First Quarter 2024
First Quarter 2024
Happy New Year everyone!
I hope everyone had a wonderful, relaxing holiday with family and friends. And now it’s back to work!
ReadyFest 2024
Our first event of the year will be the fourth annual ReadyFest event. You can read more about the event here ReadyFest. This is one of my favorite events of the year and is such a benefit to our community. My many thanks to Steve Perry, our City Emergency Manager and Battalion Chief and his team for organizing this popular event!
Madison Civic Awareness Academy
The City of Madison launches their inaugural Civic Awareness Academy this Spring. The program is currently taking applications. Apply today!
The Madison Civic Awareness Academy, held every Spring and Fall, will be an engaging 6-week discovery program for Madison residents that provides participants with an in-depth look at the City of Madison. Participants will be given an insider’s view into the roles of municipal government, city operations, programs, departments and services, emerging issues, and volunteer opportunities. Participants will be encouraged to share their thoughts and discuss concerns during the round-robin part of each session.
The academy may include guest speakers, classroom instruction, civic simulations, class discussion/ engagement activities and facility tours within the City of Madison. Sessions will be conducted in-person.
Scheduled Spring 2024 Dates:
Orientation: March 21st 5:30pm-7pm
March 28th 5:30pm-8pm
April 4th 5:30pm-8pm
April 11th 5:30pm-8pm
April 18th 5:30pm-8pm
April 25th 5:30pm-8pm
May 2nd 5:30pm-8pm
Graduation: May 13th 6pm
More information can be found here
CIP Update
At the January Work Session, Mayor Finley provided an update to our CIP (Capital Improvement Project) list. You can see the presentation here: CapitalImprovementProject. Also at the same work session it was decided we would move forward with a new animal shelter for our Madison Police Department and residents. You can see the location in the very first slide of the CIP presentation. I am very grateful to Mayor Finley and the Madison City Council for beginning the steps to achieving this goal. A very special thanks also to Steve Smith, City Adminstrator, Gerald Smith, Director of Facilities and Chief Gandy, MPD for their support.
Mayor Finley Updates
December 30th to January 7th
Happy New Year!
2023 was a fantastic year for the City of Madison, and I can’t wait to see what 2024 holds for our city. Here are a few of the highlights from last week.
- IT received 47 work orders this week, as well as multiple calls and in-person requests. IT is also working with the Recreation Department on implementing RecTrac at the City Wellness Center, transitioning from the previous software that was used for visitor check-in.
- Our Recreation team is working on their city-wide plan for facility usage that will include the Wellness Center and our Community Center. We expect this to take a few more weeks before it can be brought before City Council for approval.
- Madison’s Civic Awareness Academy is taking shape. I will discuss more details of the program at the upcoming City Council meeting Monday night and if approved will announce that the application process will open January 29, 2024. This Academy will be led by Economic and Community Affairs Officer Traci Gillespie and most likely will start in mid-March.
- We will hold a ribbon cutting for our Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station 1 Wednesday, Jan 10. This project is led by Kid’s to Love and Madison will be the first city to implement a station.
- Our sales tax collected in November 2023 increased by 10.15% compared to November 2022. Additionally, the year-to-date collections are up 11% as compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year.
- The Leave Conversion program approved by City Council in November was a huge success, with a total of 126 employees requested conversions, most coming from Fire (40) and Police (46).
- Our Facilities and Grounds team completed 43 work orders during the week, including multiple electrical issues at Fire Stations 1, 2, and 4.
- Our Court team shared that they opened 197 cases, closed 95 cases, and issued 21 warrants during the week.
- Our Madison Police team shared that they responded to 1125 calls for service, made 37 arrests, issued 114 citations, and gave 186 warnings during the week.
- Madison Fire and Rescue responded to 121 incidents last week, 100 of which were EMS related.
- Our Public Works team poured 100’ of sidewalk and framed 200 more feet on the Lime Quarry Road sidewalk project. They also installed parking stops at Kid’s Kingdom and worked on the driveway expansion at Sunshine Oake
- MARS completed 127 trips and Dublin had 707 member/walk ins during the week.
- Our Woman’s Basketball League registration has opened and our Fall Pickleball league is in full swing.
As I close and we roll into 2024 let’s please keep our Mission Statement in mind.
