Madison's Everyday Engineering

Getting your foot in the door at the City of Madison can look different for so many people, with different backgrounds, apprenticeships, hourly positions, seasonal positions, part time positions, internships and training programs. In the past few years, we have been building on some key positions that are developing our workforce, and our #TeamCity. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Engineering Division Facilitites Coordinator Stephen King and Fleet Services Superintendent Mahanth Joishy to talk about two successful programs, and one new program anyone trying to work for the City of Madison should know about: GreenPower, Fleet Apprenticeship Program, MI-TE Program. Thinking about applying? Listen to this 20-minute episode to know what you can expect! https://media.cityofmadison.com/Mediasite/Play/bef223c2536d420fa3f3fff1bb5b41f81d

Little did you know, in the City of Madison Engineering Division, we have pollinator specialists. Our team focuses on best practices, and also is part of a state-wide group Bumble Bee Brigade. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Engineering Division Greenway Vegetation Coordinator Maddie Dumas and Conservation Technician Emily Jorgensen to talk about the City's involvement in the Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade, and give you some useful tips and tools while out in nature that can help you identify different species with a quick click of a question to a pool of experts. Learn what we're talking about in this quick buzz-tastic episode of Everyday Engineering! The Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade is coordinated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. As a citizen-based monitoring project, we partner with volunteers from the public to conduct long-term monitoring of the state's native bumble bees. https://media.cityofmadison.com/Mediasite/Play/4e5d1753c182467c8397597b4619ae581d

You may see color and culture across the City of Madison, but the Public Art Program has so many layers that help bring beautiful art to life on public structures and in the community. The Percent for Art ordinance, passed in October of 2017, officially created a mechanism to increase the rate of our investment in public art. Through the Percent for Art Program one percent of the city funds committed to any capital project exceeding $5,000,000 will be designated for public art. In 2020, Madison's Percent for Art ordinance initiated its first project with the Metro Transit Maintenance Facility project on East Washington Avenue. Learn more about this and other public art projects and how the program works in this 20-minute podcast episode. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Planning Division Principal Planner Bill Fruhling to explain about the ordinance and how it's a part of our community. https://media.cityofmadison.com/Mediasite/Play/508da8f810af43cb988dc3a031cbc3651d

If you're a person who loves the outdoors, digging, planting and being outside, imagine being paid to enjoy nature and improve greenspaces, it could be the best first step toward making a career in nature! The Conservation Trainee Program is a part of the City of Madison Engineering Division, and it's a great way to get into the dirt, help out your community and spend time with our amazing conservation crews while learning something new! City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts the supervisor of the program City of Madison Engineering Division Greenway Vegetation Coordinator Maddie Dumas and Conservation Technician Emily Jorgensen to talk about how the program has changed and how it can create space into a career at the City of Madison Engineering Division! https://media.cityofmadison.com/Mediasite/Play/888f0e262cc5424ca92bc554f3a65da81d

Public transit is part of a growing conversation in the City of Madison, Wis. You may even be listening to this podcast episode on your way riding on the bus! Whether you use public transit—or join in the conversation—if you travel in the City of Madison, you're impacted by it in some form or another, and if you aren't already—you most likely will in the future. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Engineering Division City Engineer Jim Wolfe and City of Madison Transportation Department Director Tom Lynch to talk about themes the country is seeing in terms of public transit use and design, and how it holds true in the City of Madison.

What in the world would soybeans have anything to do with the City of Madison Fleet Services? Way more than you probably know! City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Fleet Superintendent Mahanth Joishy to talk about all the ways the City of Madison is trying to use soybeans to help the environment., from biodiesel to soybean tires on police cars, you'll learn something new in this episode guaranteed!

There's a need, and we're filling it with concrete…. Literally. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Engineering Division Facilities Services Coordinator Stephen King to talk about the City's newest program, the City of Madison Infrastructure Training Engineering Program, also known as “MITE.” In this episode you'll learn what the program is, how it came to be, and how to apply and start a career in the City of Madison, City of Madison Engineering Division and City of Madison Public Works Department. We'll walk through the application process, what you'll learn in the program and how anyone, with any background can apply and have a successful career in public works if they're willing to work and learn.

The City of Madison is the second largest city in Wisconsin, and if it seems like we're growing, it's because we are. Building, developing you name it—it's happening right here in Madison—but why? and how? City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Planning Division Director Heather Stouder and City of Madison Engineering Division Deputy City Engineer for Public Works and Development Chris Petykowski to talk about how the City is growing, how a city grows and how that impacts the future of development and growth in the City of Madison. There are other things that matter too, like HOW we grow and how fast a city develops. We cover it all in this episode of Everyday Engineering.

