Public Meetings - Fitchburg, Wisconsin

The Fitchburg Police and Fire Commission met on January 21, 2026. The meeting was called to order and began with the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners approved prior minutes, heard public comment, received staffing reports from the fire and police departments, entered closed session for personnel matters, and received an update on the police facility project. Consent Calendar - Approved the previous meeting's minutes by voice vote, with no opposition. Public Comments & Testimony - A community member who attended the December 17, 2025 meeting said he had tried to contact Emily Schunk and Matt Lake about a felony prosecution in Dane County Court but had not received responses. He offered to answer commissioners' questions about his concerns and provided contact information through city staff. - A member of the public who identified himself as Jim Wheeler described a 2016 medical encounter with Group Health Cooperative and alleged uncooperative conduct by Fitchburg police officers he named. He said he was not acting for himself, expressed concern about dishonest law-enforcement behavior, and called for accountability, adding that the people of Fitchburg have a right to know what goes on in the town. Fire Department Staffing Report - Fire department responses increased by just under 1% in 2025, with fire false alarms reduced through prevention efforts. Overtime increased, including some mandatory shifts in December, but the chief said newly added staff should reduce overtime by mid-February. Response times remained strong despite growth and construction traffic. - The fire chief noted that displayed percentages were slightly off, but overall call volume was not much higher. Police Department Staffing Report - Staffing: The department is four vacancies short of authorized strength, and with one officer in the academy, the chief described the total as six unfilled positions. Two candidates are expected to begin the police academy in March and late May, respectively, which would reduce vacancies to two. A recruitment event is planned for February. - December statistics: The department handled 947 citizen-generated calls for service and 735 officer-initiated calls. Citizen-generated calls increased by 32 from November, and officer-initiated calls increased by 80. Citizen-generated calls were lower than in December 2024, while officer-initiated calls dropped considerably, which the chief attributed to staff assignments and personal leave. - Crime: December included a homicide two days before Christmas; the department averages one to two homicides a year and ended 2025 with two. A spike in burglaries was reported, but the suspects are in custody, and two officers received commendations for the arrests. One shooting – the homicide – was reported, with charges issued and extradition pending for a person in custody in Chicago. No robberies were reported, and there were 16 domestic-violence calls for service in December. Sexual assault numbers were up in the latest chart, with more detail expected in the February annual report. - Trends: The chief reported that over the last two years aggravated assaults are down 49%, domestic violence is down 25%, and gun-related violence and shots-fired incidents have declined. He credited the domestic-violence unit, a social worker now full-time and focused on repeat calls and mental-health calls, and partnership with the district attorney and U.S. Attorney's Office on gun-violence enforcement. He said Fitchburg had been trending among the top five most violent cities in Wisconsin per capita but is now moving toward a ranking around 13th or better. - In response to commissioner questions, the chief said officer-initiated calls include park walks, bicycle patrols, and community engagement in addition to traffic stops, and that officers log these activities so they are counted as proactive work. Asked about a 9% year-over-year improvement in citizen-generated calls, the chief said he had not yet taken a deep dive into the data but cited proactive work on repeat domestic-violence and mental-health calls and drug complaints as likely drivers. Closed Session & Personnel Actions - The commission moved into closed session under Wisconsin Statutes Section 19.85(1)(c) to consider conditional offers from the career firefighter eligibility list and for fire science resident intern positions. After returning to open session, it voted to authorize the fire chief to make conditional offers to three individuals for 2026 interim positions. - The commission also voted to make a career firefighter offer to Brock Les Kaker. - The commission again moved into closed session under Wisconsin Statutes Section 19.85(1)(c) to consider removing the probationary status of a police officer. After returning to open session, it voted to accept the chief's recommendation to remove Officer Melanowski's probationary status. Announcements - The police facility project is on schedule. Concrete work will occur between January and February, with the first floor expected to be completed by the end of February before work begins on the second level. Key Outcomes - Approved the previous meeting's minutes. - Authorized conditional offers to three individuals for 2026 interim firefighter positions. - Authorized a career firefighter offer to Brock Les Kaker. - Removed Officer Melanowski's probationary status on the chief's recommendation. - All votes were voice votes with no recorded opposition.