The City of Madison’s mission is to provide excellent service through the responsible use of public resources, enhancing the quality of life for our residents.
Thanks to each of you for all that you do, and that you will do, to help make this a reality.
Respectfully,
Mayor Finley
January 8th to 14th
Happy Rainy Friday Afternoon,
It has been a rainy beginning and ending of the week, and a cold snap is headed here next week. Welcome to January weather in North Alabama.
Our team had a very busy week, here are just a few of the highlights.
- Thanks to our Public Works team for their proactiveness in cleaning our drains and ditches before the storms.
- Along with City Clerk Lisa Thomas I met with representatives of Madison City Schools and Limestone County officials to investigate the possibility of using a portion of James Clemens High School for our 2024 Limestone County voting precinct. Our school officials are looking at all student and safety aspects and we hope to have an answer as early as next week.
- We were proud to have the ribbon cutting for Alabama’s first ever Baby Box at Fire Station 1. Chief and team were 100% on board with supporting this project, giving another option and anonymity for mothers unable or unwilling to keep their newborn baby.
- The Mayor’s Office unveiled the Civic Awareness Academy, a six-week program focused on inspiring positive change through community engagement and involvement. Classes will be limited to 30 participants and start in mid-March with applications being taken starting January 29th.
- Our Court team shared that they opened 171 cases, closed 138 cases, and issued 24 warrants during the week.
- IT received 80 work orders this week, as well as multiple calls and in-person requests. In addition, IT has been working with Comcast setting up new fiber point-to-point circuits at eight city locations.
- Our Fire Marshall’s office shared that they conducted 30 annual fire inspections (bringing their total to 672 in FY24) and they permitted 25 new construction inspections (bringing their total to 186 in FY24) this week.
- Madison Fire and Rescue responded to 133 incidents, 109 of which were EMS related this week.
- Our Recreation team worked with Fantasy Playhouse to support Fridays with Fantasy in Madison. It will be a summer program housed at Dublin Park…..more information to follow.
- Our Senior Center had 975 event sign ins, served 280 meals, and had 1339 hours of programs/activities this week.
- MARS completed 182 trips this week and Dublin had 769 visitors.
- Our Madison Police team responded to 1221 calls for service, made 54 arrests, issued 93 citations, and gave 147 warnings last week.
- Officer Shannon DeFazio and Sgt. Ralph Dawe spoke at Rainbow Elementary School’s Truth about Drugs and Alcohol graduation for 5th graders last week.
- Rain kept our Facilities and Grounds team busy, with roof leaks at City Hall, the Wellness Center, Fire Station 3, and Building 23-A. In addition, the team completed 32 work order requests.
- The Public Works CIP team built another 100’ of sidewalk on Lime Quarry Road and they continue to make progress on the driveway widening at Sunshine Oaks.
- This week included Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. HR led a thank you celebration that included yes, donuts and coffee. A huge thank you to our men and women in blue!
As I close, I again want to thank you for another incredible week in the city of Madison.
Have a great weekend and Martin Luthur King Day, we will see you Tuesday!
Respectfully,
Mayor Finley
January 12th to 26th
Happy Friday,
As I think back over the last two weeks, I recognize they have included rain, sleet, ice, cold, rain again, overcast skies, heavy rain, and today, sunshine! Welcome to January in Alabama!
Our City of Madison team worked diligently throughout our week of ice to support our city and I am so proud of our efforts. Public works, police, fire, facilities and grounds, court, communications, and multiple others did everything they could including pretreating roads to support our community as expected snow instead came in the form of ice. Our after-event assessment will provide us with additional ways we can prepare and improve our support as we know in Alabama, we will see this again.
So, once we got back into our full swing a lot happened this week. Here are a few of the highlights.
- Within two weeks of our ribbon cutting for our Safe Haven Baby Box at Fire Station 1 a baby was dropped off by a courageous mother. Immediately our team opened our side of the door, and the baby became “ours.” Our team verified the baby’s health, transported the baby to Madison Hospital, and with a couple of days the baby is now with an adoptive forever family. What an incredible success story.
- We held a City Council work session Wednesday and discussed our CIP projects, our Fund 38 projects, and we received an update on our 565/Town Madison ramps. This PPT has been uploaded to our website.
