000 or less to $10,000 or less. Current jurisdictional amounts would still apply to third party complaints, personal injury claims or tort claims.

Impact: This provision increases caseloads for Court Commissioners without any additional funding.

Redistricting Gone Awry

2011-07-16T08:25:00.001-07:00

In Wisconsin, redistricting has been first and foremost initiated at the local level. This is consistent with our State constitution as amended in 1924 to declare Wisconsin a Home Rule State, reducing the role of the legislature in establishing the governing institutions of particular municipalities, and giving cities and villages increased authority to determine their own affairs.

Local governments take Home Rule seriously. That is why they work so hard in the redistricting process to incorporate census changes and to build upon communities of interest. Having served on Dane County’s Complete Census Count Committee, I can attest to the effort that went in to counting every individual so the most accurate information was available for redistricting efforts.

I want to be clear that the outrage I feel about the Republican redistricting effort being rushed through the legislature is not that they are trying to protect their own, the outrage is that it fundamentally changes the process from a bottom up to a top down effort. It takes what should be local decisions out of the hands of local representatives.

Representatives from local communities throughout Wisconsin testified in Madison at the one public hearing held on this topic that this will put a financial burden on the backs of local taxpayers and cause more voter confusion. The rush to get this changed reflects a total disrespect for the time and money already invested at the local level this year and has cost the state more than $500,000 – even though we’re broke. Lawsuits are sure to follow, with more money wasted.

Municipalities draw political boundaries to reflect neighborhood associations, municipal boundaries and other geographic features to have balanced representation and encourage voting. Districts with minority populations are formed to encourage minority representation and rural districts are maintained to give those areas a voice. It is only after local boundaries are drawn that the state aligns legislative districts to follow local boundaries.

Dane County, like other municipalities throughout the state, spent significant time and effort following the established process for defining these local boundaries. District 24 has been changed to better reflect the community of interest along Monona Drive. The new District 24 will include communities on both sides of Monona Drive. The area adjacent to Rimrock Road previously in the District will now be part of the district that includes Rimrock Road. That just makes sense from a community perspective. To see the new County Districts maps for Dane County, go to the Dane County website at: http://countyofdane.com/board/redistricting.aspx.

At the state level, the Republican proposal disregards Dane County’s efforts; it ignores communities of interests already defined at the local level, splits rural and urban districts, and disregards minority and other census changes. Worst of all, it takes away the ability of local governments to identify their communities of interest. In their proposed plan, Monona is no longer in District 48, but a newly defined District 47 – ranging from Monona to Verona Road, rural Fitchburg and all of McFarland.

I understand that desperate times call for desperate actions – but I hope the public sees what is happening and takes a step back and asks where does it end? How do we put integrity back into politics? How can we bring Wisconsin back to focus on what makes us strong – what has made this state a great state to live, raise a family, educate our children and have a high quality of life on a modest income?

County Budget balances taxes and programs

2010-11-27T09:58:00.000-08:00

The week before Thanksgiving, the Dane County Board passed the 2011 budget with wide agreement on the tough choices that had to be made to fit government programs with taxpayer's ability to pay for them. All but 4 supervisors voted for the budget, which cut spending in some areas, maintained funding in other areas and increased funding for key investments. See the following for details:

Human Services: The board was able to maintain funding for key human services programs that support those with developmental disabilities, mental health, senior services and other support programs such as Joining Forces with Families - a critical program that works with families and is especially helpful to our school district which relies on these programs to help support kids in crisis. We also included funding for mental health services which should provide a lower cost option to sending clients to the very expensive Mendota Mental Health facility. Lastly, the Board approved replacing the Coroner witih a Medical Examiner, which should save money by being able to conduct autopsies in-house instead of paying for those to be conducted by outside providers and may be able to do autopsies for adjacent counties, bringing money into the county coffers.

Public Safety:
The county included $18 million in borrowing for the long-debated radio interoperability system. With more than 75% of the municipalities agreeing to share the operation and maintenance costs for this system, the county is moving forward to invest in the infrastructure and build the system that will allow police, fire, EMS and public works departments to all speak to each other during an emergency response. Construction will begin next year and the entire system will be in place by 2013.

The board also began implementing recommendations from the Sheriff's staffing study, which assessed the staffing levels within the Sheriff's Department. While the study showed significant over-staffing in some areas, it also identified areas where shifts in staffing were needed. Instead of implementing all of the recommendations at one time, which might have lead to significant disruptions in the department as well as significant lay-offs, the County Board was very careful to implement key recomendations by shifting some positions and cutting others in a way that resulted in no lay-offs but better use of our deputies. No cuts to rural patrol were made, although several community deputy positions were eliminated.

