Public Meetings - Fitchburg, Wisconsin

The City of Fitchburg Finance Committee met on April 14, 2026, from 5:01 PM to 6:17 PM. Chaired by Alder Ladessay, the committee approved routine minutes, received an extensive Finance Director's report, and debated a significant ordinance overhauling purchasing and budget processes. The committee unanimously approved a series of resolutions including capital equipment purchases, a comprehensive housing study, and a feasibility study for a joint fire and EMS district. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting and the draft minutes from March 24, 2026, were approved unanimously. - Review of Bills: Detailed review of all checks issued from March 16 to 31, 2026, totaling $4,034,367.63, and ACH payments from March 1 to 31, 2026, totaling $620,217.07. Alder Jetzer noted significant TID incentive payments and requested a future discussion on pulling out high-dollar items for easier review. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared in chambers or online for non-agenda items. Finance Director Report - Misty (Finance Director) presented the December 2025 updated Treasurer's Report. She addressed detailed questions from Alder Jetzer: - Debt Service Account: Explained that the drop from $4-5 million in October to $700,000 in December is due to large principal and interest payments made around December 1st ($3.1 million paid out). A budget amendment also transferred interest revenue and an unbudgeted special assessment payment to reduce future borrowing. - Police Facility Borrowing: Clarified that the $9 million in notes for police facilities flows directly to the Capital Projects Fund for project costs, while premiums, discounts, and repayments flow through the Debt Service Fund. - Finance Software Budget: Out of a $660,000 amended budget, only $72,000 was spent due to a phased approach and carryover. Progress includes a new lease tracking software and upgrades to base accounting. The new UKG payroll system is expected to go live July 1st. - Fire Department Overtime: The year ended at 100.03% of the amended budget after a $196,000 budget amendment. The 2026 budget is lower ($216,000) with strategies to improve utilization. - Public Works Roadway Supplies: The $474,000 budget was heavily influenced by carryover from prior years for road salt. Only $131,000 was spent due to a mild winter, allowing the carryover balance to grow. - A draft of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFER) has been received and is on schedule. CIP season is beginning. Discussion Items - Ordinance 2026-006 (Amending Budget, CIP, Purchasing & Public Works Processes): Misty outlined the proposal, which includes 4 clarification items and 15 streamlined processes. The changes are designed to reduce red tape by delegating more authority to staff, such as approving budget amendments absorbed within a department's budget and raising the threshold for staff-level purchasing discretion from $5,000 to $10,000. Misty stressed that transparency is maintained through the budget process, CIP, and post-purchase reporting to committees. - Alder Gearhart expressed concerns about the potential loss of council oversight and learning opportunities, using the push for electric vehicle purchases as an example of valuable council inquiries. He emphasized the need for proactive council education, better committee reporting, and formalizing expectations for alder reports to ensure the public remains informed. - Alder Ladessay confirmed that staff can still refer policy-level items to council (e.g., the Joint EMS agreement) and that the changes apply to non-public construction purchases. The committee unanimously approved the ordinance. Key Outcomes - Ordinance 2026-006: Approved unanimously. - Resolutions Approved Unanimously: - R1926: Adopted the 2026 Comprehensive Housing Study and Action Plan. - R6526: Approved the purchase of a Bobcat T770 skid loader for $85,460.35 (with a potential $40,000 trade-in or auction reserve). - R6726: Awarded the Spring 2026 Street Tree Planting project to Arthur Wheeler Inc. for $59,057. - R6826: Approved the expedited purchase of a Police Canine Vehicle replacement. - R7326: Awarded the 2026 Street Resurfacing project to Payne & Dolan Inc. for $1,538,676.91 and approved a budget amendment for a park basketball court. - R7426: Approved the purchase of replacement firefighting turnout gear for $48,700. - R7626: Approved the purchase of LED streetlight replacements for $62,422.54 (80% reimbursed by a state grant). - R7726: Amended the Capital Projects Fund budget for geotechnical design services for the County Highway MM underpass ($9,458). - R8626 (Direct Referral): Approved the purchase of additional data storage (175TB) for the city's rapidly growing digital evidence needs. - R9226: Amended the Grants Donations Fund budget to accept a $38,000 DOJ grant for digital analysis of cellular technology (Cellebrite). - R9926 (Direct Referral): Authorized a contract with McMahon Associates (up to $65,000) for a feasibility study and implementation plan for a Joint Fire and EMS District with the Village of Oregon. Other municipalities may join the study in the coming weeks. - Referred to Council: - R126 & R10126: Partial tax assessment refunds for Fred Alan (2023) and Fred Fitchburg Retail LLC (2025) were referred to the full council without a recommendation from the Finance Committee. Next Steps The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2026. The meeting was adjourned at 6:17 PM.