- A joint effort by our HR and City Clerk teams helped to clean out and destroy 59 old HR records boxes and our HR and facilities teams cleaned out removed/donated numerous old seasonal decorations.
- Facilities and Grounds finalized our new public safety annex plans, repaired parking lights at the Wellness Center, fixed roof leaks (Senior Center, City Hall, and Palmer Park), and completed 27 other work order requests throughout the week.
- Our Building team shared that they created 112 permits, issued 128 permits, and the inspection division performed 257 inspections during the week. Also, we would like to welcome Doug Varella to our Building Inspection team!
- Code Enforcement performed 31 inspections/re-inspections, created 9 new cases and removed 21 signs out of the right of way.
- Recreation will be meeting with an adjuster from AMIC concerning the wind damaged backstops at our WESTCO fields. This will help us define next steps.
- MARS completed 193 trips this week and Dublin had 536 visits.
- Our Court team shared that they opened 193 cases, closed 263 cases, and issued 3 warrants during the week.
- Our Madison Police team shared that they responded to 2036 calls for service, made 57 arrests, issued 142 citations, and gave 167 warnings during the week.
- MPD also added two dispatchers to our team, welcome Daniel Lash and Brady Rublee.
- Madison Fire and Rescue shared that they responded to 144 incidents during the week, 106 of which were EMS related.
- Our Community Risk Reduction team started their 1st session with 3rd graders.
- IT received 60 work orders this week, as well as multiple calls and in-person requests.
- Comcast completed all 8 point-to-point circuits this week, and we hope to have the city running on these new circuits in the next 30 days.
- Our Public Works team worked throughout the week to clean up after the ice storm. They then work mid-week to support the city throughout the rain.
Thanks to each of you for your continued focus on our city. Madison is a great place to live, and I am proud to be your Mayor. Enjoy your weekend!
Respectfully,
Mayor Finley
Work Session Update January 24, 2024
CIP FUND 38 PROJECT UPDATES
Eddie Lobdell, PE Associate Vice President of AECOM presented a slide show
presentation of the City of Madison Interchange on I-565
Phase 2 of the Interchange to access the Town Madison development on I-565
Let to construction – August 17, 2022
Successful contractor – McInnis Construction LLC/Miller & Miller Inc. JV
Contract amount – $37,299,751
Duration – 724 calendar days
NTP – January 12, 2023
Anticipated completion – January 2025 – Project is running on time
Liquidated damages (3k/day)
Approximately 50% complete (time – 12 months and 18.7M amount paid to date)
o Several photos were shown of the different ramps that are both completed
and under construction
o The steel structure of the bridge was explained how it will be constructed and
the different phases it will be done in
Critical Path Items – Next Six Months
Traffic shifts – next weeks to 10days
Median work
Lighting installation
Ramp C & D steel bridge construction and detour (Spring)
Bridge decks
Signage
Finish paving
Council Member Seifert questioned the margin of safety on the steel beam. Mr.
Lobdell explained that in design, his company always has a margin of safety from 1.5 to 2.
Mayor Finley presented a slideshow of the Capital Improvement Project updates. He
started by thanking Communication and External Affairs Officer Samantha Magnuson for her
hard work in putting the slideshow presentation together with such little time due to the ice
storm. He also thanked everyone else who provided the data necessary to assist with the
presentation.
Celtic Drive Fire Station
Budget – $250k
Spent to date – $0
Project balance – $252,941 (due to interest accruing)
Cash in bank – $252,941
Celtic Drive Complex
Installation of storage racks (racks will be going in this week)
o Christmas inventory
o Toyota Field inventory
o Library inventory
o Archived files
Determine Animal Control Building next steps
o Estimated cost of complete facility – $100k-$175k
o Sullivan St Old Fire Station complex appraised at $350k
o Request Council approval to sell Sullivan property and to engage architect to
design Animal Control building
Mayor Finley explained Facilities Director Gerald Smith will head the Animal Control
project and at this point they can only estimate the costs without the help of an architect
until one is hired.
