Public Meetings - Fitchburg, Wisconsin

The Fitchburg Housing Committee met on June 8, 2026, for a discussion-only meeting. Sustained Dane staff presented a mid-year update on the 2026 Efficiency Navigator Program, and city staff presented housing and economic development updates, including a proposed down payment assistance program. No formal votes were taken. The meeting adjourned at 5:19 p.m. Efficiency Navigator Program Update - Claire Schaefer of Sustained Dane, joined remotely by colleague John, said the 2026 program is nearing its second phase. It helps small to medium apartment buildings become more efficient and resilient, reduce operating costs, and preserve affordability, with funding tied to the 2019 housing plan and TIF district closures. - Outreach included letters to 176 properties and promotion through newsletters, social media, FACTV, and a press conference. About 30 applications were received; 10 buildings had eight or more units, six owners submitted applications for more than one property, and about half of the applications were for duplexes. - Intakes were completed at 16 buildings representing 90 units and 237 residents: eight duplexes, five eight-unit buildings, one three-unit, one 15-unit, and one 16-unit building. - To date, 14 assessments have been completed and 10 reports returned: five in Bellmar, three in Forest Downs, two in Wildwood South, and one each in rural residential, Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Leopold. - General observations included weatherization needs, heat pump water heater opportunities, fewer air-source heat pump opportunities, and adjustments to intake/termination setups. One building scored 10 out of 10 for window replacement need. - Among reviewed properties, one building had sprinklers in common areas and 15 did not. No lighting concerns were identified; some missing or disconnected downspout extensions were noted; in one building, removed smoke-detector batteries were replaced immediately; one owner reported seasonal mice and a persistent woodpecker, with no other pest evidence. - Initial recommendations from the 10 available reports included five weatherization projects, one heat pump measure, and one unremediated health-level gas leak. The first cost estimate was about $185,000 before contractor quotes, and the work would affect 104 residents, including 29 children and 13 seniors. - Staff explained the weatherization-first approach: it addresses the root cause of energy loss, often delivers high savings per dollar, allows heating and cooling systems to be sized correctly, and includes ventilation and gas-leak checks for health and safety. - Case study: an eight-unit building in Forest Downs where residents pay all utilities. Recommended measures were air sealing, insulation, ventilation, a heat pump water heater, and gas-leak repair, with estimated $1,000 annual utility savings, 36% energy-use savings, and a 5,500 reduction in CO2 emissions (units not stated). - IRA rebate status: four buildings in the Madison program have been approved after about four to five months of paperwork. Administrative changes announced in the previous week may make rebates unavailable for replacing gas appliances with electric appliances, so the program is in transition. The HER prescriptive path is preferred and can provide up to $14,000 per unit; income tiers are 80% or below AMI for higher rebates, 80-150% for lower rebates, and no rebate above 150%. - Next steps are contractor quotes, three-party agreements, land use restriction agreements, and installation. A new land use restriction agreement is being finalized to keep assisted properties affordable for five years, including if sold; Dan Hardy from CETA/CEDA helped draft it and Valerie will review it before the June 25 joint meeting. - The administrative phase was $100,000; an additional $400,000 is allocated for the second phase, to be brought forward June 25. Staff discussed whether to run another outreach round that could extend into 2027. - An Office of Energy Innovation grant application is being prepared with Madison and Middleton and is due June 30 to expand the program to owner-occupied buildings; the amount discussed was about $500,000, with budget details pending. Housing Initiatives and Down Payment Assistance - City staff recapped the Efficiency Navigator work, the land use restriction agreement, a $600,000 CDBG Pro-Housing Grant for infrastructure, and an in-house housing dashboard being developed with IT and GIS assistance. - Proposed down payment assistance program: it would target the "missing middle" at 60-120% AMI, with up to $25,000 for 60-80% AMI based on need and matching funds up to $25,000 for 80-120% AMI. It would apply