The Fitchburg Plan Commission convened on January 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM to consider three major development proposals: a rezone and preliminary plat for a 25-lot single-family subdivision near Notre Dame Drive, a rezone to allow an assisted living and memory care facility on East Cheryl Parkway, and a comprehensive development plan amendment, rezone, and certified survey map for a mixed-use commercial and residential project off Fitchrona Road. The meeting also included a transportation and transit committee report and the introduction of a new commissioner. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the December 16, 2025, meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote (all ayes, no opposition). Public Comments & Testimony - Item 5A – Rezone and Preliminary Plat (Irish 1855 LLC): Three residents spoke in opposition or with concerns. - John Tuhe (Mary Lane resident) expressed dissatisfaction that the property, which he was told would remain open space, is now slated for development. He requested additional tree preservation and a review of the DNR's stormwater plan for the creek rerouting, noting that a retention pond nearly overflowed during a moderate rain event. - Ethan Blankespoor (Mary Lane resident) echoed concerns about loss of wildlife habitat (deer, owls, sandhill cranes, etc.) and stormwater impacts, and noted that he paid a premium for the lot based on representations that the area would remain open space. - Susan Dashgun (The Crossing resident) raised concerns about traffic safety and speed on Notre Dame Drive, and asked that the 100+ residents of The Crossing be considered during construction. - Preliminary Plat Public Comment: David Hayes (Woods Edge Road resident) argued that the preliminary plat should not be approved because the city has not met legal requirements under NR 103 regarding wetlands and the comprehensive plan lacks necessary elements (housing, transportation, environmental protection). He urged commissioners to seek city attorney opinions to uphold their oaths. - Items 5D-5F – CDP, Rezone, and CSM (Fitchport Partners): No public testimony was offered during the public hearings, but discussion was extensive among commission and staff. Discussion Items - Item 5A – Rezone RZ-2626-26 and Preliminary Plat PP-2625-26 (Irish 1855 LLC): - Staff report by Deanna Schmidt corrected a clerical error: the request was for rezone to RLM (low-to-medium density residential), not RL. The property, near 2624 Notre Dame Drive, has been designated low-density residential in city land use maps since 1995. The 25-lot subdivision would feature lots roughly 70 ft x 120 ft, with a cul-de-sac and a walkway connection to the multi-use path. A stormwater management plan must meet 200-year standards and the McGraw neighborhood plan. A tree preservation plan identified 217 desirable trees; most pines are in poor health and not likely to be saved. The developer will provide fee-in-lieu of parkland dedication. - Commission discussed stormwater capacity (Ben Schulte confirmed regional ponds assumed this development), tree removal and replanting (developer David Feiji indicated most pines will be removed for safety and site construction, with street trees and buffers planned), and the desirability of the cul-de-sac (staff noted no reasonable connectivity alternative exists). - Condition 22 was amended to explicitly require the stormwater permit to meet 200-year standards and McGraw neighborhood standards. The motion to approve the rezone carried unanimously on a voice vote. The preliminary plat was then approved with the 27 conditions (including amended condition 22), also unanimously. - Item 5C – Rezone RZ-2627-26 (Grace Hospice Holdings): - Staff described the request to amend the PDD-GIP to allow an assisted living and memory care facility at 5395 East Cheryl Parkway. Phase one includes hospice facilities and parking; phase two creates a dementia village with eight houses and a clubhouse. The next step is a PDD-SIP with architectural design review. The commission approved the rezone with nine conditions unanimously. - Items 5D, 5E, 5F – CDP-26-28-26, Rezone RZ-2629-26, and CS-2630-26 (Fitchport Partners): - Staff report covered the amendments to allow a high-density residential building (second multifamily structure) and a 27,000 sq ft commercial retail center on a former quarry site off Fitchrona Road. Key concerns included the relationship between the commercial loading docks and the multifamily building (70 ft separation, grade change, fencing, and screening), parking lot landscaping (278 desired stalls vs. 300 planned; staff wants larger landscape islands), flag lot for a quick-serve restaurant, and a buffer wider than 60 ft along the north property line. - Developer Corey Frank (multifamily) and Jeff Huntley (commercial) explained that the commercial orientation was driven by retailer demand and visibility; they are committed to mitigating impacts with berms, landscaping, and limited delivery hours. The first phase of the overall project (outlot development) has faced delays due to buried concrete and permitting, but completion of public improvements is expected by June 2026, with Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s, and others opening in August-September 2026. - Commission discussed concerns about parking quantity, pedestrian connectivity to public parks, the possibility of mixed-use (retail with residential above) in the commercial lot, and the need for a playground between the multifamily buildings. Staff recommended approval with conditions; commissioners noted the need for continued collaboration to refine