Public Meetings - Fitchburg, Wisconsin

The Community Equity Advisory Committee of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, met on April 22, 2026, to continue developing an equity toolkit/rubric for evaluating city reports, proposals, and plans. The committee reviewed two versions of the rubric, discussed refinements, and agreed on next steps to finalize the tool. The meeting also included approval of previous minutes and brief announcements. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the March 25, 2026, meeting by unanimous voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public appearances were made for non‑agenda items. Discussion Items - Equity Toolkit Review: The committee spent the majority of the meeting reviewing a draft equity rubric designed to assess how well city documents (e.g., plans, RFPs) incorporate equity. The group examined a version prepared by committee member Jessica, which included color‑coding and a 4‑point scoring scale (4 = emerging, 3 = developing, 2 = strong, 1 = leading). Members discussed: - The need for clear definitions of key terms such as "well‑being" – some suggested replacing it with "thriving" or adding context. - Consistency in language across rows (e.g., using "data" consistently in the data collection row). - Whether to use a 4‑point, 5‑point, or 7‑point scale to allow finer differentiation (e.g., between "developing" and "strong"). - The difference between "approve with conditions" and "return for revision" in the scoring criteria – members noted the committee is advisory, so final approval rests with the city council. - The importance of using the tool early in the planning process to avoid costly revisions later. - Racial Equity Lens: Chair Chris proposed adding language explaining that the committee leads with a racial equity lens, with a definition and rationale (e.g., race often indicates disparity even within other marginalized groups). Other members supported this, and Chris agreed to draft the language. - Glossary and Training: Bill suggested creating a glossary of terms; Colleen reported on a meeting with Sarah Lawton from the Government Alliance for Racial Equity (GARE), who offered to provide video modules and potentially visit the committee to help staff learn to use the tool. - Process: The committee discussed whether to combine elements from Jessica’s version and Bill’s comments. Members agreed that Chris would integrate feedback from the discussion and circulate a revised document via email (without meeting quorum), with a goal of final adoption at the next meeting. - Outreach to City Departments: Donald proposed inviting department heads to learn about the toolkit once it is finalized, to encourage early use. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimously approved. - Equity Toolkit Next Steps: Chris will merge feedback from the meeting into a revised rubric, circulate it to the committee via email, and bring a final version for approval at the next meeting. - Racial Equity Lens Statement: Chris will draft a statement explaining why the committee centers racial equity, to be included in the toolkit cover sheet or as an asterisk. - GARE Resources: Colleen will follow up with Sarah Lawton to schedule a presentation for the committee or city staff. - Announcements: Janice announced a Juneteenth event on June 17, 2026, at the senior center featuring an award‑winning author; another member shared a GSA event on May 9; Colleen invited members to a Nina community of practice call featuring Deepa Ayer on the second Wednesday of each month.

The Committee of the Whole convened at 6:31 PM and adjourned at 8:14 PM on April 22, 2026, for its annual council onboarding and orientation. The meeting was led by City Attorney Valerie and City Administrator Chad, covering legal obligations, city operations, and council member roles. No public comments were made on non-agenda items. Consent Calendar - None. The approval of minutes from the March 25, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting was a separate agenda item, approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public appearances for non-agenda items were made, either in chambers or online. Discussion Items Legal Training (Valerie) - Open Meetings Law: Valerie explained that meetings must be noticed and accessible, with limited exceptions for closed sessions. A quorum (generally five members, but can vary) triggers open meetings requirements; serial or “walking” quorums are prohibited. She advised limiting city business discussions to posted meetings and not discussing items