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Madison's Everyday Engineering

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Madison's Everyday Engineering

Madison's Everyday Engineering

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Safe Streets Madison: New Program Digs Into Safety Before Design

The City of Madison wants its streets to be safer. That means slower speed limits, narrower roads, less traffic deaths. These changes make for safe streets in the City of Madison. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Traffic Engineering Engineer Ali Heinritz and City of Madison Engineering Division City Engineer Jim Wolfe to talk about how the City plans to roll out the new program, that includes safety elements the community has been asking for all along.

Life’s Blueprint: Meet Our New City Engineer: Jim Wolfe

There has been no more than two City Engineers in the last two-three decades at the City of Madison, that’s saying something considering the amount of responsibility the position holds on the future of infrastructure in the City of Madison. This position impacts everyone living in the City of Madison, and in this podcast episode, we hear more about Jim’s vision for the division, the City and what major projects the Engineering Division looks to take on in the next decade, which includes some generational projects. City of Madison Engineering Division’s Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts new City Engineer Jim Wolfe to talk about important topics paired with some fun at the end to get to know the new leader of the division that build, designs and maintains infrastructure at the City of Madison.

Let’s Talk Trees, Please.

Trees: a simple topic for some projects at the City of Madison, a bit more of a fuller conversation with conflicting opinions for others. In this podcast episode, City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Water Resource Engineer Phil Gaebler and Streets Division and Urban Forestry Superintendent Charlie Romines to talk about the big questions that always circulate about trees, tree removal and tree strategy at the City of Madison. If you take anything away from this podcast episode, please be this: The City of Madison cares about its trees, and works to keep as many healthy trees in every project.

‘Crush Farley,’ ‘Squashbob Trashpants,’ ‘Ron Squeezely,’ Electric Compactor Contest Makes Recycling and Trash Fun

Who would have thought there’d be so many fun names to officially name the City’s new electric trash and recycling compactors? The City of Madison held a contest, and the winning names were selected. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Streets Division Public Information Officer and Recycling Coordinator Bryan Johnson to reveal the names the City landed on officially for the new electric compactors, and what other machines may be getting a creative name next.

Cut Down On Your $alt: Updates to the Madison Salt Ordinance

The next time a winter weather event moves through the City of Madison, property owners will need to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks and lots on their property, or they could face a new fine. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Engineering Water Resource Engineer Phil Gaebler and City of Madison Building Inspection Director Matt Tucker to answer the questions about the changes to the new ordinance to help you avoid paying hundreds of dollars for putting down too much salt, or a contractor you hired. Catch all the information and answers in this episode.

Life's Blueprint: Andy Zwieg

Life’s Blueprint: an episode focusing on the career journey of one of our staff members, to share more about them, how they got here and hopefully some information on how to move into a career in this industry. Andy Zwieg is a streets and paths design engineer at the City of Madison Engineering Division, and chances are, you’ve traveled on a street or path he’s designed every day. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Andy for a conversation about his journey through life, schooling and how he worked toward purposeful designing in the City of Madison. Take a cruise through this podcast episode to hear Andy’s journey and hopefully it’ll help someone you know looking to go into transportation design. You can reach out to Andy by emailing azwieg@cityofmadison.com.

Storm Drain Mural Program: Paint, Turtles, Birds, Otters

Do you know where the water that washes down your storm drain goes? A Storm Drain Mural Program in Dane County, Wisconsin, is using art as a vessel to help teach students and communities about stormwater and where it goes. Dane County Land and Water Resources Department and the Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership started the program, and over 40 murals are painted in spots across Dane County. Learn how you can get involved, use the interactive map with your kids on a perfect Saturday educational tour, and so much more in this 20 minute podcast episode with Dane County Land and Water Resources Department Coordinator Christal Campbell and City of Madison Engineering Division Stormwater Resources Engineer Phil Gaebler as they explain to host Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky why the program has been so successful, and how easy it is to apply to take part.