Economic Development:
The Board approved funding for several support staff for the Foreclosure Task Force, which helps homeowners avoid foreclosure and better understand options if they cannot, as well as staff support for the county economic development committee, which coordinates economic development for more than 60 communities within the county. This helps us compete on a regional basis for luring businesses to our area, such as the Spectrum Brands subsidiary which recently moved to De Forest instead of northern Illinois, bringing with it 50 jobs to the area.

Environmental Protection/Land Conservation:
Several programs were funded in this budget, including $830,000 for completion of the Lower Yahara River Bike Trail to McFarland, which will connect Lake Farm Park and the Capital City Bike Trail system to McFarland on a separate bridge with a wider base than the railroad trestle bridge. In addition, funds were set aside for use on demonstration projects in rural areas where homeowners living adjacent to water will need to comply with new state shoreland zoning laws. The budget also included a new position to help the county work with farmers and the Madison Metropolitan Sewage District to help reduce phosphorus levels upstream and avoid the costs for MMSD to reduce their phosphorus levels, since they discharge below the Yahara chain of lakes.

The board approved funding for the Lakes Legacy and Land Conservation programs to continue preserving key lands in Dane County that will help minimize flooding and expand on some of our critical open spaces. County staff are working with landowners and the state to maximize the use of shared funds and low land prices. For the past 2 years, land conservation funding has been frozen and very few projects have moved forward due to the economic downturn. The Board agreed to increase the funding, but continue to review each land purchase on a case-by-case basis to ensure it's the most appropriate and cost-effective use of those monies. The board also approved a new program called the Partners for Recreation and Conservation (PARC) fund, to be used to cost-share with local governments and non-profit organizations for recreational projects.

Transportation/Roads:
The county continues to fund road improvements including Monona Drive and other roads and bridges that are in need of expansion and repair.

Taxes:
So what does this mean to the average homeowner's taxes? The property tax levy increase based on this budget is 2.9%, meaning that the county portion of the property tax on the average home valued at $241,000 will increase by $29.47 to approximately $655. That $655 is what it costs to fund all county operations, including human service programs, the county jail, the county sheriff's office, parks, lake management and weed cutting, road construction, the county courthouse, and many other valued programs that the citizens of Dane County rely upon.

2010-07-31T10:49:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to return to the County Board and continue working hard for District 24. At the first Board meeting of the new session, I was elected to the leadership position of Second Vice-Chair, following Scott McDonell as Chair and John Hendrick as Vice Chair. I was also re-appointed to the Public Works and Transportation Committee, the Environmental Council and the Green Energy/Green Jobs Subcommittee.

Although I was also appointed to serve on the Lakes and Watershed Commission, an objection was raised to that appointment. The law that established the Commission states that Supervisors appointed to the Commission must represent a District that is either entirely inside the City of Madison, or entirely outside the City of Madison. District 24 includes all of the City of Monona plus 1 ward in the Town of Madison and the City of Madison. I'm optimistic that Senator Miller and Representative Parisi will be able to modify that law so that I may serve on the Commission in the future.

There's been some talk about a referendum asking voters if they want to increase sales tax by 1/2 of 1 percent to pay for commuter rail. I oppose that suggestion because it causes confusion with the upcoming RTA referendum which will outline a specific proposal for regional transit and an appropriate sales tax increase of up to 1/2 of 1 percent to pay for that system. We need enhanced bus transit in Monona and many other communities served by the RTA and the voters in those communities will have an opportunity to vote for their transit future.

As the summer winds down, the budget season quickly approaches and I will continue to post information about the budget. We will be looking at a lower cost interoperable radio system upgrade, recommendations from the Sheriff Staffing Report and other opportunities to keep our budget in check. Many of us have placed a high priority at increasing our reserve fund which was depleted when the economic downturn was at its worst.

As always, feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about the county or any issue before the County Board.

2010 Endorsements

2010-03-28T05:47:00.000-07:00

Please Vote on April 6th!

I'm humbled by the many groups and individuals who have endorsed me as District 24 County Board Supervisor. I believe these endorsements reflect the work, transparency and accountability I bring to this position. I look forward to representing District 24 for another 2 years with the confidence of the voters of District 24.