not on the agenda. - Public Records Law: All council members are custodians of their own records. Valerie strongly recommended using city email for city business to simplify record requests. Personal accounts used for city business still create records subject to disclosure. She cautioned that emails, texts, and social media posts are records and could be read aloud in legal proceedings. - Conflicts of Interest: State and city ethics laws prohibit using public office for personal gain. If a conflict exists, members must recuse themselves from both discussion and voting, and best practice is to leave the room. Accepting gifts given because of official position is prohibited; nominal items (e.g., t-shirts, mugs) from public events are permissible under city ordinance. - Robert's Rules: The city adopted the 10th edition, but debate limits are modified: each member may speak up to five minutes per recognition before the common council, with separate rules for budget discussions. Personal attacks are prohibited. - Informed Consent for Attorney Participation: Valerie reminded the council that an ordinance allows her to participate in professional listservs (e.g., League of Wisconsin Municipalities) without breaching attorney-client confidentiality, as the city is her only client. Administrative Training (Chad) - City Staffing & Structure: Chad provided an organizational chart showing 275 employees. Departments reporting to the mayor include police, fire, legal, and administration. The city participates in a multi-jurisdictional public safety consortium (MPSIS) with several Dane County communities. - Meeting Procedures: Council meetings are on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, with the first July and second December meetings typically canceled. Committee of the Whole is the fourth Wednesday. Agenda packets are posted on Fridays; public comment on non-agenda items is limited to three minutes per speaker. No discussion should occur between council and commenters on items not on the agenda. - Referral Process: Most items are referred to committees for review and return to council. Direct referrals are used sparingly for time-sensitive matters. The consent agenda covers routine items; any alder can request removal for separate discussion. - Council Roles & Conduct: Individually, alders lack authority; they must work as a group to pass legislation, set policy, or direct staff. It is improper to unilaterally order staff. Respectful behavior is expected; personal attacks are unacceptable. - Suggestions from Council Members: - Ald. Jetzer suggested using Outlook invites for city events to track attendance and avoid unexpected quorums. Valerie cautioned against requiring responses due to scheduling uncertainties. - Ald. Jetzer requested city-assigned phone numbers that forward to personal lines. Chad agreed to explore feasibility and costs. - Ald. Gerhardt asked for clear rules for public comment to be announced at the start of meetings to avoid confusion, especially regarding three-minute limits and the inability of council to respond. Staff will consider adding such information to agendas and/or announcements. - Ald. Gerhardt and Ald. Jetzer recommended including plan commission memos in consent agenda packets for transparency. Chad noted timing issues but will review. - Ald. Gerhardt suggested listing all memberships (e.g., Dane County Cities and Villagers Association, Sustaining Dane, Fitchburg Chamber) available to council members for networking and education. - Ald. Gerhardt requested adding new city plans (housing, urban forestry, sustainability) to the council resources webpage. - Ald. Jetzer noted the council handbook needs updating (e.g., purchasing limits) and should be reissued. - Upcoming Processes: Mayor Farafta offered to hold individual district meetings with alders prior to the CIP and budget processes to discuss priorities and funding. Staff will also work on website redesign to improve navigation. Key Outcomes - Unanimous Approval: The minutes of March 25, 2026 were approved without opposition. - Future Agenda Items: Staff will consider implementing an Outlook invitation system for city events, providing city-issued phone numbers, adding public comment rules announcements, and including plan commission memos in council packets. The council resources webpage will be updated with new plans. The clerk will update and reissue the council handbook. - Training Scheduled: The next Committee of the Whole meeting is May 27, 2026; the topic is not yet set. The standard meeting schedule for 2026 has been reaffirmed.