The Fitchburg Public Safety and Human Services Committee met on April 14, 2026, in the Genie Ceiling Room. The meeting was chaired by an alder (name not specified) alongside Alder Logan. The committee unanimously approved a consent agenda and later considered eight special event permits, all of which were approved without opposition. The meeting adjourned at 6:13 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the March 24, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously. - Routine Licenses: Three new routine licenses were approved without discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made for non-agenda items. Discussion Items Agenda Amendment - The committee approved a motion to amend the agenda, moving item 4 (hotel) to the top, before item 4 alpha. However, the hotel item was not discussed during the meeting; only special event permits were addressed. Special Event Permits (All Approved Unanimously) 1. Followby Family Graduation Event – 5689 Dartmoor Drive, Fitchburg. Held at McKee Farms Park (2930 Chapel Valley Road) on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with amplified sound. The applicant, Stefan, described the event as a combined celebration for his son graduating high school (headed to Texas Tech) and his daughter graduating middle school. The chair reminded the applicant to keep sound levels respectful and to clean up afterward, noting the park remains public. 2. Khmer New Year Celebration – Recurring event hosted by the Cambodian Buddhist Society of Wisconsin at 1848 County Highway MM, Fitchburg. Held Friday, April 17, to Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with amplified music. No questions were raised; the event is a recurring permit. 3. One Walk Big Strides for Autism – Recurring event by Autism Society South Central Wisconsin. Held at McKee Farms Park on Saturday, April 19, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with amplified sound. Approved without questions. 4. 10 Pin Alley Events on Outdoor Patio and Volleyball Courts – Recurring event at 6285 Nesbitt Road, Fitchburg. Permitted from April 27 through October 31, 2026, daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with amplified sound and occasional live music. Alder Logan clarified that the events are typically on Thursday, Friday, and weekend evenings. The chair noted no prior complaints. 5. Puppy Up Madison Walk – Hosted by the Puppy Up Foundation. Held at McKee Farms Park on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with amplified sound. The event is a walk for canine cancer awareness and is self-contained within the park (no street closures). 6. Walk for Epilepsy – Recurring event by the Epilepsy Foundation of Wisconsin. Held at McKee Farms Park on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with amplified sound. The walk is self-contained within the park. 7. Excellent Graduation Party – Sponsored by the Swenson family (2017 Prairie Road, Madison). Held at Hegel Jamestown Park (5810 Fitchburg) on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with amplified sound. Approved with no questions. 8. Promega Annual Summer Picnic – Hosted by Promega at 2800 Woods Hollow Road, Fitchburg, on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with amplified sound. This is a sound permit for their property; no street closure. Approved as a recurring event. Key Outcomes - All eight special event permits were approved unanimously, each by voice vote (no roll call). - The consent agenda (minutes and routine licenses) also passed unanimously. - The next meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2026, chaired by Alder Logan (the current chair will attend by Zoom). - No action was taken on the hotel item that had been moved to the top of the agenda; it was not discussed. - The meeting adjourned at 6:13 PM.