Here's what some of my supporters say:

State Senator Mark Miller (former District 24 County Board Supervisor):
"Robin is a stong advocate for District 24. Her common sense approach combined with her knowledge of the issues makes her a great supervisor!"

Monona Mayor Robb Kahl:
"Supervisor Robin Schmidt keeps us informed on county issues and works hard to represent the needs of District 24."

Bob Miller (former Monona Alder):
"Robin stands up for District 24 when it comes to our lakes - she makes sure efforts to minimize flooding continue and works hard to improve water quality. We need Robin's continued work on our behalf."

Principal Ann Schroeder (Maywood and Winnequah Schools):
"Robin listened to our concerns and maintained funding for the Joining Forces for Families program that partners with our schools to support families in crisis."

Sheriff Dave Mahoney:
"Robin's support of critical public safety programs including full funding for the 911 center means we can continue to keep Dane County a safe place for all citizens."

Wisconsin State Journal:
"Robin Schmidt's background as a hydrologist helps her represent this district along Lake Monona well. During her first term on the board she pressed for better lake management to ease flooding. She also sees regional cooperation on transportation as key to providing Monona with better bus service."

And the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce says:
"(She) possess[es] strong skills and would understand business-related issues"

Other elected officials that endorse me include:

Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz
Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk
Dane County District Attorney Brian Blanchard
State Representative Joe Parisi

Other groups that have endorsed me include:

Sierra Club (with a 91% voting approval record)
AFSCME-People
South Central Federation of Labor
Dane County Democrats
Madison Firefighters Local 311
Fair Wisconsin
Building and Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin

I thank the many, many individuals in District 24 who trust in me to represent them on the Dane County Board and vote for my re-election on April 6th!

Wisconsin State Journal Questionnaire

2010-03-02T07:41:00.001-08:00

The Wisconsin State Journal sent candidates for the County Board a series of questions and asked for our responses (limited to 100 words per question). Below are those questions and my responses to them. For some of the questions, it was very difficult to limit the response to 100 words, so if you want further explanation, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Why should voters elect you to the Dane County Board?
My experience with government and businesses and my education as a professional hydrologist help me find solutions to district problems including lake management and flooding. I am informed on issues, effective in my position and accessible to my constituents. My ability to learn quickly and work with others helped me achieve leadersip positions on the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Public Works/Transportation Committee and Green Energy/Green Jobs subcommittee. Through newsletters and articles, I helped make county government more transparent. My constituents know me, my family and my values, and know I work hard representing their interests on the County Board.

Why shouldn't voters elect your opponent?
Voters should elect the candidate they believe most effectively represents their interests and values, best understands the district's needs, and has a record of community involvement. Because District 24 represents all of Monona and a part of Madison, my history of living in both communities gives me a better understanding of the District's needs (my opponent lives in Madison). While many issues affect both communities, such as ensuring adequate public safety and human services programs, Monona has significant needs for enhanced bus service and is impacted by flooding - both issues for which I have a proven record and experience.

What is the single most important issue for your District? How would you address it?
Meeting the County's and District's diverse needs while maintaining fiscal restraints is the main issue constituents raise when I go to their doors. They want improved lake quality and minimized flooding. School administrators and police asked me to maintain critical public safety programs and human services safety nets that help them and the community. And everyone wants expanded bus service that supports local businesses and workers. We can meet the county's needs in a fiscally responsible way with greater use of IT, establishing the RTA, eliminating unnecessary positions, increasing tax collections, improving energy efficiency and minimizing spending on capitol projects.

How would you describe your political views on a scale of 1 - 6 with 1 being very liberal and 6 being very conservative (no decimals please)?
I consider myself a moderate 3 on the above scale. I support family values, providing for those in need, ensuring public safety and protecting our natural resources while balancing the budget in a fiscally responsible manner. Regardless of political views, my constituents want collaboration, cooperation and communication with all members of the Board because we all have contributions and expertise that will result in better decisions for the county. I believe in government transparancy, which is why I write articles for local paper and homeowners association newsletters, update my blog and send out a newsletter highlighting issues of concern.

In the wake of a national recession, Dane County is projecting to end 2009 with its reserve fund in deficit. As a result, the County has increased property taxes 7.9% while cutting salaries and funding for human services agencies. What steps should the county take to regain its financial footing?
The county needs to pursue a multi-step approach to long term fiscal health: maximizing private/public partnerships where possible; minimizing operational costs to the extent possible; enhancing property tax collection efforts; scrutinizing capital projects; lobbying our state leaders to support necessary local programs; pursuing state and federal grants including stimulus funding; working with our POS agencies to find administrative savings and continue to scrutinize each line in the budget. We need to increase the general fund so that the county can regain its high bond rating, continue to freeze or eliminate low-priority positions, and generate new revenue wherever possible.