Life's Blueprint: Fadi El Musa Gonzalez

City of Madison Engineering Division Streets and Paths Design Engineer Fadi El Musa’s journey to the City of Madison Engineering Division took a lot of work, guts to relocate and courage to work through a language barrier in the interview process before landing in the Engineering Division. El Musa designs streets and paths at the City of Madison Engineering Division, which is part of the section that oversees all street and bike path reconstruction in the City of Madison. El Musa started his journey and found his love for civil engineering growing up in Puerto Rico as young as 10 years old. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts El Musa to learn about his journey, and hopefully his story will inspire others to push for a successful career like he has.

Life's Blueprint: Jay Schlimgen

There are so many paths in our Engineering Division, and so we’ve started a segment within Everyday Engineering that focuses on the paths of different staff and careers within Engineering for anyone either looking, considering or trying to grow in the industry. Engineering Division Operations Supervisor Jay Schlimgen leads our Engineering Division’s crews that clean and maintain our City’s underground sewer systems, in addition, to so many other things, but his climb to leadership in the Engineering Division started with a strong work ethic rooted as a farm kid. Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Schlimgen as he shares his journey to the City, and then his climb to division leadership, which started as an entry-level position. Learn how he created a successful career in this episode of Everyday Engineering’s Life’s Blueprint.

Life's Blueprint: Brent Pauba

We’ve introduced you to so many people so far as guests on Everyday Engineering, but now, we continue to kick off a new segment that shares what went into getting here, and maybe help anyone planning their path forward. Life’s Blueprint: an episode focusing on the career journey of one of our staff members, to share more about them, how they got here and hopefully some information on how to move into a career in this industry. Brent Pauba is a project manager in the facilities management section of the City of Madison Engineering Division. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Brent to learn about a career path toward a place in the division that has a hand in some of the most major, visual projects the community uses. You can reach out to Brent by emailing BPauba@cityofmadison.com.

Life's Blueprint: Jojo O'Brien

We’ve introduced you to so many people so far as guests on Everyday Engineering, but now, we continue to kick off a new segment that shares what went into getting here, and maybe help anyone planning their path forward. Life’s Blueprint: an episode focusing on the career journey of one of our staff members, to share more about them, how they got here and hopefully some information on how to move into a career in this industry. Jojo O’Brien is a stormwater resource engineer at the City of Madison Engineering Division, but not before traveling the world to get a whole new perspective on water quality. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Jojo for a trip around the world to hear how her experiences factor into everything she does for the City of Madison Engineering Division. You can reach out to Jojo by emailing jobrien@cityofmadison.com.

Local Municipality + Passionate Community Members = Huge Rain Garden Success

Every little bit helps. The City of Madison has a 1,000 Rain Garden Goal, and if everyone plants just a little rain garden, not big or expensive, you rcan really help the whole stormwater system, however, in this episode, we talk about a big effort by some awesome watershed stewards, and they’re going to tell us how they did it. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Engineering Division Stormwater Engineer Phil Gaebler, Community Volunteer Sandy Stark to talk about the massive rain gardens, and how working together with local government can actually cut the cost for the community project.

Construction Nuts and Bolts: Future John Nolen Drive

John Nolen Drive— it needs some improvements in the City of Madison, and the public planning process began in 2021, which is years before any digging or disruption happens. However, it’s not that easy getting to the construction phase, especially fo the people in charge of designing and re-imagining the most popular street in the community. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts the two people tasked with hard jobs leading teams on the generational project: City of Madison Engineering Division Principal Engineer and Section Manager Chris Petykowski and City of Madison Parks Division Landscape Architect Mike Sturm. Learn how the City’s most-traveled path accommodates bikes, pedestrians and vehicles — and how it’ll all change with reconstruction fused with a brand new vision for the waterfront.