The Fitchburg Housing Advisory Committee met on April 13, 2026, beginning at approximately 4:04 p.m. Members present included Gabriella, Mallory, Brian, Olivia, and Michelle, constituting a quorum. The meeting featured a presentation from Paul Schechter, Executive Director of Sunnyside Development, regarding the nonprofit's recent acquisition of a 16-unit property on Greenway Cross in Fitchburg. Consent Calendar - The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the March 2, 2026 meeting. No corrections were raised, and the motion carried by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public appearances were made for non-agenda items. Discussion Items - Presentation by Paul Schechter (Sunnyside Development): Schechter provided a conversational overview of Sunnyside Development, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2018 focused on creating affordable, sustainable housing in southern Wisconsin. - He highlighted the organization's flagship project, Green Spire Apartments in Stoughton, a 92-unit public housing complex built in the 1970s and 1980s. It is reportedly the first tax credit project in Wisconsin to be 100% net zero, pending certification (about halfway through a full year of reporting). The project includes a massive solar array, heat pumps, insulation, and triple-pane windows. Earlier smaller projects achieved 60–80% net-zero performance. - Sunnyside Development's new Fitchburg project is a 16-unit property on Greenway Cross. This is their first project where they act as both developer and owner. The acquisition closed on March 31, 2026, approximately two weeks before this meeting. Total development cost: $3.59 million. Funding sources: $1.39 million hard debt from Old National Bank; $1.2 million from Dane County structured as a no-interest, no-payment loan (effectively a grant); and $1 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis Affordable Housing Program (AHP), also a grant. About two-thirds of the total development cost has been spent on acquisition so far. - One resident, speaking in support, said the presentation was a

The Commission on Aging Well met on April 9, 2026, to approve prior meeting minutes, receive updates on transit services and infrastructure projects, hear reports from the Friends of the Senior Center and staff, and discuss upcoming events and programs. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn and the next meeting scheduled for May 14, 2026. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the March meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote (motion and second, all in favor, none opposed). Discussion Items - Transit and Transportation Update (Ross Kaler, Transportation Engineer): - Ross Kaler reported that planned extensions for Metro Transit Routes 65 and 75 (all-day service and route extensions) have been delayed indefinitely due to Metro's management turnover, bus availability issues, and a $6 million budget deficit. The city of Fitchburg had budgeted for the extensions in 2026, covering all costs, but Metro cannot provide the additional buses or drivers. - Kaler stated he is prioritizing the Route 65 hour expansion first, then the 65 route extension to McKee Road, followed by the B route and Route 75. He hopes service can begin in 2027. - Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on the B route along Fish Hatchery Road is planned with construction starting in 2028 (May–October in Fitchburg) and Madison construction continuing through 2029–2030. The BRT will provide 15-minute service with limited stops. - Road projects: Lacey Road resurfacing from Fish Hatchery to Seminole Highway is scheduled for 2028, including raised medians for traffic calming. Fitcherona Road reconstruction (from Tonto Trail to Nesbitt) will go to bid in a week and be constructed in 2026–2027, including a roundabout at Lacey, a multi-use path, and storm sewer improvements to reduce flooding. - Commissioners expressed disappointment and asked about potential alternatives or other transit providers; Kaler noted most partner communities are joining Metro rather than starting their own services. - Friends of the Senior Center Report: - Announced a pancake breakfast fundraiser on April 19, 2026, with signs posted in neighborhoods. A commissioner noted a lack of signs in the far south area (Noble & Faye Road area), and Friends will note that for future years. - A travel show will be held April 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the senior center's prairie room. - Friends are funding a new television and cables for the senior center dining room, and providing gift cards for a bingo event. - Staff Updates (Jill, Recreation and Community Services Director): - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) update: Dining room table and chair replacement was over budget and is being re-evaluated; funds carry over. - Free tax help (AARP) served 160 people from February through early April 2026. - Newsletter expansion: The 16-page newsletter is expected to grow to 20 pages with increased advertising revenue from LPI; anticipated return of over $3,000. Circulation is 2,000 email and 900 print copies. - New program: “My Life, My Story” (adapted from a VA program) pairs volunteers with older adults to write their life stories; training was held with 8–9 attendees. - Saturday urban line dancing class started two weeks ago with 25 participants; an evening class (5:30–6:30 PM) will begin in June. - A motion to set a room fee for the wellness room was referred to the Parks and Recreation Board and will return in May. - Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative (HI) grants were awarded; the program has grown due to city growth. - Computer help drop-in is available Thursdays and Fridays with volunteers; a new med student program is planned for June. - Outreach update: Celebrity Bingo event scheduled for April 30, 2026, starting at 12:30 PM (lunch at noon). Prizes include gift certificates from local businesses. Outreach at the Limerick senior living community will take place April 16, 2026, from 2:00–3:00 PM. Kyrie On Lee from Channel 3 will be the celebrity caller; Spanish translation will be provided by Yannis. - Announcement: American Red Cross and Fitchburg Fire Department are offering free fire alarm installations and fire safety plans. - Commissioner Recognition: Terms of Janice and Charles were up; Janice agreed to serve another term, while Charles will step down but continue until June 15, 2026, or until a replacement is appointed. Commissioners thanked Charles for his service. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved unanimously. - Metro Transit route extensions (65, 75, B) delayed; city will prioritize Route 65 and hope for 2027 implementation. - Room fee motion referred to Parks and Recreation Board; will come back to Commission in May. - Next meeting scheduled for May 14, 2026. Meeting adjourned by motion and unanimous voice vote.