to single-family homes, townhomes, and condos and require a homebuyer education certificate. About $2.5 million is allocated, expected to last three to four years. - Purchase price cap feedback: members discussed no cap, a moderate cap, and a lower cap. One member supported a moderate cap; another estimated that a $425,000 home with a 6.5% mortgage would require about $115,000 in income, assuming 20% down and 30% of income for housing. Some members preferred relying on lender underwriting or an affordability test instead of fixed caps, while one noted lenders may overextend buyers. - Geographic targeting feedback: several members opposed restricting assistance to specific neighborhoods, saying people should not be told where to live. Some supported citywide availability, slight bonus points for priority areas, or transit-oriented/future transit-oriented locations. One member noted single-family homes and transit-oriented development often do not align; another suggested a pilot targeted area that could expand. - City employee preference feedback: members were generally receptive to including employee preference in scoring, with some supporting a limited preference. One speaker said the city should lead by example on employer-assisted housing, and another noted TIF funds are contributed by multiple taxing jurisdictions. Staff said HR views the program as a recruiting and retention tool. - Repayment structure: the proposal would require repayment upon sale or cash-out refinance, but not for an interest-rate refinance. Members discussed early-repayment incentives, an average homeowner tenure of about seven years, the administrative burden of tracking refinances, and the need for provisions covering death, estates, and family transfers. - Administration and transparency options included a single nonprofit administrator or a hybrid with city involvement; grievances would require city participation. Members discussed publishing scoring criteria and total scores while protecting confidential information, and vendor quarterly reports and audits to allow adjustments. - Members did not favor recertifying household income over time, citing financial privacy and not wanting to penalize households whose income increases; the program focuses on first-time homebuyers. Economic Development Updates - Economic development staff reported that the council approved a $9.8 million pay-as-you-go TIF developer agreement for the clean-fill site between Highway 14 and M, proposed by local developer Mark Fairchild. Full build-out could generate $104 million in valuation, with two multifamily buildings totaling about 325 units, a 119-unit continuum-of-care facility by Trilogy Health, about 40 single-family lots, and about 40 townhome units initially identified as ownership product. - Bowman Plaza on North Fish Hatchery Road saw costs increase from $70 million to $77 million; revised TIF assistance would have a not-to-exceed amount of $7 million and was scheduled for the next council meeting. If approved, demolition could begin in July, with occupancy in two phases in early 2028 and April 2028. The project includes 270 market-rate apartments, 10,000 square feet of commercial space, and structured/underground parking. - Jamestown Quarry: the council and Plan Commission unanimously supported the TID amendment and project plan/cost amendment, which goes to the Joint Review Board on June 24. It would allow a retail center and another apartment building on the north end with about 270 units; developer Corey Frank could return for a future workforce/market-rate conversation. - Oak Ridge senior housing, proposed by JT Klein Company, was scheduled to break ground later that week at 4 p.m. just north of Jinfinity Gymnastics on Nesbitt Road; it will provide 80 units of affordable housing. - Staff have held initial conversations about build-to-rent single-family and twin-home product, a model more common in the South and West that is now moving into Midwest markets. - The Dementia Village groundbreaking occurred in May; the project will first remodel existing space and then construct the home. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the meeting was for discussion only. - Staff will refine the down payment assistance program using committee feedback before preparing an RFP. - The land use restriction agreement will be finalized, reviewed, and brought to the June 25 joint meeting, along with the second-phase Efficiency Navigator funding. - The Office of Energy Innovation grant application with Madison and Middleton is due June 30, 2026. - The next joint CEDA/CETA meeting is June 25, 2026; the next Housing Committee meeting is August 10, 2026. - The meeting adjourned at 5:19 p.m.