Life’s Blueprint: Stormwater Resources Engineer Phil Gaebler

We’ve introduced you to so many people so far as guests on Everyday Engineering, but now, we want to kick off a new segment that shares what went into getting here, and maybe help anyone planning their path forward. Life’s Blueprint: an episode focusing on the career journey of one of our staff members, to share more about them, how they got here and hopefully some information on how to move into a career in this industry. Phil Gaebler is a stormwater resource engineer at the City of Madison Engineering Division, but not before having some of the smelliest jobs. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Phil for a fun conversation and candid approach to his journey to the City of Madison Engineering Division, full of fun roadblocks and pathways that guided him to success in our City. You can reach out to Phil by emailing pgaebler@cityofmadison.com.

Creative Solution to Unsheltered Homelessness: Dairy Drive

The City of Madison is one of many municipalities in the United States looking for creative, healthy and safe solutions to help community members experiencing unsheltered homelessness find a path forward, especially during the pandemic. The City of Madison constructed its Dairy Drive Sheltered Campground in record time, from buying and selecting the land, to working with Seattle-based Pallet to build 30 temporary structures with heat, air conditioning and electricity. The City’s newest and first approach to constructing a sheltered campground is the first in the midwest of its kind. Everyday Engineering Podcast Host Hannah Mohelnitzky interviews City of Madison Community Development Department Director Jim O’Keefe and City of Madison Engineering Division Facilities Management Section Manager Bryan Cooper to talk about how the City approaches this work, and is able to complete a project of this size in such a short amount of time.

Thank you, John Nolen!

As the City works to plan reconstruction on an iconic passage into the City of Madison, so many people and ideas contributed to the current skyline and beautiful drive into the heart of the City on John Nolen Drive. Everyday Engineering Podcast Host and Engineering Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts a Madison Historian and Author David Mollenhoff to talk about what ideas and designs were initially planned for the city’s most well-known street, the vision of John Nolen, collaboration with American Architect Frank Lloyd Wright (among many impressive others, too!) and the lasting legacy that may have you saying “Thank you, John Nolen!” the next time you drive downtown.

Different Approach to Design: Complete Green Streets

Anyone who walks, bikes, drives or travels in any way in the City of Madison knows how valuable street space is. There are so many options with use or reconstruction—sidewalk space, rain garden space, bike lane space, space for café dining and so much more. These options and questions are what are driving the City’s Complete Green Streets Initiative. And if you are asking yourself, 'will this impact me?' Short answer: Absolutely, yes. In this podcast episode, listeners will learn what the process is for new street reconstruction, the differences of standard streets vs. green streets, and ultimately how the Engineering Division and Traffic Engineering Division work together. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts the City’s Bike and Pedestrian Administrator Renee Callaway and a principal engineer in the Engineering Division’s Streets and Paths Design Section Jim Wolfe to discuss the future of our City’s street design.

DIY Landscaping: Creating Solutions not Problems

When we're in landscaping and yard season, a lot of people may be trying to cut cost by doing a lot of the work themselves. So we’re here to help you in a number of ways: so you don’t create more issues for yourself from a stormwater perspective and so you can landscape without worry so that you truly are improving your yard not only to beautify but also to improve the environment. In this podcast episode you will learn how to landscape with a purpose by improving drainage around your home, which stormwater impacts you should be looking out for, what to do with yard waste and so much more. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Stormwater Engineer Phil Gaebler to discuss what people can do to help better their lawns while improving the stormwater infrastructure. You will also learn the impacts that salt, lawn chemicals and fertilizers have on your lawn as well as the environment.

Roger Bannerman: A Stormwater Legacy

It takes all of us to improve our stormwater system. It's a total team effort. But, if you have someone like the late Roger Bannerman leading the way through hard work and dedication, the difference for the community is huge. In this podcast episode, you will learn more in depth about Roger Bannerman, his passionate work that he accomplished for the City, and the strong influence he had on the stormwater community- which ultimately lead to the Rain Garden Initiative to be named after him. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Roger’s Wife, Jane Bannerman and Stormwater Engineer Phil Gaebler to discuss the impact Roger’s work made on the greater Madison area, including Wisconsin as a whole. You will also learn about the new rain garden that was dedicated to Roger on the corner of Fox Avenue and Sheldon Street, next to the Southwest commuter bike path in the City of Madison.