The Fitchburg Plan Commission met on April 21, 2026, considering several rezoning requests and development proposals across seven public hearings, concluding at 9:27 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes from March 17, 2026 corrected and approved. - Resolution R-75-26 (electric easement) approved. - Resolution R-84-26 (utility easement release) approved. Public Comments & Testimony 5A - Ski Lane Rezoning: Shalyne Schenck (Ski Lane HOA) supported residential rezoning but urged lower density for green space preservation. Developer Tom Jacobs proposed 18 affordable ownership houses. 5B - Lacey Road/Faye Glenn Rezoning: Patrick Cheney (East Fitchburg Neighborhood Association) supported. Residents John Stefan and Scott Wilson opposed, citing traffic and lack of owner-occupancy. Developer Sherry defended the project. 5C - Bowman Plaza Mixed-Use: Nate Hoyt (developer) presented a 278-unit building with 11,500 sq ft commercial. 5D - A Grace Hospice: Dwayne Hellwig (architect) presented phase one downsizing hospice to 28 beds and future dementia village. 5E - Jamestown Quarry Multi-family: Corey Frank (developer) presented a 290-unit building. 5F - Terra Vesa Senior Living Final Plat: No public comments. 5K - Highfield Reserve PDD Amendment: Brian Monson (agent) requested architectural language clarification. 5L - Seminole Pool ADR: Katie McDonnell (pool president) presented renovation plans. 5M - Farmland Preservation Rezoning: Written comment from Bowman Farms requested to remain AX. 5N - Agricultural Zoning Update: No public comments. Discussion Items 5A: Commissioners discussed density and tree preservation. Staff noted tree survey required and density of 9-15 units/acre. 5B: Commissioners debated loss of mixed-use, density, and rental vs. ownership. Staff presented density examples. 5C: Questions about interior bedrooms and building code compliance. 5D: Concerns about tree removal (20+66) and hospice bed reduction rationale. 5E: Noise buffer addressed with developer commitment to screening. 5F: Discussion on tax exemption and potential PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes). 5K: Clarified no change to setbacks; refined garage architectural standards. 5L: Staff required photometric plan for dark sky compliance. 5M: Debate on keeping Bowman parcels as AX; commission supported. 5N: Concerns about unlimited farm residences; referred to committee. Key Outcomes - 5A: Resolution PCR 0126 and Ordinance 2026-09 approved unanimously. - 5B: Resolution PCR 0226 approved (3 ayes); Ordinance 2026-010 failed. - 5C: Rezone (8 conditions) and ADR (17 conditions) approved. - 5D: Rezone (amended condition 8), CSM, ADR approved unanimously. - 5E: Rezone (10 conditions) and ADR (16 conditions) approved. - 5F: Final plat approved (15 conditions). - 5K: Minor PDD amendment approved. - 5L: ADR approved (15 conditions). - 5M: Ordinance 2026-07 approved as amended (one opposed). - 5N: Ordinance 2026-08 referred to Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee; no action. - Administrative resolutions passed unanimously. Reports - Staff selected consultant for comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance updates. - Transportation and Transit Commission: $300,000 safety grant, Richardson Street traffic calming discussion, Fisherhatchery Road path delay. Meeting adjourned at 9:27 PM.

The Fitchburg Common Council held its organizational meeting on April 21, 2026, at approximately 5:00 PM. The meeting included the swearing-in of Mayor Julia Silvina Ratafrata and council members, remarks from the mayor outlining her priorities, election of council president Gabriella Gerhardt, committee appointments, and passage of two resolutions. The meeting adjourned at 5:57 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Patrick Cheney spoke during Resolution R-72-26, suggesting an improvement to require printed copies of agendas be available in meeting rooms. Election of Council President - Council member Joe Maldonado nominated Gabriella Gerhardt for council president. The nomination was seconded, and no other candidates were nominated. - Council President Gerhardt made remarks, thanking the council and outlining priorities including bus service, zoning, housing, parks, and the fire district. - A voice vote was taken, and the motion carried unanimously. Committee Appointments - Council President Gerhardt announced standing committee appointments: Finance (Chair Mike Galace, Vice Chair Gerhardt, member Bill Jetzer), Personnel (Chair Donald Dansler, Vice Chair Joe Maldonado, member Jake Lepper), Public Safety (Chair Logan Ragstead, Vice Chair Dave Herbst, member Jake Lepper). - The council later confirmed these appointments by voice vote. - Mayor Ratafrata presented her appointments of council members to city commissions and committees, approved by voice vote. Appointees included Alder Dantzler Jr. (Aging Well, Community & Equity), Alder Gerhardt (Plan Commission, TTC), Alder Herbst (Tree Advisory, Public Works), Alder Jetzer (Public Works Board chair, Housing, RCC), Alder de Luce (CDA, ARG, Rural Affairs), Alder Lepper (CEDA, EMS), Alder Maldonado (Bike Parks, HI), Alder Ragstand (DTC, Library Board, Landmarks). Mayor appointed herself as Plan Commission chair. Resolutions - Resolution R-71-26 designating the State Journal as official newspaper for legal notices was moved, seconded, and passed by voice vote. - Resolution R-72-26 designating official posting locations was moved, seconded, and after a public comment, passed by voice vote. Council Member Comments - Alder Maldonado praised the council's civility and functionality. - Alder Dansler thanked voters and emphasized transparency. - Alder Lepper expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve. Key Outcomes - Swearing-in: Mayor Julia Silvina Ratafrata and council members sworn into office. - Council President: Gabriella Gerhardt re-elected. - Committee Appointments: Council president and mayoral appointments approved. - Resolutions: R-71-26 and R-72-26 passed. - Upcoming Meetings: Committee of the whole onboarding on April 22, 2026; next council meeting on April 28, 2026.

