FAQ

PHF HOA general information

 

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City of Madison Information

Links to various City of Madison information websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

City of Madison Website

Madison Streets and Recycling

Madison Seasonal Info

Madison City Ordinances

Madison School District

Olson Elementary School

Toki Middle School

Memorial High School

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Spring is here!Here are some handy Madison links and general information:

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City of Madison
Frequently Asked Questions

https://www.cityofmadison.com/Council/councilMembers/FAQ.cfm

City of Madison

Alcohol

Q: There are people drinking in our neighborhood park/on my street.

  • Contact: In case of an emergency, 9-1-1
  • In case of a non-emergency, call Madison Police Department dispatch, 255-2345
  • You may wish to contact the Narcotics & Gangs Task Force, 266-4248 or 266-4524
  • You may also wish to contact your area’s district station:
  • Central District (Dist. 2, 4, part of 5, 6, 8), 266-4945
  • South District (Dist. 5, 10, 13, 14), 266-5938
  • North District (Dist. 12, 17, 18), 243-5258
  • West District (Dist. 1, 7, 9, 11, 19, 20), 288-6176
  • East District (Dist. 3, 15, 16), 266-4778
  • Animals

Q: My neighbor’s dog barks constantly. How can I get it to stop?

A: Call your neighbor about your concern and work with him or her toward resolution. If that doesn’t work, call non-emergency dispatch.

Contact: Non-emergency dispatch, 255-2345

Q: There is a dead animal in the street. Whom do I call?

A: The City Engineering Division Operations Section is responsible for collecting dead animals that are in the right-of-way. They cannot enter private property to remove a dead animal. The City also cannot pick up dead deer. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for the collection of dead deer from the roadside. The City of Madison reports dead deer to the DNR when vehicle accident reports are taken, and deer are usually picked up within 48 hours.

Criminal Activity

Q: I suspect drug sales by my neighbors/on my street/in our neighborhood park.

  • Contact: In case of an emergency, 9-1-1
  • In case of a non-emergency, call Madison Police Department dispatch, 255-2345
  • You may wish to contact the Narcotics & Gangs Task Force, 266-4248 or 266-4524
  • You may also wish to contact your area’s district station:
  • Central District (Dist. 2, 4, part of 5, 6, 8), 266-4945
  • South District (Dist. 5, 10, 13, 14), 266-5938
  • North District (Dist. 12, 17, 18), 243-5258
  • West District (Dist. 1, 7, 9, 11, 19, 20), 288-6176
  • East District (Dist. 3, 15, 16), 266-4778
  • Q: Why were the police at my neighbor’s house?

Contact: Your area’s district station:

  • Central District (Dist. 2, 4, part of 5, 6, 8), 266-4945
  • South District (Dist. 5, 10, 13, 14), 266-5938
  • North District (Dist. 12, 17, 18), 243-5258
  • West District (Dist. 1, 7, 9, 11, 19, 20), 288-6176
  • East District (Dist. 3, 15, 16), 266-4778

Online:Police

Q: My neighbor is doing something illegal. What can be done? Whom do I call?

A: Illegal activities should be referred to the Captain of Police in that District. Building, Zoning (how a property is used) and Property Maintenance issues should be referred to George Hank. He will screen the issues and get them to the right people.

  • Contact: George Hank, Housing Inspection and Property Maintenance, 266-4849 or report a variety of propety maintenance problems atReport a Problem

You may also wish to contact your area’s district station:

  • Central District (Dist. 2, 4, part of 5, 6, 8), 266-4945
  • South District (Dist. 5, 10, 13, 14), 266-5938
  • North District (Dist. 12, 17, 18), 243-5258
  • West District (Dist. 1, 7, 9, 11, 19, 20), 288-6176
  • East District (Dist. 3, 15, 16), 266-4778

Online:Police

Graffiti

Q: There is graffiti on ______________.

A: Call the Graffiti Hotline or report online. If the graffiti is on private property, the complaint will be referred to the Streets Division. The Streets Division will inspect the property and then order the property owner to remove the graffiti by a specific date. If the graffiti is on City property or a utility asset (e.g., MG&E box), then the location will be referred to the appropriate City agency for removal.

  • Contact: Graffiti Hotline, 246-4532
  • Online:Report Graffiti
  • Have ready: Exact address of the property that has graffiti

Leaves/Brush

Q: When are the leaves going to be picked up?