Charge it up: An Electrifying Step Forward

You see the red lights flashing in your rear view mirror. The sounds of sirens grow louder and you pull over to the side. Chances are you’ve likely gotten out of the way for a fire truck at some point. But now, there may be a new vehicle rushing by, especially in the City of Madison: the City’s and Nation’s first all-electric municipal fire truck, the Striker Volterra. In this podcast episode you will learn about the differences between a standard fire truck vs. the new electric model, how engineering helped charge up this milestone and what the future holds when it comes to electric service vehicles. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Madison Fire Department Assistant Chief Scott Bavery and City of Madison Engineering Division’s Master Electrician Matt Parks to discuss the details about this historic, all-Wisconsin story on how the first electric fire truck began in our community.

'Bee' the Change for our Pollinators

Have you heard what all the buzz is all about? The City of Madison is a Bee City USA and it’s busy season for our black and yellow pollinator friends! Our Engineering Division Crews are also busy tending to the pollinators and sharing why its important to support the pollinator habitat. Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts the Engineering Division Greenway Vegetation Coordinator Maddie Dumas and Field Ecologist Emily Jorgenson to talk about how our division focuses on making the community bee-friendly and pollinator friendly. From new bee boxes and plant selection to learning about the “bad boys” of the pollinator world (wasps!), in 20 minutes learn how you can help the City continue to be a Bee City USA.

The Price of the Perfect Green Lawn

Having a green, lush, lawn makes for a beautiful visual, but at what cost? Some people use fertilizers, others use different means to make the perfect lawn cushy and vibrant. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Engineering Division Engineer Phil Gaebler and Engineering Division Greenway Vegestation Coordinator Maddie Dumas to talk about the lasting impacts your lawn can have on the area lakes. They also share what sort of fertilizers you should look for, while also trying to support local waterways. Is it possible? That question answered in this 20-minute episode that will get you closer to your perfect, green lawn.

Vision Zero: slow down, seriously

Anyone who is riding, driving or commuting in some form in the City of Madison is already impacted by Vision Zero. Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. Is it possible to lower speed limits to 25 miles per hour, and have everyone abide by it? That question is answered in this podcast as City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Transportation Department Director Tom Lynch and Principal Engineer Jim Wolfe. Designing safer, it’s a topic your life depends on, and in 20 minutes you’ll learn everything you need to know about a new way of approaching safety in the City of Madison.

Not a hard topic: water softeners

A lot of residents want the feeling of soft water, the silky-hair-out-of-the-shower-feeling, which is possible with salt. However, have you ever thought of how much damage you’re doing thanks to the amount of salt you’re putting into your water softener? It’s a question City of Madison Engineering Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky asks to Water Resource Engineer Phil Gaebler and Wisconsin Salt Wise Coordinator Allison Madison, both experts in salt and salt reduction. Not only do they explain what sort of impact salt from your softener can have on the environment, they’ll tell you what to look for when deciding if you need to replace your softener.

Welcome to Madison, we're feeling attached already

A Town of Madison and City of Madison have existed for quite some time separately, however, come October 2022 the City of Madison and City of Fitchburg will absorb the Town of Madison. This process is called attachment, and in a nutshell, means some major changes for the roughly 6,300 people living within the Town of Madison boundaries, which is about 3.9 square miles of land. As part of an aggressive communication plan to connect with the residents impacted, this podcast episode will explain generally what attachment is, introduce resources and background that support the process to help those impacted understand how they can get answers as the process moves forward. City of Madison Planning Division Director Heather Stouder joins City of Madison Engineering Division Hannah Mohelnitzky for a conversation breaking down attachment as the City gets ready to welcome its newest residents.