details in the SIP stage. - All three items were approved unanimously: CDP with 8 conditions, rezone with 12 conditions (including correcting condition 7 from 6 to 60 feet), and CSM with 24 conditions. - Item 5G – Early Issuance of Permits: Postponed indefinitely at the request of the applicant (Corey Frank for Home Street multifamily development). The motion to postpone carried unanimously. - Reports: - Transportation and Transit Committee (January 8 meeting): Gabriela reported on discussions about Metro Transit accessibility, including new transit materials at Fitchburg Library, snow/ice concerns at bus stops, and a planned significant expansion of bus service (likely no sooner than August 2026). The committee also discussed the bike/pedestrian plan update and a potential bus stop elimination. - Planning Department: Deanna Schmidt noted that RFPs for zoning code updates and comprehensive plan updates are nearly complete; they will be issued by the end of the week. The department will also work on updates to the Agricultural Farmland Preservation Zoning Ordinance to maintain state certification. - Introduction of New Commissioner: Jason Rice was welcomed as the newest Plan Commissioner. He is a Fitchburg resident with experience in commercial property management and development (most recently a 29-unit apartment building in Maple Bluff). Key Outcomes - Approved: Rezone RZ-2626-26 (Irish 1855 LLC) – unanimous voice vote. - Approved: Preliminary Plat PP-2625-26 with 27 conditions (including amended condition 22) – unanimous. - Approved: Rezone RZ-2627-26 (Grace Hospice Holdings) with 9 conditions – unanimous. - Approved: Comprehensive Development Plan CDP-26-28-26 with 8 conditions – unanimous. - Approved: Rezone RZ-2629-26 with 12 conditions (condition 7 corrected to 60 ft) – unanimous. - Approved: Certified Survey Map CS-2630-26 with 24 conditions – unanimous. - Postponed: Item 5G (early issuance of permits) indefinitely – unanimous. - Next Steps: The approved rezones and preliminary plat will return for final plat review. The Grace Hospice project will next submit a PDD-SIP. The Fitchport Partners CDP amendment will require further detailed plans in the SIP and CSM recording. The comprehensive plan RFP is expected to be issued by end of week.

The Fitchrona EMS Commission convened on the evening of January 15, 2026, with Acting Chairman David Lonster (Town of Verona) presiding and a quorum present. The meeting featured a Madison Fire Department recognition presentation for two cardiac arrest saves, the year-end 2025 chief's report, routine approvals, adoption of a new parental leave policy with an amendment, and approval of a staffing memorandum of understanding with Local 311. The commission deferred election of a new chair until vacant seats are filled. Call to Order & Roll Call - Present: James Roberts, Jake Lepper, Patrick Lydal (City of Verona), Stephen Fusco (City of Verona), and Acting Chairman David Lonster (Town of Verona). - New City of Fitchburg appointee Daniel Schultz (appointed the prior Tuesday) was excused due to work travel; one additional City of Fitchburg seat remains vacant. No public comment was offered. Presentation: Cardiac Arrest Saves with the City of Madison - Assistant Fire Chief Chris Hamas of the Madison Fire Department presented challenge coins to Fitchrona Paramedic Jeremy Owen for his role in two cardiac arrest saves at the October 18, 2025 UW football game at Camp Randall (vs. Ohio State). - Both patients, a 71-year-old and a 77-year-old male, survived and are 100% neurologically intact, which Chief Hamas noted is the standard for a "save." He credited quick, professional care by Madison and affiliate (Fitchrona) personnel, and noted that Chief Hamas himself began his EMS career at Fitchrona EMS. Chief's Report: Year-End 2025 - Chief Anderson reported 5,434 calls in 2025, a 5.5% increase over 2024, above the historical 3% annual planning figure but down from a 10-15% pace projected after the first quarter of 2025. January 2026 has been busy due to an influenza outbreak. - 65% of calls occurred in the City of Fitchburg, 1% higher than the prior year. - The district was out of ambulances 55 times in 2025, up from 45 times in 2024, with the City of Madison providing mutual aid in most cases. The new peak-time ambulance (7 a.m.-7 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays) launched its first full day the prior week; Chief Anderson hopes it will reduce mutual aid needs by about two-sevenths (roughly 16 fewer calls). - Falls were the top December call type; asked whether most falls originate from assisted living or nursing facilities, Chief Anderson said anecdotally "the vast majority" and committed to providing data. - The district received a $165,000 deposit of state FAP funds (restricted-use); cash on hand ended the year similar to the prior year. Funds were moved in HRA/WISC accounts (post-retirement health care and unassigned fund balance) for higher long-term yields. - Milestones: Deputy Chief Devin approaches his first-year anniversary; Chief Anderson marked 25 years of service in January. A patient praised paramedics Amy and Nicole for care at the Fitchburg Senior Center. Consent Calendar / Routine Approvals - Meeting minutes of December 18, 2025 approved (motion by Jake Lepper, seconded by James Roberts). - Accounts payable checks authorized by Chief Anderson approved. - Johnson Block retained for the financial audit of the 2025 fiscal year. Patrick Lydal noted a full audit costs roughly $14,000-16,000 versus $10,000-12,000 for a review (about $4,000 more per year), which is budgeted; the new intergovernmental agreement requires an