[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6284425,"mediaKeyId","2580194-00f94fa6cd916f3ee39e1ab7287984d4","parentId",2580194,"title","Council adopts removal-hearing procedures for alder misconduct after heated debate; retroactivity amendment fails","audioSeconds",968,"startMs",12230000,"endMs",13198000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2580194-00f94fa6cd916f3ee39e1ab7287984d4&start=12230&end=13198","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2580194-00f94fa6cd916f3ee39e1ab7287984d4/thumbnail_12230000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6284425/Madison/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Council-adopts-removal-hearing-procedures-for-alder-misconduct-after-heated-debate-retroactivity-amendment-fails","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284425-44f7c5c1076032b503b76d574d9e3d49/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143923&Signature=AWg0RBI8-DgvOoVcGfE9MpYxEt87c3aYKt1gqJd5SuUzr~M9eqvtwLrETGVKim0cqaMkgSMnFM8uhl3G03CpQcrqf7K7GDgC5U6svkCxoA2qFtZY8XH~63UJCzcXO0enPqVV5SrFVgGqX-pxWw6NKIrL8rnoRa3Q9mDR6Y6m1hifKXtj4L6-RBufd3HTohWFkLwUZ0GcIDAvzEIl8Iyh~FLJHeT8qKQKnt0nBPAyAMujSLx7Xfp6DdcVA77k0Dv8TOuMPSenwOPViRS-DkbyQTy5PTPNsB1U1as2xhUcO2ClOXr07IER9lQchhDS7SOltX~cmNrE1kznqhsqWuaTTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Madison, WI","date","2025-03-12T04:30:25Z","article","The Common Council adopted a new removal-hearing ordinance on March 11 that lays out a process for filing complaints against alders and conducting hearings under the statutes. The ordinance spells out where complaints are filed, how they are processed, hearing-examiner retention and the rights of the accused alder. After extensive debate and a proposed amendment to prohibit retroactive complaints, the council adopted the ordinance by recorded vote.

What was added: The adopted ordinance provides a step-by-step process for receipt and referral of complaints alleging alder misconduct, details on notice and hearing procedures, and instructions on how the council would deliberate after a hearing. The city attorney explained that the statute already allows council removal by a supermajority vote, and the ordinance implements a more detailed procedure so staff and the council have clear steps to follow.

Debate and failed amendment: Alder Miyadze offered an amendment that would have barred complaints based on conduct that occurred before the alder's most recent reelection and added explicit due-process assurances and an \"electoral mandate\" consideration. The amendment required review by the city attorney and drew divided support; it failed in roll call (1 aye, 13 noes, 3 abstentions recorded in the transcript excerpt). Council members spoke about timing, prior briefings to the executive committee and the need to balance fairness and the public's right to file complaints. Concerns were raised about process timing and the need for the city attorney to review any late-filed language.

Costs and procedure: The city attorney said the ordinance does not change the basic cost structure for a removal hearing: a hearing examiner, transcript and any retained experts would incur costs similar to the current statute-driven process unless the council orders otherwise. Staff noted budget contingencies and the option to place funding into a contingency reserve if a hearing is required.

Outcome: The council adopted the removal-hearing ordinance (Legistar 87,288 as presented) after discussion; the transcript records a final roll call of 17 ayes, 1 no (and some members recorded as excused or absent) for adoption.