The Fitchburg Transportation Technical Committee (TTC) met on April 9, 2026. The vice chair acted as chair until Chair Steve R. arrived. The committee approved routine items, received staff updates on transportation and safety projects, reviewed the Richardson/Schumann intersection, and heard reports on Fitchrona Road, the County Highway MM underpass, BRT funding, and B-Cycle system performance. Consent Calendar - No public appearances were made for non-agenda items. - The agenda was approved as presented by voice vote. - The February 12, 2026 meeting minutes were approved with a friendly amendment to correct the spelling of Maggie's last name. - The agenda was later amended by voice vote to move the Richardson and Schumann intersection review to the top of the discussion items. Staff Report - Fatal East Cheryl crash: Steve Mosley was hit at approximately 4 a.m. The driver jumped the curb and drove along the bike path to hit him, then struck police vehicles in the city hall parking lot and was arrested. Ross said the intentional act did not appear to be road-safety related or motivated by anti-bicycle sentiment; no TTC discussion item was planned. - Metro Transit: Metro's service report card is expected this month; Metro will present it at a Common Council/committee-of-the-whole meeting rather than TTC, at the mayor and city administrator's suggestion. Ross will meet with Metro beforehand and will notify commissioners once a date is set; route extension/expansion questions are expected. - Outreach and resurfacing: Round Trip presented at the March 25 committee-of-the-whole meeting; learn-to-ride events include a Metro event on March 31 and a B-cycle event at McKee Farms Park on May 6 at 9 a.m. The annual resurfacing public information meeting is expected April 26. - Basics Act: A federal bill would increase STBG (surface transportation block grant) and HSIP (highway safety improvement program) funding, both used by Fitchburg. - Whalen Road: Plans are 90% complete; three of four needed property owners have agreed; paved shoulders will be added; bidding is planned this year. - Highway 14/Lacey development: Three developments (Novoaks Ranch, Osborne Home Farm, Syncopation) are coordinating traffic impact analyses (TIAs); improvements and city/developer cost-sharing are still to be determined. - Vision Zero / Comprehensive Safety Action Plan: The grant agreement from the Greater Madison MPO was received and is under city attorney review; an RFP is expected this month. The plan budget is $300,000 with an 80-20 federal/local split; local match is available in the grant matching fund. - Road closures: New online road-closure map automatically updates Google and Apple Maps and sends emails; staff are improving descriptions so closures show specific street segments (e.g., East Cheryl from Green Market to Lacey), and event closures (Agora Art Fair, Bird Derby, Nine Bark at the Moon, Swan Creek block party) will also appear. Public Comments & Testimony - Alder Bill Jetzer, speaking as a Richardson Street resident and public commenter, supported the alternative buffered/parking-protected bike lane configuration over the standard layout, citing greater safety for cyclists and pedestrians, low parking utilization, and concerns about the door zone in the standard design. - The mayor said she heard from several neighbors while door-knocking; they were concerned about speeding on the curve, children crossing from the McKee Park path to Schumann Street, and postal carriers not stopping at the stop sign. She asked for better signage or slowdown measures. Discussion Items - Richardson and Schumann intersection review: Ross introduced the item as a response to mayor and resident complaints about speeds, lack of sidewalks (Resolution R185-16 requires 75% of affected residents to approve new sidewalks), and awkward transition between the McKee Park path and the road. The packet showed a standard layout with a 7-foot parking lane, 4-foot bike lane, and 11-foot travel lane; the alternative proposed by Steve Arnold would place a buffered/parking-protected bike lane on the southbound side. Members expressed mixed views: some supported painting bike lanes soon as a low-cost, reversible treatment; Rick questioned the process, the lack of packet context, and whether the goal was speed reduction, noting 85th-percentile