annual audit (previously two reviews and one audit over three years). Discussion Items Parental Leave Policy - Chief Anderson presented a new parental leave policy added through the collective bargaining agreement, adapted from the City of Fitchburg's policy (which increased from two weeks to three weeks in 2026) and adjusted for 24-hour shift employees' pay structure. The union has a 21-day input process after approval. - Stephen Fusco expressed strong opposition to the six-month return-to-work clawback provision, calling it inappropriate for a parental leave policy, citing low abuse risk and the poor optics of the district pursuing a new parent. He noted his mother's 40-year NICU nursing career showing that parents often cannot return to work after exhausting leave. Acting Chairman Lonster agreed. - Patrick Lydal supported the amendment, noting the policy's intent to level benefits between the two cities; Chief Anderson confirmed the waiver authority in the original Fitchburg policy likely sat with a city administrator, which he changed to "chief." - Motion to adopt the policy with the clawback provision stricken (specific text read into the record) passed with no opposition. MOU with Local 311: Peak Time Truck Staffing Guidelines - Chief Anderson presented a memorandum of understanding (developed since September 2025) establishing guidelines for the peak-time ambulance: 12-hour shifts (7 a.m.-7 p.m.), Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the day and location subject to change. - Staffing will be by limited-term employees (LTEs) for up to one year, with no benefits accruing except state retirement. Full-time staff may not sign up for or be mandated into the shift; the truck may instead be taken out of service (which occurred once already due to illness). Only two LTE employees are currently committed, one per day; if employees later cover both days (guaranteed 24 hours/week), the position could convert to part-time status. - The one-year term allows the union and district to revisit; the MOU is part of a gradual path toward a fourth daytime ambulance. If call volume grows about 5% annually, the district projects roughly 5,800 calls this year and 6,000 calls by 2030. Approved with no opposition. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes, accounts payable, and the Johnson Block 2025 audit contract. - Adopted the parental leave policy with the clawback provision removed (no opposition). - Approved the Local 311 peak-time staffing MOU (no opposition). - Deferred election of a new chair; David Lonster will continue as interim chair until vacancy appointments are complete. Daniel Schultz, the new Fitchburg appointee, will attend future meetings. - Meeting adjourned by unanimous consent.

Despite lacking a quorum, the Healthy Neighborhood Advisory Committee proceeded to review and discuss the 2026 grant documents, funding levels, and evaluation criteria. The meeting also included updates on housing plans, a neighborhood navigator position, and a micro-grant program. Discussion Items - Grant Document Review: Staff presented the 2026 grant guidelines, which are largely unchanged from the previous year. Minor date corrections were made (changing 2026 to 2027 for project completion dates). - Funding Amount: Total funds available for 2026 are $128,000. The committee discussed raising the maximum grant amount from $15,000 to either $25,000 (allowing funding of roughly five organizations) or $20,000 (funding roughly seven). After considering staff workload and the desire to support fewer but more impactful projects, the committee decided to set the maximum at $25,000. Partial funding remains an option. - Bonus Points for Hub Programming: A new section was added to the evaluation criteria to award bonus points for proposals that include some or all programming at the hub (5520 Traceway Drive). This is intended to incentivize use of the newly opened facility. Committee members supported the language, noting it could generate creative ideas for the space. - Evaluation Criteria Discussion: The committee debated how to better differentiate among applicants, especially with fewer grants to award. Topics included: - Whether to rank applicants (1 to X) after scoring. - How to weigh past receipt of grants, organizational budget size, and whether to prioritize specific focus areas (e.g., food security, youth services). - The appropriate scoring scale (1-4 vs. 1-10). Staff and some members preferred a 1-4 scale to avoid splitting hairs; others were open but agreed to keep the current scale for now. - Adding a question about history of completing grant projects. Some members worried this could penalize new applicants. The committee decided not to add new questions to the application form for this year, but will discuss priorities and scoring interpretations at the February meeting. - Other Updates: - The city’s housing draft plan will be released soon for public comment. - The Neighborhood Navigator position (now one 20-hour/week role) will open February 1, with county funding approved. - Micro-grant program discussions are ongoing internally. - The Healthy Neighborhoods Strategic Plan is being drafted by staff (no consultant) and is progressing weekly, though grant work has slowed it. Key Outcomes - The committee agreed to set the 2026 maximum grant award at $25,000, with flexibility for partial funding. - The evaluation document will remain as-is for now; scoring scale and criteria interpretation will be revisited in February. - The February meeting will include an informal discussion on the board’s role and member priorities. - No formal votes were taken due to lack of quorum.