Ending: The new ordinance provides a written process the city will follow if a complaint is filed that proceeds to a hearing; council and staff said they will finalize administrative steps and coordinate with the city attorney and clerk for implementation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Common Council: Meeting of March 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Common Council on March 11 adopted an ordinance establishing procedures for removal hearings of alders, formalizing complaint intake, notice, hearing and deliberation steps after debate about retroactivity and due process.","taxTitle","Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin","taxId",2852,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6284439,"Council refers Leo Living Portage Road rezoning and rejects preliminary plat; zoning put on file without prejudice",5187,4702000,9889000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2580194-00f94fa6cd916f3ee39e1ab7287984d4&start=4702&end=9889","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2580194-00f94fa6cd916f3ee39e1ab7287984d4/thumbnail_4702000.jpg","/articles/6284439/Madison/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Council-refers-Leo-Living-Portage-Road-rezoning-and-rejects-preliminary-plat-zoning-put-on-file-without-prejudice","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284439-1d3767366fa5b4777d0cf19216d69489/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143923&Signature=ORRPnM3PTbe8Rwv-faof77-ggFAq8XXhH~ezzhThcGgoAneabhu29aVicTS6ioHnPqze~U9LmEEmxQ2jOmqRUhLS-foMZ~uHeLqqt2XvEwffAu1lSi2vGgrPeDvmdb28BOcOcmlrDib13V9vEclv9gmxvwDF0j0lyCA0vakKUbdE5j5EMYz2eSzS2mh03vnEElPhf83LSK1k3XS8IAXDTnRNAuSE5B811ymbtig7HyM8mQqC7bxfbsAu0gwr3yJCkGeF9Dc0~3qwtA-WZMWqNFuwPbeh0YQe1TqiY1keR9f~YLOFm3nBcYtdFKC~A8joM64HA1RLsPvoSdLi2K~cXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","(Note: This article covers two related agenda items: Legistar 86,993, a zoning change request, and Legistar 86,736, a preliminary plat/Leo Living proposal at 6303 Portage Road and 4821 Hepker Road.)

A housing proposal for parcels west of Portage Road drew developer presentations and staff review before the Common Council. Joanne Rubio and Brian Randall spoke on behalf of the project and described connectivity, street orientation and enhanced on-site green infrastructure in their submitted materials. Rubio emphasized that the development would connect private and public rights-of-way, provide street trees, and orient buildings to the road. Randall, a land-use attorney for Advenir Azura, said the site is \"an interesting area\" and described planned on-site stormwater management and pocket parks.

Why it matters: The proposal would change zoning from temporary agricultural to a planned residential district and advance a preliminary plat that, if approved, would enable phased housing construction. The applicants emphasized missing-middle and workforce housing opportunities near employment centers and roads.

Public comment in the record included technical clarifications about an intermittent stream (Stark Weather Creek) and the project's relationship to the Pumpkin Hollow neighborhood development plan; the applicants said DNR/listed sources do not classify the local creek as a regulatory environmental corridor. Staff reports and registrant testimony noted that the project site sits near mapped natural features and that final site design would address stormwater and natural-feature enhancements.

Council action: The council voted to place the zoning request (Legistar 86,993) on file without prejudice and to reject the preliminary plat (Legistar 86,736). No detailed vote tally for the zoning roll-call was recorded on-screen in the transcript excerpt beyond the mayor's announcement that the items were handled as recommended.

Ending: The plan commission and applicants will have the opportunity to revise materials and return if they choose; staff said more detailed design work and permitting (including stormwater management) would be needed for a future submittal.","Council action on two Portage Road items left the rezoning request on file without prejudice and rejected the preliminary plat; developers and staff said additional stormwater and site design work is expected before any resubmission.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6284428,"Council approves overhaul of city boards and alder appointment terms after debate over public-safety committee",1419,11041000,12460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2580194-00f94fa6cd916f3ee39e1ab7287984d4&start=11041&end=12460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2580194-00f94fa6cd916f3ee39e1ab7287984d4/thumbnail_11041000.jpg","/articles/6284428/Madison/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Council-approves-overhaul-of-city-boards-and-alder-appointment-terms-after-debate-over-public-safety-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284428-f6009a99fe4ce5acdae42a0dccc5b5cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143923&Signature=YpX0vUyjTicIpMkoyurSvFq~mmxLq5Pb0vejs65RQHnTBoso9ofOrG4e6slVkF4k9AImymJ-defAZRoyLc5TrD67ReDbaQTCet-YfkSs02gruHSO8PjVdvQcwPmhGHokzH7Dq5YhmA2x7QS7w6ivlkcoCubO8HVbuZi94MRSsSztjMijHV-ZurZHDZqjfQoHqeIYU4LcX-iIr0KmyN-MWTHxHAnPl-6xdAiCaxjU-rrryYfYdEW55LSi4N05g0x-D7XZ47n0Z4lDd9kPf~YmgFX55nSOCGtZcBw7Wu~F8yrNvbNVrjPxLJzFmZCcUniUa2-mWxtYsUSfnaUfoEqoxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Common Council approved two linked items that rework alder appointments and reorganize several city boards, commissions and committees. The votes followed a lengthy debate over continuity of alder appointments, staff workload in making assignments and whether the Public Safety Review Committee (PSRC) should be retained.