A: Beginning in 2001, residents will be able to call the Brush/Leaf Collection Information line. The caller will hear a recorded message indicating where leaf collection crews are working at the time and where they will be working next. Additionally, residents can access the Streets Division website (listed below) for up-to-date leaf collection information. If that information is inadequate, the resident may call the Streets Division.

  • Contact: Brush/Leaf Collection Information line, 267-2088
  • Residents on the east side (east of Park Street), call: 246-4532
  • Residents on the west side (west of Park Street), call: 266-4681

Online:Streets

Q: Who is responsible for brush clean up?

A: The Forestry Section will pick up only the brush that was created from the clean up work on street trees (trees between the sidewalk and the street). For private brush pick up, contact the Streets Division for their brush pick up schedule.

Contact: Parks Forestry Section, 266-4816 (brush from street trees)

Brush/Leaf Collection Information line, 267-2088 (private brush)

  • Contact: Brush/Leaf Collection Information line, 267-2088
  • Residents on the east side (east of Park Street), call: 246-4532
  • Residents on the west side (west of Park Street), call: 266-4681

Online:Streets

Q: What do we do when a neighbor puts out their brush and leaves weeks before the scheduled pick up?

A: There is no regulation preventing the neighbor from placing leaves or brush on the terrace ahead of schedule. However, "No rubbish or refuse to be collected by the City shall be deposited upon the terrace of any street within the City Of Madison more than (12) hours before the date designated by the Street Superintendent for rubbish collection in the district in which said premises are located." (MGO 10.18.) If a neighbor violates this ordinance, then the resident may call the Inspection Unit to complain.

  • Contact: George Hank, Housing Inspection and Property Maintenance, 266-4849
  • Online:Report a Problem
  • Have ready: Address and description of the violation

Metro

Q: Where can I get route and schedule information?

A: Call Metro’s Customer Service Center. Maps and Ride Guides are available on Metro buses and online, where you may also access Metro’s automated trip planner.

Online:Metro Transit

Q: Where can I buy Metro passes?

A: Prepaid, discounted passes and 10-Ride cards may be purchased at the Metro Transit Front Office, at one of over 50 conveniently located Metro Sales Outlets, and online. Sales Outlets are listed on the inside back cover of the Ride Guide and on Metro’s Website.

Q: How do 31-Day passes and 10-Ride cards work?

A:Metro Fare & Pass Information

Q: Does Metro give senior citizens and people with disabilities a discount?

A: Yes. Applications for reduced fare for senior citizens and disabled riders are available.

Q: How can I sign up for paratransit service?

A: Metro provides paratransit service for passengers unable to use fixed-route buses in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applications are available online or by calling Metro. If your application is approved, you will receive notice in the mail. You may then book rides by calling the Customer Service Center during their regular hours: Monday through Friday, 6:10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; and Sundays and holidays, 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. All rides must be booked by 4:30 p.m. the previous day.

Q: What do I do if I left something on a Metro bus?

A: Call Metro Transit Lost & Found. Items are generally turned in to the Lost & Found the day following the day they are lost. Due to space constraints, Metro keeps items in Lost & Found for two weeks. Items not picked up during the two-week period are then donated to charity.

Q: Are Metro fixed-route buses accessible to people with disabilities?

A: Yes. Metro provides accessible fixed-route service on all routes. Service animals are allowed on Metro buses to assist people with disabilities. Metro’s schedules, brochures and flyers are available online and will be provided, upon request, in accessible formats, such as Braille and large print.

Q: Are all Metro fixed-route buses equipped with bicycle racks?

A: Yes.

Neighborhoods

Q: We don’t have a neighborhood association in my area. Can you help us get one organized?

A: The City Of Madison has over 120 neighborhood associations. The Department of Planning and Development, Planning Unit, provides organizational and technical assistance to newly forming as well as established neighborhood associations. The first step is to contact Jule Stroick, Neighborhood Planner. She will describe some basic steps that need to be followed to become a recognized neighborhood association. In addition, she will be able to provide you with contact information for the neighborhood planning council (if one exists) and/or adjacent neighborhood associations that would be willing to work with your new group in the beginning stages of forming a neighborhood association. The Neighborhood Association Website also has a wealth of information that is valuable for grassroots leaders.

  • Contact: Jule Stroick, Neighborhood Planner, 267-8744, ext. 218,jstroick@cityofmadison.com
  • Online:Neighborhoods

Q: What kind of funding is available for neighborhood associations?