The City of Madison's first purpose-built shelter-- what does that mean? More importantly, what does that mean for the City of Madison, Wis., community? Those are two questions we answer in this podcast episode as City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Community Development Division's Linette Rhodes and Engineering Division Project Manager and Engineer Jon Evans. Definitions, site selection, a deeper understanding of the Trauma-informed report guiding decisions for future use and so much more, it's all covered in this episode of Everyday Engineering.

Located in the Southwest part of the City of Madison, Wis., two phases, added bike lane, and an impact to Whitney Way, just a few things Hammersley Road construction will be disrupting and impacting this construction season. In this episode, City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Engineering Division Engineer Aaron Canton talk about how this project will impact residents and what residents can expect for disruptions.

Three years in the making, a project that is proof community feedback is heard and used to make changes for a better street for our community. Davies Street and Dempsey Road has a few-year history so far, longer than a typical road reconstruction project, but it's time to start bringing the design to life with construction. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Engineering Division Engineer Aaron Canton talk about how this project will impact residents and what residents can expect for disruptions.

The City of Madison Engineering Division is doing Watershed Studies—where the division's engineers comb through the City of Madison, looking at where the stormwater infrastructure system can be improved to prevent or minimize flooding, and then present results of the studies to the public. There has been a need for even more clarity, so in this episode, the City takes some time to dig into the results that we are presenting, and what they actually mean for planning—potential construction and really how they'll be used moving forward toward finding long-term solutions to flooding in the City of Madison. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Engineering Division Principal Engineer of the Stormwater Section Janet Schmidt and Stormwater Engineer Jojo O'Brien.

No matter what time of year, it's always a good time to recycle. However, what if you don't know where to start? You're in luck, the City of Madison has a Recyclopedia, put together and updated each year to serve the needs of the community to support recycling habits and needs. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Streets Division Public Information Officer Bryan Johnson to talk about how the Recyclopedia came to be and how to use it, including some of the most helpful chapters to apply to everyday recycling.

The intense pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic forced municipalities to find solutions for homelessness in the community—and the City of Madison was no exception. In just the last two years: the City of Madison Engineering Division led five huge projects to help people struggling with homelessness. It's an incredible amount of work to address an issue in our community that really cuts to the core of people's livelihood. All of this work changed based on resources changing during the pandemic. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Engineering Division Facilities Services Coordinator Stephen King and Facilities Management Engineer Jon Evans to talk about how the move came to be and how it fits into the bigger picture of helping the community address homelessness.

After over a decade of process, the Madison Public Market is officially happening. It's really happening. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts two key people in the Public Market Process: Engineering Division Facilities Management Project Manager Brent Pauba and Department of Planning, Community and Economic Development, Economic Development Division Director Matt Mikolajewski to talk about what it means to make it over the final financial hurdles of approval to make the Public Market come to life in the community.

Two major reconstruction projects are underway in 2023 in the City of Madison: Pleasant View Road and Atwood Avenue. Pleasant View Road is on the City's west side, and Atwood Avenue is on the City's east side. Both projects impact our community in multiple ways. Atwood is known for its vibrant connection to the east side of the City, and known for being bike-friendly and a path that plays host to a true "Madison" experience. The experience will look different with construction underway-- in hopes of a better and safer experience when finished. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Engineering Division Principal Engineer Andy Zwieg to talk about how these two projects will impact the communities, and what goes into projects that inevitably disrupt the community short-term for better paths in the long term.

A snowy mess moves into our area, and we look directly to our City of Madison snow professionals--- why? Because the snowy system impacts everything we have planned that day, our family's plan, our work plan, children's plans, school and any other extra activities. Snow removal is so important, and that process includes brine! However, brine can't be used every snow system. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts City of Madison Streets Division Assistant Superintendent Roger Kleist and City of Madison Engineering Division Water Resource Engineer Phil Gaebler to talk about when the right time is to brine.

A new opportunity to create renewed connection with the beauty of our lakes and urban space, we're talking about the generational project of John Nolen Drive Reconstruction paired with the intense Lake Monona Waterfront Design Contest. City of Madison Engineering Division Public Information Officer Hannah Mohelnitzky hosts Parks Division Landscape Architect Mike Sturm and City of Madison Engineering Division Deputy City Engineer for Public Works and Private Development Chris Petykowski to talk about the contest, how the two projects will shape the future of the City's most iconic path into the heart of downtown. You'll also learn what happens next once design finalists are selected and how it'll impact the community.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.