speeds were reported at 30 mph. Staff estimated striping one mile of Richardson between Lacey and McKee would cost $40,000-50,000. Concerns included snow removal, mail delivery, trash pickup, crosswalk design, and signage. No formal decision was made; commissioners generally wanted further exploration and clearer future agenda context. - Fitchrona Road update: Delays were caused by WisDOT's Bureau of Structures review of a retaining wall, coordination with Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District, utility relocations, property acquisition, and legal challenges. Because Wisconsin law allows condemnation for sidewalks but not multi-use paths, the project was split: Phase 1 in 2026 north of Quarry Vista Drive, Phase 2 in 2027 to the south. The bike bypass around the roundabout and the southeast connector path were removed due to condemnation restrictions; bikers would use the roundabout travel lane with signage. Alder Jetzer reported that Senator Ratcliffe's office was supportive of legislation to restore condemnation authority, and staff confirmed the bike path is already being bid as an optional item in case the law changes retroactively. Lacey Road reconstruction (Seminole to Fish Hatchery) has been pushed to 2028. - County Highway MM underpass: WisDOT required 166-foot curve radii instead of 30 feet and a 5% running slope, forcing a skewed, longer structure under County Highway MM and increasing property needs. The design includes 11-foot travel lanes, 7-foot paved shoulders, and beam guard. The path will cut through Laniello Court, which will be vacated. Costs increased roughly 30%, but grant funding remains sufficient; the city will cover the increase. The underpass is being coordinated with the Trilogy/Syncopation developments, and a full closure of MM during construction is possible. - BRT funding update: A $4.2 million budget amendment will be considered by Common Council, Board of Public Works, and Finance. The federal share is now expected to be 70%, not 80%; the Fitchburg BRT portion rose from $7.5 million to $25 million before cost-saving measures reduced it to $17 million. Fitchburg's 30% local share includes $1.5 million already in the 2025 CIP, plus the new $4.2 million in 2026. Funding would be debt-financed and from TID 10; the federal appropriations bill is not yet passed. Construction is still planned for 2028. - B-Cycle presentation: B-Cycle reported systemwide survey results showing trips replaced walking, driving, and transit; Fitchburg stations had 6,300 checkouts and offset 32,000 pounds of CO2, while the Madison system had 934,000 checkouts and replaced nearly one million pounds of CO2. Ridership was lower in 2025 than 2024 in every month. High-performing Fitchburg stations included McKee Farms Park, Oak Bank, Wyndham Hatchery Hill, Dolly Bike Hub, and Novation Parkway; low-performing Civic Campus stations were smaller split stations. Fitchburg has 22 sponsored stations and each large station costs about $25,000 for 10 docks and five bikes. Commissioners discussed future station placement to connect with transit and improved bus shelter signage. Key Outcomes - The agenda and minutes were approved; the agenda was amended to move the Richardson item forward. - No vote was taken on the Richardson Street redesign; staff were encouraged to keep exploring a low-cost paint-and-sign treatment and to provide more context in agenda packets. - Fitchrona Road will proceed in two phases; the bike path will be included as a bid option so it can be built if state law changes. - The MM underpass design will continue with the increased cost and property coordination; the city will bear the added cost beyond grant funds. - The $4.2 million BRT budget amendment will move through Council/BPW/Finance on a schedule delayed by one meeting cycle. - A future agenda item was suggested for B-cycle station locations and transit connections; bus shelter signage will be investigated. - The committee agreed to drop the routine agenda-review step at the start of future meetings. - Commissioners asked staff to push Metro Transit for detailed reasons on why requested route changes cannot be implemented in August and to consider reviewing the Metro agreement renewal as a future agenda item; traffic calming near Research Park was also proposed as a possible future discussion.

