Mayor Creates Senior Advisory Council

Mayor Tim Armstrong recently announced the formation of the Madison Area Senior Advisory Council (MASAC), as a result of recommendations made by SKC. SKC is a firm who conducted a study of the current Madison Senior Center for the City last fall. The membership of the council was chosen from a list of recommended agencies that the firm suggested be represented.

The MASAC held its first meeting on Monday, February 1 at the Madison Senior Center. The next meeting is scheduled to take place on March 8 at noon at the Salvation Army, 331 East Main Street in Madison. For more information on the council, please contact Jenny Eggenspiller at 265-8300.

Berry Elected Madison City Council President

At the beginning of each calendar year, the Madison City Council elects a member to serve as President. This year, Councilman Rick Berry, who represents Madison’s second council district was elected to serve as President.

" It has been a great honor to serve our beautiful city these past two years as councilman of the second district. It goes without saying that to serve as council president is an even greater honor and one which I take very seriously. I will do all I can to do right by the citizens, the mayor and the council of Madison."

Berry is a Democrat who is in his first term as a member of the Madison City Council.

Madison Police Department Receives Generous Gift of a New Canine

Madison Police Chief John Wallace recently announced the addition of a new member to the police force. Thanks to the generosity of Mr. John Morgan, the City of Madison will now be patrolled by two canines instead of just one.

"This is truly a gift to the entire community", commented Chief Wallace. Mr. Morgan donated the canine is memory of his late wife, Sarah Morgan, who passed away in 2009. Mrs. Morgan loved animals, and the City of Madison is honored to receive this donation in her memory.

Important Information About Census 2010

In March of this year, each household will receive the 2010 Census form. The form consists of just ten short questions, and you will be provided with a postage-paid envelope to return the form in. If you do not return the form by mail, it is likely that you will by visited by a census taker, who will ask you the same questions that are on the form.

Why is it important that you complete the form and mail back? Because communities like Madison receive federal dollars based on things like their census. Census information also affects the redistricting for the U.S. House of Representatives. For more information on the 2010 Census, click here.

City Hopes to Continue Movies in Bicentennial Park: Seeking Sponsorships from Community

Last summer, Madison residents enjoyed Bicentennial Park in a variety of ways. One of those included an event new to the community. The Mayor's Movies in the Park was an idea born out of the community's involvement and response to the bicentennial celebration. "We wanted to continue the momentum of local gatherings, and this became a true community owned event," commented Jenny Eggenspiller, Director of Community Development and Outreach for the city.

The city hopes to continue the events this summer, and would like to expand the series to include six movies. However, due to budget cuts the city was not able to include the events in the budget for 2010. The events will not be continued without the support of the community. The city is soliciting sponsorships for either individual movies or the entire series, according to Eggenspiller.

For more information on sponsorship, contact Jenny Eggenspiller at 265-8300 or by email at development@madison-in.gov.

Compost Stickers Available Now

The 2010 compost stickers are now available for purchase. Stickers are $20 each and can be purchased at the City Water Department located in City Hall.

View Milton Madison Bridge Project Brochure

Printed copies are available at City Hall.

ARMSTRONG CALLS FOR MAJOR REDUCTION IN STORMWATER FEE

MADISON, IN: "I recommend that the Madison City Council amend the proposed Stormwater Utility ordinance and reduce the monthly residential fee to $1.33, which is a 71% reduction," Mayor Tim Armstrong said.

Stantec Consulting Services' report included a break down of the fee structure and the $1.33 represents the minimum amount needed to administer the program (NPDES MS4 Phase II). The minimum fee would also prevent lay-offs and the current level of city services would remain intact.

The current proposal before the council calls for a monthly residential fee of $4.50 (1 Equivalent Residential Unit or ERU = 3,300 sq-ft). The non residential property owner monthly fees are calculated as a multiple of an ERU based on property size of impervious surface.

Armstrong cited the following as support for this reduction. "First, input from residents and businesses over the last several weeks. Second, our community will soon be faced with increases in sewer rates to fund necessary improvements at the wastewater treatment plant." The improvements are a result of compliance enforcement made by EPA.

