Public Meetings - Fitchburg, Wisconsin

The Fitchburg Parks Commission met on March 5, 2026 at 6:01 PM and adjourned at 7:22 PM. The meeting covered approval of February minutes, a final plat for No Oaks Ranch, a resolution to amend 2026 pickleball court fees, an electric vehicle charging station agreement, and a budget amendment for park improvements. Consent Calendar - None. The meeting did not have a consent calendar; the approval of minutes and agenda were handled individually. Public Comments & Testimony - Patrick Cheney (Triperley Hills) opposed the February minutes as written due to incomplete listing of public speakers and called for corrections. He also later spoke on pickleball fees, suggesting rate comparisons were misleading and questioning fee consistency across sports. - Mayor Arata Frada spoke in support of resolution R4726, explaining the fee increase for pickleball courts was an oversight and that the proposed tournament fee would help attract events. He noted support from Journey Mental Health Center. - Angela Kinderman (Fitchburg Chamber Visitor & Business Bureau) supported competitive fees to build relationships with tournament organizers and boost tourism, noting the importance of non-profit support. - Dan Shuttler (on behalf of his wife) read a statement opposing the high 2026 fees, citing comparisons with other municipalities, the risk of losing nonprofit tournaments (e.g., Ahara House, UW Alzheimer’s initiative), and potential loss of Capital Area Pickleball Association clinics ($4,500 loss). He urged return to 2025 rates. - Steve Strick (Barrington Hills) supported the fee reduction, noting CAPA clinics and tournaments would leave Fitchburg if fees remained high. - Deb Hamilton and Pam Trench registered support for the resolution (i.e., opposition to the fee increase) without speaking. - Angela Kinderman later spoke again offering to provide tourism expenditure data and suggesting sponsorship to help nonprofits. Discussion Items - 5A: No Oaks Ranch Final Plat – Staff confirmed parkland dedication unchanged since December. Commissioner Heidi Sheehan queried about possible change in parkland dedication rates; staff said no further discussion. Commissioner Dave discussed SMART code compliance; Phil Svium confirmed planning review. Commissioner Sue Easterday noted the new park area has invasive honeysuckle, raising maintenance concerns. Motion to approve carried (no opposition recorded). - 5B: Resolution R4726 – 2026 Fee Schedule (Pickleball Courts) – Mayor Frada explained the fee increase from $10 to $15/hour (resident) and $15 to $30/hour (non-resident) was an oversight. Proposed reverting to 2025 rates and adding a tournament fee. Commissioners debated equity concerns: Heidi Sheehan worried about setting a precedent for other sports; Aaron supported the reduction as a welcoming measure. Christopher Pereira (absent) provided input in favor of reverting. Commissioner Dave questioned revenue impact and costs. The resolution passed with one nay (Heidi Sheehan opposed). - 5C: Resolution R5126 – EV Station Host Agreement (Charge Up Dane County) – Staff proposed four charging stations at McKee Farms Park, funded for five years. Commissioner Sue Easterday raised concerns about losing five parking spaces and overnight use restrictions. Commissioner Dave suggested alternative locations near entrance. Staff noted consolidation with B-cycle station and possibility of moving dumpsters. Motion to approve carried unanimously. - 5D: Resolution R6226 – Budget Amendment for 2025 Capital Overage – $9,000 overage from Southdale playground installation covered by Town of Madison absolved funds. Motion carried unanimously. - Staff Reports & Updates – Forestry: tree removal and stump grinding underway; strategic urban forestry plan nearing final review. WPRA conference: connection made for developing a Friends of Fitchburg Parks program. Southdale Park concept updates ongoing. Key Outcomes - February Minutes – Approved with amendments (motion carried, no opposition recorded). - Agenda – Approved as written (unanimous). - 5A: No Oaks Ranch Final Plat – Motion carried (no opposition recorded). - 5B: Pickleball Fee Resolution R4726 – Motion carried (one opposed: Heidi Sheehan). Fees reverted to 2025 levels ($10/hr resident, $15/hr non-resident); new tournament fee added. - 5C: EV Charging Station Resolution R5126 – Motion carried (unanimous). Preliminary approval granted for stations at McKee Farms Park. - 5D: Budget Amendment R6226 – Motion carried (unanimous). - Future Agenda Items – Southdale Park design review and potential review of 2026 rental fees. - Next Meeting – April 2, 2026.