The Fitchburg Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee met on April 21, 2026, to consider two zoning ordinances tied to farmland preservation and agricultural zoning. Present were interim chair Amy Johan and alders Micah Ladoza, Adam Gyle, Shelly Mulasky, and George Broman; Chair Mark Jones and Vice Chair Roger Cohe were excused. The committee approved the prior meeting minutes, heard no public comments, amended and approved both ordinances, and received an update on next steps. Consent Calendar - Approved, by voice vote with no opposition, the minutes of the March 17, 2026 Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared in person or on Zoom for public appearances on non-agenda items. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2026-O-07 - Farmland preservation rezoning: Staff described a packet of 13 parcels and said the ordinance would rezone a small number of properties to bring the city's AX exclusive agricultural zoning into line with the adopted farmland preservation area map. The largest group is proposed for RL low-density residential, with staff noting those parcels are in the greenfield Future Urban Development Area; some larger lots are proposed for rural residential; and about six parcels are proposed to move from exclusive agricultural to transitional agricultural (AT). Staff explained that AT has the same dimensional standards as AX but is not a certified farmland preservation zoning district, so it does not provide the farmland preservation tax credit eligibility associated with AX. Staff also said the change would not affect how the property could be used. - Bowman Farms request: Staff reported receiving a letter from Andy Bowman asking that his four parcels in the Magaw Neighborhood Plan remain in or return to AX zoning. The two northern Bowman parcels were removed from the farmland preservation program in 2023 in anticipation of development, but Bowman now wants to continue farming and prefers no foreseeable future development. Several committee members questioned whether the city should oppose the landowner's request since keeping the parcels in AX would have little practical impact on the city. A committee member moved to amend Ordinance 2026-O-07 to keep the Bowman property in AX zoning, as requested by the landowner; the amendment was seconded and passed by voice vote with no opposition. - Ordinance 2026-O-08 - AX and AS agricultural zoning updates: Staff said the ordinance updates the exclusive agricultural (AX) and small-lot agricultural (AS) districts and related definitions as part of preparing the AX district for state recertification. Changes include simplifying fireworks and open-fire rules to require fire department approval, replacing a list of specific livestock with a general livestock definition, making new farm residences conditional uses instead of permitted uses, removing the 50% income category from the farm-residence definition, and adding AS conditional uses for horse boarding, breeding, training, and other equestrian facilities. The state Department of Agriculture provided a preliminary review indicating the ordinance appeared to comply with state statutes and DATCP rules. - Committee discussion on Ordinance 2026-O-08: Members asked about farm-residence criteria, storage in existing farm buildings, and the proposed caretaker residence for equestrian facilities. Staff said the storage allowance was intended to help preserve older farm buildings and provide limited income, not to facilitate another major commercial business. The committee agreed to change the caretaker-residence language so the attached residence is occupied by a caretaker rather than an operator. Department Update - Staff reported that both ordinances were scheduled to go to the Plan Commission later that evening and to the City Council the following week. If approved, the city would amend its farmland preservation plan map before the county's requested September update, then apply to the state to recertify the AX zoning district. For the comprehensive plan and zoning code update, the city received nine proposals for the comprehensive plan and eight for the zoning code, interviewed four consultant teams, and selected a preferred consultant; a contract is expected to be brought to the Plan Commission and City Council next month. Key Outcomes - Approved the March 17, 2026 meeting minutes by voice vote with no opposition. - Amended Ordinance 2026-O-07 to keep the Bowman parcels in AX zoning, then approved Ordinance 2026-O-07 as amended by voice vote with no opposition. - Approved Ordinance 2026-O-08 with the caretaker-language amendment by voice vote with no opposition. - Next steps: Plan Commission review later that evening; City Council action the following week; farmland preservation map amendment before September; state AX recertification application; and a consultant contract for the comprehensive plan and zoning code update next month.