Item highlights: Alder Tishler proposed an amendment to keep two-year alder appointments for boards where two or more alders serve, while allowing one-year appointments where only a single alder serves. Tishler argued the change preserves continuity while providing opportunities for new alders to serve on single-alder committees. The council adopted the proposal as amended.

Reorganization and PSRC debate: Council members debated a substitute reorganization measure (Legistar 87,044) that would remove or reassign several committees and change membership rules. Opposition coalesced around the proposed removal of the PSRC, which reviews policy and budget-adjacent items for police and fire. Alder Bruce Rummel and others urged preserving PSRC to provide detailed policy review; supporters of sunsetting PSRC said the full council and other bodies (including the Police Civilian Oversight Board and finance committee) now receive the relevant briefings and that PSRC had a history of irregular quorums and limited effectiveness.

An amendment to restore PSRC to the BCC structure failed (10 ayes, 8 noes); the main reorganization motion then passed (records show final passage with a majority vote as reflected in the council minutes). Separately, the council approved the appointment-term changes.

Why it matters: The reorganization affects where policy discussions occur and whether subject-matter review is concentrated in a standing committee with alder participation. Council members who opposed sunsetting PSRC warned that removing the committee could reduce opportunities for resident and alder engagement on policing and fire-related policy and budget review.

Votes and next steps: The PSRC-restoration amendment failed and the reorganization package and appointment-term changes were adopted. Some alder and staff commenters said future referrals, training and public outreach could be used to amplify community input that previously would have flowed through PSRC.

Ending: Staff and Council leadership said implementation will unfold in coming months and will involve updating charters, staffing assignments and referrals to reflect the new structure.","The Common Council approved changes to alder appointment terms and a reorganization of boards, commissions and committees after extensive discussion about continuity, staff workload and whether to retain the Public Safety Review Committee.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6284433,"Council adopts Sauk Creek Corridor plan with amendment to favor naturebased bank treatments",5807,5020000,10827000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2580194-00f94fa6cd916f3ee39e1ab7287984d4&start=5020&end=10827","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2580194-00f94fa6cd916f3ee39e1ab7287984d4/thumbnail_5020000.jpg","/articles/6284433/Madison/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Council-adopts-Sauk-Creek-Corridor-plan-with-amendment-to-favor-naturebased-bank-treatments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284433-2d0b6848b91a7d7146b3bf207afcdf83/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143923&Signature=XbY0r9~hpLbiKRKudJxiBkTyLBcIO4s2qLr~ZiS~aEtMwzR3-q69RbUPtXkboHAAjUG767dM-hktrh~C2pGvFSEtVKZ4Ed2tSZuohpKcFMZ-jSrC3SxAcEQBUeisTfd4-D8XZ411kLbbkr8QPwpRnPIgGIwQlJKES6gLcKLJk05CM0yXN7Yn1ihMxPKR6qLqq82H6TXRYZA-savdlolZCfMVwl3HL8mtIWM65wGjJCiZwfDo9UKMW6s-vuhS8CknT9UHJlcD4E8bgL2nD1pb593jvyoe0-ZlF8H52P~6p6E99cCSLsVM-uvZ6Wj34av1xCgVfSkV4o6MfsYx30r9qA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Common Council adopted the Sauk Creek Corridor conceptual plan on March 11, endorsing a high-level framework for roughly 1.1 miles of greenway and stormwater-related work. City engineers described the plan as a starting point for more detailed engineering and permitting; the council added a final whereas clause directing that design phases \"minimize riprap bank stabilization and use more environmentally sensitive nature-based solutions where feasible.\" The amended plan was adopted by unanimous vote.