Did the Dane County Board make the right decision in authorizing the creation of the Regional Transit Authority? Why or why not?
My constituents consistently tell me they want expanded bus service to allow them to travel to MATC, downtown and other parts of the greater Madison area. The creation of the RTA will enable expanded bus service that has not previously been possible when each municipality negotiates its own service individually. While the statute authorizing the RTA may not be perfect, the time is right for building an enhanced bus transit system for the metropolitan area. Establishing the RTA allows a specific proposal to be developed and put on a referendum for the voters to decide the future of integrated transit.

In the last 2 years, the Dane County Conservation Fund has been funded at its highest level ($7.5 million) and it's lowest level ($1 million?) since voters in 1999 agreed the county should spend $30 million on parks and open space purchases over 10 years. How much should Dane County add to the Conservation Fund in future years (please give a specific annual amount)? Why?
$30 million/10 years equates to $3 million/year - slightly less than the last 2 year average. The public continues to support the Conservation Fund and I believe they would support $20 million over the next 10 years, assuming the economic downturn reverses. The public recognizes that during economic downturns, lower land values can result in opportunities for land purchases that may not have previously been affordable. A temporary moratorium on capital spending with exceptions considered on a case by case basis will limit purchases in these difficult times yet enable us to take advantage of unique opportunities.

Dane County plans to build a $30 million interoperable radio system with an annual maintenance cost of $1.6 million. Should Dane County be responsible for paying the entire annual upkeep? If not, how much should cities, villages, towns and other users contribute?
The costs for operating and maintaining the system should be usage and number of radios and controlled at the local level. If the county pays 100% operation and maintenance my district loses in 2 ways - they no longer have a voice in system operation nor do they have control over cost. We would be subsidizing larger municipalities' use of the system. That's why I support the County levy paying $30 + million for building the system and half of the operation and maintenance fee for 2013 and then each community joining the system pays their costs for using the system.

Following the 2o10 census, the County Board will have the option of redistricting and changing its size. How many members should the County Board have?
The issue is whether Supervisors serve part-time as "local" representatives, or become full-time politicians representing larger geographic areas. I represent approximately 12,000 constituents and can respond to inquiries in a timely manner as well as serve on 6 committees - about the maximum for a part-time position. Most Supervisors have full-time jobs in addition to serving on the Board. While some minimal reduction may be warranted, significantly decreasing the size of the board means the board more mimics the legislature with full-time members. I believe my constituents are better represented by a local community member than a full-time politician.

Shoreland Zoning, Erosion Control and Stormwater Management

2009-12-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

A few people have called me concerned about a flyer that was sent out by an organization that contained much false information relating to a staff report on Shoreland and Riparian Management, prepared by county staff as a grant requirement for DNR. Instead of trying to attack those who use such tactics to alarm people or try to make them afraid of government, I am copying the text of a letter I composed with several other supervisors outlining the truth. Here is the text of the letter, to which 20 other Supervisors signed addressed to Melissa Mallott, Chair of the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission:

"This letter is in response to the misinformation that was sent to Dane County citizens by the lobbyist for the South Central Wisconsin Realtors Association under the guise of the Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance about the draft Shoreland and Riparian Management Report prepared by county staff. We are disheartened such misinformation now has to be corrected so the citizens of Dane County can know the truth that there are no regulations or ordinances currently pending before the Dane County Board related to shoreland and riparian management.

We recognize the county will need to review current ordinances to ensure compliance with state regulations, specifically, Ch. NR 115, Wis. Admin. Code, which has now been revised and will take effect March 2010. Counties have a two-year window in which to bring their ordinances into compliance with state rules. As you review these ordinances over the next two years, we want to ensure that staff have the following direction in making those revisions:

Any revisions should only apply to construction projects, not repair and maintenance of existing homes, driveways and patios.
Any revisions will not take away basic property rights of riparian owners.
Revisions should reduce the need for variance appeals from lot area and width requirements.
Any mitigation required to comply with ch. NR 115 will not lower property values.
NR 115 and county shoreland zoning do not apply in cities and villages. Minimum standards for erosion control and stormwater management apply in cities and villages under Ch. 14 of County Ordinances. No changes to the erosion control and stormwater management ordinance will be proposed unless they have quantifiable benefits for our lakes and streams and are developed in collaboration with cities and villages.
No future changes will require anyone to change their house color or otherwise alter the appearance of their home unless required by state law.