The Fitchburg Resource Conservation Commission (RCC) held its regular meeting on January 12, 2026. The meeting included public comments, a detailed update on the Swan Creek water quality monitoring station, the presentation of the draft Strategic Urban Forestry Management Plan, authorization of a stormwater inspection contract with Dane County, and finalization of the 2025 RCC Annual Report. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the draft minutes from the November 10, 2025 meeting was made, seconded, and passed unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Sue Esther (Parks Commission): Announced the formation of a new non-profit organization, Friends of Fitchburg Parks and Natural Areas. She described the mission as supporting natural areas, clearing invasives, fostering native plants, and coordinating volunteers, emphasizing the group would not create an undue burden on city staff. The 501c3 status allows the group to apply for grants, such as a potential DNR grant for trail establishment in Maga Woods. Discussion Items - 4A. Swan Creek Monitoring Station Update: Todd Suntebeck (USGS Scientist) presented an analysis of three years of data from the monitoring station. He stated that water quality in Swan Creek is currently quite good compared to other Dane County streams, specifically noting phosphorus loads are about half of Pheasant Branch Creek, a fact he attributed to lower agricultural runoff in the Swan Creek watershed. Suntebeck provided context from Lake Mendota monitoring, stating that despite 30 years of conservation work, annual phosphorus loading has not shown a significant downward trend, which he attributed to increasing precipitation and runoff intensity from climate change. Chloride concentrations were reported as relatively low (roughly 100 mg/L), well below the chronic toxicity standard of 230 mg/L, though urbanization is expected to increase this value over time. Suntebeck cautioned that a full monitoring station costs around $25k in infrastructure and $15k annually for flow monitoring, suggesting periodic snapshot monitoring could be a lower-cost alternative for establishing a baseline on Murphy's Creek. - 4B. Strategic Urban Forestry Management Plan: Rich Hauser (Consultant) and Anna (City Forester) presented the draft plan, which is open for public comment until February 24, 2026. Hauser described Fitchburg's urban forest as a national model of diversity with no dominant species and a healthy uneven age distribution. Tree canopy is roughly 25%, with a goal of 30%. The plan establishes five goals, including creating a formal tree risk management policy and using iTree software to quantify ecosystem benefits for grant applications. Commissioner Andy Slager volunteered to review the plan and provide feedback from the RCC. Anna stated the city is cognizant of trees’ ability to improve water quality, noting that species like oaks and hackberry are prioritized for planting near stormwater facilities, provided they are placed to avoid leaves falling directly into the water. - Resolution R-2325: Dane County Stormwater Services: Ben (Staff) presented the resolution authorizing the 2026 contract with Dane County for erosion control inspections, noting the county performed over 700 inspections in 2025. The $35,000 resolution covers the city's estimated share, as most costs are billed directly to developers. The resolution was passed unanimously. - 5A, 5B, 5C. RCC Business: The 2025 RCC Annual Report was finalized for posting. Commissioners discussed the Fitchburg Star article schedule, planning for Andy Slager to write on prescribed burning in March and Diane Streck on plastic film recycling. The next Green Thursday film, "Feeding Tomorrow," was scheduled for January 22, 2026 at the Fitchburg Public Library. Remaining film dates for 2026 were set for March 5, July 2, September 3, and November 5. - Council and Staff Updates: Bill (Council Update) noted the appointment of Jake Lepper as the interim D4 alder and provided updates on city tax increases and ongoing development projects. Ben (Staff) reported that over 4,200 pounds of food scraps had been collected at the Swan Creek drop-off site since October. Phil (Staff) announced Fitchburg’s SolSmart designation was upgraded to Gold and that an application will be submitted for the LEED for Cities cohort. Key Outcomes - Swan Creek Baseline Established: The three-year data report from USGS was formally received, establishing a water quality baseline for the Swan Creek watershed. - Urban Forestry Plan in Public Review: The draft Strategic Urban Forestry Management Plan is officially open for public comment until February 24, 2026. - Stormwater Contract Approved: Resolution R-2325 authorizing the Dane County erosion control inspection contract for 2026 was approved. - RCC Business Finalized: The 2025 annual report was approved, and the 2026 article and event schedule was set.