The City of Fitchburg Board of Review convened on June 8, 2026, to approve meeting minutes, formally close a withdrawn residential objection, and conduct a subpoena compliance review for several commercial properties. The committee voted to waive multiple assessment appeals directly to Dane County Circuit Court. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The Board approved the minutes from the May 18, 2026, meeting. A minor correction was noted regarding the attendance record for a committee member. - Withdrawn Objection: A residential property owner withdrew their objection via email on June 1, 2026. Chair Sean Paff commended the committee for affording the owner every opportunity, and the matter was closed without a vote. Discussion Items - Subpoena Compliance and Waiver Requests (Item 5A): The Board reviewed waiver requests for multiple parcels represented by the firm Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, SC, brought before the committee by representative Sean Lovell. City Assessor Chris Leeds confirmed that the property owners had sufficiently complied with all subpoenas issued following the May 18 meeting, finding no cause to change any assessments but agreeing with the waiver request. Mr. Lovell renewed the request, noting that the parcels are already pending in Dane County Circuit Court and that this process is standard across municipalities. - Committee member Richard Bloomquist recused himself from the deliberation and vote due to a professional conflict of interest with the firm representing the property owner. - Chair Sean Paff inquired about the assessment timeline. Mr. Leeds explained that 2026 is a maintenance assessment year (approximately 1,600 notices sent), while 2024 and 2025 were full revaluation years (over 9,000 notices). The next revaluation is anticipated for 2027. The committee also discussed the financial implications, with Mr. Leeds confirming that the city’s current assessed value remains on the tax roll, and tax refunds would be issued retroactively if a court later lowers the assessment. Key Outcomes - Approved Waiver Requests: The committee voted unanimously to grant the waiver requests for all listed parcels, sending the assessment disputes directly to Circuit Court. The motion was made by Mark Felcharo and seconded by Andrew Slager. - No Additional Meetings Scheduled: The committee confirmed that all business for the Board of Review was conducted. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned sine die following a motion by Carol Poole, seconded by Amanda Canessa.

The Fitchburg Parks Commission met on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included public comments, approval of consent items, discussion and action on two resolutions, staff reports, and planning for future agenda items. The meeting adjourned at 6:57 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Patrick Cheney (resident) addressed the commission during the call to order regarding the late posting of the agenda. He noted that the agenda was posted 36 hours before the meeting, violating the city's standard practice of posting by noon on the Friday prior. He warned that if not posted 24 hours in advance, the meeting would be illegal under state law. Staff responded that the delay was due to a direct referral item awaiting financial review. - Patrick Cheney also spoke during the discussion of Resolution R 12626 (athletic court renovations). He questioned the funding source (property taxes), argued that the Swan Creek tennis court only needed crack filling rather than full replacement, and stated that the Wildwood South tennis court appeared nearly new and did not require resurfacing. He suggested instead resurfacing the Magaw tennis courts for pickleball use. He urged commissioners to inspect the courts in person before voting. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote. - Approval of the Agenda – The agenda was approved as written by unanimous voice vote. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2026-017 (Clerical Correction to Park Closure Ordinance) – Eric (staff) explained that the amendment adds the word "pathways" to allow passage through parks during closing hours and standardizes time references to Central Standard/Daylight Time. The ordinance was approved unanimously. - Resolution R 8926 (Rental Policy for Host Ahochi) – Eric presented the draft policy, noting that Host Ahochi is a unique facility (educational, multi-purpose, with a kitchen). The policy would initially limit rentals to civic organizations, excluding private parties, due to lack of an attendant. Commissioner Christopher Piguero proposed amendments including stronger non-endorsement language and a resident/taxpayer priority clause. Commissioner Heidi Reynolds raised concerns about excluding families. Staff recommended legal review of the proposed amendments before adoption. After discussion, a motion to table the resolution for legal and staff review was made and seconded, then passed unanimously. The item will return at the July meeting. - Resolution R 12626 (Acceptance of Bids for Swan Creek and Wildwood South Athletic Court Renovations) – Eric presented the bid package: $300,000 total, funded from TID closure excess increment ($250,000) and capital property tax levy ($44,000). The work includes a full rebuild of Swan Creek tennis courts (mill, overlay, new fence) and resurfacing of Swan Creek basketball court and Wildwood South tennis court (crack filling, re-fiberglassing, repainting). A bid alternate for post-tension concrete at Swan Creek was not recommended due to excessive cost. Expected completion by October 15, 2026. Commissioners Sue and Chris noted water pooling and poor condition at Swan Creek and supported the maintenance. The resolution was approved unanimously. Staff Reports & Updates - Parks Maintenance: Staff repaired three leaks at McKee Park splash pad, which is now operational. Storm damage cleanup occurred May 18-19. Staff attended flagger safety training. - Forestry: Spring planting of 263 trees completed on schedule; a forestry assistant is assisting with warranty work. - Communications: A new "Park Spotlight" series will highlight features of individual parks, starting with McKee Park. Commissioners suggested adding user-generated content and Spanish translations. - Budget Planning: Eric noted he is working on the 2027 operational budget and may propose funding for a summer intern and woodlot management implementation. Key Outcomes - Vote on Ordinance 2026-017: Approved unanimously. - Vote to Table Resolution R 8926: Motion carried unanimously; staff to review proposed amendments and bring revised policy to July meeting. - Vote on Resolution R 12626: Approved unanimously. - Future Agenda Items: - Kids Crossing concept design: Staff to decide between a special public input meeting (PIM) in July or inclusion on the July 9 Parks Commission agenda. Commissioners requested outreach to school districts, the Community Equity Advisory Committee, and families to encourage youth input. - The revised Host Ahochi rental policy will be on the July 9 agenda. - Announcements: - Pride flag raising at City Hall on June 5 at 12:00 PM. - Juneteenth flag raising on June 17 at 3:30 PM. - Popsicles in the Park event at Hegel Jamestown Park on June 11 from 4:30-6:00 PM. - Next Regular Meeting: July 9, 2026 (second Thursday, to avoid the holiday).

