Public Meetings - Fitchburg, Wisconsin

The Police and Fire Commission (PFC) held its regular meeting on March 18, 2026, to discuss updates to the citizen complaint process, complaint form, and commission rules and regulations. The commission also received staffing reports from the fire and police departments and approved a request to initiate recruitment processes for paid-on-call and career firefighters. Discussion Items - PFC Citizen Complaint Process, Complaint Form, and Rules & Regulations Updates: Attorney Jenna presented a one-page document outlining the citizen complaint process, a redlined complaint form, and proposed revisions to the PFC rules and regulations. Key changes included a 12-month probationary period for new appointees not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, clarification on promotion procedures (two-step process with initial recommendation subject to probation and final approval), a detailed initial hearing step in disciplinary proceedings, and a one-year deadline for filing citizen complaints (absent good cause). A commissioner questioned the use of the term "charges" in the form, noting it sounded more severe than "complaint." Another commissioner raised concerns about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) language in the commission's mission statement, calling it a "political statement" and suggesting it be removed or revised. The discussion concluded that the motion would proceed on the presented redline changes, with the understanding that the mission statement could be addressed at a future meeting. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. - Fire Department Staff Report: Chief reported that calls for service are trending upward, though structural fires in February were limited to mutual aid support. Overtime for February totaled 650 hours, up from the previous year, due to position transitions and delayed hiring. Mandates (forced overtime) were also elevated. The department recently hired eight paid-on-call (POX) employees, with two already on shift and the remaining six expected by early April. Three additional POX candidates have conditional offers pending background checks. - Police Department Staffing Report: Chief reported six vacancies (one captain, one sergeant to be filled in August, four police officers). Two officers are on limited duty. Officer-initiated calls for service have decreased considerably, attributed to staffing vacancies and reduced proactive work. Crime trends included three burglaries and two stolen autos in February, with a notable increase in entry-into-auto incidents (particularly involving Infiniti vehicles where thieves break through the sunroof to avoid alarms). The department is coordinating with Dane County partners on enforcement and public messaging. - Request to Begin Recruitment for Paid-on-Call and Career Firefighters: Chief requested authorization to initiate both a POX and a career firefighter recruitment process simultaneously, aiming to produce eligibility lists and fill up to four additional POX positions and a career vacancy. The commission approved the request unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved: The PFC citizen complaint process document, updated complaint form, and revisions to the PFC rules and regulations. Motion carried, with the understanding that the commission may revisit the mission statement language at a future meeting. - Approved: The request to initiate recruitment processes for paid-on-call and career firefighters. Motion carried. - Received: Fire and police department staffing reports as informational items. - Skipped: Agenda items 6B and 6C (closed session) and 7B and 7C due to lack of in-person quorum (only one commissioner present, preventing closed session). - Adjourned: Meeting ended with unanimous vote.

The Fitchburg Plan Commission convened on March 17, 2026, to address several major development proposals and resolutions. The meeting was called to order with a quorum present, and the minutes from the February 17, 2026 meeting were approved. No members of the public spoke on non-agenda items. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public appeared to speak during the public appearance period for non-agenda items. Testimony on specific agenda items was taken during their respective public hearings. Discussion Items Item 5A: Conditional Use Permit CU-2636-26 (Temporary Ready Mix Plant) Nick Petta (Trailer Wheeler Construction) presented a request for a conditional use permit for a temporary concrete batch plant at 2975 KPEC Road to support the WisDOT John Nolan Drive project. Operations are slated to run between March 2026 and July 2027 with an estimated 15 to 20 trucks per day over 40 working days. The item was initially listed under a mineral extraction code section, but staff and the applicant clarified this was an administrative error and that no mineral extraction occurs on the site. Staff recommended approval with eight conditions, requesting operational hours be limited to 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Item 5B: Resolution R-60-26 (Community-Based Residential Facility Exception) Deanna Schmidt presented a resolution to allow a 56-bed Community-Based Residential Facility (CBRF) proposed by Trilogy Hospice Care on the Foss property. The facility would bring the CBRF population in Aldermanic District 3 to approximately 1.99%, exceeding the 1% state threshold. Staff supported the exception, characterizing the state statute as outdated relative to current senior housing demands. Item 5C: Preliminary Plat PP-2635-26 (Nine Spring Hills) Christopher Gosh requested approval of a preliminary plat for the Foss property, creating 46 parcels (42 buildable lots) with a mix of 30–35 single-family homes, townhomes, 312 multifamily rental units, a senior living campus, and 12,000 square feet of commercial space. Staff recommended 20 conditions. A key discussion involved Condition 6 regarding a north-south road connection to Lacey Road; the condition was amended from requiring the applicant to "provide" the road to "coordinate" with the adjacent property owner. Duplicate street names were identified and slated for correction. The applicant described a central plaza with a small amphitheater for community events. Items 5D & 5E: Final Plats FP-2634-26 (9th Edition Nine Springs) and FP-2632-26 (No Oaks Ranch) Both final plats were debated in tandem due to an interlinked stormwater management agreement. Chris Armstrong requested the 8th Edition final plat for 12 parcels, while Phil requested the No Oaks Ranch final plat for 15 parcels. A commissioner expressed significant apprehension about approving buildable lots without a finalized stormwater agreement, stating explicitly that they were very apprehensive about moving forward without the stormwater issues resolved. As a direct result, Condition 3 for FP-2634-26 was rewritten to tie building permits for lots 67 and 68 to the completion and city acceptance of stormwater facilities in the No Oaks plat. Staff noted the No Oaks plat dedicates substantial parkland, including an old-growth forest area. Item 5F: Architectural Design Review (Bellmar Apartments) Ryan Short and Josh (JK Rock LLC) presented plans for a comprehensive exterior renovation of the four-building, 100-unit Bellmar Apartments at 2113 Red Arrow Trail, including removal of mansard roofs, new siding and windows, and new lighting. A long-time resident spoke in strong support, emphasizing the value of renovating affordable housing stock. Commissioners encouraged the applicant to consider adding insulation to improve energy efficiency, which was not currently budgeted but would be re-priced. Item 5G: Early Issuance of Permits (Nesbitt Road Multifamily) A request was approved to allow an early start permit for an 80-unit senior apartment building and a 100-unit market-rate building. The developer anticipates a summer 2026 groundbreaking with a 13–14 month construction timeline per building. Resolutions, Reports & Department Updates Resolution R-63-26 was passed to allow the Village of Oregon to provide water service to the new DOC juvenile facility. Resolution R-61-26 was passed to approve the subdivision improvement agreement for the 5th Edition of Terra Vessa. Staff reported receiving strong responses to the RFPs for the Comprehensive Plan update (9 proposals) and Zoning Code update (8 proposals), with consultant interviews upcoming. The Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee reported on AX zoning updates for state farmland preservation certification. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve CU-2636-26 (Conditional Use Permit for concrete batch plant) passed unanimously. - Motion to approve Resolution R-60-26 (CBRF Exception) passed unanimously. - Motion to approve Preliminary Plat PP-2635-26 (Nine Spring Hills) passed with amended conditions (Condition 6 reworded to coordinate instead of provide). - Motion to approve Final Plat FP-2634-26 (Nine Springs 8th Edition) passed with amended conditions (Condition 3 reworded to tie building permits to stormwater completion). - Motion to approve Final Plat FP-2632-26 (No Oaks Ranch) passed with 16 conditions. - Motion to approve ADR for 2113 Red Arrow Trail (Bellmar Apartments) passed with 3 conditions. - Motion to approve Early Issuance of Permits (Nesbitt Road) passed with 14 conditions. - Motion to approve Resolution R-63-26 (DOC Water Service Agreement) passed. - Motion to approve Resolution R-61-26 (Terra Vessa Subdivision Improvement Agreement) passed. - Motion to adjourn passed.