How to Open a Temporary Shelter in 7 Weeks

A pandemic, Wisconsin winter, growing need and a tight deadline: all things standing in the way as Engineering crews work as fast as they can to put together a temporary homeless shelter for men in need in our community. City agencies pulled together in December 2020 to open a temporary homeless shelter in the City’s former Fleet services building located at North First Street in Madison, Wis. This included pop-up showers, bathrooms, more than 200 bunk beds and maintenance to the building that helped make it livable. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Engineering Division Facilities Services Coordinator Stephen King and City of Madison Community Development Grants Supervisor Linette Rhodes to answer the questions of why the City needed this so quickly, how it was possible to whip together in seven short weeks and where will men be placed when the City finds a more permeant location? It’s all explained in 20 minutes in this episo…

Women + Construction Industry = Success

Operating a backhoe, designing a street, wiring an entire floor of lighting or designing a building: they’re all jobs in the trades and construction industry. These positions are also historically, held by men, however, the industry is changing and the number of women in the construction industry is increasing thanks to some of the pioneers who blazed the trail for other women, and also men helping create space for women to benefit as well. The City of Madison Engineering Division is celebrating women in the construction industry with a week-long profile campaign to align with the Nationally-recognized week: Women in Construction March 7-13, according to the National Association of Women in Construction. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts President and CEO of CLE Consulting Dawn McIntosh and Madison College Construction and Remodeling Instructor Allie Berenyi talk all things Women in Construction, the hurdles still in the way, and…

I Want To Ride My Bicycle

A bike path with ice and snow is no good to ride on, unless you have the right equipment or if Engineering crews make a pass through, which is the case even if on weekends and holidays. The City of Madison Engineering Division works with the Parks Division to make sure bike paths are clear in the City of Madison. The city also has a very active bike community, and once the snow falls, Engineering crews move into snow removal mode immediately to make sure to support riders and safe paths. In this episode, Engineering Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Common Council District 15 Alderman Grant Foster and Engineering’s Ryan Schmidt to talk about snow clearing strategy, the expectations from the bike community and so much more as part of winter biking in the City of Madison.

Out with the Old, In with the New: Fleet Gets a Brand New Home

For municipalities to operate efficiently, the Fleet Service Division is often the backbone that keeps the fire department trucks tuned up, police cars up to date with oil changes and engineering’s dump truck tires filled with air. However, the work of Fleet means so much more, especially to the mechanics and team doing the hard work. At the City of Madison, a brand new fleet building was built, and the team gets to enjoy the state-of-the-art facility, while Engineering can proudly say the project was a success. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts a candid conversation between Fleet’s Superintendent Mahanth Joishy and Engineering’s Jon Evans to share why not only should you care about the brand new Fleet resource but the process that goes into pushing through a successful energy-efficient project and building.

Maximize your Soil Soak: Easy 5’ by 5' DIY project

When we hear the term “Soil Amendments,” the first thought that comes to mind may not be an easy fix in the front yard. However, in this podcast episode, engineers explain simply how not only are soil amendments easy to do in your yard, but they have huge impacts to helping mitigate flooding if that’s an issue for your neighborhood. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts engineers Phil Gaebler and Jojo O’Brien as they explain how residents should learn about soil amending, especially if they’ve never heard about it. They explain what tools residents need (not many) and how soil amendments make a huge impact.

Solar at the Center: GreenPower, Goals, Basics

Solar is at the center of conversation around the world, no matter if you’re a homeowner, developer, engineer or installer. GreenPower is a program at the City of Madison where trainees who have little to no electrical experience learn how to install solar, which then helps the City reach its sustainability goals. In this episode, City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts GreenPower Program Leader and City of Madison Engineering Division Master Electrician Matt Parks and City of Madison Sustainability Coordinator Stacie Reece to talk about all things solar. From basics of solar and solar terms to how investing and buying into this idea is pushing the City of Madison toward a more carbon neutral operation environment, it’s all here in this 20 minute episode.