Director of Public Works Report Director Tim Volker provided administrative and project updates: - The next Board of Public Works meeting on May 4, 2026, will include a presentation by Eric Dundee from the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District. - A new GIS-based interactive map for road closures is available on the city's website, with plans to automatically update Apple Maps and Google Maps for real-time rerouting. - Spring hydrant flushing began April 13 and will continue through May 15, 2026; discolored water may occur but is harmless. - Prescribed burns are nearly complete: Heartland completed spring burns and will return for fall medians; Field and Stream has one burn remaining at Harlan Hills East Pond. - Project updates: public information meeting for the 2026 street resurfacing project on April 23, 2026; sidewalk replacement project bids open April 30, 2026; Basswood Drive cul-de-sac conversion road closure starts the first week of May; Belmar and Tower Hill Utility Improvement Project (contract on agenda); water tower painting starting soon. - Questions addressed road closure notifications; the system sends emails to emergency services, school districts, and news outlets, but consistency with the city's Notify Me system will be checked. Ordinance 2026‑0‑11: Purchasing and Public Works Contract Thresholds Misty from the City Attorney's office presented the ordinance to align local code with new state law. Effective immediately, for non‑highway public construction, the notification threshold increases to $10,000 and the public bid threshold to $50,000 (from $5,000 and $25,000). For non‑public construction, the threshold for requiring bids or RFPs increases from $25,000 to $50,000. Highway projects remain unchanged. Board members clarified definitions and appreciated staff's quick action. The ordinance passed by unanimous voice vote. Resolution R‑94‑26: Belmar and Tower Hill Utility Improvement Bid The board accepted a bid from Speedway Sand and Gravel for approximately $2.3–$2.4 million to upsize and replace water mains and stormwater infrastructure. Key details: - $315,000 of the stormwater work will be funded by a federal grant (Tammy Baldwin funds from 2022). - A friendly amendment corrected a funding source in the resolution from fund 604 to 602. - The Aztec Street water main was removed from the project due to sufficient remaining life; the director noted the cast iron pipes were installed in the 1960s and have had few breaks. - Board members expressed concerns about Speedway's restoration performance on past projects; Director Volker agreed to emphasize cleanup and safety requirements. - The project will be split: Speedway will install underground utilities first, then Payne and Dolan will repave the streets. The resolution passed unanimously. Resolution R‑93‑26: Police Storage Building Roof Replacement The board authorized replacing the roof and gutters on the police storage building using a 60‑mil unbacked EPDM membrane with 1.5 inches of insulation over the existing roof. Total cost: $68,000. The existing roof will remain to avoid exposing stored evidence. Board members questioned the choice of membrane on a pitched roof; staff explained it was chosen to avoid opening the roof and because the contractor (from Wheaton, Illinois with references from UW‑Madison) provided a competitive bid. The building will be retained after the new police station is built. The resolution passed unanimously. Resolution R‑75‑26: Underground Electric Easement to MGE The board granted an underground electric easement to Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) on the property at 4974 Lacey Road (corrected from the originally stated 5974) to power the water tower. The easement allows installation of underground cable, a transformer, and metering, estimated at $100,000. Board members noted the easement language allows for future above-ground installations if needed. The address error will be corrected before council action. The resolution passed unanimously. Resolution R‑84‑26: Release of Utility Easement The board released a public utility easement on Outlaw 40 and Terra Vesa that was inadvertently recorded within the Lacey Road right‑of‑way. The easement is not needed because it lies in the road right‑of‑way; other utilities will also unrecord their easements. Six‑foot utility easements on adjacent private lots remain in effect. The resolution passed unanimously. Resolution R‑88‑26: Fitch Rona Engineering Services Amendment (Amendment 3) The board approved a third amendment to the engineering services agreement for the Fitch Rona Road project. Design changes resulted from property acquisition challenges, including removing paths around the roundabout. The project is now phased: Phase 1 (2026) from Nesbitt Road south to Cory Vista Drive, Phase 2 (2027) from Cory Vista Drive south to Tonto. Additional costs cover coordination, phasing, and final monumentation. The city and Town of Verona received a $2.7 million grant for the project; cost‑sharing negotiations are ongoing. The resolution passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approvals: All resolutions and the ordinance passed by unanimous voice vote. - Minutes approved: The April 6, 2026 meeting minutes were approved unanimously. - Next meeting: Monday, May 4, 2026, at 5:30 PM. - Chair transition: The Chair (name not disclosed) announced this as his last meeting as chair; Alder Jetzer will assume the chair at the next meeting. - No public comments were made.