The City of Fitchburg Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee met on March 17, 2026, for a discussion session on updates to the Exclusive Agricultural (AX) zoning district required for state recertification. No formal votes were taken. The committee reviewed proposed ordinance changes, debated the city's claim system and new farm residence policies, and discussed alignments with the upcoming comprehensive plan update. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present to offer testimony. Discussion Items - Exclusive Agricultural (AX) Zoning District Update for Certification (Discussion Only): The committee reviewed extensive proposed changes to recertify the AX district with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) before the end-of-year deadline. - New Farm Residences & Claim System: Staff recommended moving new farm residences to a conditional use permit. Deanna Schmidt (City Planner) positioned the city's claim system (one new residence per 35 acres from a 1979 base farm) as a critical tool for managing growth. Member Amy expressed concern that Fitchburg may be too restrictive, predicting a future of small farmsteads rather than large tracts. Member Adam advised against prioritizing the full codification of the claim system before the comprehensive plan update, suggesting the comp plan was the better venue for the broader policy discussion. The committee discussed the state-required 50% farm income attestation, broadly agreeing it is unenforceable and a privacy issue, but recognized it is a state statute. Staff reminded the committee that the city is not required by the state to allow new farm residences in the AX district at all. - Replacement Residences: A concern was raised that a family replacing a damaged or uninhabitable farmhouse would have to meet the strict "new farm residence" criteria, potentially preventing rebuilding on the existing site. Deanna Schmidt agreed with the severity of the issue and committed to investigating state definitions and crafting an exception for replacements. - Horse Boarding and Caretaker Residences: A proposal to allow horse boarding, training, and breeding facilities, plus one caretaker residence, in the AS (Agricultural Small) zone was discussed. Member Amy expressed strong support, viewing it as an option for her own property, though it was clarified she is currently zoned AX and would need to rezone or use a conditional use permit. - Specific Use Regulations: - Portable Restrooms: A proposed ban on temporary portable restrooms at rural event venues was questioned. Members argued they are often necessary and practical for large events. Staff agreed to revisit the clause, potentially allowing them for temporary events. - Setbacks for Existing Barns: Staff proposed language to grandfather existing agricultural structures, allowing them to maintain a 10-foot side setback even if a residential parcel is subsequently created next door. - Bonfires & Fire Kites: A committee member noted a conflict between proposed bonfire allowances and the existing fire code (which requires burning permits to be out by dark). Staff will reconcile the language. Fire kites were defined as prohibited due to fire hazard. - Rezones for Plan Alignment: Staff presented a draft map identifying parcels currently zoned AX that need to be rezoned because they are no longer in the certified Farmland Preservation Area (e.g., Curry Court lots, a former nursery, specific residential lots). Future zoning designations (e.g., RD, RL) were not yet finalized. - Comprehensive Plan & Zoning Code Rewrite: Brad Sippel (Community Development Planner) updated the committee. RFPs are being reviewed and a consultant is expected within 4–6 weeks. The process is expected to take 2–2.5 years, enabling broader community input on farmland preservation and land use. - Intergovernmental Agreement with Village of Oregon: Deanna Schmidt reported on an initial, positive meeting between city and village officials regarding the southeast side, prompted by the Department of Corrections juvenile facility requiring utilities. The discussion was described as collaborative and in its early stages. Key Outcomes - No Votes Taken: The meeting was strictly a worksession for discussion; no formal action was taken. - Staff Directives & Next Steps: Staff will investigate a replacement farmhouse exception, revisit the portable restroom ban, and reconcile the bonfire code. A revised draft of the AX zoning updates will be brought to the committee for approval in April 2026. - Upcoming Proclamation: A proclamation for National Agriculture Day will be presented at the March 24, 2026 City Council meeting at 6:30 PM.

The Tree Advisory Committee met on March 12, 2026, at 4:04 PM to review the draft Urban Forestry Management Plan, discuss Arbor Day and Earth Day planting events, receive a departmental update, and set a timeline for council action. The meeting had no public comments. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously. - The agenda for the current meeting was unanimously approved. Discussion Items - Urban Forestry Management Plan Review: The committee reviewed the final draft of the Strategic Urban Forestry Management Plan, developed with a $25,000 grant and over $42,000 in staff time. Members provided feedback on adding a priority/effort/cost grid to the action items, clarifying contradictory language about arborist staffing (one line indicated the city had an arborist while a similar line indicated it did not), and updating financial comparisons with neighboring cities rather than relying on inflation-adjusted data from 2015. One member expressed disappointment with the writing quality, suggesting it needed a professional editor, while others praised the depth of public engagement and comprehensive inventory. The committee decided to refer the plan to the City Council with minor edits; it will appear on the March 24 council agenda for referral and is scheduled for a vote at the April 28 council meeting. - Arbor Day 2026: The Arbor Day celebration will be held on April 25, 2026, at Western Hills Park in the Hugo Jeston neighborhood, planting 6–10 trees to replace ash trees removed due to emerald ash borer and storm damage. Urban Tree Lines will provide trees through an IRA grant, and Operation Fresh Start will water them. The event will be scaled down from previous years. - Earth Day 2026: A tree planting at Chicory Meadows is planned for April 24, 2026, with DNR volunteers and approximately 20 trees, funded by a $3,500 Alliant Energy million trees grant. - Department Report: The department received a Gold Leaf Award from the International Society of Arboriculture for work in Hugo James Town. The parks department has been dissolved, and forestry now operates under public works. Spring tree planting bids came in at $225 per tree for 363 trees (lower than last year), with about half being ash replacements. The IRA grant-funded planting continues in Maple On Heights, Traceway, and Hugo James Town. - Announcements: The Arbor Day Proclamation is expected at the April 14 council meeting (moved from April 28 to align with Arbor Day). The committee’s next meeting will be on April 9, 2026, where a vote on the management plan and tree planting is expected. Key Outcomes - The committee approved the minutes and agenda. - The management plan was deemed ready for council referral with minor edits; no formal committee vote was taken, but members expressed general support. - Arbor Day and Earth Day events were confirmed as described. - The next Tree Advisory Committee meeting is set for April 9, 2026, to vote on the plan and approve spring tree planting.