Community Center
Budget – $11,205,460
Spent to date – $6,639,117
Project balance – $4,566,343
Appropriated cash still in the bank – $747,300
MVP Fundraised to date (including pledges) – $1,100,000
Madison County Donation (pending Commission vote) – $1,000,000
Cash needed to complete – $1,719,043
HWY 72 cash available if needed – $3,280,000 currently in bank
Mayor Finley explained that the Community Center is about 55% complete and has an
estimated completion date of August 2024. The City has made solid progress on owner
supplied equipment and furniture. The City was able to move the pool table and kitchen
equipment from the Senior Center over. There was a surplus of furniture from the Hexagon
facility that was moved over to use as well as gym equipment. Additional parking will be
available on the Bradford Creek Greenway connection in late Spring of 2024.
Fire Station 4 Town Madison and Hexagon – Building Only
Budget – $4,738,000
Spent to date – $0
Project balance – $4,738,000
Cash in bank – $4,865,692
Mayor Finley showed a map of the layout of the project. Facilities Director Gerald
Smith would like to bid this project in March of 2024 and estimates 8-10 months to complete
the office side of the project, and 14-18 months to complete the Fire Station.
Hexagon – Adult Sports Complex (including pickleball, baseball and softball fields)
Budget – $1,000,000
Spent to date – $519,360
Project balance – $480,640
Cash in bank – $501,250
Mayor Finley further explained that the field lights, which have been approved, will be
completed in March of 2024, the softball fencing replacement will be completed in March as
well. The solar lights on the pathway from the Public Safety annex to the courts will be
completed in the Summer of 2024.
Mayor Finley provided an update on the Hardiman roundabout. The project has been
budgeted and is about 65% complete. The Developer is responsible for the construction of it
and the City is paying monthly reimbursements to the developer.
Huntsville Brownsferry & Burgreen Roundabout
Budget – $1,840,000
Spent to date – $0
Project balance – $1,840,000
Cash in bank – $1,861,647
Mayor Finley detailed that the project is currently in the design phase, at 85%
complete. The goal is to bid by March 2024 and to begin construction by Summer 2024.
Hughes & Portal/Mill Signal Upgrade
Budget – $500,000
Spent to date – $0
Project balance – $500,000
Cash in bank – $505,882
Mayor Finley explained that this project is currently 60% complete and will add a lot
of pedestrian safety functions that will make that intersection safe.
Mill Road Erosion Mitigation
Budget – $3,000,000
Spent to date – $48,500
Project balance – $2,951,500
Cash in bank – $3,035,295
Pumphouse Road – Storm Pipe/Transmission Main Project (Gillespie Road)
Budget – $680,000
Spent to date – $0
Project balance – $680,000
Cash in bank – $688,000
Mayor Finley explained Pumphouse Road is East of Wall Triana and Gillespie and is a
joint Madison Utilities/City of Madison project that helps Madison Utilities with their
transmission of drinking water and helps us with areas in the city that are being flooded. The
original bid came in too high, so Madison Utilities will make some adjustments and it will be
re-bid.
Royal Drive Construction Project
Budget – $1,500,000
Spent to date – $0
Project balance – $1,500,000
Cash in bank – $1,543,623
Mayor Finley detailed that they do anticipate the cost to be higher, but they wanted
to get that money in to start. He showed an arial view of the area to give a better picture of
the project. This East-West connector will help not only citizens, but the schools in an
effective way. He further explained the two phases that will take place during this project.
This is a partnership with the Developer on Economic Development, they will construct it and
we will reimburse. Construction has not yet started, but we continue to have discussions with
Madison City Schools for complete connection to Westchester.
Royal Drive Signal
Budget – $560,000
Spent to date – $26,875
Project balance – $533,125
Cash in bank – $535,000
Sunshine Oaks – Phase 1
Budget – $550,000
Spent to date – $34,560
Project balance – $515,440
Cash in bank – $529,856
Mayor Finley presented a slide of the plans for this project and went over each area of the
plans in detail. He explained that Public Works is in the process of widening the entrance and
building the parking lot. The barn conversion, addition of pavilions, bathrooms and
playground are to be completed by April 2024. Disc Golf is 95% complete. Council Member Wroblewski questioned if the barn will be used for storage and Mayor Finley said that part of
the barn will be and to bring equipment in and out.
