Council moves forward on city growth plan

The Madison City Council unanimously approved a resolution Monday, July 12 that will begin the process of developing a city growth plan.

The council approved an agreement with Urban Collage, Inc.  for consulting services for the Madison Growth Plan.

Mayor Paul Finley said the plan would give the city a strategy on how to move forward as the population increases over the next decade.

Finley said Urban Collage’s proposal was front-loaded with public meetings so the firm and the city could hear from the residents first.

“We want to hear from our residents,” Finley said.

Finley said the open meetings will be publicized before taking place, and they should help in providing a clear plan on how to move the city forward.

“We will have our roadmap,” Finley said.

In other actions:

— The council placed a temporary moratorium on the increase of animal license fees.  From July 16-Sept. 1, the fees will remain the same. After Sept. 1, the fees will increase in accordance to a previously passed ordinance.

— Finley announced a groundbreaking ceremony for the new dog park near the Mill Creek Greenway will take place Tuesday, July 13 at 3 p.m.

— Council President Bill Holtzclaw announced that the City Hall free Wi-Fi service is now accessible. Holtzclaw also said the service is up and running at Palmer Park.

— The council approved an agreement with the Abbington Downs Homeowners Association to perform maintenance on the neighborhood park.