Hello, Pumpkin! Try Composting this Fall

Pumpkin spice lattes, patches, candles, carving, when it’s fall, pumpkin is everywhere! However, when the pumpkins are sitting on your front porch rotting after a busy pumpkin season, you could do something more purposeful when it comes to parting from your pumpkins or other yard waste. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Engineering’s Greenway Vegetation Coordinator Maddie Dumas and City of Madison Streets Division Public Information Officer Bryan Johnson to talk about how to compost your pumpkins, and get started on your journey to becoming a master composter! From the tools you need, to composting 101 basic information you need to know to get started, it’s all covered in this podcast episode in less than 20 minutes.

Innovative ‘Green’ Way of Thinking about Infrastructure

You’ve heard the buzz word, but what does it actually mean? Green Infrastructure: rain gardens, permeable pavement, green roofs, you name it. It’s infrastructure that works with the environment, and in our case, here in Madison, a forward thinking way of approaching stormwater and flood management. City of Madison Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts engineers Phil Gaebler and Jojo O’Brien to talk about why the City is approaching this forward way of thinking and how City Engineering is working with residents to make it not only easy to install, but beneficial for everyone in the City.

Rain, Rain Go in my Garden

Rain gardens, they’re green, beautiful and help our infrastructure, but if you’ve never built one, have one or even know of how to make it happen in your yard, it can be hard to understand the benefits. A rain garden is a garden of native shrubs, perennials, and flowers planted in a small depression, which, sometimes, is built on a natural slope. A rain garden is also a great option for stormwater management as it temporarily holds and soaks in rainwater runoff that flows from roofs, driveways, patios or lawns. In this episode, you’ll find not only ways to help the City accomplish it’s 1,000 rain garden goal, but you’ll learn step-by-step instruction on how to build a rain garden, and how to build a rain garden on a budget. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer, Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Engineer Phil Gaebler and Greenway Vegetation Coordinator Maddie Dumas to explain what plants to select, how to measure and build a rain garden, in addition, to the m…

Garden on the Roof: How Green Roofs Help Minimize Runoff

A green roof, or living roof, is a roof a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium. Plants on the roof or garden on the roof, if you picture it in your head, not only looks cool but it has a number of benefits to the environment and also stormwater mitigation. In this episode, listen in to City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky as she hosts Engineering’s Stormwater Section Principal Engineer Janet Schmidt and Facilities Management Section Principal Architect Bryan Cooper to talk about green roofs, how many the City has and how they are referred to as an option as the City looks at updating its stormwater ordinance.

Closer to the Madison Public Market Experience

A lot of communities have their own version of a public market: complete with diverse food, vendors and experiences to fill the space with life for the community. The Madison Public Market will be no different, and it’s moving closer and closer with each day and benchmark in the design process. In this episode, hear from the people pushing the project along, and have been key stakeholders in making sure the Public Market is a success for the last several years: City of Madison Engineering Division Project Manager Brent Pauba and City of Madison Economic Development Business Resource Manager Dan Kennelly. City of Madison Engineering Division’s Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Pauba and Kennelly to get the latest information on the Public Market, including what seems to be a quiet time from a public perspective, is actually where and when a lot of planning happens for a big project like this.

Page through the details of new Pinney

Libraries have been part of Madison for quite some time, including one of nine locations, getting a major upgrade on the City’s east side: Pinney Library. The new location is designed with state-of-the-art facilities, designs, colors focusing on accessibility, sustainability and productivity for anyone who visits and plans to use the new resource. In this episode, City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Engineering Architect Amy Scanlon and Madison Public Library’s Neighborhood Library Supervisor Sarah Lawton to talk about all the new, unique features of the new Pinney, including local wood most municipalities would consider throwing away. Don’t miss this episode which also gives insight into how public library locations are chosen in the first place, and if you can’t visit one, there’s one that can drive to you!

What’s going on with the watershed?

Flooding impacts last years after devastation, and so does the work to look at ways to provide possible solutions so flooding doesn’t reoccur. Knowing how the watershed works as a whole and sharing every step toward finding solutions is the core of the City Engineering Division’s Watershed studies. It takes time, but to improve storm water infrastructure correctly, time will allow engineers to do work right. In this episode, City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Engineers Jojo O’Brien and Caroline Burger to talk about how close the division is getting to presenting answers to the public along with why it takes so long to put plans and modeling together. If you’re wondering what the City is doing to prevent flooding from happening in the future since the devastating flooding in August of 2018, listen to this episode, chances are, your questions will be answered.