Wall Triana & Gillespie Signal
Budget – $550,000
Spent to date – $0
Project balance – $550,000
Cash in bank – $556,471
Wayfinding
Budget – $300,000
Spent to date – $0
Project balance – $300,000
Cash in bank – $314,587
o Due to increased costs, we will need to phase project
o Phase 1 – bids opened January 23; low bid – $292,123
Award bid for Phase 1 at February 12 th meeting
First phase promotes downtown with 27 sign distributed throughout
the city
Estimated completion within six months
o Phase 2 – Requests for FY 25 budget – $400,000
o Phase 3 – Request for FY 26 budget – $400,000
Mayor Finley closed his presentation with a graph of the Toyota Field Revenue for
- The total for the calendar year was $3,437,691.01 and the Bond payment was
$3,138,302.00. He also clarified that Ball Corp. is up to date on all bills.
Council Member Seifert asked the question if the funds from selling the Fire Station
will be used to build the Celtic Drive Complex and the surplus who go somewhere else.
Mayor Finley responded by saying that is his suggestion. Mr. Seifert asked how confident we
are in knowing exactly what our inventory is and where it is. Mayor Finley answered saying he
is comfortable in knowing where the files are.
WANN HOUSE
Director of Development Services Mary Beth Broeren gave an update on the 1.4 acres
Farley-Wann House property. She stated the biggest interest in this home is that it’s one of
the oldest homes in Madison. The City has had the house cleaned out and while doing so,
they found some historical documents. Architects have walked through the home and have
drawn up some potential plans. Ms. Broeren believes it should be simple from a floorplan
standpoint to convert the home into a museum. Ms. Broeren shared a slide of the Master Site
Plan for the home, which has been reviewed by City Staff and the Historic Preservation
Commission. She asked Council if they would like to move forward with this project. Council
Member Powell questioned if the Structural Engineers physically walked through the home,
and Ms. Broeren assured him that they did. Mr. Powell expressed his concerns over the
potential problems that may be uncovered because of the age and complexity of the project.
Council Member Wroblewski mentioned possibly using the Council Special Project funds for
some of the smaller areas of the project.
ADJOURNMENT
Having no further business to discuss, the work session adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
January 26 – February 11
We have had a couple of full weeks of activity with a lot going on….here are a few of the highlights.
- The Mayor’s office welcomed Deidra Brisco to our team this week, filling our second Communications and External Affairs position. Welcome Deidra!
- Registration continues for the inaugural Spring 2024 session of Madison’s Civic Awareness Academy. We hope to have a full class of 30 and citizens can sign up at Civic Aawreness Academy
- A couple of months ago we started a “Handle With Care” program where first responders let school officials know when a student might need additional support due to a traumatic incident at home (which is generically shared). Last week one of the schools sent a note to our team praising the program and letting us know the positive impact that resulted. I am proud of our team for continuing to look for programs like this that enhance our community.
- Our Facilities and Grounds team was busy during the two weeks installing pallet racks at Celtic Drive, plumbing repairs to Fire Stations 2 and 3, a stove repair at Fire Station 3, fixing roof and wall leaks at City Hall, and fixing water pressure issues at Palmer Park. They also met with architects for our Public Safety annex, budgetary pricing for Toyota Field and our animal control building, and completed 49 other work orders.
- Our Building team shared that they created 263 permits, issued 234 permits, and the inspection team performed 808 inspections during the two weeks.
- Code Enforcement performed 83 inspections/re-inspections, created 22 new cases, and removed 106 signs out of the right of way during the two weeks.
- Our Court team shared that they opened 338 cases, closed 303 cases, and issued 125 warrants during the two weeks. Thanks to the entire Court team…we know the ice storm created a ton of extra rescheduling!
- I attended the Redstone Community Lunch this week. The work force on Redstone is over 45,000 and has a $30.8 billion economic impact on Alabama. The FBI also shared that their workforce has topped 2000 on Redstone, and it is headed to 2400 by the end of the year. Also, their training programs continue to grow rapidly, bringing many hotel room visits to our area.
- Madison Fire and Rescue responded to 257 incidents, 206 of which were EMS related during the two weeks.
- Our Madison Fire and Rescue Community Relations team was also busy delivering Fire Safety Lesson 2 to 16 3rd grade classes totaling 321 students.
- We have completed 791 annual fire safety inspections and permitted 208 new construction inspections in FY24.
- IT received 196 work orders during the two weeks, as well as multiple calls and in-person requests.