Why it matters: Sauk Creek drains into downstream ponds and waterways; staff said conceptual planning is intended to narrow options, surface tradeoffs and prepare for detailed engineering, permitting and budgeting. City engineering staff emphasized that the conceptual plan combines technical stormwater modeling, field assessment and public input to create a pathway to later design phases.

Public comment and technical input: Dr. Faith Fitzpatrick, a professional hydrologist and geologist, spoke in opposition to the conceptual plan as presented to the Board of Public Works and suggested the plan should show how proposed measures will improve channel stability, reduce erosion and address long-term geomorphic responses. Dr. Fitzpatrick offered examples of bioengineering alternatives that are already in use by municipal stormwater programs and volunteered to serve on technical advisory work as detailed design proceeds. City engineers said the conceptual plan can accommodate further technical review and that the plan'to-design process will include additional community and expert input.

Council amendment and rationale: Alder Conklin offered an amendment (a new whereas clause) asking staff to minimize riprap and favor nature-based bank stabilization techniques during design phases. City project manager Jojo O'Brien described \"bioengineering\" options (vegetation, soil lifts, tree reinforcements) and said the public'proposed preference for riprap during earlier input reflected a desire to minimize disturbance; staff said the plan allows room to evaluate alternatives and refine solutions during design.

Outcome: The council adopted the Sauk Creek Corridor plan as amended; staff said subsequent phases will include more detailed engineering designs, permitting steps, potential archaeological reviews and cost estimates. Engineers noted the plan was developed with extensive public engagement and roughly 3,000 staff engineering hours to date.

Ending: Engineers and interested experts will move into detailed design and permitting; staff said they will include community and technical advisory input as the design work proceeds.","The Common Council adopted the Sauk Creek (Sauk Creek Greenway) Corridor conceptual plan after staff and residents debated erosion control approaches. The council added a whereas clause directing designers to minimize riprap bank stabilization and prefer nature-based solutions where feasible; adoption was recorded as unanimous.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6284444,"Council puts developer's rezoning request for 77 Shoreline Strip on file without prejudice after months of debate",7013,1907000,8920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2580194-00f94fa6cd916f3ee39e1ab7287984d4&start=1907&end=8920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2580194-00f94fa6cd916f3ee39e1ab7287984d4/thumbnail_1907000.jpg","/articles/6284444/Madison/Dane-County/Wisconsin/Council-puts-developers-rezoning-request-for-77-Shoreline-Strip-on-file-without-prejudice-after-months-of-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284444-835291666192f0b8094e4fa21ee61598/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143923&Signature=g~wKcFhP-DJ7FV98SIjLSZKbO7sY3wttjeGdjivsbSWxLB3eH0iLlDf0WpuSxux-omZiAGQNGCa6ZoQti8MyvcG8-ecQneso8PRzjqmOXoH1iYVrCfkqrm27FojMlg9wVvAZll5yHWcYU9FmCrqHN~suOWL5Zevv7ex-g1EdXm295w59vfNIKLig09tZ~a1rZ9dfbSPgBFNvAK1afrtZBwAP3KiKKOQwNtmx0Iet2JEpFEF8fPS368jHAFyzCsooHIRmxBgmm58xuLYO7yKx7D50xobUbzswDWT7IqYW4E6Yh0uaJewhrXoK~vPKuPmgVnlWLXyI96lC6CfcdgK6ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Common Council on March 11 placed on file without prejudice a rezoning request for 77 Shoreline Strip, a property along Badger Road, after public testimony and questions from council members about height, neighborhood impacts and outreach. The motion related to Legistar 86,990, the council's final action on the rezoning application, passed in a roll-call vote recorded as 16 ayes and 2 noes.