The Fitchburg Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission met on June 3, 2026, to discuss a range of topics including sidewalk riding ordinance revisions, bicycle-friendly community status, school bike education programs, and updates on infrastructure projects. The commission welcomed new member Josh Olson. The meeting featured a presentation from the All Kids Bike program and included updates from council and staff. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public appearances were made for non-agenda items. Discussion Items Sidewalk Riding Ordinance Commissioners deliberated on a proposed ordinance to allow bicycle riding on sidewalks, which is currently prohibited by state statute unless a municipality passes an ordinance. The discussion focused on balancing safety, enforcement, and clarity. A draft term sheet was reviewed. Key points included: - Concern over complexity of designating specific streets or zones; a citywide allowance with conditions was favored. - Debate on whether to include language discouraging sidewalk riding or encouraging use of available bike facilities; consensus leaned toward encouraging use of bike infrastructure. - Inclusion of restrictions where sidewalks abut buildings, fences, or hedges to maintain pedestrian safety. - Speed of riding on sidewalks: agreement to use language such as "at a rate of speed consistent with safe pedestrian movements" rather than specifying a numerical limit. - Consideration of age restrictions was not included due to enforcement difficulties. - Commissioner Steve Arnold noted the ordinance could help prevent pretextual policing and close legal loopholes in incident liability. - The commission directed staff (Phil) to incorporate suggested edits and forward to city legal for formal ordinance drafting. Bicycle-Friendly Community Status Update The commission discussed progress toward the next Bicycle Friendly Community application, due in about one year. Staff and members noted improvements since the last submission, including the B-cycle bike share launch, increased events, and more bicycle-friendly businesses. Weaknesses include low commuter ridership data (0.7% from ACS) and need for better demographic and recreational ridership data. Ideas included conducting a community survey, using trail pass data from the DNR, and getting B-cycle ridership data (6,600 rides recorded). Commissioner Steve Arnold reported that after analysis, Fitchburg currently has the highest number of active Bicycle Friendly Business awardees in the nation, though the League of American Bicyclists is re-evaluating grace periods. The commission plans to refine data collection and consider a conference call with the League. All Kids Bike Program Presentation Ryan, representing the All Kids Bike Foundation, presented the Strider bike education program targeting kindergarten PE. The program aims to teach every child to ride a bike, providing bikes, curriculum, and teacher training for less than $10 per child over ten years. The program is in nearly 2,000 schools nationally but none in Wisconsin to date. The commission discussed implementing the program in Fitchburg's three school districts (Madison, Verona, Oregon). Verona already has a similar program; interest was noted for Leopold Elementary (MMSD) and possibly Oregon and Eagle School. Next steps include reaching out to school principals and engaging the Bike Fitchburg group to champion the program with schools and find funding through grants, crowdfunding, and local sponsors. Old Business / Staff & Council Updates - Capital Improvement Plan: Council member Joe Maldonado announced the mayor's proposed CIP would be released June 4 for public review. - Infrastructure Projects: Transportation Engineer Ross Kaler provided updates: Whalen Road Bave Shoulders project bids opening June 5, with construction expected August-September; closure of Research Park scheduled to start soon but coordination with multiple contractors may cause intermittent