The Fitchburg Commission on Aging Well convened on March 12, 2026, for their regular meeting. The agenda included a detailed presentation on the Senior Center Office Assistant role, a vote on a new fee structure for the wellness room, the adoption of a flexible policy for community service volunteers, and extensive updates from the Senior Center Director on facility upgrades, renovations, and departmental reorganization. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved with an amendment noting that Ross would be visiting in April, not March. Public Comments & Testimony - No public appearances were made for items outside the agenda. Discussion Items Presentation on Senior Center Office Operations (Susie Jones) - Susie Jones presented an overview of her role as Office Assistant, detailing responsibilities including coordinating transportation for medical needs, managing program registrations and payments (processing $5,000 to $6,000 in monthly fees), training reception volunteers, and acting as the primary front-line support for older adults. - Commissioners and Director Jill offered strong praise for Susie, emphasizing her critical role as the "face of the center." Jill noted that Susie's actual duties align with an administrative assistant or manager, warranting a re-evaluation of her title and compensation. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of a backup in her role, the chaotic workspace located in a supply cabinet, and safety issues tied to a panic button that must be reconnected to Dane County 911. Continued Discussion on Wellness Room Fee Policy - Director Jill presented data on the wellness room services. In 2025, the foot care provider conducted 441 appointments at $25 each, generating over $11,000 in provider revenue with no fee collected by the city. Massage and acupuncture currently operate on a 90/10 split. Jill noted that 80% of comparable senior centers do not charge foot care providers to keep costs low for seniors, though the center's scholarship fund provides alternatives. - The commission debated shifting from a percentage split to a flat fee for the room. The consensus favored a flat fee to simplify accounting and reduce the administrative burden on staff. A motion was made to set the flat fee at $50 for a four-hour block and $100 for an eight-hour block. The motion carried. - Outcome: The decision requires final approval from the Finance Committee and City Council. Commissioners requested the policy be reviewed annually. Adoption of Community Service Volunteer Policy - Jill presented a draft policy with the language: "Community service volunteers will be accepted as staff capacity allows." She explained this softer approach allows the center to accommodate volunteers without obligation. The commission adopted the policy. The motion carried. Senior Center Director’s Report (Jill) - Facility Upgrades: A new sound system and large TV were installed. The Friends group agreed to purchase a second large TV to replace the aging projector. The new system will not be available for public renters to avoid damage and training requirements. - Renovations: Jill met with architects to explore maximizing the center’s space, focusing on a safer front desk area with reduced traffic and an expanded kitchen. The design phase is expected to continue for most of the year. - Database Merger: The center completed a transition to a comprehensive client management database (created by NewBridge Madison). The system will track services, quantify cost savings for clients (e.g., SNAP benefits, nursing home cost avoidance), and map client locations. - Healthy Neighborhoods Grants: The city received 17 applications requesting over $300,000 against a $125,000 available pool. Jill is participating in the scoring process. - Hosta Hochi Facility: Usage policies for the new community building remain under development. Key decisions on supervision, fees, key management, and public access are pending. Currently, it is only open for city department programming. Jill noted that the budget currently lacks staffing to open it fully to the public or independent contractors. Key Outcomes - Wellness Room Fee: Voted to approve a flat fee of $50 for 4 hours and $100 for 8 hours for the wellness room (Maple Corners tier), pending city council approval. - Community Service Volunteers: Voted to adopt a policy accepting volunteers based on staff capacity. - Position Reclassification: Commission and Director expressed intent to pursue reclassifying Susie Jones’s title from Office Assistant to better reflect her management duties as part of the city’s reorganization. - Scholarship Awareness: The center will publish a notice in the newsletter informing participants of the availability of scholarship funds to support services like foot care, massage, and acupuncture.