The rezoning petition, filed by Julian Walters of Eminent Development Corporation, asked the council to change the site from TRV2 (traditional residential varied 2) to TRU1 (traditional residential urban 1). The developer and his design team said the rezoning is needed for a proposed redevelopment that currently indicates a four-story, 74-unit building targeting affordable senior housing; Sketchworks Architecture's Ross Treichel told the council, \"We're proposing 74 units of affordable senior housing.\" Staff said the rezoning would also allow up to five stories if measured at the plan'designated grade point.

Why it matters: The site is referenced in the 2022 South Madison plan, which generally recommends low-to-medium residential uses and a maximum of five stories only under site-specific conditions. Director Megan Tuttle told the council the plan recommended a five-story maximum measured from the southeast corner of the lot because grade drops at a rock outcrop; the property was proactively rezoned TRV2 when it was annexed into the city. Tuttle said the existing TRV2 zoning would allow a three-story building and up to about 45 units, while the requested TRU1 would enable greater height and density.

Public testimony was mixed but tilted toward opposition. Residents including Claudia Castillo and Araceli Rivera said the proposed scale is out of character and raised concerns about displacement, safety on hilly terrain and the loss of a long-standing restaurant tenant. Owner Tommy Hanna described a multi-year, interrupted effort to redevelop the site and asked the council to support a rezoning to allow redevelopment. Julian Walters said the team had held a neighborhood meeting and that they were \"more than prepared to do that, you know, with translators and things like that,\" and that \"we're not going to be moving or displacing anyone for years to come.\" Walters and Treichel also said elements discussed publicly (storm shelter, other tenant accommodations) are not yet fully reflected in submitted plans and would be developed if the rezoning moves ahead.

Council discussion focused on consistency with the South Madison plan and neighborhood outreach. Alder Evers said the plan is recent and urged caution; alder colleagues urged the applicant to refine building height and to clarify any amenities or community benefits in revised plans. Staff and the applicant confirmed additional conditional-use approvals would be required for demolition and for a large multifamily building if the rezoning were approved.

Outcome and next steps: The council's final action was to place the rezoning request on file without prejudice; the Plan Commission had earlier referred the application to the council with the same disposition after finding the proposed height inconsistent with the plan'recommended measurement. Because the file was placed without prejudice, the applicant may revise the proposal and return for further consideration. The Plan Commission retained the applications for demolition and conditional use and indicated it could resume those matters if and when a rezoning decision allows.

Key details and clarifications: The applicant said it held a neighborhood meeting on Jan. 29; staff said the South Madison plan (2022) recommended a five-story maximum only when measured from the property's lowest southeast corner to avoid creating a taller face toward adjacent mobile-home lots. The developer said a tax-credit financing timetable and construction would be years away if the project proceeds.

Votes at a glance: Rezoning request (Legistar 86,990) ' placed on file without prejudice (council action). Recorded roll-call vote: 16 ayes, 2 noes.

Ending: The application remains on file; the developer and city staff said further design work and neighborhood conversations would follow before any demolition or conditional-use approvals were revisited.","A request to rezone 77 Shoreline Strip (Badger Road) from TRV2 to TRU1, tied to a proposed 74-unit affordable housing project, drew months of outreach and resident opposition. The Common Council placed the rezoning on file without prejudice, 16-2, after Plan Commission concerns about height and compatibility with the South Madison plan.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council adopts removal-hearing procedures for alder misconduct after heated debate; retroactivity amendment fails

Council refers Leo Living Portage Road rezoning and rejects preliminary plat; zoning put on file without prejudice

Council approves overhaul of city boards and alder appointment terms after debate over public-safety committee

Council adopts Sauk Creek Corridor plan with amendment to favor naturebased bank treatments

Council puts developer's rezoning request for 77 Shoreline Strip on file without prejudice after months of debate