- We still have not received a response from AMIC concerning the backstop claim at the Westco Complex in Palmer Park. Staff reached out to our claims representative to push the process forward again.
- Two additional shade structures were added to the Kids Kingdom playground last week and it is now back open.
- The total sales tax collected in January 2024 increased by 7.09% compared to January 2023. Additionally, the year-to-date collections are up by 9.88% as compared to last year.
- A big shout out to our HR team for a very strong hiring week, especially for Recreation!
- The lights at the Hexagon Ball fields have been installed and are now operational. The fence contractor is expected to begin work next week removing the old fencing and installing the new fence.
- MARS completed 194 trips this week. Dublin had 461 membership visits and 315 walk-in visits last week. The Wellness Center had a total of 276 visits last week.
- Madison Police responded to 2167 calls for service, made 61 arrests, issued 181 citations, and gave 199 warnings during the two weeks.
Thanks again to our HR team for leading our Potluck Super Bowl lunch Wednesday. And thanks to each of you for your continued focus on our employees and community. I am proud to be your Mayor and proud of what we continue to accomplish together….stay dry and enjoy your weekend!
Respectfully,
Mayor Finley
February 11-18
Happy President’s Day!
I hope everyone has enjoyed their long weekend. Our team accomplished a lot last week….here are just a few of the highlights.
- IT received 152 work orders last week, as well as multiple calls and in-person requests.
- Our Building team shared that they created 107 permits, issued 118 permits, and the inspection division performed 380 inspections during the week.
- Code Enforcement performed 31 inspections/re-inspections, created 9 new cases, and removed 21 signs out of the right of way during the week.
- IT has successfully migrated the city’s wellness center network to the city’s network. This allows for centralized management of the wellness center’s network and computers.
- Our Facilities and Grounds team shared that they repaired plumbing at Dublin Park and Fire Station 2, finished installing pallet racks at the Celtic facility, met with architects to discuss Toyota Field, the Public Safety Annex, and the Animal Shelter, and addressed 28 additional work orders during the week.
- Our Public Works team spent a great deal of time before and after the storms cleaning out ditches. They also continue to work to fill potholes from our winter weather.
- Madison Police responded to 1036 calls for service, made 36 arrests, issued 71 citations, and gave 72 warnings during the week.
- 36 trees are planned to be planted near the Kids Kingdom playground in Dublin Park next week weather permitting. These trees are between 6-10 foot tall and are conducive to the North Alabama climate.
- A surveillance system was installed at the Kids Kingdom playground this week.
- Our Court team shared that they opened 121 cases, closed 138 cases, and issued 71 warrants during the week.
- Our Fire Marshall’s office completed 45 annual fire inspections (871 for FY24) and permitted 21 new construction inspections (241 in FY24) during the week.
- Our Community Risk Reduction team delivered Fire Safety lesson 2 to 16 classrooms (334 3rd graders) during the week.
- Madison Fire and Rescue responded to 144 incidents during the week, 122 of which were EMS related.
- MARS completed 192 trips this week and Dublin Park had 899 visits.
Thanks to each of you for your continued focus on Madison. Looking forward to another great week!
Respectfully,
Mayor Finley
February 26th to March 10th
Happy Saturday!
Our City of Madison team has been incredibly busy during the last two weeks, here are just a few of our highlights.
- The Madison Chamber of Commerce and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber cohosted a trip to Montgomery to present their state agendas to lawmakers, with over 125 attendees from our area in attendance. Traci Gillespie, Council member Connie Spears, and I attended the sessions where we were briefed by Governor Kay Ivey, Sen. Arthur Orr, Rep. Rex Reynolds, Sen. Steve Livingston, Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, Rep. Anthony Daniels, and BCA Executive Vice President Clay Scofield. Key topics of discussion included School Choice, IVF, Gaming and Lottery and Workforce Development. The Alabama Legislature wrapped up its 15th day yesterday, reaching the halfway point of their 30-day Regular Session.
- Our 2023-2024 Youth Basketball season wrapped up last week. 81 teams played 362 regular season and 60 tournament games for a total of over 1000 hours of play at multiple gyms, most of which were Madison City School gyms. We continue to have a great partnership with our schools and our Recreation team did another fantastic job of managing our season!