According to the city utility manager, the trade-off of reducing the stormwater fee is that considerably less drainage projects will be completed. Previously, the city had informally identified nearly $2 million worth of drainage improvement projects throughout the community. The source of the drainage projects were primarily from resident complaints.

D.C. Bridge Meetings Fruitful

Milton-Madison Bridge

MADISON, IN: Madison Mayor Tim Armstrong is encouraged by the response he received from Indiana's Congressional Delgation on the proposed TIGER Grant Bridge Superstructure Replacement project of the 1929 Milton-Madison Bridge (U.S. 421). Armstrong met with U.S. Rep. Hill and staff from Senators Bayh and Lugar offices in Washington D.C. yesterday.

"Our bridge superstructure replacement project is being noticed by the right people in Washington. I am pleased that Indiana and Kentucky have partnered to apply for this stimulus grant that will help replace our current worn out bridge," Armstrong said.

The existing Milton-Madison Bridge has the lowest sufficency rating (6.5 out of 100) of all Ohio River bridges connecting Kentucky and Indiana. It is also the only bridge on a 72 mile stretch between Louisville, KY and Vevay, IN. The bridge is currently operating under a 15 ton weight limit.

Former Trimble County, KY Judge Executive Jack Couch was also in Washington calling on the Kentucky Congressional delegation stressing the importance of the project.

Mayor Armstrong reports that, "U.S. Congressman Baron Hill was especially attentive to the critical role that the Milton-Madison Bridge serves to Jefferson County, IN and surrounding counties."

The U.S. Department of Transportation is expected to make grant announcements in January. Project information is available at www.miltonmadisonbridge.com.

City to Change Red, White, and Boo Event This Year!

On Friday, October 30, the City of Madison will hold its annual Red, White, and Boo! Halloween event. This year, the event will look a little different from previous years, however. Due to the success of the movies held this summer in Bicentennial Park, the City has decided to hold a movie event for this year's celebration. The festivities will begin at 5:oo pm, with the Main Street Program's Shop n' Treat event until 6:30. At 6:30 pm, costumed children accompanied by an adult chaperone are invited to meet at City Hall for a costume parade to Bicentennial Park. At 7:00 pm in Bicentennial Park, the city will show "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown". At 7:30, all costumed children will receive a treat bag filled with candy and goodies, followed by door prize drawings. At 8:00 pm, another movie will be shown, "E.T., the Extra Terrestrial". All those attending are encouraged to dress warmly.

Businesses Encouraged to Participate in Bridge Survey

In February 2008, The Madison Area Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Partners of Jefferson County Indiana (EDP) issued a survey to provide quantitative and qualitative information about the importance of the US 421 Milton-Madison Bridge to the regions' economic health. In response to the recent developments regarding the Milton Madison Bridge Project, the survey has been reissued. All businesses are encouraged to complete the survey and return Corey Murphy at EDP. For more information on the project, please visit www.miltonmadisonbridge.com

Download bridge survery PDF

Armstrong Comments from Public Meeting regarding the Milton/Madison Bridge Project

Good evening and thank you. It is exciting to see the interest by your presence this evening. People in our combined community have a choice to demonstrate their support and opinions which will ultimately be judged by:

Ultimately the decision will be made by them. This is a public hearing and not a decision making meeting. It is a part of the federal process-just like all of the other meetings you have attended or read about.

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Mayor Armstrong Makes Bridge Statement

"It has come to my attention that some in this community are convinced that fear is being used to drive the superstructure replacement option to the forefront. I think it is important that before this suggestion grows legs and takes off, I take this opportunity to rebut it with factual information. Remember that all complete bridge inspections that have occurred up to this point are available to the public by request by contacting Andrea Clifford at the KYTC.