A: The City of Madison Neighborhood Grants Program, administered by the Department of Planning and Development, Planning Unit, provides funding for a variety of activities to strengthen neighborhoods. Two types of grants are available:

  1. Mini Grants for projects/activities where grants awarded will be up to $500;
  2. Neighborhood Grants for larger, more complex projects/activities where grants awarded will be up to $20,000 and have a flexible match requirement based on the resources available within, and to, the neighborhood. The grant program focuses on improving: organizational capacity of a newly forming or existing neighborhood association; improving the appearance and livability of the neighborhood’s streetscapes, gateways, and neighborhood business areas; and preparing mid-range neighborhood plans.
  • Contact: William Fruhling, Principal Planner, 267-8736, ext. 214, bfruhling@cityofmadison.com
  • Linda Horvath, Planner, 267-1131, ext. 219,lhorvath@cityofmadison.com
  • Online:Neighborhoods

Q: My neighbor’s house is an eyesore and/or is rundown (cracking paint, broken windows, etc.).

A: Eyesore issues should be referred to the Inspection Unit.

  • Contact: George Hank, Housing Inspection and Property Maintenance, 266-4849
  • Online:Report Exterior Housing Problems
  • Have ready: Address and description of the violation

Q: Why don’t the police drive down our streets more often? It would create a sense of safety.

Contact your area’s district station:

  • Central District (Dist. 2, 4, part of 5, 6, 8), 266-4945
  • South District (Dist. 5, 10, 13, 14), 266-5938
  • North District (Dist. 12, 17, 18), 243-5258
  • West District (Dist. 1, 7, 9, 11, 19, 20), 288-6176
  • East District (Dist. 3, 15, 16), 266-4778

Q: What can we do about unsupervised children running around the neighborhood at all hours?

You may also wish to contact your area’s district station:

  • Central District (Dist. 2, 4, part of 5, 6, 8), 266-4945
  • South District (Dist. 5, 10, 13, 14), 266-5938
  • North District (Dist. 12, 17, 18), 243-5258
  • West District (Dist. 1, 7, 9, 11, 19, 20), 288-6176
  • East District (Dist. 3, 15, 16), 266-4778

Online:Police

Parks

Q: How do I get a trashcan in my neighborhood park?

A: Send a letter to the Parks Division.

  • Contact: Parks Division
  • Madison Municipal Building, Room 120
  • 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
  • Madison, WI 53703

Q: How often is the grass mowed in Madison’s parks?

A: The average mowing cycle is 10 to 14 days – in the best of conditions.

Q: How can we get more play equipment / trees / benches in our park?

A: Neighborhoods can utilize the People for Parks Matching Fund to help pay for additional play equipment / benches / trees in their park.

Contact: Laura Whitmore, Parks Community Relations Coordinator, 266-5949

Q: When will the ice rinks be open? When can we ski?

A: Please remember that Mother Nature, not the Parks Division, decides when the outdoor ice-skating rinks and cross-country ski trails can open. For the equipment to safely prepare the rinks, we need 2 to 4 weeks of below freezing temperatures. To groom the ski trails, we need at least 4 inches of snow.

The Parks Division opens the rinks to the public at the earliest possible date. Some years it has been mid-December, and other years it has been the end of January before the rinks even opened. As soon as it is safe for the public to ski and skate, the Parks Division updates its website, its outgoing phone message, and alerts the media.

Sanitary Sewer

Q: What do I do if my sewer backs up?

A: Call the City Engineering Division's Operations Section at(608) 266-4430. Personnel are available between the hours of:

7:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., Monday - Friday,

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

After 11 p.m. a Water Utility dispatcher will assist you, an emergency crew will be called in to respond to your call.

The emergency maintenance crew will first check the public sewer main. If the public main is blocked, the crew will remove the obstruction to restore service. The crew will notify the property owner or resident when service has been restored.

Snow

Q: My street wasn’t plowed...

A: Call the Streets Division.

  • Contact: Residents on the east side (east of Park Street), 246-4532
  • Residents on the west side (west of Park Street), 266-4681
  • Online:Report Needed Snow Removal

Q: Our streets weren’t plowed AGAIN. Why weren’t they? Whom do I call?

