Guests: Carren Corcoran, Jerry Johnson, Madison Police Department

1. Brief announcements:

   Char Thompson has prepared a flyer about the Friends organization (organization, contacts, path user guidelines. Char can provide copies (231 2445).

   After consideration the City has forbidden private trucks or other heavy construction equipment on the Path.

   Following discussion at the last meeting, a letter has been sent to the City expressing non-objection to the sign that Westmorland neighborhood association will place at the east entrance to the Path at Odana Road.

   The UW Morgridge Center is seeking volunteers for student projects this fall; Laura Brown and Sue Reindollar have been in contact.

   Native plant seeds may be obtained/collected now; contact Laura Brown for information (274 9367).

2. Officers Carren Corcoran and Jerry Johnson met with the Friends to explain police organization for the Path. They are the two officers assigned to the Allied-Dunns Marsh area as community officers. They keep an eye on the Path in their area on a regular basis (including on bicycles). Contrary to a recent article in The Capital Times there have been almost no reported problems with the Path in the Allied neighborhood. Looking back several years, in fact, the situation in the area which is now the Path has improved significantly with clearing of brushy vegetation and new lighting. They cooperate with the Fitchburg police officer assigned to the area, Shannon Morgan. Members present agreed that it is important to counter the climate of fear reported in The Capital Times which could discourage use of the Path. Many are regular users of the Path and have had no problems. Members cited the initiatives already in progress to develop Allied neighborhood participation in the Friends of the Path. Corcoran and Johnson emphasized that it is important that if there ARE incidents, large or small, they should be reported; call them at 288 6150. Their office is at 4717 Jenewein Road, No. 1.

3. Tony Fernandez presented the City Engineering Division's proposed policies on "private encroachments" on the Path right-of-way. The City has a responsibility to preserve the public right-of-way making possible potential future transportation uses. Fences and other structures allowed in the right-of-way could be used to call public ownership in to question at a later date. Also, City attorneys are anxious that the City not be exposed to possible liability suits involving injuries on structures. Fernandez said these concerns were balanced by concern not to unnecessarily inconvenience abutting neighbors, who were assured during the planning and construction phases that the City would not unnecessarily clear encroachments. The Engineering Division has drafted Administrative Procedures that will forbid ANY new fences on public land along the Path, retroactive to the City's acceptance of responsibility for the right-of-way on April 1, 2000. Fences in existence before that time are likely to be permitted to remain indefinitely but letters will be sent to owners affirming public ownership. Because the State, not the City, retains formal ownership of the right-of-way payments in lieu of property tax will not be required. A proposal that this "grandfathering" of fences be non-transferable so that eventually there is equality among abutting neighbors is under consideration. Because of liability concerns playground equipment on public land will be required to be removed. Private stairways will be strongly discouraged. Requests for special permits for stairs will be considered, but owners would be responsible for insurance indemnifying the City, and stairs would have to comply with City Codes. New sheds, gazebos, or other structures will also be forbidden, but ones in existence before April 1, 2000 are likely to be permitted, once again with a fomal letter of notification on record. These Engineering Division administrative procedures will provide for appeal to the City Engineer (Larry Nelson) but not beyond. The three Alders whose districts touch on the Path have given support. Lively discussion followed, with some members more concerned for the interests of abutting neighbors, and some for the more general public interest. While the basic lines of the administrative procedures are unlikely to change, in Fernandez's opinion, the Division welcomes comment and suggestions. These may be directed to Fernandez at afernandez@ci.madison.wi.us and will be shared with Larry Nelson and other engineering staff. Fernandez will be happy to provide interested persons with a copy of the draft administrative procedures.

4. Cami Peterson, Chair of the Dudgeon-Monroe Neighborhood Association Parks Committee outlined a plan she is formulating for amenities in Glenwood Children's Park next to the Path (close to the drinking fountain, on the Glenway Street side). These would include an informational kiosk, a bench, a bike rack, an Glenway park sign. DMNA has already raised some funds, and MG&E has given a grant to assist. She is writing to the City Parks department to see what assistance the City can provide. Discussion was very supportive. It was suggested that a map be provided showing where the Path goes and (probably) its connections to other bike paths (Capital City, Military Ridge, etc.). Archie Nicoletti of City Planning could help with this. We need more information on City policies regarding benches (placement and cost). The question of an access to the Path through the OTHER side of the park was raised. The present Parks director might be more amenable than the past one to such support for the Path.

5. Mark Shahan agreed to organize and lead the next meeting of the Friends. This is scheduled for Tuesday, October 16, 7-9 p.m. in the Dudgeon Center commons room. Among other agenda this meeting should reconsider the organization of the Friends group, including officers, treasury, and taking collective positions on issues.

6. Final announcements:

   John Schmitz reported that there will be a volunteer effort at the Path crossing at Commonwealth to assist Blessed Sacrement students to cross and to educate drivers about the crossing there. Also, Schmitz would like to lead a volunteer effort to clean up trash near the MG&E station across from Glenwood Children's Park. Interested persons should contact him at john.Schmitz@doit.wisc.edu. Laura Brown would like to plant vines to discourage graffiti at the access ramps. Tony Fernandez indicated the correct procedure would be to check with nearby owners first, then City engineering (he can be the contact).

Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Notes by Paul Beckett

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