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TIGER Grant Local Government Resolution
City of Madison

A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MADISON, INDIANA

SUPPORTING THE TIGER GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE SUPERSTRUCTURE REPLACEMENT OF THE MILTON MADISON U.S. 421 BRIDGE

WHEREAS, The US 421 Ohio River Bridge is a vital and critical link connecting the economic and social fabric of the communities of Milton, Kentucky and Madison, Indiana. The current bridge is rapidly deteriorating and has a weight restriction in place, and

WHEREAS, Thousands of area residents depend on this bridge daily as a vital link that provides essential access to jobs, goods, services, health care, educational opportunities, recreational activities, emergency services and more, and

WHEREAS, Without an extensive rehabilitation or replacement of the existing US 421 Bridge, Kentucky and Indiana will be forced to close the bridge to traffic within the next 10 to 15 years, if not sooner. The detour to the next closest bridge would involve daily adverse travel of 100 miles for many users of the US 421 Bridge. Not having a bridge connecting the communities of Milton and Madison would be a huge setback to the economic strength and quality of life for taxpayers in both states, and

WHEREAS, The TIGER grant represents the best opportunity available to restore the river crossing to a state of good repair that can continue to sustain the economic and social ties between these two historic communities, and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council that we support the TIGER Grant Application to help fund the Superstructure Replacement Alternative with Minimal Approaches.

DULY ADOPTED, by the Common Council of the City of Madison, Indiana this 1st day of September, 2009.

The Madison Chatauqua presents the City with a Bicentennial gift

Mayor Tim Armstrong and Personnel Manager Andy Lytle revealed the 1920's Streetscape Mural Tuesday evening in City Hall.

New Golf Cart Ordinance

The Madison City Council passed an ordinance in August to allow golf carts to operate on City Streets. The carts will have to be registered with the city, and are allowed only to operate on certain streets within the city limits. You may view the ordinance with our Downloadable PDF

State of the City of Madison

August 18, 2009, Mayor Armstrong's State of the City address.

City will Host Two More Outdoor Movies in Bicentennial Park

Mayor Tim Armstrong announced today that the City has decided to host another outdoor movie in Bicentennial Park in August, as well as one in September.

"We were very pleased with the number of people who came out for the first movie, and we're planning for even more the next two times," commented Mayor Tim Armstrong.

The date for the August showing is Friday, August 7 and the movie shown will be "The Wizard of Oz". The movie is set to begin at 9:00 pm but cartoons will begin around 8:30. The September date has been set for Sunday, September 6, to coincide with the Labor Day Holiday weekend, and that date will include a community cookout to take place beforehand. The movie for the September date has not yet been chosen. As the September date begins to develop, more information will be made available as to times, etc. Admission is free to both events; The Ohio Theatre and Madison Main Street will be selling concessions. For more information, contact Jenny Eggenspiller at (812) 265-8300.

Bridge Closure

US 421: Roadway will be closed on the bridge over the Ohio River (mile points 18.7 to 19.2) from 7:00 pm on Saturday July 25, 2009 until 5:00 am on Monday, July 27, 2009 and again from 7:00 pm on Saturday, August 1, 2009 until 5:00 am on Monday August 3, 2009. These closures will allow for repairs to the steel in the bridge superstructure.

Dial 511 or log on to 511.ky.gov for the latest Kentucky statewide traffic and travel information.

Branding Committee Meetings

Five subcommittees have been formed to further investigate ideas presented by Destination Development, the firm who recently conducted a branding study in Madison. The subcommittees are currently looking for members of the community to participate with the project, and are listed below. For more information on their meeting times, please contact Linda Lytle at the Madison Area CVB.

Michigan Road Sidewalk Project to be Funded Entirely by Stimulus Money

Mayor Tim Armstrong announced that the City has been awarded approximately $1.2 Million in stimulus funds to install much needed sidewalk on Michigan Road, between Clifty Drive and State Streets. The project was the first "shovel ready" project to be submitted to the state for stimulus dollars.

The City had previous approval for the project from INDOT with 80 percent federal funding and 20 percent local. Now the city will not be faced with the 20 percent match.

"We were fortunate with this project," commented Mayor Armstrong. "We were ready to move forward when the stimulus money became available, and it paid off".

For more information on this or other city projects, contact Jenny Eggenspiller at (812) 265-8300.

Gaylor Donates to City Riverfront Projects

Thanks to Gaylor, Madison's riverfront will be ready to support the electrical needs of summer festivals and events. Recently, Jeff Frazier, Vice President of Gaylor, met with Mayor Tim Armstrong to offer Gaylor's services to the City. The Mayor emphatically accepted the generous offer to ready Bicentennial Park and the riverfront for the busy tourist season, which has already begun.

"I'm from Madison and everything I am comes from being raised in this community - I just want to do my part to give back," stated Frazier when asked about why Gaylor made the generous donation.