The Fitchburg Parks Commission met on January 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM to discuss and vote on the naming of a park at 2220 Traceway Drive and a shelter design for McKee Farms Park. The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 PM. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the December meeting were approved. - The agenda for the meeting was approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Park Naming (5A): Patrick Cheney, a resident, spoke in favor of the name "Traceway Commons" and reiterated the commission's previous guidance to avoid using "hub" in the name. - Park Naming (5A): Ryan Greendear, representing the Ho Chunk Nation, expressed the Nation's support for the name "Hostahochi," arguing that unfamiliarity with the pronunciation is not a sufficient justification to reject it. - Park Naming (5A): Two written comments from residents Kelly Jetzer and Ari Lowe were read into the record, both strongly supporting the name "Hostahochi." - Shelter Design (5B): Patrick Cheney objected to the use of the term "Fahy Fields Park" in the Capital Improvement Plan, stating the area is only a western addition to McGaw Park, and argued against a proposed new parking lot near the pickleball courts. Discussion Items - 5A: Naming of Park at 2220 Traceway Drive The commission reviewed several submitted names for the new park and community center. The names included Traceway Commons, Traceway Park and Community Center, Hostahochi, Scott Andrell Central, and several names containing "hub" or "Nine Springs". - Support for Hostahochi: Commissioner Chris spoke in detail about his proposal for "Hostahochi," a Ho Chunk phrase meaning "a place to gather." He argued the name represents a meaningful step towards reconciliation and aligns with the city's land acknowledgement. He strongly rejected a suggestion to assign the name to a room, stating the word "reservation" carries historical trauma. New Commissioner Aaron echoed this, stating that rejecting the name would make the city's land acknowledgement "performative." - Support for Traceway Park and Community Center: Commissioner Dave supported "Traceway Park and Community Center," citing the historical significance of Traceway Drive in the community and the benefit of a simple, easily identifiable name. He noted this name received the most votes in a previous informal commission poll. Commissioner Heidi, who made the formal motion for the name, questioned the objection to the word "reservation." - Eligibility of Submissions: A brief procedural debate occurred over whether two name submissions that listed City Hall as the applicant's address were valid, but staff confirmed that anyone can submit a name. - 5B: McKee Farms Park Shelter Design Park Manager Eric presented a design for a new shelter at McKee Farms Park near the accessible playground and splash pad. The proposed design, described as a "grain bin shelter," features a round, galvanized steel farm theme. - Favorable Comments: The Chair and Commissioner Aaron supported the unique, whimsical round design, arguing it creates a distinct attraction and fits the park's aesthetic. The round shape's flow was also praised. - Critical Comments: Commissioners Sue and Dave raised concerns about the design. Sue stated she found it "unattractive" and worried about maintenance issues, specifically barn swallows nesting in the corrugated scalloped panels. Dave, who grew up on a farm, preferred a simpler, more standard design similar to the shelter at Stoner Prairie Park, citing concerns over maintenance costs and longevity. Commissioner Heidi questioned whether the metal structure would rust. Key Outcomes - Park Naming Recommendation: After a roll call vote, the commission voted 3-2 to recommend the name "Traceway Park and Community Center" to the Fitchburg Common Council. Commissioners Sue, Chris, and Heidi voted in favor; Commissioners Aaron and Dave voted against. The Chair expressed a dissenting personal position. The Council will consider the recommendation at its meeting on January 27. - Shelter Design Next Steps: No formal vote was taken on the shelter design. Park Manager Eric will develop a second, simpler design (Option B) to present alongside the current grain bin design (Option A) at a future meeting for a formal commission decision. - Other Updates & Future Agenda Items: - A draft of the Forestry Management Plan has been posted on the city website. - Staff is coordinating with the Fire Department to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at McGaw and McKee Parks. - The commission will elect a new Vice Chair at the February 5th meeting following Sarah Schroeder's resignation. - A public information meeting for the Kids Crossing playground will be scheduled once renderings are available. - The Tree Advisory Committee will present a discussion item at the next meeting.

The Commission on Aging Well held its first meeting of 2026 on January 8, 2026. The meeting included approval of minutes, reports, introduction of new staff, and a discussion of 2026 initiatives. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes of the previous meeting were approved by unanimous vote. Reports Senior Center Friends - Paul reported that the Friends have not met recently but announced donations totaling approximately $7,300 and $400 in support provided to the senior center. The group will meet later to set a date for the annual pancake breakfast, likely in April. Introduction of New Case Manager - Sarah Ostman was introduced as the new part-time (24 hours/week) case manager at the senior center. She brings experience from previous roles and is bilingual in Spanish. She will work Monday–Thursday. Director's Report - Jill provided updates on staffing: a new kitchen employee (Karen Christensen) was hired to cover days when Chris works reduced schedule due to a family loss; an exercise instructor (Felicia) is taking leave and a replacement was brought on. A student intern left due to population fit and was placed elsewhere. - A personal essentials drive was conducted in December in partnership with H&I neighborhoods. Discussion Items - 2026 Initiatives – Rental Policies and Programming: Jill outlined a comprehensive review of room rental policies and fees, in coordination with the Recreation Department. The goal is to create consistent policies, evaluate trade-offs between rentals and programming, and determine building prioritization for community use. Commissioners expressed support for increased evening and weekend programming to serve working older adults. A sponsorship policy for programs and a consistent approach to legacy donations were also discussed. - Commission Role and Restructuring: Jill noted that the reorganization of departments (H&I and REC now under her umbrella) may broaden the Commission's scope to include recreation and community services topics. She suggested possibly revisiting the commission's name and membership to reflect its broader role, potentially evolving into a Recreation and Community Services commission. Commissioners discussed the value of including representatives from different age groups. Key Outcomes - Minutes: Approved. - Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held on February 12, 2026 (Jill will participate via Zoom from Arizona). - Future Agenda Items: Presentations on 2025 program outcomes and transportation updates are planned for February and March. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

The Fitchburg Transportation and Transit Commission met on January 8, 2026, for its monthly meeting. The agenda and minutes were not included in the source materials; based on the transcript, the commission approved the agenda as amended and the prior meeting minutes as submitted. The meeting covered transit user experience, city transportation updates, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan update, the Metro Transit budget deficit, and a potential bus stop closure. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the agenda after a motion to move item 7A before item 5; the vote was unanimous. - The commission approved the prior meeting minutes as submitted with no corrections noted. Public Comments & Testimony - Barbara Roman, 3012 Dunmore, Fitchburg Highlands, described organizing a senior center Active Women's Group bus trip to the Chazen Museum on December 3. Twenty-two people signed up; ten rode because of scheduling and weather. She reported that all riders had a positive experience and wanted to keep using the bus. - Roman recounted barriers for first-time and senior transit users, including: obtaining enough fare cards was cumbersome and she encountered reluctance when requesting 25 cards; card-loading instructions were confusing; the senior fare verification process asked riders to mail or email sensitive documents such as Medicare cards, birth certificates, passports, or driver's licenses; and the Route B return stop near the Chazen was poorly signed, making it easy for first-time riders to wait at the wrong stop. - Roman said the sidewalk on the trip route had not been cleared from a 10-inch snowfall that occurred after Thanksgiving, leaving about three inches of ice along the entire sidewalk. She called the condition unacceptable and especially harmful for people who depend on transit. - Roman strongly encouraged the city to sponsor bus-riding events, such as a Fitchburg day at the Dane County Farmers' Market, and to promote transit as a low-cost alternative to driving. She cited an example of paying $8 for parking versus a $2 bus fare. - Staff confirmed that transit materials, including Fast Fare cards, instructions, system maps, and route schedules, are now available at the Fitchburg Public Library, with computer help available for loading cards. Discussion Items - Transit promotion (7A): Commissioners discussed forming a subcommittee to organize a community transit-riding event, possibly with the Resource Conservation Commission, the library, Metro Transit, or events such as Community Night Out. A commissioner noted the Round Trip program has a transit buddy program and has been invited to speak at a future meeting. One commissioner supported the idea enthusiastically, and another suggested collaboration with the Resource Conservation Commission based on its event experience. - Staff report: Staff reported a permanent bus stop consolidation at East Cheryl and South Saien; a temporary stop relocation related to construction; a self-imposed one-week notification process for future stop and route changes; reduced service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 19; and ongoing Route B trip cancellations of about four to five trips per day because of electric bus repair and bus shortages. Staff also submitted an annual public transit assistance grant application of about $1.3 million to WisDOT. Police enforcement grants were announced for speed, seat belt, and impaired driving, and no-parking signs on Lacey Road between County MM and Brassica were flagged, with warnings through December 31 and possible citations beginning January 1. - Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan 2025 Update (Resolution R174-25): Staff reviewed the process for updating the 2017 plan with MSA Professional Services, a working group, and a $25,000 budget. The draft review period was extended into October 2025, and MSA returned the draft in late October because of budget constraints. The Bike and Pedestrian Commission and the Community Equity Committee both tabled the plan. A commissioner speaking on behalf of Bike Fitchburg argued the plan was not ready, citing missing photo captions, confusing maps, some stock photos, and no references to climate change or the transit plan; he suggested council table it for three months and contract with Bike Fitchburg to finish it. Other commissioners cautioned against setting a precedent by contracting with an advocacy organization, noted staff capacity limits, and argued that implementation matters more than continued planning. After discussion, the commission voted to recommend approval, with the understanding that staff would provide a list of technical and clerical corrections and possible resolution language to allow those corrections. - Metro Transit budget deficit: Staff said Madison ended 2025 with a $10.62 million citywide surplus and was allocating $5.75 million of it