Over the next 2 years as county staff revise current ordinances to comply with ch. NR 115, we need to ensure and clarify that Dane County citizens will not be limited in what colors they paint their houses, whether they can build a deck, or whether they can remodel their homes, nor should they fear that their property values will decline as a result of compliance with ch. NR 115.

While staff estimates the full impact of the possible policy options discussed in the report would only impact approximately seven properties per year, we should nevertheless continue to engage a broad spectrum of the public, including business, real estate and environmental interests, in any subsequent revisions to our current county shoreland ordinance.

Thank you for your efforts at protecting our valuable water resources in Dane County."

Robin Schmidt, Supervisor, District 24

Land Conservation Purchases

2009-10-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

Some believe that the county should not be making land conservation purchases during these difficult economic times, and even support a moratorium against all new land purchases. Moratoriums remove the responsibilties of elected officials to make informed decisions on issues that come before them. My constituents and all Dane County residents deserve to have their elected officials make informed decisions by obtaining the facts, assessing costs and benefits, processing the strenghts and weaknesses, and ultimately be accountable to their constituents by voting for or against individual proposals.

Consider the following facts: while the 2009 Dane County budget included funds for land conservation purchases, the County Board approved only 2 important land purchases from these funds that presented unique opportunities for the county - the Anderson Farm which had been previously negotiated and agreed upon (and which came with a foundation for future maintenance costs), and the Christensen property, (in which the county can recoup costs by re-selling a portion of the property including a house). Total costs of these purchases were less than $1 million. And while the conservation funds were frozen, the decision was made to move forward with the planning to expand the trestle bridge over upper Mud Lake, which will increase boating safety and potentially help reduce flooding on LakeMonona.

The Board is also showing restraint for land purchase proposals that include cost-sharing from the State and Federal Government, recognizing that although the county's proportion of costs are minimized, it does not automatically make them a "good deal" for the county. A case in point being the recent re-referral of a Cross Plains property at a price that many felt was unreasonably high.

Rather than a moratorium, the County Board should continue to make tough decisions regarding land purchases approving only those that make economic and environmental sense during these difficult times and have a high payback for our future. Think of what the U.S. would look like if they didn't make the Louisianna Purchase during those difficult times, or where Madison would host great events like Rythm and Boom if not for Warner Park, which was purchased during the great depression.

Aquatic Weed Harvesting Concerns

2009-08-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

Based on comments I’ve heard from various residents concerned about the location and frequency of weed harvesting in the Yahara chain of lakes, I asked the Lakes and Watershed Commission to add an item to their recent agenda on the impacts of budget shortfalls on lake (aquatic) weed cutting. The Lakes and Watershed Commission met on August 20th to discuss their 2010 draft budget recommendations, found at http://www.danewaters.com/ and added time to discuss the lake weed harvesting program budget cuts.

I summarized the information on the current status of the lake weed cutting program that was provided to me by county staff and discussed at this meeting. This information also includes a listing of the county priorities for weed cutting.

The baseline program for aquatic weed cutting includes LTE staff to operate 10-11 harvesters and associated elevators and trucks. Due to budget shortfalls, the Land and Water Resource Department needed to cut $139,000 in 2009 LTE funding. The Department prioritized those cuts in order to have the least impact on public service and existing commitments in its seasonal programs. The aquatic plant harvesting program was targeted for $43,000 in savings, reducing the harvesting base budget of $100,000 to $57,000.

In order to meet that savings target, from May to August, the county operated 6 harvesters according to its priority system: first priority being harvesting in the Yahara River to improve flow and reduce shoreline damage from high water. The county’s aquatic plant scout (employed at reduced hours) helped guide harvester locations according to program priorities. The 2009 season was the first time staff placed harvesters in the Yahara River so early in the season, and was the first time they operated 5 harvesters in the River at one time. This was due to the high water levels and need to remove vegetation in the River to improve flow out of the entire Yahara chain of lakes. Improving flow has a direct benefit to residents of low-lying areas susceptible to flooding in the Yahara chain such as Belle Isle in Lake Monona.

When aquatic plant growth (especially Eurasian water milfoil) became a nuisance, some harvesters were diverted to lakes Monona, Kegonsa, Mendota, and Waubesa. At peak plant growth, the county increased harvesters on the water to 8.

