[media-credit name=’BRYAN FAUST/Herald Photo’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′][/media-credit]Mifflin Street residents and city officials met Monday to discuss issues and concerns regarding Saturday's upcoming annual Mifflin Street Block Party.

Representatives from the Madison Police Department and the Madison Fire Department gathered with a sizeable crowd to communicate expectations from both groups.

"Our No. 1 concern is having a safe day," Madison Police Capt. Mary Schauf said. "The personal injuries don't need to happen."

Schauf and Capt. John Davenport, MPD, spent the majority of the time speaking to students about alcohol policy during the party and situations for possible citations.

"People think they have an automatic waiver to all alcohol ordinances once they get into the Mifflin Street area," she said, "but that is simply not true."

Citations involving people in the street will be issued on the day of the party, Schauf said, noting most students who get in trouble end up getting ticketed, processed and later released.

Additionally, Schauf noted it is still illegal to have open containers of alcohol on public property during the block party, which includes sidewalks, terraces and the street itself.

Also, Schauf emphasized the danger of selling alcohol, whether it is directly or indirectly through donations to residence owners. A city-mandated keg limit also restricts each residence to four kegs.

"Most people don't buy 20 or 30 kegs out of the goodness of their hearts," Schauf said. "You'll get more attention with more alcohol."

Davenport also warned residents to secure any valuables inside their homes, keep track of their party guests and remember to keep their music volume at a courteous level.

Music was a big issue of interest, according to students at the forum. Many raised questions about the consistency of volume standards from police forces, including city and University of Wisconsin police as well as Dane County deputies.

"We just ask that you keep the music reasonable," Schauf said. "We don't want a battle of the bands."

Therefore, an 8 p.m. curfew for outside music will be enforced, as police officers will work to clear the Mifflin area streets around 9 p.m. so city sweepers can clean the streets.

Madison Fire Department Fire Marshal Ed Ruckriegel addressed the department's safety concerns with overcrowding and potential fire hazards.

"Please don't hesitate to call for help," he said. "People know to call, but for whatever reasons, [calls] are always delayed."

Along with an encouragement to residents to remove any combustible material in their area, Ruckriegel noted overcrowding of house parties is always a concern.

From the fire department's perspective, 50 or more people in a house is a hazardous situation, and balconies with more than four people can pose the potential for collapse, as many of the houses are extremely old.

Other regulations Ruckriegel communicated to those at the meeting included a ban on outdoor fires and bonfires and on using a grill closer than 10 feet from the house.

But overall, Davenport said the main goal is to keep the party safe and fun for everyone, adding officers will still be willing to take pictures with students.

"The cops love it and [students] love it," he said, "so you can have your heyday and have it done."

Mifflin Street resident and UW senior Betsy Wanasek said having the meeting was beneficial, as nearly all the meeting attendees were new residents on Mifflin Street.

"It helps build a better relationship with [the police and fire departments] and helps communication," she said. "We're just going to try and keep it as low key as possible."