Public Meetings - Fitchburg, Wisconsin

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 4:07 PM, the Fitchburg Tree Advisory Committee (TAC) convened to review the Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan update, receive departmental reports, and set meeting schedules. The committee approved prior meeting minutes and the day's agenda unanimously. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: Motion to approve the minutes from the previous meeting was made, seconded, and passed unanimously (all aye). - Agenda Approval: Motion to approve the agenda for December 4, 2025, was made, seconded, and passed unanimously (all aye). Public Comments & Testimony - No public appearances were made for non-agenda items. Discussion Items - Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan Update (Rich – Consultant): - A draft plan is nearly complete (approximately 70 pages) and will be available by the next day. The plan integrates with the city's comprehensive plan and the Parks 2025-2030 Plan. - The plan includes five goals: (1) Enhance urban forest through evaluation metrics; (2) Integrate industry standards into planting, establishment, and maintenance; (3) Develop and implement a woodlot management policy; (4) Link urban forestry outcomes with existing city infrastructure goals (e.g., stormwater, heat, risk assessment); (5) Encourage community involvement and volunteerism. - Staffing and budget benchmarks: Current staffing is approximately 3 FTE; benchmarking suggests 5.3–6 FTE is needed. The city’s urban forestry budget is about 25% of the national mean for comparable communities (population 25,000–50,000), with about $21,000/year currently allocated vs. a national mean near $478,000 (adjusted for inflation from 2014). The committee noted that city budgets have not tracked inflation. - Tree inventory and canopy: Fitchburg has nearly 130 tree species (129 as of June 2024), noted as highly diverse. Tree canopy increased by about 0.5% between 2013 and 2024, though emerald ash borer slowed growth. The city has a goal of 30% canopy by 2050. - Woodlot management: Goal three addresses active management of the city's 300 acres of woodlands. The committee discussed the need for a formal policy and potential active management based on public survey support. - Madison's tree protection ordinance: Committee reviewed Madison's updated ordinance that strengthens protections for public trees during development, including the ability to revoke right-of-way permits for non-compliance. The committee expressed interest in considering similar provisions. - Public comment and review of the draft plan will be sought via the city website in January 2026. - Department Report (Anna – City Forester): - Kyle Seeker Greenway: Donations funded a second herbicide treatment and prescribed burn; a memorandum of understanding between the Friends group and the city is being finalized. - Ash tree removals: Due to emerald ash borer infestation, approximately 114–115 ash trees will be removed this winter. Many treated in 2023 failed to take up insecticide due to drought and stress. Replacement trees are funded through type-closure money, and residents may request preferred species. - Private tree issues: The city assists minimally with private tree hazards, working with building inspection on nuisance determinations. - Noble Woods volunteer group: A group of residents is interested in invasive species removal but needs more guidance; Anna aims to schedule a site visit. - Forestry budget separation: Starting in 2026, the forestry budget is independent (no longer part of Parks & Recreation). - Meeting schedule: The committee will continue meeting on the second Thursday of the month (eight meetings per year). Next meeting: January 8, 2026. Typical off months: July, August, November, December. Key Outcomes - Draft Urban Forest Strategic Management Plan to be distributed as a Word and PDF document for committee review; hard copies will be provided upon request. The plan will be posted for public comment on the city website prior to formal adoption. - Woodlot management policy discussion to continue; the committee emphasized integrating private woodland owner assistance into the plan. - Ash tree removals will proceed; replacement trees will be planted. Residents can request species. - Forestry budget now stands alone, which may increase visibility of funding needs. - Next meeting: Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 4:07 PM (location TBD). The meeting was adjourned at 5:29 PM.