The Fitchburg Police and Fire Commission met on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance, followed by approval of the previous meeting's minutes. No public appearances were made for non-agenda items. The commission then entered closed session to discuss personnel matters and took action on promotions and a conditional job offer. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the previous meeting by voice vote, with no questions or concerns raised. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present to speak on non-agenda items. Discussion Items - Fire Department Report: The commission moved into closed session under Wisconsin Statutes Section 19.85(1)(c) to consider employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation of public employees. The stated purpose was to make an offer for battalion chief and to hire from the existing lieutenant and career firefighter eligibility list. Key Outcomes - Promoted Matt Souter to battalion chief. - Promoted Jeremy Brugman to lieutenant. - Authorized the fire chief to make a conditional offer of employment to a candidate from the career eligibility list. - All three personnel actions were approved by voice vote.

The Fitchburg Housing Advisory Committee met on March 2, 2026, to discuss and vote on Resolution R19-26, approving the final draft of the city's housing plan. The committee heard a presentation from Redevelopment Resources, debated specific goals and data points, and voted unanimously to recommend the plan to the CETA and City Council. Staff also provided updates on housing initiatives, including land banking and down payment assistance programs. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes from the October 13, 2025 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided testimony on non-agenda items. Discussion Items - Presentation of Final Housing Plan: Kristen Fish Peterson and Dana Sarver of Redevelopment Resources presented the final draft. They summarized public feedback, clarifying that fund capitalization comes from closed TIF districts, not the general levy. They addressed perceptions of overbuilding and tax increases, noting that suggestions like a development moratorium were logged but not included. - Goals and Objectives: The presentation outlined four goals: 1) ensuring safe, quality, affordable housing; 2) expanding housing supply to meet future demand; 3) promoting equitable access and neighborhood stability; and 4) strengthening collaboration and capacity. The committee discussed annual plan revisits. - Committee Feedback on Data and Definitions: - Mallory Gorman questioned the lack of detailed existing inventory data (Section 42 properties, market rate units, vacancy rates) and the definition of workforce housing. She requested specific unit numbers be added to charts, noting the 3.4% overall and 1.1% income-restricted vacancy rates seemed tight. - Olivia Beary expressed support for the plan but raised concerns over first-come, first-served criteria for homeowner rehab, advocating for prioritizing seniors and older homes. She discussed ADUs and small format housing and requested clearer definitions. - Bill Jaster praised the financial analysis showing fees were 2-3% of construction cost. He emphasized total cost of living (housing + transportation), advocated for walkable neighborhoods and inclusionary zoning, and expressed concern about income segregation. - Staff responded that land banking involves rapid acquisition and turnover, and zoning code changes like cottage courts will be considered in the upcoming rewrite. - Staff Housing Initiative Updates: - Lorreen provided updates on a housing data dashboard, the Efficiency Navigator program, and the land banking program leveraging a $600,000 CDBG grant with $1 million from the housing fund. - Down payment assistance program details were shared, allocating $2.5 million for households at 60-110% AMI, with sliding scale up to $20,000. - Staff reported that Gorman and Company is proposing a 146-unit development (60 affordable, 86 market-rate) on Index Road. Key Outcomes - Unanimous Vote on Resolution R19-26: The committee voted unanimously to approve the final draft of the housing plan, recommending it to higher boards. The motion passed with all members in favor. - Specific Edits Requested: Edits included updating population figures, clarifying definitions for affordable, workforce, and land banking, adding numerical data to Figure 19, and recommending consideration of cottage courts and by-right housing in the zoning code rewrite. - Next Steps: The plan will proceed to the CETA committee meeting on March 26, 2026, followed by Council and Finance on April 14, 2026. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned. The next Housing Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for April 13, 2026.