Gaylor has an average of six full time employees working for the city on projects that include work on not only the riverfront but also Bicentennial Park, City Hall and Main Street. The work is estimated to take five to six weeks to complete, and will total an estimated $40,000 in savings to the city.

"Gaylor is a true friend and steward to this community," commented Mayor Armstrong. "This donation will help the city tremendously with our preparations for the Bicentennial and summer events".

Outdoor Movie inBicentennial Park a Success

The showing of the movie "Madison" at Bicentennial Park during Regatta week turned out to be a big success and the City plans to offer a free movie again soon.

"We couldn't have been more pleased as to how the event turned out," commented Mayor Tim Armstrong about the event. "Bicentennial Park is the perfect venue for these types of community based events and with the help of sponsors the City will offer at least two more movies this summer".

The showing of "Madison" brought out well over 300 people to Bicentennial Park on a Tuesday evening. The City hopes to release dates for movies in both August and September, and will make those dates available as soon as possible.

Click here to see photos

City to Offer Free Water Aerobics to Seniors

Mayor Tim Armstrong announced in the last council meeting that he is planning to boost the services offered to Madison's seniors. Beginning June 23, the City will offer water aerobics at Crystal Beach Swimming Pool to Madison residents age 55 and up free of charge.

"We thought this would be an immediate way we could initiate our plan to increase senior services in Madison," commented Mayor Armstrong.

The classes will begin on June 23 and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8 to 9 am. They will run through July 28. For more information, contact the Madison Parks Department at 265-8308.

Madison's Bicentennial has Arrived!

Please join us for the opening day events!

Saturday, June 6

For more information about these events, and for an entire event listing for the 200 hour party, please visit www.madisonbicentennial.com

Jefferson County Courthouse Fire Ruled Accidental

The Jefferson County Courthouse fire on May 20 has been ruled accidental. The fire began on the north side of the courthouse as a result of soldering that was being done to a copper downspout on the building's gutters.

Old Court Days to Continue as Planned with Location Modifications

Mayor Tim Armstrong was in contact with representatives from both the City Council as well as the Board of Public Works early on Thursday morning, discussing options for the Old Court Days festival this weekend. The festival each year takes place around the Jefferson County Courthouse, which was severely damaged in a fire Wednesday night.

"Old Court Days in another time honored tradition in Madison and we want to ensure that it is still successful even as we deal with this tragedy," commented Mayor Armstrong.

The festival will move forward as planned, beginning Friday and continuing through Sunday. The only changes will be a slight modification to the location. The vendors who would normally be set up around the courthouse will be moved onto Jefferson Street between Second Street and Vaughn Drive.

Jefferson County Courthouse Catches Fire

At 6:13 pm Wednesday evening, a fire broke out at the Jefferson County Court House - At 10:30 pm, the building was still in flames.

"This is an unfortunate event and a devistating blow to both the City and the County." States Mayor Armstrong. "Remodeling of the dome was just finished today and the bunting made by the D.O.C. was scheduled to go up on Friday. What a beautiful sight that would have been. The Jefferson County Offices and City are in this as one community and we will pull together, as one, and build again."

Commissioner Julie Berry stated she "is happy no one was hurt and would like to give thanks to friends - The City of Madison."

All emergency calls are being forwarded to the City Police at 812-265-3347 and City Hall will remain open Wednesday night as long as needed. Commissioners are working on temporary housing and will be meeting at 8:00am at city hall with an elected officials meeting following at 9:00am."

Armstrong Reacts to KYTC Imposed Weight Restriction

Mayor Tim Armstrong issued a statement Thursday, March 12th, 2009 in reaction to the 15-ton weight limit that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is preparing to issue on the Milton-Madison Bridge in response to the results of the structure's biennial inspection, which took place in December of last year.

"Although this weight restriction will serve as a blow to Madison's economy, I plan to use it as a catalyst to move the project forward. I am traveling to Washington DC next week to meet with federal legislators on this very issue. It is my plan to use the restriction as leverage for this replacement project on the federal level. The success of the Milton-Madison Bridge Project is of the utmost priority for my administration and will ultimately determine the fate of our community in years to come". For more information, please go to madisonmiltonbrige.com

Cincinnati Reds will host the residents of Madison at The Great American Ballpark for a special "Madison Night" on August 1st.