On March 11, 2026, the Fitchburg Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative grant review committee met to hear presentations from 17 organizations applying for 2026 grant funding. Each applicant had 3.5 to 4 minutes to present, followed by committee questions. The meeting included routine approvals, grant applicant presentations, a department report, and announcements; it adjourned at 8:23 p.m. Consent Calendar / Routine Approvals - Approved the previous meeting minutes by voice vote, with no nays heard. Public Comments & Testimony - There were no public appearances for non-agenda items; all attendees were scheduled grant applicants. Grant Applicant Presentations - Allied Food Pantry (Janice Ferguson): Presented the Allied Community Commons project 'food as the front door to wellness', combining food distribution with health, housing, and resource connections. The volunteer-run pantry serves the Allied/Dunsmarsh neighborhood, has 40 to 50 volunteers, anticipates serving over 5,000 unique people in 2026, spends 96% of its budget on food, and buys Wisconsin-grown produce. It proposed two farmers markets at the new Fitchburg hub and partnerships including an aquaponic farm for winter produce. - Active Youth Wisconsin (Amanda Merrick): Requested $21,150 for Training Teams and Minds in Motion plus Hosta Hochi Family Movement Nights. Programs serve priority neighborhoods with after-school movement, mindfulness, triathlon/5K training, and family events. About 600 youth participate annually in training-team programs, with roughly 150 from priority neighborhoods. - Big Brothers Big Sisters (Bethany Ordez): Requested $25,000 to continue one-to-one mentoring in Fitchburg, serving at least 35 youth through 25 existing matches and 10 new matches. Of the youth served in Fitchburg priority neighborhoods, 96% come from low-income households (compared with 76% agency-wide), 81% live in single- or no-parent households, 95% identify as youth of color, and 16% have an incarcerated parent. A new pop-up mentoring series will engage youth on the wait list. - Bikes for Kids Wisconsin (Christy Goforth): Requested $25,000 for Neighborhoods in Motion: 100 bikes and helmets, e-cargo bike grocery delivery for 29 households (72 individuals) from June through October in North Fish Hatchery/Southdale, and guided bike rides mentoring 180 youth. The organization has distributed over 15,000 bicycles, and 92 to 96% of people served are people of color. - Boys & Girls Club (Jake Brown): Requested $15,000 for after-school mentoring, education, and food security. Since July, the club has been open 1,142 service hours; it plans to serve over 300 children, including 80 from priority neighborhoods, served 277 members last year, and is adding nightly meals for teens. - Badger Prairie Needs Network (Jane Prouse): Requested $25,000 for its Farm to Pantry program. In 2025, BPN distributed 2.4 million pounds of food, equivalent to 2 million meals; 35% of people served are Fitchburg residents, and 80% of those come from priority neighborhoods. The grant would purchase locally grown produce after two federal farmer programs were unexpectedly eliminated, causing the loss of 32 tons of fresh produce annually. BPN is 100% volunteer-run. - Catholic Multicultural Center / Catholic Charities (Ashlyn Melhoff): Requested $15,000 for its food pantry and free meal program. In 2025, the pantry had 3,800 visits, distributed more than 140,000 pounds of food, served 14,250 free meals, and saw 700 unduplicated households, including 70 from Verona Road West and North Fish Hatchery Road. The 2026 goal is 100 households from those neighborhoods. - First Tee South Central Wisconsin (Al Steinhauer): Requested transportation support to bring Fitchburg students to the John Flesh Golf and Academic Center. The free after-school program combines golf and academics; transport costs $1,600 per group for a 10-week session, and the proposed project would serve 52 unduplicated students from Leopold and Loriman Carrie schools. - Latino Academy Workforce Development: Requested support for Spanish GED and commercial driver's license programs, employment services, workshops at Hosta Hochi, and a large career fair at Hosta Hochi. Speakers noted CDL training costs about $7,000 per graduate and said grant funds would cover support services not paid by federal funding. - Leopold Parent Faculty Organization (Justin Purcell): Requested $14,000 for community events and theater/arts programming to reduce access barriers for Leopold families and the North Fish Hatchery Road neighborhood. Funds would support annual community events and reusable theater supplies such as microphones, scripts, and props. - Madison Reading Project (Deirdre): Presented free book fairs serving 4,000 to 6,000 students through nine schools in four target neighborhoods. The