Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, commended the Associated Students of Madison Legislative Affairs Committee for its increased participation and awareness of city issues and urged the committee to continue their support on upcoming issues.
“I appreciate all the time, talent and energy this committee has put forth,” Verveer said. “It has really made a big difference. This is the first time ever for Legislative Affairs to go in this direction — it’s unprecedented for it to go to the city issues like this.”
Legislative Affairs Chair Adam Johnson said the committee was excited to take up issues with the Alcohol License Review Committee, the downtown plan and entertainment issues for minors and older students. He also asked Verveer what he felt the committee should look for when reviewing applicants for the technical adviser position.
Verveer encouraged the committee to find someone who is as thoughtful, smart and committed as Mark Woulf — the former technical adviser — was.
“There is strong pressure to appoint a female to this position. I am all for diversity,” Verveer said. “It’s pathetic there is only one female on the committee. However, it’s disconcerting that we are asking ASM to create the diversification here.”
A big issue coming before City Council in 2010 is the Alcohol License Density Plan that was put into place two years ago. The ordinance is controversial, as it makes operating a tavern exceedingly difficult for anyone in the core downtown area, Verveer said.
He added there is a category of exemptions, but it is not enough for some hoping to open taverns. Verveer said he wants to get support for this, as it will become a huge student issue next fall.
“If we wait until the end of 2010 for this repeal, we potentially avoid cool establishments or concepts for entertainment, especially in the downtown area,” Verveer said.
The committee discussed available options for interesting entertainment places for both minors and students over 21, such as a “brew and view” movie theater like the Orpheum that sells alcohol while students watch movies, or even a second piano bar.
“More immediately, we need to enlist support of fellow policymakers to make more allowable, lenient, special categories of entertainment places,” Verveer said. “There are also special ’18-plus’ licenses taverns can apply for to let minors into events.”
Josh Molter, University of Wisconsin law student and committee member, said he was concerned that there is evidence stating part of the problem with alcohol licensing comes from “18-plus events.”
Verveer said he did not think that was the case at all. Issues arise more from security and management, or cede control to promoters who rent the space but do not have enough staff to cover their event.
Johnson said another issue the committee has taken up is the downtown plan.
Verveer said student feedback was of immense importance.
The committee hopes to hold a meeting with the council Jan. 19 in the Student Activity Center to foster discussion and helpful feedback.