The Fitchburg Urban Forestry Committee met on April 9, 2026, at 4:03 PM and adjourned at 4:38 PM. The committee approved the spring 2026 street tree planting contract, adopted the urban forest strategic management plan with minor amendments, and received updates on departmental activities and upcoming events. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from the previous meeting: unanimously approved. - Approval of the meeting agenda: unanimously approved. Discussion Items - Spring 2026 Street Tree Planting Project (Resolution R-67-26): The forester presented the project, which involves planting 263 street trees (ash replacements and new developments). The project was bid in March 2026; six bids were received. The lowest qualified bidder was Arthur Wheeland at $59,057, a contractor the city has worked with before. The contract specifies work to begin after April 15, 2026, and finish by June. The tree species include a variety of canopy and small/medium trees chosen to accommodate site constraints such as mail kiosks and utilities. The committee discussed the challenges of planting in tight new developments, the importance of terrace trees for canopy coverage where yard space is limited, and trade-offs between lot size and affordability. A motion to approve Resolution R-67-26 was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. - Moving Fitchburg Forward: Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan (Resolution R-64-26): The forester reported that the plan had undergone extensive discussion and had already incorporated many comments. The Parks Commission suggested three minor amendments: (1) adding City Resolution 2045-25 (which approved hiring the forester in March 2025) to the appendix; (2) on page 36 under Goal 3, Objective 3.1, adding “wildlife” to the wording so it reads: “implement a city woodlot management policy that manages woodlots for desirable wildlife and plant communities and minimizes undesirable species abundance”; and (3) adding a caption to a GIS photo on page 8 and fixing the title page photo. The committee further amended the Parks Commission’s wording to change “undesirable species abundance” to “undesirable plant species abundance” to avoid the city managing undesirable wildlife (e.g., turkeys, raccoons). This amendment was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. The committee then voted to approve Resolution R-64-26 as amended by the Parks Commission and the additional amendment, passing unanimously. - Report from the Department: The forester announced the hiring of Miriam, a postdoctoral researcher from UW, as the new park and forestry assistant for the summer (May 11 to late August). The forester highlighted Miriam’s technical skills, particularly in tree equity and urban forest data analysis, and noted the high interest in the position (22 applicants, eight interviewed). The city was again recognized as a Tree City USA and received a Growth Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation. A grant was also awarded. The department is preparing for Arbor Day/Earth Day events: tree planting at Chicory Meadows on April 24 and at Western Hills Park with Urban Tree Lines on April 25, both from 10 AM to noon. The Urban Tree Lines partnership will continue planting in neighborhoods (e.g., Huble Jamestown, Maple Lawn Heights, Traceway, King James Way), adding about 100 trees. The forester also noted that junk trees at Kyle Steer Greenway have been removed and the site is wet; future work will address conditions. - Announcements: The committee noted that the Arbor Day proclamation will be presented at the upcoming city council meeting on Tuesday, April 14 (or next Tuesday). Committee members were encouraged to attend. The next regular committee meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2026. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of the minutes from the previous meeting and the meeting agenda. - Unanimous approval of Resolution R-67-26, awarding the spring 2026 street tree planting contract to Arthur Wheeland for $59,057. - Unanimous approval of Resolution R-64-26, adopting the urban forest strategic management plan as amended by the Parks Commission and the committee’s additional amendment to clarify “undesirable plant species.” - Next meeting: May 14, 2026.

The Personnel Committee met on April 8, 2026, at 5:01 PM and adjourned at 5:15 PM. The committee approved meeting minutes, discussed updates to the employee handbook, and received an update on the fire union contract arbitration. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the February 11, 2026, personnel committee meeting were approved by motion and second. Public Comments & Testimony - No public appearances for non-agenda items. Discussion Items - Employee Handbook Updates: Sarah, presenting to the committee, outlined several clarifying updates: - Meal and Break Period: Clarified that employees must work at least four hours to receive a 15-minute break, formalizing the existing practice. The separate library line was removed because the library now follows city hall employees' meal and break policy. - Holiday Work: Updated to include police lieutenants (non-represented, non-exempt) for Easter holiday premium pay, previously only specified for police sergeants. This change affects Lieutenant Logan Brown. - Call-in/Callback Pay: Clarified that remote employees called in for emergencies do not receive a two-hour minimum overtime guarantee unless they actually work two hours, consistent with practice since 2020. This applies to IT staff, police records staff, and other roles capable of remote work. - Fire Evacuation Procedures: Removed reference to an on-duty dispatcher calling the fire department (as the dispatch office is no longer at Fitchburg). Simplified instructions to "use nearest exit and meet at the southeast corner of the employee parking lot." Separate locations remain for the senior center, community center, parks maintenance, and utility highway buildings. The library follows its own system. - Workers' Compensation: Updated to reflect the new carrier process: employees must call a nurse triage line instead of filling out manual forms. The nurse triage number is included in the handbook. If an employee is unable to call, a coworker may report on their behalf. - Questions and Clarifications: Committee members asked about the scope of call-in/callback pay and budget impact. Sarah confirmed that these updates codify existing practices and affect very few employees. Regarding safety during the upcoming city hall remodel, Sarah noted that a city hall remodel group and the city safety team will address communication and protocols. - Arbitration Update: Sarah reported that the fire union contract arbitration hearings concluded in February or March 2026 after two full days of testimony. The city presented its case, including budget constraints, comparable community data, and recruitment/retention concerns. The union presented its case. A transcript is being prepared; the arbitrator’s decision is expected by July 2026. Key Outcomes - The committee accepted the employee handbook updates (no formal vote recorded; discussion concluded without opposition). - Announcement of a shredding and recycling event on Saturday, April 11, 2026. - A motion to adjourn was made and carried at 5:15 PM.