The Board of Public Works met on March 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM to discuss routine approvals, a detailed report from the Director of Public Works on utility budgets, construction projects, and a stormwater permit annual report. All actions were unanimous. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (February 16, 2026): Motion by Don Gutkowski, second by Kim Lobdel. Unanimously approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared in chambers or online for non-agenda matters. Discussion Items Report from Director of Public Works Tim Volker - Speed limit sign repair: The knocked-down sign on King James Way was repaired by city crews on February 23, 2026 (prior to the previous meeting). - Resolution R-49-26 (pedestrian bike path easement): The property owners requested the legal description be revised to cover only the 20-foot wide easement, not the entire outlots (41 and 42 of 9 Springs). - Sidewalk assessments: MGE had already replaced all sidewalk they broke on Spoke and Sprocket Drives; remaining repairs are due to general wear and tear. - Project updates: - 2026 street resurfacing: bids open March 10, 2026. - 2026 sidewalk replacement: advertising planned for April 2026. - Water tower D (Highway 14, Uptown): crane arrives March 5; tower erection scheduled for March 6, 2026. FACTV will record the process. - Utility budget amendments: A spreadsheet was provided covering 10 city buildings, showing heating/cooling methods and actual vs. budgeted 2025 utility costs. Buildings over budget: City Hall (+$17,000), West Fire Station 2, East Fire Station 3, the libraries, and the community center. Discussion included challenges with heat pump repairs (West Fire Station 2 had a broken heat pump for 1-2 years, affecting bay heating) and budgeting methodology (5-year average + 3% increase; cold Nov/Dec 2025 led to overruns). - Questions: Alder Gutkowski asked about fire station bay area conditioning; Volker noted in-floor heating and that stations use geothermal. Budgeting contingencies were discussed (3% increase insufficient this year). Staff will check if the city pays commercial or residential utility rates. NR216 Permit Annual Report (Resolution R-52-26) - Presenter: Ben (stormwater staff). The report covers the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit for 2025. Key statistics: - 28 construction sites over 1 acre in Fitchburg; 17 new permits issued; 509 municipal inspections. - Illicit discharges: none found in routine screening; two reported but not part of annual screening. - Post-construction: 10 new private BMPs approved; annual inspection reports from 73 sites (follow-up ongoing). - Pollution prevention: 103 inspections on municipal BMPs; 42 sites with low-priority maintenance suggestions (mostly vegetation). - Street sweeping: 281 tons removed. - Budget for public involvement: $700 budgeted, $50 spent (mainly waterway cleanup supplies). - Discussion: - Alder Gutkowski questioned repeat violators; Ben noted most enforcement is educational (verbal/written warnings); one stop-work order in 2025. - Outfall inspections: 33 of 265 evaluated (major outfalls inspected every 3 years; minor outfalls on 10-year cycle). - Mapping: The GIS public map link was incorrect; Ben will update. The city already meets TMDL phosphorus and TSS reductions. - Salt vs. beet juice: 800 tons of salt vs. thousands of gallons of beet juice/brine (BioMelt AG64, 80/20 blend). Use depends on weather; staff calibrate trucks to optimize application (calibration data will be added to future reports). Key Outcomes - Resolution R-52-26 (NR216 Permit Annual Report): Motion by Kim Lobdel, second by Dave Wilburne. Approved unanimously. Staff will incorporate suggestions (calibration credit, improved public GIS link, budget reallocation for education). - Next meeting: March 16, 2026, same time and location. - Adjournment: Motion by Don Gutkowski, second by Kim Lobdel. Meeting adjourned at 6:14 PM.