The Reds are scheduled to play the Colorado Rockies that night, according to Patrick Montague, of The Cincinnati Reds.

"We know we have a lot of fans in Madison," commented Montague. In appreciation of those fans, The Reds are offering half price tickets to the residents of Madison for the game that evening.

In addition to the half price ticket cost, the first 20,000 fans through the gate will receive a keepsake framed photo. Doors open at 5:40 and the game begins at 7:10 pm.

For more information or to reserve your ticket now, click on the Reds link or visit www.reds.com See you at the game!

Municipal Government Week Proclaimed May 11-15

At the request of the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, the official voice of municipal government in Indiana, Governor Mitch Daniels has issued a proclamation declaring May 11-15, 2009, as Municipal Government Week in Indiana.

City officials in Madison will join city and town leaders statewide in an effort to increase public awareness about municipal government in Indiana communities. "This week's community activities are geared toward educating the citizens of Madison about the functions and benefits of local government" stated Mayor Tim Armstrong.

Madison City Hall will stay open until 6 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday of next week in recognition of the week, and will host an open house on Wednesday until 7 p.m. The week's festivities will conclude with an employee picnic on Friday, May 15 at Crystal Beach Park.

Armstrong Announces Personnel Changes for City of Madison

Mayor Armstrong is pleased to announce that Jenny Eggenspiller will serve as Director of Community Development & Outreach. This position will replace Special Projects.

"This renamed position more accurately defines the role and responsibilities of special projects," Armstrong said. The position will reach out to the public, media, and Madison community to provide the most complete and up to date information about city government news and developments. It will also serve as a liaison with local organizations and work to identify funding sources to implement community development projects.

Mayor Armstrong said, "She is uniquely qualified to assist the city in our on-going efforts to maintain and improve the quality of life in Madison," Eggenspiller is a graduate of Indiana University and formerly worked as a Field Representative for Congressman Baron Hill's office.

Mayor Armstrong reports that "Andy Lytle is transitioning to Purchasing & Personnel Director and is working tirelessly for the efficient use of city funds through effective purchasing and human resource management." Harold Lakeman previously occupied this position in 2007 and it has been vacant since Armstrong took office.

As a result, the personnel changes result in a salary savings of $27,000.00.

2007:
Special Projects (filled)
Purchasing & Personnel (filled)
City Arborist (filled)

2008:
City Arborist (unfilled, duties absorbed)
Purchasing & Personnel (vacant, duties handled by Special Projects)
Special Projects (filled)

2009:
Director of Community Development & Outreach
Purchasing & Personnel Director

City News - Volume 1, Issue 1 - November 15'th 2008

The first edition of City News is now available online. Please click here to download.

Difficult Recyclable Items

Residents are encouraged to bring their difficult to recycle items, such as tires, oil, antifreeze, electronics, refrigerant appliances, batteries, and CFLs, etc. out to SISWD located at the Jefferson Proving Ground.

Southeastern Indiana Solid Waste District
6556 N. Shun Pike Road, JPG Bldg. 534
Madison, IN 47250
812-574-4080
www.siswd.com

Trash Collection & Recycling Schedule - Effective January 2010

Printable Version

Garbage Pickup - weekly

Recycling - 1st & 3rd week, same day as garbage pickup

Compost - 2nd & 4th week

Furniture Pickup

Furniture and large items may be picked up by calling the Street Department Office at 265-8304. Call first before setting the item out to make sure it is acceptable. No items that are hazardous waste will be picked up.

Items accepted for recycling are:

All items must be placed in clear see though bags. Plastics, cans, and glass can all be mixed together in the same bag. Paper, magazines, and books can be mixed together. Cardboard and paper have to be dry. They are not recyclable if they are wet. All items have to be at curbside by 7am.

Madison Recycling Center 599-0091, located on North Wilson Ave. They accept residential drop offs of appliances, metal, aluminum, etc.
Please make an appointment to bring household hazardous waste to the processing center.

Madison Beautification Program

The Madison Beautification Program has launched their own website. Don't miss the Mayor's Garden Party on June 21'st.