The Fitchburg Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission met on December 3, 2025, to consider two resolutions, receive project updates, discuss Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), review a WisDOT Beltline study, and examine safety at the Seminole Highway/Badger State Trail crossing. The commission recommended approval of one grant-support resolution, deferred action on the 2025 Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan update until a January special meeting, and received reports from staff and Bike Fitchburg. Consent Calendar / Routine Approvals - Minutes of the previous meeting were approved by voice vote after a motion and second; all commissioners present voted aye. - No public appearances were made for non-agenda items, and no written submissions were reported. Public Comments & Testimony - Steve, speaking for Bike Fitchburg and the Wisconsin Bike Fed, expressed strong support for Resolution R 235-25, the STBG-TA grant application for the Traceway and Post Road path. He said the path would connect the Fish Hatchery Greenway to the Cannonball, benefit The Hub and Leopold School, and improve bicycle and pedestrian circulation in a busy residential area. - Steve provided detailed comments on the 2025 Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan update. He said Bike Fitchburg photos were used as decoration without captions or credits, the bicycle/pedestrian coordinator position was scheduled too late (2030) and lacked detail, and the plan needed more accountability. He recommended more work and later offered a nominal or one-dollar contract for Bike Fitchburg to help revise the document. - Commissioner Mark Hamilton said he was not prepared to support the plan as drafted, citing nine months of concerns, the absence of a community survey, a need for clearer accountability, and a desire for a stronger walking section. Discussion Items - Resolution R 235-25 – Traceway and Post Road Path Grant Support: Staff explained that the city had already applied for the grant and had been recommended for funding by the Greater Madison MPO to WisDOT, but the resolution of support was a required part of the application. The path would stop at the Fitchburg border; Madison would build the remaining roughly 100 feet as part of its own path repair work. The project is currently recommended for 2030 funding, but shovel-ready projects can sometimes be built earlier through grant redistribution. Staff also confirmed that the city clears snow from multi-use paths. The commission voted to recommend approval; all present voted aye. - Resolution R 174-25 – Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan 2025 Update: Staff reviewed the timeline: the draft was presented by MSA in August; the BPC reviewed it December 3; the Community Equity Committee is scheduled for December 15; the Transportation and Transit Commission is scheduled for January 8; and council review was originally set for January 13. Staff pushed back on the idea that comments were ignored, noting that few comments were received during the draft comment period. Alder Joe Maldonado opposed delaying the plan, suggested moving the bicycle/pedestrian coordinator recommendation from 2030 to 2028, and recommended a commission subset work through content edits. Kelly Jetzer said the plan did not include previously requested language about slip lanes being dangerous to pedestrians and bicyclists; staff acknowledged a missed correction. Jim Denham said the draft felt like a cake that was not quite frosted. After discussion, the commission voted to defer the item to a special January BPC meeting, accept Steve's documented changes, and schedule the special meeting after the Transportation and Transit Commission meeting and before the council vote. - Public Works Updates: Staff said a city road project remains on track to begin construction in spring 2026, and Wayland Road bike lanes also start construction in spring, subject to property acquisition. A bicycle counter removed during the Syene Road project had been salvaged and reinstalled on the opposite side of the trail, but it needs adjustment. Commissioner Mark Hamilton complimented the completed Syene Road project. - RRFB Discussion: Staff described informal warrants for RRFB placement: more than 20 pedestrians per hour, with children or elderly counted double (a school crossing needs only 10 per hour); at least 150 vehicles per hour or 1,500 vehicles per day; speed limits between 30 and 45 mph; and no more than one through lane in each direction. Multi-lane roads such as McKee or Fish Hatchery would need a more substantial device such as a HAWK beacon. The Cannonball path crossing had 32 pedestrians per hour. Basic two-post RRFBs cost $10,000–$12,000; costs above $10,000 must be in the city's Capital Improvement Program; adding detection raises costs to $20,000–$25,000. New RRFBs have audible locator tones but do not indicate when it is safe to cross. A HAWK beacon, unlike an RRFB, displays a red light and is generally considered safer, especially for visually impaired users. Staff reported ongoing thermal-detection problems at the Cannonball crossing in snow and rain, which can cause the beacons to flash constantly and lead drivers to ignore them; staff are considering a break-beam sensor instead. - WisDOT Beltline Study: Staff summarized the Beltline PEL study between Middleton and Cottage Grove. Bike and pedestrian recommendations include two highway crossings — one west of Park Street and one crossing Highway 14 south of the Beltline — plus a possible connection from Seminole Highway to the