closures; McKee Road utility project is private and not the city; Petrona/Quarry Vista closure still anticipated but in holding pattern; MMSD 9th Brains Interceptor project delayed mostly to 2027 or later. - Traffic Impact Analysis Guidelines: Ross Kaler noted TTC will review new guidelines on June 11 for discussion and July 9 for approval. - Bike Month Events: Phil announced the Fitchburg Brewery Bike Ride (June 6) and Bruce Cruise (June 7). One commuter station scheduled for June 5 at Thermo Fisher Scientific. - Bicycle-Friendly Business Program: Mark Hamilton and Steve Arnold reported 36 businesses currently awarded, with new designations including upgrades to Silver. The commission aims to maintain high active status. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved. - Sidewalk ordinance: Edits to be prepared by staff and sent to city legal counsel for formal drafting. The ordinance will permit sidewalk cycling citywide but encourage use of bike lanes and include safety-related restrictions. - Bicycle-friendly community: The commission will increase data collection efforts, reach out to DNR for trail pass data, and consider a conference call with the League of American Bicyclists to improve the next application. - All Kids Bike: Staff and Bike Fitchburg will connect with school principals and the program's team to explore bringing the Strider program to Fitchburg schools. The commission added the item to future agenda for follow-up. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for August 5, 2026, with planned presentations from eCycle and NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association).

Overview The Fitchburg EMS District Commission convened on June 3, 2026, at Fitchburg City Hall, Francis Huntley Cooper Council Chambers, to discuss and act on a step-two grievance filed by Firefighters Local 311 regarding the employment termination of Lieutenant Christy Schnabel. The meeting included roll call, a closed session, and a vote to deny the grievance. Roll Call and Attendance Commission members present: Alison Kirk, Daniel Schultz, Jake Leper, Mary Winkers, Patrick Lytle, Stephen Fusco, David Lonsdorf. Also present were Chief Anderson, Deputy Chief Dostelick, and Deputy Chief Handers. A quorum was declared. Discussion Items Grievance of Firefighters Local 311 (Lieutenant Christy Schnabel Termination) - The commission opened the grievance hearing under Article 7.06 of the collective bargaining agreement. No sworn testimony was taken; it was a presentation opportunity for the union and Lieutenant Schnabel. - Representatives for the union: Attorney Martin Kuhn (misidentified initially as Attorney Martin Coom) and Secretary Treasurer Pete Friedrichs. - Representative for the district: Brandon Ryan, Union Steward for Fitchrona EMS. - The chair noted that Lieutenant Schnabel was provided written notice of her right under Wisconsin statute §19.85(1)(b) to require an open session; no such request was received. - A motion was made and seconded to convene in closed session for discussion of the grievance (Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(b)). The commission voted unanimously to enter closed session. - After returning to open session via roll call vote (all ayes), the commission heard a motion to deny the grievance on the grounds that Lieutenant Schnabel does not meet the minimum qualifications for the paramedic position due to her lack of insurability. The motion was seconded. Key Outcomes - Vote on Grievance Motion: The motion to deny the grievance passed with 6 ayes (Daniel Schultz, Alison Kirk, Jake Leper, David Lonsdorf, Patrick Lytle, Stephen Fusco), 0 noes, and 1 abstention (Mary Winkers). - Next Steps: Attorney Troy Thompson was instructed to prepare a written step-two decision within 14 calendar days, consistent with the commission's decision, as required by Article 7.06 of the collective bargaining agreement. - Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved unanimously.