The committee met on April 8, 2026, to decide the allocation of 2026 grant funding for healthy neighborhood organizations. After extensive discussion of staff recommendations, scoring, and motions to redirect funds, the committee voted to approve staff's proposed award list. Members also received departmental updates and made announcements about upcoming community events. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from March 11, 2026, were moved and seconded (Motion by Alder Danzer, second by Ari Lowe) and approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public appearances were made, either in person or online. Discussion Items - Grant Funding Allocation Decision: - Jessica Wolf presented staff recommendations based on total average scores and number of recommending members out of six scorers. The top eight organizations (in order of score) were: River Food Pantry (full funding), Rooted ($20,000), Active Youth ($20,000), Badger Prairie Needs Network ($15,000), Allied Food Pantry ($15,000), Boys & Girls Club ($10,000), Bikes for Kids ($10,000), and Reach Dane ($4,000). - Ari Lowe expressed concern that the majority of funding was going to food-related programs, risking neglect of other healthy neighborhood dimensions like youth development, community leadership, and social connections. She recommended moving $15,000 from Badger Prairie Needs Network to Meadow Wood Health Partnership because of their innovative resource navigator approach and long-term impact. - A motion to move $15,000 from Badger Prairie to Meadow Wood was made by Ari and seconded by Alder Danzer. After discussion, a roll call vote resulted in: Ari (yes), Mark Hamilton (no), Shabozer† (no), Caitlin (no), Alder Danzer (no) – motion defeated (1-4). - Ari then made a second motion to move the $15,000 from Badger Prairie to Unidos, citing Unidos' unique domestic violence prevention work within the Latino community, trauma-informed support groups, and community events using Hostahochi. Motion seconded by Alder Danzer. Discussion raised that only 2 of 6 scorers had recommended Unidos. Roll call vote: Caitlin (yes), Ari (yes), Shabozer (no), Mark Hamilton (no), Alder Danzer (no) – motion defeated (2-3). - Several members (Jill, Donald, Shabozer) argued that changing allocations after scoring would undermine the process and the time invested by scorers, and that moving forward, criteria should be refined to include service diversity, neighborhood coverage, and years of prior funding. - A motion to approve staff recommendations as presented was moved by Shabozer, seconded by Caitlin. Roll call: Alder Danzer (aye), Caitlin (aye), Ari (nay), Mark Hamilton (aye), Shabozer (aye) – motion carried (4-1). Report from Department - Jessica Wolf reported: - Regular attendance at housing clinic at Allied Food Pantry. - Free community meal at Badger Rock (Rooted) on Friday. - Allied Neighborhood Association Easter egg hunt with Fire and Police participation. - A neighborhood navigator has been hired and will start in summer. Announcements - Ari Lowe announced: - MMSD attendance area map feedback session in Fitchburg at Boys & Girls Club in Allied, May 12, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM. - Fitchburg Efficiency Navigator Program applications for landlords/residents accepted through May 1st. - Shabozer announced: - A community resource fair for Verona Road West neighborhood is planned for June 11, 2026, at James Park (evening). Details to come. - Mark Hamilton added: - Wisconsin Bike Fed and Bike Fitchburg are planning bike to work week events at Leopold in mid-May, including a bike repair station or bike-to-school event. Key Outcomes - Grant Awards Approved: The committee voted 4-1 to adopt staff recommendations, funding eight organizations for 2026: River Food Pantry, Rooted ($20,000), Active Youth ($20,000), Badger Prairie Needs Network ($15,000), Allied Food Pantry ($15,000), Boys & Girls Club ($10,000), Bikes for Kids ($10,000), and Reach Dane ($4,000). - Process Improvements: Multiple members (Caitlin, Ari, Jill, Donald) called for revising grant criteria for future cycles to include categories (e.g., food, youth, social services), neighborhood targeting, and consideration of years of prior funding. Staff will compile notes for discussion at a future meeting. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned by motion and second.