organization buys new books at an average of about $5 per book. Staff later noted that Madison Reading Project increased its request to $25,000 with an updated budget. - Meadowood Health Partnership (Sheree Wallace): Presented wraparound community health services, including more than 500 direct clients over two years and 40 participants in a blood pressure monitoring program. The group proposed expanding community suppers, table talks, backpacks, and resource distribution into Fitchburg priority neighborhoods, including through the Fitchburg Senior Center. - Rooted (Sarah Carlson): Requested $25,000 for food security, urban agriculture education, and community engagement at Badger Rock and Hosta Hochi. Plans include distributing at least 2,500 pounds of produce from Badger Rock Urban Farm, serving 400 youth, hosting at least 19 community events, and paying a food vendor at Hosta Hochi to provide free meals while supporting the vendor's income. - Reach Dane (Asia Shoemate): Presented a farm-to-Head Start pilot at the Red Arrow site in partnership with Tilly's Farm, including 42 chickens laying eggs weekly and CSA-style produce boxes for enrolled families. The program would also bring children to the farm and purchase starter plants and seeds from Fitchburg Farms. Speakers noted Fitchburg had been identified as a food desert until Luna's grocery store opened nearby. The request was for continued funding for the 2027 growing season. - River Food Pantry (Helen Osborne-Sanantus): Requested the maximum $25,000 to continue Munch mobile meal stops in Fitchburg, which provided almost 16,000 meals across five neighborhoods in 2025 (about 90,000 meals program-wide). Funds would also support the existing Southdale Resource Fair and two new Hosta Hochi events: a back-to-school clothing and supplies event in August and a chef-led meal kit event in October. - Wisconsin EcoLatinos (Dama): Requested $15,000 for Healthy Homes, a community approach to indoor air quality and safe drinking water, providing water filters, air filters, and radon tests, plus nine workshops. The proposal aimed to reach about 100 households or 400 individuals and included an Earth Day event April 18 at Hosta Hochi. Speakers cited an F air-quality grade for the Madison/Rock County area and said Latino and Black communities are three times more likely to suffer from these pollutants. - Unidos (Ireri Andrea Muñiz Ortega): Requested $25,000 for Espacios de Sanación Comunitaria (Community Healing Spaces). The organization described itself as the only Dane County organization specifically focused on linguistically and culturally responsive services for Latine and immigrant survivors of violence. The project includes Spanish-language support groups, workshops, cooking classes, and wellness activities in four priority neighborhoods from April through December 2026. It aims to serve at least 200 residents, increase Latina access to Unidos services by 60%, have at least 75% of participants report improved mental health, coping skills, or family relationships, and have 80% report a stronger sense of belonging. Discussion Items - Committee members asked applicants about volunteer capacity, language access, matching processes, new versus expanded programs, data and evaluation methods, and how funds would be used. - The committee requested a follow-up from Meadowood Health Partnership to provide its spreadsheet of intended expansion locations. - Staff clarified the grant amount: after an earlier email error, organizations were told they could request up to $25,000. Wisconsin EcoLatinos chose to keep its request at $15,000; Madison Reading Project increased its request to $25,000. Department Report - City staff reported that the microgrants program is postponed due to current workload; no timeline was announced. Announcements and Updates - Urban League of Greater Madison is hosting a Women's History Month event on March 12, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Black Business Hub on Fish Hatchery Road. - Leopold Community School food pantry: April 7, 11 a.m. until supplies last. - El Día de la Tierra Earth Day event at Hosta Hochi: April 18, noon to 4 p.m. - Tito Fest community event at Leopold Elementary School: May 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - The Neighborhood Navigator position has closed with two applicants; an interview date is being arranged, but no one has been hired yet. Key Outcomes - No grant awards were made at this meeting; the session was for presentations and committee discussion. - Meadowood Health Partnership will provide its expansion-location spreadsheet as a follow-up. - Confirmed grant-request flexibility: applicants may request up to $25,000, and staff will accept updated requests and budgets. - Microgrants were postponed. - The committee adjourned at 8:23 p.m.