- Our Revenue team shared that the total sales tax collected in January 2024 increased by 0.33% compared to January 2023, and the year-to-date collections are up by 8.08% compared to last year at this time. There is no question our January ice storm had an impact on our overall numbers.
- Our Public Works team is down to 18 open active work orders, knocking our multiple sidewalk repairs, pothole repairs, drainage ditch and drain clean outs, and tree trimming requests throughout the two weeks.
- Our Building and Grounds team completed 67 work orders during the two weeks including resealing windows at City Hall and the Wellness Center, electrical, overhead door, gas stove, and water leaks at Fire Station 1, and plumbing issues at Dublin Park.
- Our Building team shared that permitting created 148 permits, issued 173 permits, and the inspection division performed 392 inspections during the week.
- Code Enforcement performed 24 inspections/re-inspections, created 13 new cases, and removed 41 signs out of the right of way.
- Our Madison Police shared that they responded to 2575 calls for service, made 89 arrests, issued 205 citations, and gave 280 warnings during the two weeks.
- Congratulations to Officers Weston Taets and Tanner Ward for their promotion to Lieutenant effective April 1st.
- Madison Fire and Rescue responded to 224 incidents during the two weeks, 180 of which were EMS related.
- Congratulations to Firefighters Chris Joye and Cody White for their promotion to Driver.
- Our Recreation staff opened the Ashley Gate at Dublin Park, allowing traffic a second entrance/exit for Dublin.
- Our Community Risk reduction team continues to administer lessons to 3rd grade classes, and they also conducted a “Stop the Bleed” class to 45 students at JCHS.
- IT received 175 work orders as well as multiple calls and in-person requests during the two weeks.
- IT has setup a notification system in NWS that will now alert the Building department via email whenever contractors upload documents and payments that are made through the city’s online portal, improving our city response time.
- Our Court team shared that they opened 445 cases, closed 343 cases, and issued 99 warrants during the two weeks.
- The contractor has begun the installation of the backstop fencing at the Westco Softball complex in Palmer Park, with an estimated March 18th completion date.
- Aquatics hosted an Infant Safety Resource class at Dublin Park for 28 participants, teaching two-year-olds how to float to prevent drowning.
- MARS completed 358 trips during the two weeks.
- Dublin had 722 visits and the Wellness Center had 260 visits last week.
- Our Senior Center gained 34 new members in February, and they had 789 event sign ups and served 310 meals.
- Read Across America was held this week, with multiple city employees supporting this program. I had the honor of reading to Mrs. Lund’s Kindergarten class at Midtown Elementary School. Thanks to everyone who participated.
- Our Beautification and Tree Board gave out winning certificates for the Arbor Day Poster Contest to 5th graders from each Elementary School at our February 26th Council meeting.
- Steve Smith and I met with multiple Department Heads concerning our mid-year budget. We are now in the final stages of finalizing our modifications with Roger Bellomy in Finance, and this will then go to our City Council Finance Committee for their review.
After spending time in Montgomery this week with our Chambers and their members I am incredible proud of what our City of Madison team continues to accomplish. We received multiple “kudos” from them and our State Legislators for all that we are doing for our community. Thanks to each of you for your focus and dedication, it is not being taken for granted and the City of Madison continues to shine.
Let’s enjoy another great week!
Proud to be your Mayor!
Respectfully,
Mayor Finley
March 17-24
Happy Sunday Morning,
I hope you have enjoyed your weekend and that your NCAA Bracket is still “in the running”. It was great to see so many entries and although Auburn and Kentucky took the Easter route and “laid eggs”, Alabama and Tennessee are still going strong.
Our City of Madison team stayed busy throughout the week, here are just a few of the highlights.
- The Planning Commission approved a new elementary school that will be constructed between Burgreen and Segers Roads. The School District anticipates starting the project this summer and opening for the 2026-2027 school year. The roundabout currently under construction at Hardiman and Madison Branch Boulevard is being installed in preparation for future school traffic.
- We kicked off our Spring 2024 Civic Awareness Academy with a full class of 30 participants. Led by Economic and External Officer Traci Gillespie the class will now enjoy six weeks of interaction with our various city departments.
- Our Facilities and Grounds crew focused on City Hall, cleaning out gutters, fixing plumbing, electrical and HVAC issues. They also took care of 22 additional work orders.