The Fitchburg Board of Public Works met on April 6, 2026, at the Francis Huntley Cooper Council Chambers. The meeting included approvals of minutes, project updates, an ordinance amending finance processes, and several resolutions for street resurfacing, equipment purchases, and budget adjustments. All items were approved unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of the March 23, 2026, meeting minutes was moved, seconded, and approved by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public appearances were registered for non-agenda items. Discussion Items - Director of Public Works Project Updates: Tim Volker reported on the 2026 street resurfacing project (low bid $1.3 million from Payne and Dolan; public information meeting April 23), the 2026 sidewalk replacement project (bids to be advertised April 10), utility improvement projects (Crescent Road stormwater, Belmar and Tower Hill water mains; $2 million in bids opened), Tower D water main testing, Goose Island stormwater design, and Fitch Rona Road reconstruction advertisement. Board members Don, Kim, and Bill discussed property condemnation, traffic impacts, cost‑sharing with the Town of Verona, and future CIP priorities. - Ordinance 202606 (Finance Process Amendments): Misty presented amendments to multiple city code sections covering budget, capital improvements plan, purchasing, and public works contracts. Key changes include clarifying the CIP as a 10‑year plan, maintaining statutory requirements for public construction bidding, streamlining non‑public construction approvals by delegating to staff, raising the pre‑approval threshold from $5,000 to $10,000, and allowing staff other than the city clerk to open bids. Board members asked about oversight, contract signature language, budget compliance, and reporting. The ordinance was approved. - Resolution R7726 (Highway MM Underpass Budget Amendment): The board approved moving $9,458 from capital grant match funding to the bike underpass project for geotechnical borings. Discussion included design alignment adjustments to reduce costs, coordination with adjacent developments, and the project’s total budget of $770,000 with a 60% grant. The resolution passed. - Resolution R6526 (Bobcat T7070 Purchase): Approved the purchase of a Bobcat T7070 for parks ($83,000), with trade‑in of the existing unit for at least $40,000. The old machine had 1,892 hours over nine years (≈210 hours/year). Board noted the versatility of attachments and reliability. The resolution passed. - Resolution R7326 (2026 Street Resurfacing Bid Acceptance): Accepted the $1.3 million bid from Payne and Dolan for resurfacing 2.6 miles of roadway. A budget amendment of $8,000 for the Clayton Park basketball court was included. Board discussed contingency levels (10% on streets, higher fixed amounts for water/sewer due to valve boxes), underbid items, and the challenge of keeping pace with the 30‑year road lifecycle. The resolution passed. - Resolution R7626 (LED Street Light Replacements): Approved purchasing 171 LED street light fixtures using a $49,938 carbon reduction grant (total $62,422). City staff will install the fixtures; MGE will coordinate power shutoffs. Board questioned installation cost, staff capability, and compatibility with existing maintenance processes. The resolution passed. - Resolution R8126 (Orchard Point Subdivision Improvements): Approved the standard subdivision improvements agreement for 180 multifamily units on Lot 11 of the Plat of Orchard Point. The resolution passed. Key Outcomes - All agenda items were approved unanimously. - The 2026 street resurfacing contract was awarded to Payne and Dolan for $1.3 million. - The Bobcat T7070 purchase for parks was authorized at $83,000. - The LED street light replacement project was initiated with grant funding. - Ordinance 202606 was enacted to streamline city finance and purchasing processes. - A budget amendment for geotechnical work on the Highway MM underpass was approved. - The next Board of Public Works meeting is scheduled for April 20, 2026.