On February 26, 2026, the Fitchburg Municipal Court held an arraignment session in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. The judge opened by explaining the plea process, Wisconsin demerit-point rules, OWI jury-trial rights, and the court's individualized sentencing philosophy, then heard a series of traffic and OWI cases. The agenda and minutes were not available; this summary is based on the raw transcript. Court Process Overview - The judge explained three plea options: not guilty, guilty, and no contest. With a not-guilty plea, the city must prove the case; a guilty plea accepts the facts in the citation; a no-contest plea results in a finding of guilt but generally cannot be used against the defendant in a later civil liability case. - Wisconsin driving privileges are revoked if a driver accumulates 12 demerit points in one year. OWI defendants may request a jury trial in Dane County Circuit Court rather than Fitchburg Municipal Court. - The court follows a philosophy of individualized justice: defendants may present mitigating circumstances, and first-time offenders may receive reduced fines, except in alcohol/drug-related or penal-code-type cases. - Fines are generally due that night, but the court can allow up to 60 days to pay. Failure to comply can lead to a warrant, arrest, and up to 90 days in jail, with a $50-per-day credit against the fine; the city may also sue for jail maintenance costs of $85 per day. Discussion Items and Cases - Tristan Winterberg asked the court to remove an older absolute-sobriety conviction from his record before the five-year mark because it was affecting his job search. The judge noted he had no offenses since the March 28, 2024 conviction and said the court would take care of removing it. - Juan Gonzalez pleaded guilty to unreasonable and imprudent speed, accepted full responsibility, and asked for a point reduction. Because his record was classified as habitual, the judge gave him 3 demerit points instead of 4 and left the fine unchanged. - Robert Outhouse Seelin pleaded no contest to following too closely. He was on a probationary license with 9 existing points, and a conviction would push him to 13 points and a lost license. The judge delayed conviction for one month so Seelin could ask courts in Shawano and Menominee counties to amend or drop prior citations, and set a return date one month later. - Anushri Gupta pleaded guilty to speeding 81 mph in a 55 mph zone. Gupta said he was a cancer-drug manufacturer running late to a shift. The judge reduced the demerit points from 6 to 4 and left the fine unchanged. - A driver identified in the transcript as Bright and Zek pleaded no contest to speeding 60 mph in a 40 mph zone. The driver was on a probationary license with prior points and faced losing the license. The judge reduced the citation to 3 demerit points, required 24 hours of community service, and left the fine unchanged; the driver agreed. - A brief, partially inaudible bench conference involved a young defendant and his mother/legal supporter. The clerk and judge referenced paperwork, a 60-day timeframe, a 24-hour requirement, a six-month condition, and that nothing would be entered at that time. - An adult defendant pleaded guilty to two citations, including an OWI with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.17. With no underage passengers and no accident, the court applied the third penalty category: a $1,036 fine. The defendant was also ordered to install a device in every vehicle he operates, and received a $78 fine instead of $124 for operating without a valid driver's license. - Miguel Martinez Lopez pleaded guilty to a yellow-light violation and an OWI with a BAC of 0.13. With no aggravating circumstances, the fine was set at $923, six demerit points were assessed, and he was referred for an assessment at the Dane County Mental Health Institute. The yellow-light fine was reduced to $78, and the judge explained when a driver may legally proceed on a yellow light. - William Romero (also transcribed as William Roblero) pleaded guilty to operating without insurance, operating without a valid driver's license, and OWI with a BAC of 0.13. The court imposed a $923 fine and a seven-month revocation of driving privileges, to begin once he obtains a valid license. The no-insurance fine was $38 instead of $124, and the no-valid-license fine was $78 with 3 demerit points. Romero stated the car was not currently insured and he was not driving it. Key Outcomes - One prior absolute-sobriety conviction was ordered removed from the defendant's record. - Multiple guilty and no-contest pleas resulted in fines, demerit points, community service, license conditions, and OWI-related penalties. - One case was continued for one month to allow the defendant to seek amendment or dismissal of prior out-of-county citations. - Several fines and point assessments were reduced at the judge's discretion based on individual circumstances.