The Fitrona EMS Commission convened on April 16, 2026. Commissioners present included Alison Kirk, Daniel Schultz, Devin Anders, Jake Lepper, David Lonstorff, Patrick Anderson, James Roberts, and Steven Fusco. The meeting addressed routine approvals, the Chief's report on staffing and operations, a policy update on controlled substances, an in-depth discussion on a proposed MOU for permanent part-time positions, and approval to forward the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget request to the member municipalities. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The previous meeting's minutes were approved unanimously. - Checklist Approval: The monthly operational checklist was approved without any objections. - Committee Assignments: Commissioners volunteered for subcommittees. The Personnel committee will consist of Schultz, Lepper, and Roberts. The Finance committee will consist of Kirk, Fusco, and Lonstorff. Chief Anderson will assign himself later. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present, so no public comments were received. Discussion Items - Chief's Report: Chief Anderson reported current year-to-date call volume is down to about 2.8%, characterizing this as a normalization following double-digit increases in early 2025. Staffing is in transition with four new hires to replace two retirements and two other departures, including a 15-year veteran. The external audit from Johnson Block is complete. A commissioner noted the runs summary report generated a discrepancy where percentages did not sum to 100. Chief Anderson will correct the data for the next report. - Policy Update: Controlled Substances: An update to the controlled substances policy was presented for approval to meet new DEA standards. Changes include central digital check-in for narcotics, protocols for locking ambulances, and updated disposal procedures. The policy was unanimously approved. - Discussion on Permanent Part-Time Positions (MOU): Chief Anderson led a discussion on establishing permanent part-time positions (minimum 24 hours/week) to improve reliability of the peak-time truck. The proposed MOU with the union prorates benefits (e.g., 24 hours paid training, 96-hour sick time cap). Part-time employees would not be mandated for overtime. Health insurance would be offered with the district covering 44% of the premium. Funding would come from unassigned fund balance. Commissioners raised questions about minimum hours, consequences of absences, and wage scales. Chief Anderson will consult with the union on backfilling procedures. No vote was taken; the item is scheduled for a vote next month. - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Review: The commission reviewed the 2027 CIP request to replace an ambulance and its core equipment. The budget is set with a 3% annual escalation. The commission discussed long production timelines (36 months), lifecycle replacement schedules, and the cost of electric ambulances. The request was unanimously approved for submission to the municipalities. Key Outcomes - Controlled Substances Policy Approved: Unanimously approved. - CIP Budget Forwarded: Unanimously approved to submit the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan request to the Fitchburg (64%), City of Verona (32%), and Town of Verona (4-5%) governing bodies. - Part-Time Position MOU Deferred: The item was discussed thoroughly. Chief Anderson will refine the proposal and seek union clarification on backfilling before a vote next month. - EMS Week Proclamation: The commission noted EMS Week (week of May 17) and a Mayoral Proclamation scheduled for May 12.