A: There could be many explanations depending on the street and the situation. It may be that the crews have not completed their plowing. It may be that the resident lives on a residential street that only gets plowed after there has been an accumulation of 3" or more. It may be that the street was plowed, but additional snow has fallen and has covered up the plow’s work. Call the Streets Division.

  • Contact: Residents on the east side (east of Park Street), 246-4532
  • Residents on the west side (west of Park Street), 266-4681
  • Online:Report Needed Snow Removal

Q: It’s Saturday morning. How do I get my street plowed?

A: In most cases, the Streets Division will have staff in their east and west offices dispatching snow fighting equipment and personnel. Call the Streets Division

  • Contact: Residents on the east side (east of Park Street), 246-4532
  • Residents on the west side (west of Park Street), 266-4681
  • Online:Report Needed Snow Removal

Streets

Q: There are potholes on my street...

A: Call the Streets Division.

  • Contact: Residents on the east side (east of Park Street), 246-4532
  • Residents on the west side (west of Park Street), 266-4681
  • Online:Report a Pothole

Q: Our street is in terrible shape – what can be done to fix it?

A: The customer should initially be referred to the Streets Division. The Streets Division performs minor repairs. If the street needs resurfacing or reconstruction, the customer will be informed of such and may be referred to the Engineering Division.

  • Contact: Residents on the east side (east of Park Street), 246-4532
  • Residents on the west side (west of Park Street), 266-4681
  • Online:Report A Problem. Select appropriate service from the list or select "General Requests" below the list.

Q: What exactly is the "outer terrace"?

A: This is the area between the curb and the property stakes. The land in this area is dedicated to public use and is considered city right-of-way. For most lots, the property stakes are in the lawn from eight to twelve inches beyond the inner edge of the sidewalk. Where there are no sidewalks, Forestry crews use plat maps and metal detectors to determine the front property line. City Forestry crews cannot work on private property even though a tree may encroach or overhang the right of way.

Traffic/Transportation

Q: There are speeding cars and big trucks cutting through on my street/speeding through the neighborhoods.

  • Contact: If your concern involves speeders, call the Bad Drivers Network (for ongoing problems),
  • 266-4624
  • If you need immediate assistance (with a non-emergency incident), call Madison Police Department dispatch, 255-2345
  • You may wish to follow up with TEST (Traffic Enforcement Safety Team), 261-9687
  • You may also wish to contact your area’s district station:
  • Central District (Dist. 2, 4, part of 5, 6, 8), 266-4945
  • South District (Dist. 5, 10, 13, 14), 266-5938
  • North District (Dist. 12, 17, 18), 243-5258
  • West District (Dist. 1, 7, 9, 11, 19, 20), 288-6176
  • East District (Dist. 3, 15, 16), 266-4778
  • Q: Some of the more frequently asked Transportation related questions and concerns are:
  • Speeding motorists.
  • Increased traffic volume.
  • Safety of children in the street or near citizens’ homes.
  • Dangerous intersections.
  • Motorists not yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.
  • Motorists parking their cars too close to intersections or driveways.
  • Semi trucks driving on residential streets.
  • Safety of children going to school.
  • Insufficient on-street parking for residents.
  • Need for additional pavement markings.

A: These concerns often lead to requests for specific traffic signs or changes in traffic signals. Traffic issues or concerns are most often symptomatic of a larger transportation problem in the area and addressing the identified symptom rarely solves the constituent’s concern.

When reviewing requests, it is Traffic Engineering’s goal to solve a problem in a manner that is beneficial to all citizens. For example, we would not wish to see a residential street problem addressed at the expense of creating another problem on a nearby residential street. When TE staff reviews these concerns, they are cautious to not create a situation less safe that currently exists. It is for these reasons that TE carefully reviews requests to change traffic control. The Traffic Engineering Division and the Police Department have established programs and materials to help address the more frequently raised citizen concerns. These include:

  • Neighborhood Speed Watch Program. This program provides electronic speed display boards to neighborhood volunteers to remind motorists to watch their speed and that they are driving through a neighborhood where people live.
  • Neighborhood Traffic Management Program: This program provides a mechanism for groups to work together with the City to help make decisions about how traffic management devices might be used in their neighborhoods and what benefits they might provide.
  • On-line brochures: The Traffic Engineering Division has brochures on the City web page addressing SPEED LIMIT signing, STOP signs, pedestrian information, SLOW-CHILDREN AT PLAY signs, Neighborhood Traffic Management Program and safety near schools. These brochures are also available as hard copies from the Traffic Engineering Division office.