This joint meeting on December 25, 2026 convened to discuss a study by the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) regarding future development in the southeastern part of Fitchburg near the Village of Oregon. CARPC's Jason Valerius presented findings from stakeholder listening sessions, highlighting broad alignment on key issues and outlining next steps toward an intergovernmental agreement. Discussion Items - Presentation by Jason Valerius (CARPC): Valerius explained the study's purpose: to consider future land uses in the area between the highway interchange and the Fitchburg-Oregon border. Stakeholders included staff, elected officials from both communities, public landowners (Department of Corrections, school district), and private landowners. - Development Interest: Private landowners' interest ranged from "willing to consider" to "yes, as soon as possible." The Department of Corrections is building a youth detention facility in 2026 (groundbreaking planned for 2026) and intends to continue farming its remaining acreage with no interest in selling or further development. The school district plans a middle school on its site in the 2030s, with potential for athletic fields built earlier through partnerships. - Land Use Preferences: Most favored uses included offices, mixed-use, sporting facilities, light industry, a hotel near the highway, and a quick trip convenience store (mentioned by multiple stakeholders). Least favored uses included heavy industry, multi-tenant retail, large-scale residential (due to higher emergency service calls), low-density residential, self-storage, quarries, vape shops, car dealerships, car washes, and other low-value uses. Income-qualified housing was noted as not ideal due to lack of transit. - Design & Gateway: Both communities agreed the area is a gateway to the village and should have attractive design – tree-lined boulevard, quality materials, and building orientation toward the highway. The village desires a voice in land use decisions. A shared overlay zoning ordinance was proposed, to be administered by the city. - Utilities: The village has a standpipe and water pipe already in place in the study area. A water loop is being planned with the Department of Corrections. For sewer, a new gravity-fed line from the Braun Road pump station could serve most of the area; only the eastern corner near the highway would require a lift station. Cost recovery for offsite improvements will need a mechanism in the intergovernmental agreement. - Other Public Services: Emergency services (first response) likely would come from the village, with follow-up handled by the city. Street maintenance would be performed by the village and billed to the city. A potential joint emergency services district could simplify arrangements. The village is pursuing a transportation planning grant for public transit, and a park-and-ride facility was suggested for the area, possibly at 14 and M. - Timing Considerations: The city’s comprehensive plan update is underway and expected to land in 2028, likely incorporating this area. The school district’s middle school would require planning starting around 2028. The intergovernmental agreement (IGA) is the first priority, with a goal of completion in about a year. - Concerns Raised: Alders and trustees expressed concerns about timeline, potential turnover of elected officials, unforeseen edge cases, and the need to preserve high-quality farmland. Alders noted that the area is not family farmland (surrounded by railroad, highway, and a youth prison) and that codifying the utility extension boundary would help address public concerns. There was strong support for maintaining momentum and continuing CARPC’s involvement. Key Outcomes - Shared Support for Proceeding: Both bodies expressed strong alignment and support for moving forward with an intergovernmental agreement. The next practical step is formation of a joint working group (staff and/or elected officials) to begin drafting a memorandum of understanding and ultimately an IGA. - Continued CARPC Involvement: Alders requested that CARPC continue facilitating the process, citing its organizational value and expertise in boundary agreements. Jason Valerius indicated openness to this, noting it would involve periodic meeting attendance rather than a major time commitment. - Motion to Adjourn: The meeting was adjourned at 6:33 PM following a unanimous voice vote.

