Madison’s city Council approved an ordinance to allow alcohol consumption on downtown commercial quadricycles and renewed a contract with Judge Doyle Square project directors to continue its negotiation process.
Quadricycles are typically seen rolling along State Street as four-wheeled vehicles that can seat up to 12 passengers. Wisconsin state legislatures recently passed a bill that permits the consumption of “fermented malt beverages” while operating pedal-pubs.
Passengers power the quadricycle through pedals attached to their seats but an operator has control over steering and braking the machinery who is not permitted to consume any alcoholic beverages while driving, according to the state law.
The city ordinance permits passengers to carry a maximum of 24 oz. of fermented malt beverages, which would still allow passengers to drive home with a legal blood alcohol content.
City Council members also approved a city contract with AVA Civic Enterprises Inc. that would allow the current project director for the Judge Doyle Square project to continue negotiations.
The city chose George Austin from AVA Civic Enterprises Inc. as the project director for the first time in 2011. The new contract would extend his services until April 30, 2015. The contract will reward Austin “no more than $48,000.”
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said the project has been the result of “over four years worth of effort.” Despite opposition from various outside parties such as Progressive Dane and Citizens Against Subsidized Hotels, Verveer believes the project will be an asset to the city.
“Hopefully when it’s done, it’ll be worth every penny,” Verveer said.
City Council members also announced Ald. Scott Resnick’s, District 8, resignation from re-election of the Common Council pro-tempore position.
Common Council President Ald. Chris Schmidt, District 11, formally announced the resignation at the meeting resulting in members sharing their sentiments about Resnick.
“I personally had a really excellent relationship with him that deepened because of his role in leadership,” Ald. Marsha Rummel, District 6, said.
Schmidt also commended and thanked him for his “dedicated and conscientious services.”
Resnick turned down the Common Council president nomination while in the middle of deciding to run in the next mayoral election.
Preceding the official Common Council meeting, city equity team representatives presented a report on racial equity and social justice initiative.
Representatives Melissa Gombar and Jordan Bingham said they are excited to take action on racial equity, especially moving from equality to equity. Equality is equal support for each group, while equity is giving people the resources they need for equal opportunity.
Gombar highlighted addressing racism at individual, institutional and structural levels in Madison, since the Equity Team projects Dane County will be nearing a “majority of people of color” in 2040.
Bingham said the city should focus on equity to contribute to community conversation and because it will benefit everyone, considering evidence of racism still exists in the area. However, Madison has promising programs promoting diversity, according to Gombar.
“This is something we really need to focus on and make a priority,” Gombar said.