During the week of August 3, the $57,000 adjusted harvesting budget was exceeded and almost all LTEs were laid off. Harvesters continue to operate in the Yahara River to improve flow. End of season required activities such as removing buoys from the water; cleaning, repairing and storing equipment are being done primarily by permanent staff instead of LTEs.

The aquatic plant removal LTE barge crew, an initiative of the County Executive and Madison Mayor, will continue through the end of August. This $25,000 initiative, funded by the City of Madison, serves Madison residents on lakes Mendota and Monona. Other cost-saving measures in 2009 included eliminating harvesting service for special events such as sailing regattas, Paddle & Portage, etc and not harvesting on Indian Lake, Fish Lake, Verona Quarry, Tenney Lagoons, and Warner Lagoons.

2009-05-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

Lake Level Management needs to be comprehensive, collaborative, and responsive. That is why I introduced a resolution to the County Board that was adopted on May 21st in which we ask the DNR to adopt a comprehensive approach to managing the levels of the lakes, including the following actions:

Recognizing that all communities within the Yahara Lake watershed have an impact on lake management, bring together community leaders from the communities within the drainage basin of the Yahara River Chain of Lakes to discuss and agree upon strategies to minimize flooding from runoff and maximize infiltration.
Recognizing the severity of recent storms, authorize the temporary lowering of lake levels below established minimum levels in response to severe storm events in order to increase storage capacity in the lakes and to manage the lakes as a system.
Recognizing that everyone has a role to play in decreasing runoff, initiate a comprehensive education program to encourage everyone to do their part by minimizing runoff from their property, including the use of rain gardens and/or rain barrels, supporting stronger measures to protect our lakes and wetlands, and sensible efforts to move water downstream more efficiently.

This approach is consistent with recent DNR orders, and lets the DNR know that the County Board is eager to see progress in this area. The watershed that drains into Lake Monona is large, highly developed, and involves multiple local governments. By working with the DNR and other communities we can mitigate impacts of anticipated severe storms and reduce the damages from flooding. The watershed that drains into Lake Monona is large, highly developed and covers many local governments. I am optimistic that collaboration and communication will help find solutions that will help minimize run-off and maximize infiltration.

2009-03-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

Governor Doyle included in his budget legislative language allowing the Madison Area Metropolitan Planning Area to form a Regional Transit Authority that would guide economic development and regional transit decisions. This is the first step in a long process for providing regional, coordinated transportation options to people in Dane County. Part of what makes this proposal controversial is that the formation of the RTA includes the authority to increase the sales tax within the area by ½ of 1 percent. The other part is that when many people hear “ RTA” they automatically think “rail”.

As I recently sat at a public hearing, listening to participants testifying in support for or in opposition to an RTA, it struck me how confused some people were with equating the RTA with rail. Many testified that they supported expanded regional bus systems but not rail. Without an RTA, regional bus systems will be very difficult to negotiate and integrate – one of the reasons for the lack of successful systems now. With the coordination of an RTA, and funding support, regional bus systems could be a reality.

The RTA would evaluate various types of transportation options for the region as a whole – no more fighting between Madison Metro and outlying communities about negotiated bus service. It includes assessing various types of transportation options and balancing those options with the types of transit that makes sense for the areas being served. Monona would not be served by rail, but it certainly could be served by a more robust bus system that perhaps could connect Monona with other communities (and I’m speaking as a chauffeur – I mean parent of teenagers who would definitely benefit from that service), as well as a bus system that runs throughout the day, and not just peak hours. Think of it - This regional bus system might even have routes and bus stops allowing riders to stop and frequent Monona businesses on Monona Drive!

So how could this work for Monona? First, it would allow for Monona to be part of a regional network that would serve Madison as well as outlying communities (including Cottage Grove). And paying for that integrated system would come from everyone’s purchases in the metropolitan planning area. Your property taxes would no longer pay for the Monona bus system. So for the 30% of commuters who come into the Madison area every day from outside of the metropolitan planning area, all of their gas, lunch, parking, shopping purchases in this area would help fund regional transportation options that we would benefit from. For those who spends $10,000/year, that cost would be an additional $50.00.

In addition to regional bus networks, the RTA funds could also be used to support other options, not only light rail, but also pedestrian and bike trails expanding on our system of integrated commuter options. One reason why AARP Wisconsin supports the RTA is because of the mobility options that could be funded by the RTA that would assist seniors.