The Fitchburg DEI Advisory Committee met on February 25, 2026 starting at 5:15 PM. The meeting included reports from three working groups (DEI calendar, Hoskakochi community center programming, and racial equity tools), a review of the timing of multiple city plans, and a vote on creating a business recognition program with the first recognition for Fitchburg Family Pharmacy. Discussion Items - DEI Calendar Work Group (Jessica and Janice): Presented a comprehensive spreadsheet of observances. Discussion focused on the committee’s role – the group should provide ideas and uplift existing efforts rather than manage the calendar. Next steps include deciding on the list and presenting it to the larger committee. - Hoskakochi Community Center Programming (Janet, Chris, Colleen): Proposed three pillars: community events (culturally relevant events, community meals, listening sessions), education/resources (library fairs, energy assistance, housing programs), and health/wellness (flu shot clinics, visiting nurses). Emphasis on hearing from residents and addressing barriers through an equity lens. Suggestions will be sent to the mayor. - Racial Equity Tools (Colleen, Christopher, Sarah): Reviewed tools from GARE, Seattle, Madison, and Nina Collective. Proposed a simplified rubric for evaluating plans brought to the committee, and supported a scope and sequence for staff training (training to be done by HR, not the committee). Draft rubric will be shared for feedback. - Timing of City Plans (Sarah): Presented an overview: Comprehensive Plan (out for bid), Housing Plan (expected adoption in coming months, available for comment), City in Motion (active), Healthy Neighborhoods Strategic Plan (completion in a few months), 5-Year Strategic Plan (update coming soon), Communications Plan (draft in progress), Urban Forestry Management Plan (public comments under review). Committee agreed to invite Jessica Wolf (Healthy Neighborhoods) and to send links to active plans. - Recognition of Fitchburg Business (Chris): Proposed recognizing Fitchburg Family Pharmacy for continuing gender-affirming care for youth and other community contributions (e.g., pandemic response). Discussion led to a broader recognition program for businesses and community members advancing racial and social justice. Key Outcomes - Vote 1: Motion passed (unanimous) to create a recognition program for businesses and community members that demonstrate leadership in racial and social justice. - Vote 2: Motion passed (unanimous) to recommend Fitchburg Family Pharmacy as the first recognition, citing its provision of gender-affirming care for youth and its previous pandemic response. - Next Steps: Refine the DEI calendar list; continue work on the racial equity tools rubric and share with the full committee; invite internal DEI resource group to a future meeting; follow up on city plans and engage with department heads to clarify the committee’s role. Other Business - Standing items: Upcoming observances (International Women’s Day, Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day, Arab American Heritage Month) and recent events (PFLAG meetings, Black History Month recognition). - Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Agenda will be distributed in advance.

The Fitchburg Common Council met on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, for a regular meeting. Key actions included the approval of a 146-unit mixed-income housing development, the establishment of the Kyle Steiger Greenway, and several fiscal and operational resolutions. Voter turnout for the February 17th primary was reported at 13% of 19,000 registered voters. Consent Calendar - The Council approved the consent agenda as presented without objection. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared to speak on non-agenda items. Discussion Items Rezoning and Development (Plan Commission) - Residences at Greenfield Glen (Ordinance 2026-005): The Council approved a rezone for 146 apartments (86 market-rate, 60 affordable) in the first application of the High Density Urban (HDU) zoning district. The developer, Adam Gorman of Gorman and Company, noted the project includes 3,000 sq ft of artist space and seeks WHEDA tax credits. - Council Deliberation: Alder Jetzer expressed a preference for integrating the affordable units across both buildings rather than separating them into one, stating a belief in the social benefits of mixed-income communities. Gorman explained