It is important when receiving a request from citizens to have a clear understanding of what the underlying concerns are before determining an appropriate solution. Traffic Engineering staff use industry standards and federally approved guidelines to determine workable solutions. Changes are made after a careful engineering study is performed.

Trash

Q: My neighbor has trash all over his/her yard.

A: Trash violates the property maintenance code.

  • Contact: George Hank, Housing Inspection and Property Maintenance, 266-4849
  • Online:Report Exterior Housing Problems. Select "Junk, Trash & Debris on Property" from the Complaint list.
  • Have ready: Address and description of the violation

Q: My trash wasn’t picked up…

A: There could be a number of reasons why the trash wasn’t picked up. The most common reason is that residents put their trash out after the collection vehicle already went down their street. Or, the material might not have been put out in accordance with collection rules.

Example 1: Residents wanting to dispose of an old refrigerator are required to purchase anappliance fee stickerand put it on the appliance. In this case, a Streets Division employee will attempt to contact the resident to provide correct disposal information.

Example 2: The resident might have put out a large item which was not collected with the other trash. Large items are typically collected after regular refuse is collected, often a day or two later.

Example 3: The refuse container might be overweight. In this case, a Streets Division employee will attempt to contact the resident to provide the correct disposal information.

In any of these examples, the citizen can call the Streets Division for more information.

Trees/Shrubs

Q: My neighbor has all these trees/shrubs hanging over into my yard. My fence is leaning over from the weight. How can I get him/her to cut them back?

A: This is a violation of the property code.

  • Contact: George Hank, Housing Inspection and Property Maintenance, 266-4849
  • Online:Report Exterior Housing Problems. Select "Junk, Trash & Debris on Property" from the Complaint list.
  • Have ready: Address and description of the violation

Q: Can I get some trees planted in the boulevard/on the terrace?

A: For trees in the boulevard, send a letter to the Parks Division. For trees on the terrace (the area between the sidewalk and the street), send a letter to the Forestry Section.

  • Contact: Parks Division Forestry Section
  • Attn: Bill Bauer, Landscape Architect
  • Attn: Marla Eddy, City Forester
  • 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. 1402 Wingra Creek Pkwy.
  • Madison, WI 53703 Madison, WI 53715

Q: What do I do about a damaged street tree?

A: Important numbers to have:

  • Contact: Parks Forestry Section, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 266-4816
  • Police Dispatch, if the damage occurs after work hours, evenings, or weekends, 266-4275

Q: When do I call the Parks Forestry Section, private tree care specialist or arborist?

A: Street tree damage – A street tree is a tree between the sidewalk and the street. If these trees are damaged, it is the responsibility of the Parks Forestry Section.

  • Contact: Parks Forestry Section, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 266-4816
  • Police Dispatch, if the damage occurs after work hours, evenings, or weekends, 266-4275

Private tree that falls onto public spaces such as sidewalk or street – Call the Parks Forestry Section. The workers will clean up only that which is in the public space (street or sidewalk). You may need to hire a private contractor to clean up the rest of the damage/tree on your own property.

  • Contact: Parks Forestry Section, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 266-4816

Private tree that is on own property that is damaged and falls on private property – You will need to call a private contractor.

  • Trees on power lines – Please call Madison Gas & Electric.
  • Contact: Madison Gas & Electric, 24 hours a day, 252-7111

Q: Who is responsible for the trees in the area between the sidewalk and the curb?

A: This area is part of the "street right-of-way" and is often called the "outer terrace." The Forestry Section is responsible for planting, pruning and removing trees in the outer terrace.

Property owners who want to plant, maintain or remove trees in this area must apply for a permit from the Forestry Section. An inspector will visit the site, talk with the property owner and issue a permit when appropriate.Permits are free.

A variety of ordinances restrict what can be planted in the right-of-way. The Building Inspection Unit regulates shrubbery, brush, weeds and other plant material beyond trees that may be in the right-of-way. They also have ordinances that address trees and other plant material situated on private property that impact, impede or conflict with safe use of the right-of-way. Please call the Building Inspection Unit at 266-4551 with these types of concerns.

The Forestry Section also cares for large trees in City parks, but many of the small trees and shrubs in parks and on boulevards are maintained by the Parks Maintenance Section.

Q: What about the other tree crews working in the city?