to cover Metro Transit's budget deficit. New Metro General Manager Jamie Acton said there is no immediate change to partner city billings because Fitchburg pays a fixed hourly rate on quarterly projections; an end-of-year settlement is spread over the following year's quarters, and the annual cost-of-service adjustment is capped at 3 percent. A commissioner clarified that fare revenue is credited to the municipality where the rider boards. - Potential closure of Bus Stop 4443: Staff and commissioners discussed closing the Fish Hatchery Road at Greenway Cross stop, which is located just north of the Fitchburg-Madison line but affects Fitchburg traffic. The stop is used by Routes B and H with 36 boardings per day. Under BRT, the B stop is planned to move south of Greenway Cross; the H alternative would be a four-minute walk to Bright Road, and the B alternative would be a six-minute walk across the street. Staff compared this to recent D2/75 reroute closures with seven- and nine-minute walks. Some commissioners were skeptical of closing a bus stop to speed car traffic and warned against confusing riders; no consensus was reached. Staff was asked to gather police data and revisit the issue. - Council and commission updates: Commission members summarized recent Common Council actions, including approval of a new medium-high density residential land use category; preliminary plat approval for the No Oaks subdivision; support for a SBTGTA grant application for the Traceway and Post Road path; appointment of Jake Leppard to fill a council vacancy; approval of the city transit plan; first approval of the Grace on Cheryl dementia village; an 80-unit senior affordable plus 100-unit market-rate multifamily development at Orchard Point; and a pre-application for a 34-acre mixed-use development at 2991 County Highway MM with Trilogy Healthcare, including senior living, single-family homes, apartments, townhouses, and neighborhood commercial uses. The commission also discussed Smart Code updates, an RFP for a comprehensive plan update, and Bike and Pedestrian Commission work on RRFB warrants and HAWK signals. Key Outcomes - Agenda amended and approved; minutes approved unanimously. - Resolution R174-25, recommending approval of the City of Fitchburg Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan 2025 Update, was approved on a voice vote with no audible opposition. The recommendation will go to the Common Council; staff expects to provide a proposed corrections list and technical-correction language. - No formal action was taken on Bus Stop 4443; staff will seek additional police data and report back. - Logan, a commissioner, will take the lead on organizing a transit-promotion event; Barbara Roman agreed to email her rider instructions to staff, and staff will help publicize through city channels. - The next regular meeting was announced for February 12, 2026. February 4 was noted as Transit Equity Day and Rosa Parks' birthday. The meeting adjourned on a unanimous motion.

The Board of Public Works met on January 5, 2026 at 5:30 PM, adjourning at 5:47 PM. All board members were present: Kim Lobdell, Dave Wilburne, Bill Jetzer, Don Gutkowski in chambers, and Alder Dave Herbst via Zoom. The meeting opened with no public appearances for non-agenda items. Public Hearing (2024 Sidewalk Assessment Adjustments) - No public testimony was offered; the hearing was opened and closed with no participants in chambers or online. Report from the Director of Public Works (Tim Volker, PE) - Refuse and Recycling Collection Update: Pelleteri and environmental engineer Ben Schulte revised collection days starting in the first week of 2026 to alleviate an overloaded Thursday route. Approximately 1,000 properties (roughly 15% of the city's 7,000 households) are affected: some Tuesday and Thursday pickups were moved to Wednesday. Residents were notified in December; the city also posted updates on social media. - 2026 Project Updates: Design, specifications, and bid documents are being finalized. A resurfacing project and a sidewalk project will be advertised shortly. The Fitcherona Road Reconstruction Project is nearing completion of property acquisition, with bid documents expected out in early 2026. Review Items (Utility P-Card and Check Payments) - A question was raised about a $1,300 line item for a “beehive grate.” The director clarified it is a stormwater manhole grate (shaped like a beehive) used to keep debris and animals out, not specifically for bees. Tim Volker will follow up with Ben Schulte and report back at the next meeting. Discussion and Approval of Resolution R232-25 - Resolution authorizing a contract with Dane County Land and Water Resources for stormwater permit review and erosion control inspection in 2026. The existing contract was established in 2017 (Resolution R 35-17). - The 2026 operating budget allocates $35,000 for these services. In 2025, expenses through November totaled about $31,000, of which $23,416 was charged back to private developers and $7,300 was for city projects. The county charges an hourly rate of $75.66 (adjusted by CPI since 2017), with travel time billable. The same rate applies to other Dane County communities (Middleton, Stoughton, Oregon, Cambridge, etc.). - For private development, the county performs in-depth review and inspection; the city conducts a cursory review. For public projects, the city takes a more active role alongside the county. - Board members inquired about liability (falls on the city), staffing consistency (county staff has been stable), and whether the $35,000 cap applies to gross spending or net city expenses (uncertain; finance handles allocation). - The motion to approve was made and seconded; the vote was unanimous in favor. Key Outcomes - Approval of December 1, 2025 Meeting Minutes: Unanimously approved. - Resolution R232-25 (Dane County Stormwater Services): Approved unanimously. - Next Meeting: The regular meeting scheduled for January 19, 2026 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) was moved to January 26, 2026. A potential February 2, 2026 meeting will be determined based on agenda items. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 5:47 PM.