that the 9% tax credit structure financially favors concentrating the affordable units in a single building to maintain "credit efficiency" and avoid requiring large gap financing. The developer also confirmed the building will meet Enterprise Green 2020 standards. - Bike Share Amenities: Council members requested the developer explore installing a B-cycle station at the site, noting a gap in the network on the east side of Fish Hatchery Road. Staff was directed to share B-cycle contact information. - Hive Culinary Collective: The Plan Commission passed a conditional use for a small event space and cafe, but the related rezone was postponed indefinitely as it was not required for the project. Parks and Greenways (Park Commission) - Kyle Steiger Greenway (Resolution R-27-26): The Council approved plans and a property improvement agreement for the memorial greenway. - Public Testimony: Dawn Stiegert, Kyle's widow, detailed the project's progress including the formation of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the successful fundraising of $26,000. She outlined plans for a walking path, prairie restoration, memorial benches, and a bike repair station. - Council Action: The Council approved two minor amendments to clarify the stage of the plans and the nature of the agreement. Alder Gabriela praised the project as a "good model for a public-private partnership." The resolution passed. Operational and Fiscal Resolutions (Board of Public Works & Finance Committees) - Plat Restriction Litigation: The Council authorized staff to initiate a circuit court action to modify a plat restriction on the Michelson Woods property to allow for a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) support facility and multi-use path (R 38-26). - Stormwater Pond Rejection: Bids for the Area H Stormwater Pond were rejected because costs were ten times higher than comparable projects. The affected landowners will instead construct their own on-site ponds (R 41-26). - Budget Amendments: The Council approved shifting funds to cover higher-than-budgeted utility costs (R 45-26) and a cost increase for the Badger Lift Station replacement project requiring a completely new build (R 46-26). The sewer fund amendment passed via a roll call vote with all ayes. - Capital Equipment: Approved the replacement of SCBA compressors ($134,000) for the Fire Department (R 28-26) and a network equipment refresh for Fire Station 3 ($21,700) (R 42-26). - CIP Schedule: Adopted the 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) schedule, noting a change for this year: council amendments will be due at noon on July 6th rather than 4 p.m. (R 44-26). - Sidewalk Replacement: Preliminary assessment resolution for the 2026 sidewalk replacement program was approved (R 48-26). Legal and Personnel Matters - Police Union Memorandum: A new memorandum of understanding was established with the police union to create a 28-day FLSA work period, enabling officers to potentially utilize new federal laws permitting overtime tax exemptions. - Data Usage Policy: The employee handbook was updated to explicitly prohibit the inappropriate use of confidential city data and information systems. - Closed Session & Settlement (Mims Claim): The Council unanimously voted to enter closed session under Wisconsin Statute to discuss a settlement offer from Mr. Mims. Upon returning to open session, the Council voted to deny the settlement claim and direct staff to move forward as discussed. Key Outcomes - Postponed Indefinitely RZCU 263126 (Rezone and Conditional Use) as the rezone was unnecessary. - Approved Ordinance 2026-005 (Rezone for Residences at Greenfield Glen). - Approved Resolution R-27-26 (Kyle Steiger Greenway Plans and Improvement Agreement), as amended. - Approved Resolution R-38-26 (Authorizing Circuit Court Action for Michelson Woods plat restriction). - Approved Resolution R-41-26 (Rejecting Bids for Area H Stormwater Pond). - Approved Resolutions R-45-26 and R-46-26 (Budget Amendments for Utilities and Sewer). - Approved Resolutions R-28-26 and R-42-26 (Fire Department Capital Equipment). - Approved Resolution R-44-26 (CIP Schedule, amendments due at noon on July 6). - Approved Resolution R-53-26 (Accepting 2025 City Donations). - Voted to deny the Mims settlement claim. - Next Meeting: Common Council meeting scheduled for March 10, 2026. Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for February 25, 2026 at the Oregon Public Library.