The Fitchford Library Board met on April 15, 2026, beginning at 5:31 PM. The board approved the January financial report and the 2025 post-audit financial report. The Director provided updates on the children's library renovation, ongoing HVAC and solar repair issues, the transition to a new library catalog system, and changes to city purchasing procedures. Routine Approvals & Consent Calendar - Approval of March Meeting Minutes: A motion by board member John was approved unanimously. - January Financial Report: The board unanimously approved the January financial register and budget overview. The Director noted typical year-start payments including annual contracts and the Overdrive/Libby e-book pool, alongside significant chiller repair costs. The fund balance was updated to approximately $964,000, with the endowment at $127,000. - 2025 Post-Audit Financial Report: The board unanimously approved the audit report for the prior year. The library ended the year with $69,880 in surplus moving into the fund balance. Total spending on CIP projects was $138,000. Discussion Items - Statistics and Operations Update: The Director presented a reworked monthly statistics document comparing year-to-date figures for 2025 and 2026. March figures trailed slightly behind the previous year, which the Director attributed partly to a weather closure. Overall performance was stated to be solid. - Facilities Issues: - The library spent $10,536 of its amended $12,850 HVAC repair budget. - The front door key card swipe on Lacy Road is non-functional and needs repair. - A $9,000 quote from Arch Electric for solar array repairs was received; the Director stated the library lacks the funds and has referred the matter to city administration. - The Children's Library project meetings have begun with the design firm Bachman. The theme is expected to be 'nature.' Additional meetings are scheduled with youth staff and board members. - Personnel: The library is posting for an LA1 position and a summer outreach assistant. - Library System Migration: The library closed for a day of staff training for the transition to the Link Cat system. The Director anticipates going live shortly and requested public patience during the rollout. - New Programming: The first program at the Hostaquohi community center (Traceway) was held and declared a success by the Director. - City Procurement Ordinance Changes: Board member and City Councilor Wendy announced that the City Council approved changes to procurement ordinances. The Director's purchasing approval limit increased from $5,000 to $10,000. Purchases between $10,000 and $25,000 require additional staff approval, and purchases over $25,000 must come to the full board. Some public notice requirements were moved online to save costs and staff time. Key Outcomes - The Director will be absent for the May meeting; board member Rachel will likely act as chair. - Officer nominations were deferred to the May 20th meeting. - The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The meeting was adjourned.

The Fitchburg Police and Fire Commission held a regular meeting on April 15, 2026. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, public comment, reports from both the police and fire departments, and a closed session for personnel actions. Key decisions were made to authorize a captain selection process and to promote a firefighter to lieutenant. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the March 18, 2026 meeting were approved. One commissioner noted they were absent for the meeting, but the motion passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Brian (concerned citizen): Spoke for the third time at a commission meeting. He raised complaints about the Fitchburg Police Department, stating that Detective Matt Leah and Emily Schunk had not responded to his inquiries. He referenced a "bomb testimony" in court and claimed the department has intimidated him. He said he recorded interactions but no action was taken. He expressed frustration with the system and said he is willing to go to prison for his cause. He thanked Sarah (likely a city official) for her recent response. He urged the public to become aware of the issues and said he is on Twitter as "Captain Caveman". He spoke for an extended period but was permitted to finish. Discussion Items - Police Department Report (by Police Chief): The chief reported 6 open positions (1 captain, 1 sergeant to be filled in August, and 4 police officers). Nine positions are unfilled due to two leaves and one academy attendee. The department recently conducted two hiring processes. Call-for-service data is affected by the loss of local dispatch; officer-initiated calls dropped but will be corrected. Activity: one homicide outside City Hall (suspect targeted the department but killed a pedestrian), one burglary, four thefts of autos, and consistent gun-related crime. The chief highlighted increases in theft from auto and aggravated assaults but said they are monitoring. Traffic crashes decreased for the first time in five years due to education, engineering, and enforcement. Traffic stops and monitoring are down due to staffing shortages and special assignments. Commisioners asked about data validity and expected offsets from increased staffing. - Fire Department Report (by Chief Gina): Career staffing is full, but three paid-on-call members and one intern received full-time offers elsewhere, reducing the part-time workforce. Overtime is high due to one FMLA and one injured career member, with many mandates for skilled positions (driver, lieutenant). Training hours increased due to access to an acquired building (former pancake café/pizza joint) for destructive training. Call volume is average. Commisioners asked about staffing imbalances between stations; Chief explained daily moves and turnover issues. The department plans strategies discussed in closed session. Key Outcomes - The commission voted to authorize the police chief to start a selection process for the position of captain (moved, seconded, passed unanimously). - The commission voted to promote firefighter Alex Wickman to lieutenant (moved, seconded, passed unanimously). - The commission moved into closed session to discuss personnel matters including additional police officer offers, a captain hiring process, fire department retirement and hires from eligibility lists. The above actions were taken upon returning to open session. - No announcements or additional decisions were made; the meeting was adjourned.