The Fitchburg Finance Committee met on March 10, 2026, reviewed routine financial reports, heard public testimony on pickleball fees, and unanimously approved seven resolutions. The meeting adjourned at 5:57 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approved the draft Finance Committee minutes from February 24, 2026, by unanimous voice vote. - Reviewed checks 130234 through 130305 issued February 16-28, 2026, totaling $716,501.99. An alder asked about check 130251 for elevator maintenance; staff said it covered the library elevator, that other building elevator contracts were separate, and that operating costs for the new police facility were included in that building's budget. - Reviewed ACH payments for February 1-28, 2026, totaling $758,857.26. Finance Director Report - Finance Director Misty reported that auditors were on-site for the annual closing and that the city received the Certificate of Achievement for its 2024 annual comprehensive financial report, the tenth consecutive year. She will not attend the next meeting because of spring break; Chad and Robert will cover for her. Public Comments & Testimony - Steve Streck registered support for the pickleball fee resolution, saying that if Fitchburg does not align its pickleball court reservation fees with other municipalities, it will collect less money this year than in recent years. - Aaron Shetler spoke in support of the revised pickleball fee schedule. She said she and her husband volunteer with MPACT and want McGaw to be a premier pickleball facility. She argued the current fee structure would make McGaw the most expensive indoor or outdoor facility in Dane County, about 30% more expensive than other courts and above some indoor rates. She cited KAPA's inability to afford leagues or skills and drills, risking about $4,500 in revenue; the Yahara House tournament, previously held for about $480, facing fees over $1,000; and a UW Initiative to End Alzheimer's tournament also at risk, with about $2,500 in potential tournament revenue lost. She urged the committee to revise the fee schedule so those events remain in Fitchburg. Discussion Items - R30-26 - Stormwater Utility Vegetation Management Contract: Public Works Director Tim said the stormwater utility needs a qualified contractor for weed control, herbicide applications, mowing, woody brush removal, and prescribed burning from 2026 through 2028. The RFP was advertised November 21, 2025, and one bid was received. The committee unanimously approved awarding a $261,000 three-year contract to Heartland Ecological Group. - R31-26 - Burn Pond Vegetation Management Contract: Tim said Burn Pond was reconstructed and restored with native vegetation in 2020, and the city previously contracted with Field and Stream Restorations, LLC through 2024 for establishment and management. Invasive species appeared in 2025 while no ongoing management was in place, and Field and Stream Ecological submitted a cost-competitive proposal. The committee unanimously approved a contract not to exceed $12,953.75 for 2026-2028 with Field and Stream Ecological. Asked why it was separate from the previous contract, Tim explained Field and Stream has site-specific knowledge of the pond. - R47-26 - Pickleball Court Fee Schedule: Staff member Eric presented a proposal to restore the 2025 fee levels: $10 per hour for residents and $15 per hour for nonresidents, with flat tournament fees of $500 for residents and $600 for nonresidents, modeled on Sun Prairie. Discussion clarified that the tournament rate applies to all 12 courts at McGaw. The committee unanimously approved the fee schedule amendment. - R51-26 - EV Station Site Host Agreement: Staff presented the Charge Up Dane County grant agreement to place four EV chargers at McKee Farms Park at no cost to the city, including five years of operating and maintenance. The city could keep the equipment after five years or stop operating it, and may charge fees to recover electricity and tax costs. The committee unanimously approved the agreement. - R55-26 - MOU with Wisconsin Professional Police Association: Staff explained the MOU establishes a 28-day Fair Labor Standards Act work period for police, potentially allowing certain overtime to qualify for a recent federal income tax exemption, but does not change compensation or overtime accrual. Similar work periods already exist for fire; EMS is not covered because it is not carved out under FLSA. Because employer guidance has not been released, employees were advised to consult tax advisors. The committee unanimously approved the MOU. - R62-26 - Budget Amendment for 2025 Parks Capital Overage: Staff said the Southdale Park playground replacement was originally budgeted at $115,000, which covered contracted costs, but the city incurred about $9,000 in additional costs for staff materials, base course installation, and landscape renovations. Staff noted the amendment would also use funds received from the Town of Madison. The committee unanimously approved it. - R66-26 - Budget Amendment for DaneCOM Costs: Fire Chief Scott presented a $10,359 invoice for the second half of 2025 operational costs for DaneCOM, the 911 dispatch center. The invoice arrived later than normal, causing a direct referral. The committee unanimously approved the budget amendment. Key Outcomes - All seven resolutions were approved unanimously by voice vote. - The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2026.