While the support or lack of support for a rail line between Middleton and Sun Prairie is certainly controversial and vocal, I hope that those living in Monona and surrounding areas will hear above the shouts on both sides of the rail issue and understand the major benefits an RTA could have for us.

Many of us see the problems every day of not having coordinated, regional-based transit options for the metropolitan area. Between sitting in stop and go traffic on the beltline with one person in each car, to bouncing up and down Monona Drive trying to avoid potholes, to listening to the air advisories issued for Dane County making the air unhealthy to breathe due to high particulate matter, I have to believe that a regional, coordinated, and sufficiently funded transit authority could improve our quality of life. It certainly will not replace the need or desire for cars, but it will balance options so that we don’t have to solely rely on cars to get where we need to go.

Stay tuned – this will be a long process, but I’m optimistic that at the end of the process, we’ll see a transit system that all can be proud of and many will use routinely.

2009-02-17T05:34:00.000-08:00

911 Call Center Operations/Management Audit:
The results are in from the operations & management (O&M) audit of the county 911 call center, and as we hoped, there was plenty of good news to hear, along with a few suggestions for more improvements.

The overarching theme from the consultant is that the public should have confidence in the 911 center. The consultant described the 911 call center as “a high quality communication center providing high level of service” that would meet national accreditation standards if the county wanted to spend the money for such accreditation.

The consultant highlighted the steps the county has taken to implement the 2004 technology audit (51 of the 60 technology-based recommendations have been implemented), recognized a number of continuous improvements made at the center, and indicated that the center has achieved vast majority of nationally recognized best management practices.

Some of the positive changes highlighted by the management audit included the following:
· Implemented priority dispatch for EMS and Fire
· Installed a new phone system
· Random review of 3% of all calls received
· Updated complaint review and investigation process
· New CAD servers
· New recording and information retrieval system
· Budgeted for priority dispatch (police) in 2009

The O & M audit also analyzed the quality of responses from the call center. The consultant sampled 1941 calls (3%), and of those calls 64 caught the attention of the quality assurance staff – meaning they felt some additional coaching was appropriate. Of those 64 calls that they felt needed attention, only one was ranked as serious – meaning that a call back was warranted but wasn’t made. This equates to a failure rate 0.065% - far exceeding the national standard of call back failure rate of no greater than 0.1%.

Clearly the center operations are not perfect –and the consultant outlined ways to further enhance the center. One of the main comments made in the audit is that the call center is trying to do too much for too many. For example, some municipal police departments forward their 7 digit phone number used on their business cards to the 911 center after hours. The 911 center cannot take messages or help connect the caller with the officer they are trying to reach. Therefore, all get frustrated – the caller because they can’t leave a message for the person they are trying to reach, and the 911 call taker, because they can’t help the person calling. To correct this, the county is going to work with the various municipalities to establish a phone tree that will result in calls being directed elsewhere, rather than the 911 center.

Another recommendation that is important is to simplify the dispatch protocols so that they are all able to be included in the computer-aided dispatch system (CAD). The center should minimize the number of separate “look-up” protocols when calls come in to the center. If a municipality is asking for a protocol that can’t be programmed into CAD there’s a problem because it relies on people’s memory rather than program decision – basically, if a protocol can’t be programmed into a CAD there is no way of preventing inconsistent way of making decisions.

The report also recommends that the quality assurance program should continue – it’s good for training as well as assessing the level of service provided by the center. Other recommendations include implementing a pre-recorded message for 911 calls between the 3rd and 4th ring to assure callers that their call will be answered (most calls get answered within 8 seconds, so this would rarely be needed) and document new policies that we’ve already implemented – complaint resolution, policy development/distribution, etc. Documentation is an important need for the call center.

Where necessary, you will see county board resolutions ensuring the recommendations in the report are implemented by the center. I’m hopeful that this review of the 911 center sheds new light on the 911 center operations, and allows the public to continue to trust this critical part of public protection. For a full copy of the report, see http://danedocs.countyofdane.com/webdocs/pdf/911/911_Comprehensive_Review_Phase2.pdf

2008 Board Actions

2009-01-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

Board Actions

The following are topics relating to District 24 for which I have included seperate posts for you to find out more details about these topics. Not every issue is identified here, but those that constituents have indicated are important, controversial, or of greater interest to District 24.

