The Board of Estimates focused their efforts on the presentation and approval of a series of grants geared toward improving Madison’s security and public safety on Monday.
The board authorized the mayor, city clerk and chief of police with the Fiscal Year 2012 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant award in the amount of $109,537. These funds would be aimed at supporting law enforcement initiatives.
A primary initiative utilized through these grants is the availability of new technology to analyze surveillance video more closely, said Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4.
Verveer said similar grants could be used to increase the amount of surveillance cameras in the downtown area. He said this is something he overwhelmingly supports.
Assistant Chief of Police Randy Gaber said the Madison Police Department recently received permission to look for grants to support the installation of additional cameras downtown. He said there has been support from the police department on this matter.
The board additionally addressed the authorization of the mayor and chief of police to accept a grant totaling $16,634 funded by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for the 2012-2013 Pedestrian/Bike Ambassador program.
The Pedestrian/Bike Ambassador program, created by MPD, serves to educate the public about the rules of bicycling. The grant allows program employees to remain employed for a longer period of time.
Verveer said he has gotten complaints of bicyclists riding illegally on sidewalks. Lt. Dave Jugovich of the Madison Police department said the issue of bicycling on sidewalks downtown is particularly acute.
“I have received an unprecedented amount of complaints regarding bicyclists riding illegally on city sidewalks,” Verveer said.
Jugovich said the program is working with Madison Metro to diminish the amount of illegal bicycling by University of Wisconsin students, particularly at the intersection of Park St. and Johnson St. He said the goal is to prioritize public safety.
The board also reviewed additional improvements to various locations around the city. Park Superintendent Kevin Briski said the Madison Parks Division would be focusing its attention on making the intersection of John Nolan Drive and Broom Street safer to cross for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Briski also said that the construction of the skate park is moving forward, set to begin in the spring of 2013. Ald. Joseph Clausius, District 17, said he was very pleased with the progression.
“The sooner, the better with it,” Clausius said of the skate park. “Every community around us has a skateboard park.”
The board then turned to the total capital budget. City Finance Director David Schmidtke said the total proposed capital budget for new projects in 2013 will be $14 million greater than 2012.
Schmidtke said these projects include engineering major streets and storm water projects. He said major projects in the future include the $20 million Madison Municipal Building renovation and re-construction of Monroe Street. Both of these projects are city-funded, he added.
The Board of Estimates will continue with the executive capital budget on Tuesday. A public hearing form the council will take place Sept. 18 and voting on amendments will occur Sept. 24.