A: Some are hired by property owners to handle trees on private land. Other crews are under contract to utility companies and clear branches from utility lines. Under state law, utility companies have the right to trim branches along their lines.

Q: Why are trees trimmed the way they are?

A: Forestry crews prune trees to remove dead wood, crossed limbs, split or hollow limbs, storm damage, shattered wood and trunk sprouts.

Pruning provides clearance for buses, garbage trucks, moving vans and other large curbside vehicles that can damage, or be damaged by, low branching. Pruning provides overhead clearance for pedestrians, clears branches from rooftops, antennas and private property plantings. Pruning also facilitates visibility of traffic signs and allows motorists a clear view of intersections and driveways.

Some varieties of trees also cast a dense shadow. Trimming them allows sunlight to penetrate lawn and shrub areas. In some cases, removing lower branches increases nighttime security because streetlights can bathe a broader area.

Branches are cut nearly flush to the trunk. If stubs were left, they would provide an entry point for disease and often harm the beauty of the tree. The rule of thumb used by the City is to balance safety and the beauty of the crown of the tree.

Tree dressing is usually not used to cover the cuts since it is mostly cosmetic. However, when a storm damages an oak or elm, wound dressing is applied during the period the tree is susceptible to disease-carrying insects. In some cases, bolts and cables are used to repair trees and to make them safe.

Q: Why are seemingly healthy lower limbs removed?

A: Lower limbs that will eventually become problems because of their location are best removed when the tree is young. Low limbs do not rise higher as the tree gets older, but they do bend closer to the ground as the tree matures.

Branches may grow 16" – 28" a year, depending on the weather and the type of tree. This means that crews "raise" terrace trees substantially since they cannot return for several years.

Branches on trees in the outer terrace are generally pruned to provide more clearance than trees in parks, golf courses or on private property.

Q: Why are some trees cut down?

A: These are diseased and dangerous or badly misshapen. Removal of trees is the last resort. Some trees look healthy, but are really dangerous. For example, a seemingly healthy tree may have a hollow trunk and be ready to collapse.

Q: How often do city crews prune trees?

A: The city is divided into 32 tree maintenance districts. Each district is given a maintenance priority. The greater the number of hazards, the higher the priority for maintenance. Once prioritized, district work is completed which ultimately leads to a cycle of maintenance. Cyclical pruning insures that all street trees receive the attention they require.

Crews actually work a dual tree maintenance schedule. Younger trees generally need attention every two or three years. Older trees usually need pruning every five or six years. Elms and oaks in a zone being worked in are left untrimmed during the period in which they are susceptible to disease. Each untrimmed tree is noted and is trimmed during the following fall or winter.

Q: Who cleans up after the crews are finished?

A: Forestry crews remove as much debris as possible. This is difficult during the winter because of snow cover. Crews revisit these sites in March to finish the clean up.

Q: Is there a charge for city tree trimming?

A: No.

Q: What if I want the stump grubbed?

A: After trees are removed, the Streets Division grubs out the stumps according to their schedule. Call the Streets Division.

  • Contact: Residents on the east side (east of Park Street), 246-4532
  • Residents on the west side (west of Park Street), 266-4681
  • Online:Report Tree Concerns

Q: If I need assistance with trees in my neighborhood/park, where can I start?

Contact: Forestry Section, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 266-4816

Vehicles

Q: My neighbor has a car (a boat, a trailer) parked in his/her yard with "For Sale" signs on them.

A: Items parked and advertised for sale in a front yard are most likely a violation of the Zoning Code.

  • Call: Zoning and Signs Service, 266-4551
  • Have ready: Address and description of the violation

Q: Someone’s car music is so loud, I can hear it in my house!

Contact: Madison Police Department non-emergency dispatch, 255-2345

Water

Q: I’m worried about the quality of my tap water and wonder if I should be filtering it or drinking bottled water

.

A: Madison’s tap water is safe to drink. Water Utility routine and extensive monitoring programs establish both the microbiological and chemical safety of the water. Information about drinking water quality is mailed to all customers annually and can be found on the Water Utility’s website. Filtering your tap water or drinking bottled water is not necessary; however, the decision to use filtration or bottled water is a personal one. Contact the Water Utility’s Water Quality Manager if you have specific water quality questions or concerns, would like more detailed information about the water quality in your area, would like a referral for water testing, or want information on filtration options.

Q: I have low water pressure. Can anything be done about it?