The Board of Public Works of the City of Fitchburg met on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 5:30 PM. All members were present: Kim Lobdell, Dave Wilburn, Alder Jetter, Alder Herbst, and Don Gutkowski, along with the chair, Director of Public Works Tim Volker, and utility staff Carrie. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the May 18, 2026 meeting were moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared, so this section was skipped. Discussion Items Director of Public Works Report - Tennis Courts at Middleton: Tim Volker reported follow-up from last meeting on deteriorating tennis court material. He contacted Middleton's parks director and contractor Fred Kochman, who will inspect the courts and identify the material used. - Project Updates: - 2026 Street Resurfacing: Pre-construction meeting held May 19; Payne & Dolan to start approximately June 15. - 2026 Sidewalk Replacement: Re-bid received five bids; low bid from Duluth Concrete LLC at $222,958; contract award upcoming. - Whalen Road Paved Shoulders: Bids open June 5; only one plan holder so far, may extend deadline. - Basswood Drive: Construction continuing. - Bellmar and Tower Hill Utility Improvements: Contractor working on Crescent. - Water Tower (Tower D): Primer painting complete. - Badger Lift Station: City of Madison managing; easement acquisition ongoing; bidding delayed to summer. - Algae at McKee Farms Park: Alderman Dave Wilburn noted significant algae and eutrophication in the north and south ponds and connecting channel. Volker will have staff inspect and consider improvements; suspected cause is lack of water turnover from low rainfall. Resolution R 113-26: Supporting Sustainable Municipal Transportation Funding Tim Volker presented a resolution from the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, asking municipalities to support long-term state transportation funding as a lobbying effort ahead of the 2027 state budget. Board members expressed that while the need for increased road funding is clear—the city’s road maintenance budget has not kept pace with inflation, and state general transportation aids increased only 60.4% since 2000 while CPI rose 90.7%—they questioned the resolution’s immediate impact and timing, especially given the recent $40 wheel tax. However, they agreed it supports a necessary effort and passed the resolution unanimously. Resolution R 121-26: Authorizing Water Utility to File Simplified Rate Increase Carrie explained that the Public Service Commission allows a simplified application for a 3% rate increase, with an effective date of September 16, 2026. The utility’s rate of return was 3.84%, below the allowed 6.4%. The increase would add $1.42 per quarter ($5.68 per year) for an average home. Board members discussed the benefits of incremental adjustments over large jumps and questioned the rate base ($15.2 million utility-financed, $25 million developer-contributed) and inclining block rate structure. The resolution passed unanimously. Resolution R 103-26: Approving Subdivision Improvements Agreement for Eighth Edition to Nine Springs The agreement covers public improvements for a 17-acre plat zoned T5 (smart code). Questions addressed a required street light outside the plat, street tapers for traffic safety at a future intersection, tree grates (constructed just prior to occupancy), and developer-paid updates to GIS and water model. The board approved the resolution unanimously. Key Outcomes - All three resolutions passed unanimously. - Next meeting: Monday, June 15, 2026, at 5:30 PM. - Meeting adjourned at 6:14 PM.

The Community and Economic Development Authority (CETA) of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, convened on May 28, 2026, with Chair Mark Hamilton presiding. The meeting included officer elections, approval of prior minutes, public comment on a marketing insert, an overview of hotel room tax revenues, and extensive reports on housing initiatives and Tax Increment District (TID) projects. Staff provided updates on the upcoming "Forward Fitchburg" strategic plan roundtables. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the March 26, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Nora Said provided detailed feedback on a draft marketing insert for investors and site selectors. She argued the insert overly focused on Madison, used outdated 2017 population statistics (Fitchburg was the second fastest growing city in the state in 2023), and lacked a trackable call to action. She recommended highlighting Fitchburg's role as an anchor in the federally funded biohealth tech hub, its active TIDs, and implementing QR codes for better lead generation and ROI tracking. Discussion Items - Election of Officers: - Chair Mark Hamilton was re-elected. - Vice Chair Andy Potts was re-elected. - Alder Micah Delusa (District 4) was welcomed as a new committee member. - Hotel Room Tax & Marketing Proposal: - 2025 revenue was reported as finalized at $543,895 (roughly flat year-over-year). The first quarter of 2026 totaled $106,581, reflecting the new 8% tax rate. - Staff proposed a $25,000 marketing campaign using a sequence of inserts