The Fitchburg Finance Committee met on February 24, 2026, and adjourned at 6:17 p.m. after approving minutes, hearing the finance director's report, reviewing bills, and unanimously approving all eight resolutions on the action agenda. Minutes and Public Appearances - Alder Jetzer moved to approve the minutes as drafted in the packet; the motion passed unanimously. - No members of the public appeared for non-agenda items. Finance Director Report - Finance Director Missy presented the December 2025 Treasurer's Report, noting property tax collections of almost $40 million as of year-end. - She reported the arbitrage analysis for the 2020A debt issuance: the city met spend-down requirements and an exception applied, so no rebate is owed to the federal government and no future payment is expected while the bona fide debt service fund is retained. - In response to questions, she said the 2020 debt issuance of $19.3 million was used for roads including Fish Hatchery Road, the fire squad, and refunding some library bonds; the low 1.4% yield reflected favorable December 2020 market conditions and the city's AAA rating. - Auditors are expected in two weeks. - Missy reported the city's first attempted check fraud since implementing positive pay: a $17,000 check to the U.S. Postal Service was intercepted and altered, but positive pay prevented the city from losing money. Review of Bills - Reviewed P-card transactions for the cycle ending January 6, 2026, totaling $183,938.13. - Reviewed checks 130059 through 130233 issued February 1-15, 2026, totaling $2,716,604.01. - Alder Bill asked about a fuel surcharge on a Pelloteri charge; Public Works' Tim said the surcharge was set in the contract/RFP and would provide the base-rate details at a later meeting. - Alder Bill asked about two refund checks to the same person; Tim said it was likely accurate because the person overpaid on two properties. Public Comments & Testimony - Don Stegert, representing Friends of Kyle Stegert Greenway, reported that the group is now a 501(c)(3) with a seven-member board, has $26,000 available after a January fundraiser, and has already completed invasive-plant control and a prairie burn on the Outlot 8 property. She asked the committee to move the resolution and property agreement forward. - Steve Arnold, of 2530 Targi Street, suggested aligning the resolution language with construction plans rather than conceptual plans, and changing the resolution title from "property use agreement" to match the agreement's actual title, "property improvement agreement." He also described the financial arrangement: the Friends group will deposit funds with the city, the parks department will debit the account for work, and some park department staff time will be contributed. Action Items and Votes - Resolution R-27-26: Approving plans and a property agreement for Outlot 8 of the Second Edition to Highlands of Seminole. Staff noted the agreement requires a $10,000 deposit, replenishment if funds fall below $2,500, and leaves future city discretion if the area ceases to be a park. The resolution passed unanimously as amended by the Parks Commission. - Resolution R-28-26: Replacing two SCBA compressors and fill station systems. The fire chief said the compressors are at end of life; cost is just under $134,000, with electrical installation expected not to exceed $3,000. A tariff extension was noted for orders after January 30. Passed unanimously. - Resolution R-41-26: Authorizing rejection of bids for the Area H stormwater pond project. Public Works' Tim said the project was advertised in September 2024 and six sealed bids were opened, but costs were excessive—charges per acre were an order of magnitude higher than other city charge reports—and landowners preferred smaller basins on their own land. The committee noted plans now call for two wet ponds and three infiltration basins. Passed unanimously. - Resolution R-42-26: Fire Station 3 CIP network equipment refresh. The IT director said the purchase detail is withheld from public packets for cybersecurity reasons but available to council members; the approximately $21,700 cost covers firewalls, switches, licensing, and five years of support. Passed unanimously. - Resolution R-44-26: Adopting the 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Plans schedule. The finance director said council action was moved back to the second July meeting and council amendments are now due at noon to allow time for review. Passed unanimously. - Resolution R-45-26: Amending the 2025 general fund budget for utilities and telephone. Public Works' Tim said colder-than-normal November and December temperatures drove utility overruns across city buildings; the 2026 utility budget was increased by 3%. Passed unanimously. - Resolution R-46-26: Amending 2026 sewer utility and capital projects fund budgets for the Badger Lane lift station replacement. Tim said the station serves land absorbed from the Town of Madison in 2022; the updated project estimate leaves about a $156,106 gap. The committee approved transferring $160,000 of Town of Madison fund balance from CIP 1040 to the sewer utility. About $700,000 remains unallocated in that account before the transfer. Passed unanimously. - Resolution R-48-26: Preliminary assessment resolution for the 2026 sidewalk replacement project. Tim said most work will be in the northwest corner of the city; the project would be bid in March, awarded in April, and built in summer. Staff plan to alternate sidewalk replacement and roadway surface maintenance every other year. Passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - All eight resolutions passed unanimously. - The next finance committee meeting is scheduled for March 10, 2026. - Staff will provide fuel surcharge contract details in response to Alder Bill's question.