2009 Dane County Budget
Monona Drive Construction
Flooding
Sustainability
County Executive Salary Adjustment

2009 Dane County Budget

2009-01-19T18:43:00.000-08:00

2009 Budget
Monday, December 1st, I voted to pass the 2009 County Budget, keeping within County Executive self-created standard of not increasing the budget above the rate of growth plus inflation. The $493 million county budget will increase property taxes on the average home by $2.13.

The budget contains some very important priorities – for example, 75% of the budget goes towards public safety, including the Sheriff’s Department and 911 Center, and human services.

The budget includes additional staff and technological upgrades for the Dane County Public Safety Communications Center (911 center). Included in the technological improvements is implementation of and training on Police Priority Dispatch. This new program utilizes nationally recognized response standards to determine the priority of calls, ensuring uniform police responses.

The budget allocates $12-million to begin construction of a new countywide emergency radio network which when completed will result in a $30 million infrastructure investment by the county to ensure that all emergency responders can communicate with each other during emergencies. This will be the second largest capital project in Dane County’s history.

The budget also includes over $3.5 million for the reconstruction of a number of county roads and intersections, including the funding for Monona Drive reconstruction, and a significant increase in lakes and watershed protection programs. These funds will be used to help mitigate future flooding problems.

Lastly, the budget includes 2 budget amendments that I co-sponsored relating to sustainability and making sure that the county becomes as energy independent as possible, saving long term utility costs and minimizing our carbon footprint.

Sustainability

2009-01-19T18:17:00.000-08:00

Sustainability
Sustainability is more than just saving energy - it's improving efficiencies within a business function. Ultimately this leads to more efficient and effective services. That's why I co-sponsored 2 budget amendments that would increase sustainability for the County. One amendment establishes a small sustainability fund for county departments to use when initially implementing sustainable operations (often start up costs are higher, but long term savings offset those costs). In addition, we will be creating a sustainability oversight committee that will assess and prioritize sustainable projects to ensure the best use of the sustainability fund. Lastly, continued training of county staff in The Natural Step will enhance their ability to identify and recommend changes that will result in higher sustainability operations.

County Executive Salary Adjustment

2009-01-19T18:15:00.000-08:00

County Executive Salary Amendment
The County Executive salary can only be changed once every 4 years, before the upcoming election for that position. A pay recommendation of a 7.3% pay raise for 2009, followed by a 3% pay raise for the next three years was presented to the County Board at their December 4th meeting. The pay rate was recommended so that the County Executive pay would be higher than the County Sheriff, based on the relative responsibilities of these positions. However, given the state of the current economy, and the fact that we were not able to grant point of service (POS) organizations with even a full 1% pay raise in the recently passed budget, I made an amendment that was passed by the Board that would reduce the salary increase for the County Executive for the first year to 1% to match that of the POS agencies. The subsequent 3% pay raises for the following three years remained, in anticipation that the economy will turn around and we will be able to give cost of living adjustments to the POS agencies at that time as well.

Monona Drive Construction

2009-01-19T17:52:00.000-08:00

Monona Drive Construction
Reconstion of Monona Drive is a joint project between the Cities of Monona and Madison, Dane County and the State Department of Transportation. Significant planning and design work has already been completed, with input from numerous businesses and other constituents who use the road. Monona Drive Phase 1 construction will begin in 2009 and continue into 2010 for the Broadway/Pflaum Road segment. Additional segments will be constructed subsequent to phase 1. All transportation projects for the County have to be approved by the Metropolitan Area Transportation Planning Committee, to which I was appointed in April, 2008. Monona Drive is both a City and County Road, and thus has been included in their Transportation Improvement Plan and money is included in the 2009 county budget.

Flooding

2009-01-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

Flooding
With the 2008 record rainfall and snow melt, severe flooding occurred throughout Dane County. There simply wasn’t enough storage capacity in the surrounding watershed to absorb all the moisture that fell in a short period of time. To help alleviate future flooding, there are a number of things that the county has done including:

- Upgrade the Babcock Dam that regulates the water coming out of Lake Waubesa
- Approve funding to continue with a cooperative effort between multiple parties to replacement of the trestle bridge between Upper Mud Lake and Lake Waubesa with a wider span bridge that would coupled the railroad tracks with a bike trail connecting Lake Farm Park with McFarland. Recent UW studies indicate that water movement out of Lake Monona is significantly constricted by this narrow bridge
- Approve purchase of sensitive lands to limit development in areas where the land can serve as a natural sponge to absorb rainfall and snowmelt before it reaches the surface waters.
- Approve funding for continued weed harvesting to keep water flowing efficiently out of Lake Monona