A: Low water pressure may be caused by a number of different factors, some of which could be internal to the home (such as a clogged filter or faucet aerator or a partially closed valve) and some of which may be due to City Water Utility operations. Call the Water Utility, and they can give you information based on your specific situation to determine the cause of the low pressure and what can be done to resolve it. If there is a sudden, dramatic drop in water pressure, report it immediately to the Water Utility emergency operator.

Q: Will I have to be home in order for the Water Utility to read the meter?

A: No. There is a register mounted on the outside of your home that is connected to the water meter and shows your water usage. Utility meter readers take their routine readings off the register so they do not need to get into the house.

Q: My water bill is much higher than normal, and we have not used an unusual amount of water. Do you know why the bill was so high this time?

A: First, you should check all the toilets in your home, especially any that may not be used often (such as in the basement) to see of any of them are running because of a leaky valve. This is the cause of about 98% of the Utility’s high usage complaints. If you can’t determine an obvious cause, call the Water Utility, and they may be able to figure out why it is high or provide a free inspection to locate the cause.

Q: Why does my water and sewer bill also have "landfill remediation" and "public fire protection" fees on it? I thought this kind of thing was covered by my taxes.

A: The City Council approved putting these fees on the utility bill as a way of lowering the amount individual taxpayers would need to pay for them. By placing them on the utility bill, the cost of these services is spread across a larger base because tax-exempt institutions must also pay a portion of the cost.

Q: I see Water Utility crews out flushing mains around the city. Why are they wasting so much water?

A: Normal maintenance of the pipes in the system requires periodic flushing to remove any accumulated sediments and iron and manganese. Flushing this material out of the pipes will minimize the likelihood of colored water in your neighborhood and help to provide you with clean, clear drinking water. Main flushing is a benefit to the system and is the most economical, effective means of cleaning the pipes. Water flushed from the hydrants is directed to the storm drain system and ends up supplementing our wetlands, streams, and lakes.

Q: During routine flushing, I noticed some leaves and sand being washed into the storm drains. Can’t this be prevented?

A: The Water Utility works closely with the Streets Department in scheduling the routine flushing operations. The Water Utility also works closely with City Engineering to ensure that the drainage system stays as clean as possible. It is our intent to flush the mains after the streets have been swept, however sometimes scheduling conflicts make this difficult. If you notice a problem with the flushing, please notify the Water Utility.

Q: The water from my tap is discolored (red, brown or yellow). What is causing that, and is it safe to drink?

A: Reddish/brown water is caused when mineral deposits, usually iron and manganese, in the water mains are scoured off the pipe walls. This may happen if there is a main break in the area or if a hydrant in your neighborhood has been opened. The Water Utility routinely flushes the water mains throughout the system. This activity can also be the cause of short-term discolored water. The Water Utility does not recommend that you drink or cook with discolored water. Discolored water is typically a temporary problem and after the main is fixed or the flushing is over, running the tap for a few minutes should clear the line of any discolored water. If you have questions or concerns, you should call the Water Utility Water Quality Manager.

  • Contact: Water Quality Manager, 266-4654
  • Online:Drinking Water Concerns/Questions
  • After hours, call the Water Utility Emergency Operator (on duty 24 hours), 266-4665

 

Q: My tap water smells like chlorine. Can anything be done to alleviate the odor?

A: Madison, like all public water systems, puts relatively low levels of chlorine into the drinking water to disinfect the water and guard against bacterial growth in the water system. Some individuals are particularly sensitive to this odor. Some find that keeping a pitcher of water in the refrigerator or adding a lemon slice for drinking helps disperse the chlorine odor before consumption.

Q: I have a lead service line. When will I have to replace it?

A: All lead services lines in the City will have to be replaced by the end of 2010, and the Water Utility is establishing schedules to ensure that all the work is completed on schedule. Schedules will vary, depending on your specific location and situation. The Water Utility is coordinating this work with street construction work and other utility projects. You should call the Water Utility to get more information about when you may be expected to replace your lead service line.

Q: There is water bubbling up in my/my neighbor’s yard/terrace and running down the street. What should I do?

A: It sounds like a water main break. Call the Water Utility emergency operator immediately. A Water Utility emergency service vehicle will respond as quickly as possible, usually with an hour.

  • Contact: Water Utility Emergency Operator (on duty 24 hours), 266-4665

Have ready: Address and details of what is happening