No Lack of Purposeful Designs: Lactation Rooms, Pods

The first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “engineering” may be something related to building, designing or constructing, which is all correct. However, designing isn’t just about materials, it’s about how people will use the space for functionality, which then contributes to the overall quality of experience in the building. While the first lactation room was added years ago, even before part of City process, the need for lactation rooms continues to grow, but now has support from the Engineering Division, City of Madison and Dane County. In this episode, you’ll hear a different perspective on purposeful designing, why lactation rooms are needed, how to find them in City and County buildings and some new lactation pods that add another futuristic option for those nursing. Engineering Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Engineering’s Jeanine Zwart and Public Health of Madison and Dane County Rebecca LeBeau. Map of public lactation spaces (the…

A Sweet perspective on Salty Storms

Anytime Wisconsinites see a snowy forecast, they know, travel is typically not advised, and planning begins until the roads are cleared of snow and ice. However, there’s a lot more planning that happens from the City’s perspective far before the snow starts to fall. In this episode, listen to City of Madison Streets Division’s Steve Schultz and Engineering Division’s Phil Gaebler on how City crews decide how much salt goes on the roads to keep you safe. Engineering Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Schultz and Gaebler to talk about road plowing and salting from a perspective that may make you appreciate the crews working nonstop to clear roads in the dead of winter.

PFAS Explained Clearly

PFAS, or perflourinated compounds, are a class of chemicals widely used in cookware, food packaging, stain and water-resistant clothing, upholstery and firefighting foams. The compounds do not degrade and are showing up in dust, soil and water worldwide. It’s a busy conversation for a number of people across the nation, and more specifically and locally here in Madison, it’s captivated and necessitated the attention of homeowners, politicians and city government leaders. However, there’s a lot of information floating around and uncertainty about the topic, so in this episode City experts want to explain PFAS in a way anyone can understand. Engineering Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky, Engineering’s Hydrogeologist Brynn Bemis and Madison Water Utility Quality Manager Joseph Grande sit down to talk about some of the information out right now, and share what the City is doing to educate and connect with the community.

Down the drain: bowling balls, bacon grease, Legos

Once the water from your faucet or soggy noodles from dinner go down the drain, it’s just the beginning of a major process that many of us take for granted. One of the biggest misconceptions about drains is you can put anything down it, as long as it melts or you chase whatever you put down the drain with soap. If it never makes it through the pipe, chances are, you’ll have some major issues that will go deep into your wallet. In this episode, City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Engineering Operations Supervisor Jay Schlimgen and Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District Pollution Prevention Specialist Emily Jones to talk about what you should and shouldn’t be putting down your drain, and their answers may surprise you! From a field trip experiment to a bowling ball or two, you never know what you will find in the City’s sewer. Before you grind anything up in your garbage disposal, you’ll want to listen to this episode to learn what can go down the drain so you’re not paying for it in the long run.

Finish your Fall To-Do List: Leaves, Gutters and more

Keeping leaves at bay during the fall is important for any property owner, even when the work is dreaded. From City crews cleaning up leaves to you clearing them out of your gutters, the leaves require some attention otherwise it could impact your wallet in the long run. In this episode, Engineer Jojo O’Brien and Streets Division Public Information Officer and Recycling Coordinator Bryan Johnson talk about what you need to know to wrap up your leaf management at the end of fall, even if winter is moving in quickly. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts O’Brien and Johnson to talk all things leaves: from the type of technique that will cut down on your gutter cleaning, to what happens if you decide not to tackle the outdoor work. Don’t let fall catch you off guard, and complete your fall to-do-list with our experts.