The Fitchburg Common Council met on March 10, 2026, at City Hall. The meeting began with proclamations recognizing Women's History Month and Red Cross Month, and the appointment of Alison Kirk to the EMS Commission. Council members heard public testimony in support of revising pickleball court fees and later approved a fee reduction. Commission reports covered a range of resolutions including vegetation management contracts, an EV charging station agreement, and budget amendments. During new business, the council voted to deny a settlement offer in an ongoing tax assessment litigation and approved adjustments to the 2025 capital and operating budgets. The meeting adjourned shortly after 8:00 PM. Proclamations & Appointments - Mayor Julia Radafrata proclaimed March as Women's History Month and March 2026 as Red Cross Month in Fitchburg, citing achievements and urging support for women's rights and Red Cross services. - Mark Miller of the American Red Cross spoke about cooperation with the city, noting that in 2025 the Red Cross held 103 blood drives collecting 2,965 pints of blood, taught 594 people first aid/CPR/AED, trained 36 babysitters, assisted 17 families during disasters, and installed 13 smoke alarms. He also stated there are 88 Red Cross volunteers who are Fitchburg residents. - Alison Kirk was appointed to the EMS Commission, with her term expiring May 15, 2027. The council unanimously approved (carried on voice vote). Consent Calendar - Approved as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - Steve Strick and a speaker named Aaron (both associated with the MPAC Pickleball Advisory Committee) spoke in support of resolution R 4726, which reduces pickleball court reservation fees and establishes a tournament fee structure. They argued that the 2026 fee schedule would make Magaw Park the most expensive courts by 30%, driving away leagues and nonprofits that host tournaments (e.g., benefiting mental health services and Alzheimer's initiatives). The speakers urged the council to approve the fee revision to retain events and support community engagement. Discussion Items - Plan Commission: Moved to postpone final plat FP 26326 to the March 24 council meeting due to unresolved conditions. Approved by council. - Board of Public Works: - Approved resolution R 3026 for a 2026-2028 stormwater utility vegetation management contract (three-year total $261,000, covering over 60 facilities). - Approved resolution R 3126 for a 2026-2028 burn pond vegetation management contract (three-year total $13,000) to remove reed canary grass and perform one prescribed burn. - Approved resolution R 5226 adopting the 2025 MS4 (NR 216) permit annual report. Key statistics: 509 municipal inspections, 42 sites needed maintenance (mostly low priority), 281 tons of material swept from streets. - Park Commission: - Approved resolution R 4726 amending the 2026 pickleball court fee schedule, reverting to 2025 rates: $10/hour for residents, $15/hour for non-residents (down from $15/$30), and establishing tournament fees of $500 (residents) and $600 (non-residents), matching Sun Prairie’s model. The resolution passed with a voice vote. - Approved resolution R 5126 approving an EV station site host agreement for the Charge Up Dane County grant program, placing four Level 2 charging stations at McKee Farms Park. The grant covers installation and five years of operation; the city may assume O&M after. The chargers will be accessible during park hours only. The resolution passed. - Personnel Committee: Approved resolution R 5526 approving a memorandum of understanding with the Wisconsin Professional Police Association establishing a 28-day work period for overtime tracking, aligning with federal tax changes. The council approved. - Finance Committee: Reported that auditors are on-site closing 2025 and that the city received an award for its 2024 comprehensive financial report for the tenth consecutive year. - Housing Advisory Committee: Updated that the housing plan will go to CEDA on March 26, then to Finance and Common Council on April 14. Additional initiatives include a housing data dashboard, efficiency navigator program, pro-housing grants, land banking models, and possible participation in the housing accelerator program. Key Outcomes - Final Plat FP 26326 was postponed to March 24, 2026. - Stormwater and burn pond vegetation management contracts were awarded. - Pickleball court reservation fees were reduced to 2025 levels and new tournament fees established. - An agreement for four Level 2 EV charging stations at McKee Farms Park was approved, with installation expected in fall 2026. - Budget amendments were passed: $9,000 for Southdale Park improvements (using Town of Madison fund) and $10,000 for 911 radio communication costs. - The council moved into closed session to discuss a settlement offer from High V Inc. in a tax assessment lawsuit. Upon reconvening, the council voted to deny the settlement offer, continuing litigation. - Alder District Reports highlighted: Water Tower D erected, candidate forums, upcoming neighborhood meetings (e.g., development at Lacy Road and Fehey Glen), and events such as the Madison Reading Project ribbon cutting. - Next Common Council meeting: March 24, 2026; Committee of the Whole: March 25, 2026 (topic: Round Trip public transit advocacy group).

The City of Fitchburg held a meeting on March 10, 2026, to approve consent agenda items and two sound permits for charitable walks. No public comments were received. All votes were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from previous meeting. - Approval of seven new routine licenses. - Change of agent for Mad Power Training Center (formerly operating as Loxley). A council member clarified that the change of agent only affects the person responsible for the alcohol portion, not the business name. The consent agenda was approved unanimously. Sound Permit Approvals - Breakthrough T1D Walk 2026: A recurring event hosted by Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (associated with 1800 Appleton Avenue, Suite 2, Nashville, Wisconsin). The walk will be held at McKee Farms Park, Fitchburg, on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with amplified sound. The permit was approved unanimously. - Walk for Wishes 2026: A recurring event hosted by Make-A-Wish Wisconsin (1818 Parmenter Street, Suite 1, 310 Madison, Wisconsin). The walk will be held at McKee Farms Park Shelter on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with amplified sound. Council members expressed strong support, describing it as a worthy cause and “the Lord’s work.” The permit was approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda passed unanimously. - Both sound permits for the Breakthrough T1D Walk and Walk for Wishes were approved unanimously. - The next meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2026. - The meeting adjourned at 7:03 p.m. (approximately).