Commission approves scooter ordinance, short-term malt-beverage license and several contracts; tables water-tower decision

The Madison City Commission on a voice vote approved several items at its regular meeting, including a second reading of Ordinance 16-80 regulating wheeled electronically propelled devices, a temporary on- and off-sale malt-beverage license for the Madison Baseball Association’s Amateur Baseball District Tournament, an award of a substation conversion contract to the lowest responsive bidder, and a change order for Madison Creek wall repairs. The commission also voted to table a decision on maintenance or demolition of the Northwest Water Tower.

Why it matters: The votes affect public-safety rules for new personal-transportation devices, permit alcohol sales at a seven-day tournament, advance a major electric-infrastructure upgrade, authorize additional stormwater/creek repairs, and postpone a decision about a landmark water tower that carries cellular leases that generate revenue for the city.

Ordinance 16-80 — wheeled electronically propelled devices Ordinance 16-80, a new city regulation that treats scooters and similar devices in line with bicycles, passed on its second reading. The ordinance includes age-based helmet language and speed-based equipment guidance; it also requires eye protection for users traveling above 20 mph and allows tinted sunglasses during daytime but not at night. A motion to approve the second reading was made and seconded and passed by voice vote.

Temporary malt-beverage license — Madison Baseball Association The commission approved a temporary retail on- and off-sale malt-beverage license requested by the Madison Baseball Association for the Amateur Baseball District Tournament. Eric Ortness, representing the association, said the tournament will be hosted in Madison and that organizers plan a beer tent with wristbands for purchasers to help identify who has been carded. The tournament will run seven date selections over a nine-day span; exact calendar dates were stated on the record. A motion to approve the license passed by voice vote.

Award of bid No. 982 — Southeast Substation conversion The commission awarded bid No. 982 to IES Commercial Inc. for conversion of the Southeast Substation from 69 kV to 115 kV. Staff said three responsive bids were received; the low bid was $1,015,997.74 and all responsive bids were under the engineer’s estimate of $1,330,000. Engineers recommended award to the low bidder. Commission discussion addressed schedule coordination to avoid overloading remaining substations; energization was described as targeted for July 2026 with construction starting in early spring.

Change order No. 3 — Madison Creek walls improvements, Site 2 The commission approved change order No. 3 to Kesselute Excavation and Dirtwork Services for Madison Creek Walls Improvements at Site 2 to cover additional concrete, wall ties and footing width. Staff reported a total change-order amount of $10,872; the city’s share for the project is 15% ($1,630.80). FEMA and the state have been notified and are supportive, according to staff.

Motion to table — Northwest Water Tower After an extended discussion of options — continued maintenance, removal of the tank but retention of foundations, or total demolition — the commission voted to table the matter until the next meeting so staff can gather community feedback, explore additional options with cellular lessees and obtain more detailed cost breakdowns. The voice vote to table carried.

Votes at a glance (formal actions taken) - Ordinance 16-80 (second reading) — motion to approve made and seconded; voice vote; outcome: approved. - Temporary retail on- and off-sale malt-beverage license (Madison Baseball Association) — motion to approve made and seconded; voice vote; outcome: approved. - Award bid No. 982 (Southeast Substation 69 kV to 115 kV conversion) — motion to award to IES Commercial Inc.; motion made and seconded; voice vote; outcome: awarded to low responsive bidder. - Change order No. 3 (Madison Creek Walls Improvements, Site 2) — motion to approve made and seconded; voice vote; outcome: approved. - Motion to table maintenance/demolition of Northwest Water Tower — motion made and seconded; voice vote; outcome: tabled.

What’s next: Staff will return with more detailed cost breakdowns and outreach results on the water-tower question. The commission’s next regular meeting was announced for Monday, Aug. 4 at 5:30 p.m. (local time).