A grant has been secured to modernize the documentation of the electricity grid, and a study has been commissioned focusing on mapping the grid. The council emphasized the importance of resiliency, inclusivity, and better stormwater management, as well as updating energy efficiency for municipal facilities. The initiatives presented at the meeting stressed the necessity of reducing energy consumption and emissions from the building sector.

Particular attention was given to the installation of electric vehicle chargers in apartment complexes and the availability of funding for property owners to install these chargers. The council is engaging with the Board of Public Utilities for support and guidance on promoting EV charger installation. Additionally, there were discussions about reaching out to the Board of Education for their reconstruction project to ensure energy efficiency.

In the realm of renewable energy, the council discussed the potential for solar panel installation on school buildings, highlighting a carport construction project that aims to generate solar energy to power approximately 75 homes in Madison. This project is scheduled for bidding in March. There was also enthusiasm for the idea of reaching out to the community about energy audits and rebates for lower-income households.

Furthering the environmental focus, the Madison Environmental Commission reported on the issue of invasive plant species and their impact on local ecosystems, urging residents to avoid purchasing these plants. Additionally, the commission reported on the successful turnout for a training presentation on green infrastructure.

The council also praised the Madison Library for its planning and foresight in securing grant funding for a renovation project. The renovation involves grant funding for abatement work, replacement of signs and lighting, ADA modifications, and library-funded work, including the creation of new study rooms and upgrades to electric wiring and data cabling. The significance of the Friends of the Library’s contributions was also highlighted, particularly in funding programming and special offerings.

Updates on infrastructure were provided by the Public Works and Engineering department, which informed the council about post-storm preventive maintenance and repairs on snow plows and salting equipment, ongoing sewer repairs, and road maintenance. The department’s 2023 accomplishments and 2024 goals were presented, focusing on projects such as the Memorial Park phase three Trail, Dodge playground improvements, and water, sewer, and electric system projects.

The meeting also included a discussion on the first reading of ordinance 10-2024, which pertains to the appropriation of funds for purchasing secure smart electric KNX company key boxes. This purchase is part of the capital budget and aims to enhance security by transitioning to an electronic key system.

The council took time to honor three members of the Madison community who had recently passed away: Joyce Ruckles House, Joan Boyland, and Joseph Riao. Joyce was remembered for her active involvement in various community organizations, Joan for her extensive career as a legal secretary, and Joseph for his lifelong residency in Madison and dedication to the family business, Central Lunch. A moment of silence was observed in their memory.

In addition to the above discussions, the council covered routine approvals, including the consent agenda resolutions and vouchers from various funds, and there was a public discussion on the budget, with department heads presenting their goals, objectives, and capital needs for the year.