East Madison/Monona Coalition of the Aging Golf Outing -

Another event in the area - this one supports the East Madison/Monona Coalition of the Aging.

Proposed Project on Broadway-Plan Commission 7/14/14 -

Public Hearing and Prehearing Conference on Broadway Square Apartments on East Broadway on the 14th of July.  Here is some background information for people to review to provide comment at the Public Hearing or to the Commission to be included in Public Hearing Conference. (need to go to the blog page to click on the links)

There is an interesting project being proposed on Broadway by the UW clinic...
Broadway Proposal Overview

There was a Broadway Corridor Plan done in 1989 (Full study) that looks at Broadway in three sections providing guidance to future development.

Additional information will be on the City Planning website shortly and the Agenda will be posted this upcoming week. Link to Planning site

City of Monona Divestment Resolution -

Below is the resolution that will be introduced on July 7th, 2014 at City Council.  This proposal is a result of a lot of work and discussion from the Sustainability Committee as well as particular individuals from our community.  The original proposal had a more significant focus on Divestment alone.  I was one of the many individuals that voiced concern with the original proposal and advocated for a shifted resolution.  A resolution that was more connected with our actions as a community, and how we can influence/educate our residents and business owners to reduce our collective dependence on fossil fuels. One of the action steps does include education regarding different strategies - including divestment/reinvestment and shareholder advocacy.  This was a specific action - to have this resolution join the larger 'movement' around divestment while realizing the City does not make any direct investment in fossil fuel companies (although some may say that items we purchase are an investment, like snow plows and such). I look forward to the introduction of this resolution Monday. 

Resolution No. 14-07-1978
Monona Common Council
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PRACTICES THAT
REDUCE MONONA’S DEPENDENCE ON FOSSIL FUELS

WHEREAS, the Common Council acknowledges that the climate crisis is a serious threat to current and
future generations here in Monona, Wisconsin and around the world; and,

WHEREAS, the Common Council acknowledges that climate change is real, primarily caused by the
burning of fossil fuels, poses significant risks of disruption of human and natural systems throughout the
world including the melting of Arctic ice, sea level rise, increase in the ocean’s acidity, flooding, and
drought; and,

WHEREAS, the Common Council acknowledges that in 2009, 167 countries endorsed the non-binding
Copenhagen Accord which, as drafted by the United States, China, India and Brazil, states that any
warming above a 2°C (3.6°F) rise would be unsafe, and if all the known reserves of coal, oil, and gas
were burned, they would emit roughly five times (2860GtCO2) the amount we can safely release to
maintain a 2°C limit of planetary warming; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Monona in 2010 pledged to become an Energy Independent Community (EIC)
and released its ‘25 x 25 Plan’ in which the City of Monona pledged to generate 25 percent of its energy
from renewable resources by 2025, and,

WHEREAS, the City of Monona adopted a Sustainability Resolution (12-03-1843) in March 2012
committing the City of Monona to meet the needs of today’s residents and visitors without compromising
the needs of future residents and visitors; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Monona became part of the Green Tier Legacy Communities Charter
(Sustainability Component) in July 2012, under which the city agreed to carry out sustainability initiatives
in five categories, Land Use, Water, Energy, Transportation, and Waste; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Monona has invested in an innovative and precedent-setting solar energy
project; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Monona has a responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its
residents from the threats and consequences of climate change and is committed to ensuring a resilient
and vibrant community for the future.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Common Council of the City of Monona, Dane
County, Wisconsin, that the City will take the following steps to further that commitment:

1. That the Sustainability Committee focus on recommending additional methods that city
government can implement to reduce the City of Monona’s dependence on fossil fuels.

2. That the Sustainability Committee make it a priority to educate the residents and business owners
of Monona about the importance of reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuels and suggest a
variety of ways they can work towards that goal including; divestment and re-investment, and
shareholder advocacy strategies.

3. That all departments of the City of Monona prioritize reducing their greenhouse gas emissions
and the use of fossil fuels in their daily operations.

4. That where practicable the City of Monona contract with vendors who provide products and
services in a way that would reduce the overall greenhouse gas emissions of the City.

Monona Community Festival 2014 -

It's that time of year again.  This year looks like there are a lot of fun events...today is wrist-band time for carnival rides (all you can for $20). Tomorrow on the 4th there are a lot of events including the firework display- check out their website for more details.  http://www.mononafestival.com
Like them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MononaFestival