in In Business Magazine. The committee indicated support, and staff will draft a budget amendment. - Housing Initiatives (Lorreen Gage & Dan Hardy): - Efficiency Navigator: Program received 24 applications covering 205 units; 10 building assessments are complete. A new Land Use Restrictive Agreement (LURA) was drafted to ensure the five-year affordability requirement remains with the property if sold during the grant period. - Down Payment Assistance (DPA): The committee provided guidance on program parameters. They favored a moderate purchase price cap (e.g., $475,000), a point-based preference for city employees rather than a set-aside, no strict geographic targeting (but using location as a tiebreaker), and repayment of funds only upon a sale or cash-out refinance (Option B). - Administration: Staff will hire an outside nonprofit administrator (estimated $60,000 annually) with city oversight. - Next Steps: The LURA will return for formal approval at the next meeting. The DPA program RFP will be finalized for a potential summer rollout. A $600,000 CDBG grant for infrastructure is in the early contract phase. - Tax Increment District (TID) Updates (Mike Addison): - TID 11 (Syncopation Development): City Council approved a $9.8 million TIF incentive on May 26 for a major mixed-use development (senior care, townhomes, apartments; $104M total value). - TID 10 (Bowman Plaza): Staff will seek an increased TIF of up to $7 million to close a funding gap caused by $7 million in construction cost increases, keeping the 5-over-2 building on track. - TID 10 (UPS Store): The city will sell a remnant parcel (appraised at $85,400) for $1 and contribute $56,000 in demolition costs to help the UPS Store build a new, street-fronting commercial building. - TID 17 (Jamestown Quarry): A TID amendment supporting up to $2 million in extraordinary site costs (soils, retaining walls, stormwater) for a new retail center and apartment building was approved by the Plan Commission and Council on May 19. Final action is expected June 24. - Forward Fitchburg Plan (City in Motion): - A series of stakeholder roundtables were announced: Commercial Centers & Identity (June 17), Innovation Economy (June 18), AI Impact (June 18), and a Developer Roundtable (June 25). - Staff highlighted a need for more subdivision lots and noted initial inquiries regarding tech/data center prospects, which will require careful study. Key Outcomes - Approved: Minutes from March 26, 2026. - Elected: Mark Hamilton (Chair) and Andy Potts (Vice Chair). - Moved Forward: Staff will draft a budget amendment for the In Business Magazine marketing campaign. - Directed: Staff to finalize the Down Payment Assistance program parameters based on committee feedback. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026.

The Committee of the Whole meeting for the City of Fitchburg was called to order at 6:30 PM on May 27, 2026, and adjourned at 8:33 PM. The meeting focused on two major items: a detailed presentation on the $12 million City Hall, Senior Center, and Community Center Remodel Project, and the annual Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Financial Policy Guidelines. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the draft minutes from the meeting of April 22. Note: The minutes were dated April 22, 2022 in the transcript, though the context strongly suggests the intended date was April 22, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - There were no public appearances for non-agenda items, either in the chambers or online. Discussion Items 1. City Hall, Senior Center, and Community Center Remodel Project City Administrator Chad, Deputy Administrator Adam Sayer, and Architect Dawn Crowley presented the findings of the space needs analysis and the expanded project scope. The project grew from an initial $6 million estimate to a $12 million full campus renovation. The driving factors are the age of the building (25-30 years), the impending vacancy from the police department's move across the street (anticipated Q1 2027), and the lack of flexible, modern workspace. The design aims to improve natural light and spatial flow, create flexible meeting spaces (including a dedicated 30-person room and several smaller ones), expand the Senior Center kitchen, and improve the Community Center entrance. Staff recommended a full 7-month closure of City Hall to complete the work efficiently and reduce costs, temporarily relocating city staff and public walk-in services to the Community Center. Council Positions and Questions: - Alder Dave expressed full support for the full closure model. - Alder Jetzer expressed fiscal caution, requesting a phased alternative for comparison and highlighting the cumulative debt from other city projects. Staff defended the full closure as the most cost-effective approach. - Alder Bill investigated the planning for mechanical upgrades and natural light (solar tubes), integration of public art, and strategies to ensure the design remains timeless. Staff confirmed a focus on low maintenance and flexible furniture systems. - Alder Micah strongly supported the project, emphasizing the hidden cost of employee turnover without quality work environments. He supported the outdoor patio concept and asked if mechanical system replacements were budgeted. - Mayor Ferrata requested a dedicated common council workroom, improved safety and secure egress from chambers, separate public and staff restrooms, and the inclusion of wellness and mothers' rooms. She also asked for the preservation of the building's open atrium sightline. 2. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Financial Policy Guidelines Finance Director Misty Dodge presented the annual CIP kickoff, outlining the city's financial standing and constraints. Fitchburg maintains an AAA credit rating. Key statistics include a debt service rate of $0.81 per $1,000 (policy limit: $2.25), an unassigned fund balance at 15.2% (policy floor of 15-25%), and debt totaling 0.83% of equalized value (state limit: 5%). The city anticipates approximately 2.5% net new construction ($134 million needed for a 2% levy increase). The Expenditure Restraint Program (ERIP) is phasing out, with an expected $120,000 in aid in 2027, down from $650,000 five years ago. She reviewed the replacement fund system for equipment under $500,000. Council Positions and Questions: - Alder Bill questioned the sustainability of large replacement funds given levy limits and inquired how Fitchburg's strategy compares to other municipalities. Misty clarified that items over $500,000 are typically debt financed, and the program has been expanding since 2017. - Alder Micah asked about the treatment of interest earnings on replacement fund balances. - Alder Jetzer asked for clarification on why the library and transit are budgeted as separate funds. Key Outcomes - No formal decision was made on the City Hall Remodel project; the presentation was for feedback and information to inform the formal CIP proposal. - CIP Schedule Set: The Mayor's proposed CIP will be released the following week. The June 24, 2026, Committee of the Whole meeting will feature the Financial Management Plan and a TID (Tax Increment District) 101 session. Council amendments to the CIP are due by noon on July 6, 2026. Final adoption of the CIP is expected at the second council meeting in July 2026. - Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.

The Community Equity Advisory Committee of Fitchburg met on May 27, 2026, to hear a presentation from the city's DEI Employee Resource Group (ERG), approve an equity rubric, endorse proclamations for Pride Month and Juneteenth, and discuss flag‑raising policies. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (April 22, 2026): Unanimously approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No public appearances for non‑agenda items. Discussion Items - DEI Employee Resource Group (ERG) Presentation: Members of the ERG (Sarah Mazamayers, Anna Healy, Sarah Olson, Jeremy, Stephanie, others) introduced themselves and outlined their mission: “promote equity and social justice and create change through education awareness” to ensure employees feel they belong. Accomplishments included establishing Juneteenth as a city holiday, a bilingual incentive program (50¢/hour for Spanish, Hmong, or American Sign Language), a buddy program for new hires, and a workplace culture survey. Members discussed challenges in recruiting ERG members and need for transparent listening sessions. The committee expressed support and offered to collaborate. - Equity Rubric Discussion and Approval: After postponing the item to address proclamations first, the committee returned to discuss the equity rubric. A member recommended changing language in the scoring section from “not every category must be fully exemplary” to “most categories do not need to be exemplary” to set realistic expectations. The amendment was approved unanimously, and the full rubric was adopted. The rubric is intended as a tool for the committee to evaluate city plans and will be shared with the Common Council. - Proclamations for Pride Month and Juneteenth: The committee reviewed and unanimously approved draft proclamation language for Pride Month (June) and Juneteenth. The proclamations will be forwarded as recommendations to the mayor and city. - Flag‑Raising Discussion: Members raised concerns about the current flag guideline (Pride flag up one week, Juneteenth flag up one week) sending a mixed message. After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to recommend that both flags be raised on June 1st and remain up for the entire month of June. The motion passed unanimously. The committee also noted the need for a broader flag policy review. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved (April 22, 2026) – unanimous. - Equity rubric adopted with a language amendment – unanimous. - Proclamations for Pride Month and Juneteenth approved – unanimous. - Motion to recommend flags (Pride and Juneteenth) raised June 1st and stay up the full month – passed unanimously. Committee will communicate this recommendation to the mayor. - Next steps: The equity rubric will be presented to the Common Council; ERG listening sessions planned for fall 2026; collaboration with the committee on future events and communication.