Hop on the Bus! How Madison’s Bus Riding Experience is Changing

Riding the bus in Madison has changed over the years, however one thing has not: city agencies working together to make sure Madison residents and visitors can get from point A to point B, without hassle. In 2018, Metro provided 13 million rides, and on any given day, it provides up to 60,000 rides a day. With Metro Transit and the City of Madison looking forward to its newly announced Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Plan, Metro Forward, it’s not without reflection on where we’ve come and the issues the City is looking to solve. In this podcast episode, you’ll learn more about the future of rides, how you can cut your ride time and new tools you can use to catch the next bus near you. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Engineering Facilities Building Design Manager Jonathan Evans and Metro Transit General Manager Chuck Kamp to talk about new projects in the works to support BRT, electric buses and the future of bus rides in Madison. You’ll also learn why you should ride the bus, even if you’re not a believer in mass transit.

A “Mulch” Better Option for Your Leaves

Raking would be so much better if we didn’t have to do it, right? Well, how about ditching the rake, and mulch instead this fall? Mulching is a great option for any homeowner with a ton of benefits to the environment, soil, the lawn, and it’s less work than raking, bagging and loading or moving them to the curb for pickup. In this podcast episode, you’ll learn proper leaf management technique, how to mulch and why it’s important from a water quality standpoint. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts engineer Phil Gaebler and Olbrich Botanical Gardens Horticulturist Erin Presley to talk about all things mulching and what tools you need to help your lawn look the best come spring. You’ll also learn the impacts of “Leaf Tea” and how raking before storms can significantly help improve the quality of area lakes by 80 percent, come the heaviest leaf fall.

Salt: Great for French fries, not so great for fish fry.

Garages, sidewalks, lakes, you name it, salt is ruining or weakening it. Why should you care? Salt Certification may not mean much to anyone, except winter maintenance professionals, until now. In this episode, salt certification and why you should be selecting professionals who responsibly use the common tabletop standby is explained in a way you haven’t heard of before. Not only is salt impacting our water quality in Madison, but it puts aquatic life and freshwater resources at risk, it’s costly to remove, weakens and damages the concrete, brick and stone that makes up our homes, garages, bridges and roads. In this episode, City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Engineer Phil Gaebler and Christal Campbell from Dane County, who is the Stormwater Education Coordinator, and is part of the Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership. Gaebler and Campbell talk about why every resident should choose a professional who uses salt responsibility. Find salt certification classes and a list of certified applicators: https://www.cityofmadison.com/live-work/sustainability/winter-salt-certification

Wait, that's MY yard!

After a large conversation about bus stop and pad placement in the City of Madison over the summer, Engineering wants to share what the City can and can’t do within the Public Right of Way. In June 2018, a resident was unhappy about a bus pad, or concrete slab, being installed in her front yard. After consistent media coverage about the bus pad involved in an Engineering project, the division heard from residents and realized the public doesn’t always understand what the Public Right of Way is. In this podcast, City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Principal Engineer Christy Bachmann and Deputy City Engineer Greg Fries to chat about ways every resident can understand what part of their yard is susceptible to construction when road reconstruction happens on the street.

Before You Redo Your Basement....

Each year, hundreds of thousands of homes undergo some sort of renovation. The average cost to finish a basement, according to smartasset.com, is about $30,000. When anyone invests that much into anything the last thing they want is the money to go down the drain, figuratively and literally. Basement drainage, moisture and flooding is an important topic for any resident to understand, and if you don’t, then listen to this podcast so you don’t make the same mistakes as thousands of people who invest and end up paying out thousands of dollars in addition to the renovation. In this episode, City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts engineer Phil Gaebler and Jojo O’Brien to talk about everything basements and the main questions every resident should ask before investing thousands of dollars into a renovation that may be doomed to begin with.

Historic flooding: 1 year anniversary

In the last few years, heavy rains have become heavier and more frequent in the Madison area. After major flooding in August of 2018, the City continues to work toward possible solutions to prevent the flooding from happening again. In this podcast, City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts engineers Jojo O’Brien and Phil Gaebler to learn about what happened, why the flooding happened and ways every homeowner can flood-proof a home so devastating flooding can be minimized.

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