- Our Madison Fire Community Risk Reduction team has now completed all 3rd grade workbook classes.
- Madison Fire and Rescue shared that they responded to 122 incidents, 103 of which were EMS related during the week.
- Madison Police responded to 1222 calls for service, made 36 arrests, issued 78 citations, and gave 117 warnings during the week.
- Several city departments met to discuss the upcoming I-565 nightly shutdowns to put the “fly-over” beams in place for the Town Madison Interchange. Traffic will be re-routed to Madison Blvd during these times.
- Our Recreation team shared that MARS completed 168 trips this week, while Dublin had 728 member and paid visits.
- The Senior Center has added 39 new members in March and there were 1456 activity sign-ins last week.
- Our Court team shared that they opened 176 cases, closed 146, and issued 86 warrants during the week.
- IT received 67 work orders this week, as well as multiple calls and in-person requests.
- The FY24 mid-year budget has now been passed on to the full council. A work session is now scheduled to discuss this and the Toyota Field improvements.
- Along with Mayor Battle I traveled to Montgomery to speak to our Legislators concerning multiple bills that would impact Madison residents.
Thanks for everything that you do to help make Madison a great city to live, work, and play. Let’s have a fantastic week!
Respectfully,
Mayor Finley
March 17th to 24th
Our City of Madison team stayed busy throughout the week, here are just a few of the highlights.
- The Planning Commission approved a new elementary school that will be constructed between Burgreen and Segers Roads. The School District anticipates starting the project this summer and opening for the 2026-2027 school year. The roundabout currently under construction at Hardiman and Madison Branch Boulevard is being installed in preparation for future school traffic.
- We kicked off our Spring 2024 Civic Awareness Academy with a full class of 30 participants. Led by Economic and External Officer Traci Gillespie the class will now enjoy six weeks of interaction with our various city departments.
- Our Facilities and Grounds crew focused on City Hall, cleaning out gutters, fixing plumbing, electrical and HVAC issues. They also took care of 22 additional work orders.
- Our Madison Fire Community Risk Reduction team has now completed all 3rd grade workbook classes.
- Madison Fire and Rescue shared that they responded to 122 incidents, 103 of which were EMS related during the week.
- Madison Police responded to 1222 calls for service, made 36 arrests, issued 78 citations, and gave 117 warnings during the week.
- Several city departments met to discuss the upcoming I-565 nightly shutdowns to put the “fly-over” beams in place for the Town Madison Interchange. Traffic will be re-routed to Madison Blvd during these times.
- Our Recreation team shared that MARS completed 168 trips this week, while Dublin had 728 member and paid visits.
- The Senior Center has added 39 new members in March and there were 1456 activity sign-ins last week.
- Our Court team shared that they opened 176 cases, closed 146, and issued 86 warrants during the week.
- IT received 67 work orders this week, as well as multiple calls and in-person requests.
- The FY24 mid-year budget has now been passed on to the full council. A work session is now scheduled to discuss this and the Toyota Field improvements.
- Along with Mayor Battle and I having traveled to Montgomery to speak to our Legislators concerning multiple bills that would impact Madison residents.
Thanks for everything that you do to help make Madison a great city to live, work, and play. Let’s have a fantastic week!
Respectfully,
Mayor Finley
Board of Education Interviews
Board of Education Interviews
Interview for the City of Madison Board of Education will be conducted on March 27, 2024, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. Candidates being considered for appointment to the City of Madison Board of Education:
1. Tommy Overcash
2. Dr. Flo Behn
3. Katiya McKinney
4. Laura Harper
5. Grant Carodine
The interviews will be open to the public however to avoid distraction during the interview process, doors to the interview room will be closed once an interview begins and those wishing to attend may only enter at the beginning or exit at the conclusion of each interview. No questions from the public will be permitted.
Mayor Finley
ALDI
I am very excited to share that Madison will have it’s first ALDI! Here is the report: ALDI It will be south of Highway 20 at the intersection of Hughes and Highway 20/Madison Blvd.
In Closing
As always, I will be updating this blog every couple of weeks. Please check back during the the first quarter of 2024 for new information. You can also provide your email address in the box below for a subscription and be notified when the blog is updated I can be reached at Email Maura or 256.337.2408. Thank you again for your continued support!