Cannonball path and Fish Hatchery Road. A public meeting was scheduled for the following day at 5:30 p.m. Fitchburg is on record opposing capacity increases in the study, and a circulating letter asks WisDOT to remove capacity improvements before NEPA review. - Seminole Highway / Badger State Trail Intersection: Staff reviewed an October crash in which a southbound car struck a southbound cyclist crossing Seminole Highway from the Badger State Trail. The cyclist was transported with life-threatening injuries; the driver had minor injuries. The crossing has a 35 mph speed limit, a high-visibility marked crosswalk, advance bike crossing signs, and stop signs and pavement markings on the trail. The speed limit increases almost immediately to the south of the crossing. Actions since the crash include upgrading to full-size stop signs, planning full-width stop ahead pavement markings, and producing educational videos with police and Steve on crossing laws and RRFB use. Staff asked people to stop attaching small convex mirrors to signs. Long-term reorientation of the trail is difficult because it is a DNR rails-to-trails corridor; a possible alternative would be a local trail east of Seminole Highway connecting at the roundabout. Moving the 35 mph zone south and traffic calming were discussed. Commissioner Mark Hamilton also asked for a process so the commission is notified when such crashes occur. Key Outcomes - Recommended approval of Resolution R 235-25 supporting the STBG-TA grant application for the Traceway and Post Road path. - Deferred Resolution R 174-25, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan 2025 update, to a special January BPC meeting, with acceptance of Steve's documented changes. The previously announced February 4 regular meeting date was changed to a date to be determined in January. - No formal action was taken on RRFB placement, the Beltline study, or the Seminole Highway/Badger State Trail intersection; staff will continue implementation and coordination. - Bike Fitchburg announced planning for 2026 events, a December 13 feeder ride for the Santa Cycle Rampage, vegetation management at Kyle Steagert Greenway, and work to spin off Friends of Kyle Steagert Greenway and Cycling Without Age Fitchburg as separate nonprofits.

The Board of Public Works met on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Four of five members were present: Chair Bill Jetzer, Dave Wilburne, Don Gutkowski, and Alder Herbst (remote). The meeting included a presentation on the Water Supply Service Area Plan, a report on snow removal operations, and action on five resolutions. Consent Calendar - Approval of November 17, 2025 minutes – Moved, seconded, and unanimously approved. Public Comments & Testimony - No public appearances were made for non‑agenda items. - A public hearing on the Water Supply Service Area Plan was opened; no one spoke in person or online, so the hearing was closed. Discussion Items - Water Supply Service Area Plan (Addendum to 2018 Master Plan) – Nate Iwanowski of Strand Associates presented the plan, required by Wisconsin DNR code NR 854 and due December 31, 2025. Key points included: - The plan is an addendum to the 2018 master plan; a full master plan update is planned for around 2028. - Fitchburg’s water system is divided into three pressure zones. A new well (Well 12) and new water tower (Tower D) are under construction to combine the existing two systems into one. - The only new improvement recommended is a future Well 13 in the northeast zone to provide redundancy (two wells per zone). - Current average pumpage is about 2.4 million gallons per day (MGD); projected 2035 demand is about 2.9 MGD. - The plan assumes rural population (not served by city water) remains constant; a board member questioned whether Madison’s service to three areas of Fitchburg is accounted for in both cities’ plans. No coordination with Madison had occurred. - Questions were raised about radium levels, storage capacity standards (PSC approval), the sustainability plan’s goal of a 6% water use reduction by 2035, and the feasibility of infiltration/injection wells. The presenter stated that deep wells remain the best source and that the six‑year‑old sustainability target was not factored into the demand projections. - Report from Director of Public Works (Tim Volker) – Snow Removal Operations – Tim reported that staff worked 21 hours over the holiday weekend (Saturday 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday 3:30 a.m.–2 p.m.) after a 10‑inch snowfall. Bus stop clearing was not completed until Monday afternoon due to resource limits. Discussion included prioritization of bus stops vs. recreational trails, possible reprioritization in policy, and a suggestion to adopt‑a‑bus‑stop. The board also discussed alternate‑side parking enforcement and the possibility of tying parking restrictions to actual snow forecasts rather than a fixed calendar date. Key Outcomes - Resolution R22025 – Approved unanimously to grant an underground electric easement to Madison Gas and Electric for the Police Services Facility (Lot 20, Fitchburg Research Park). - Resolution R23525 – Approved unanimously to support a STBG‑TA grant application for the Traceway and Post Road multi‑use path project, connecting Fish Hatchery Road to the Cannonball Trail. - Resolution R21725 – Approved unanimously (after clarifying that a new code enforcement officer had been hired) to amend the 2026 budget: eliminate a vacant code enforcement position, reduce planning intern hours, and add a Finance Specialist (procurement/budget) and an LTE Building Inspector. The change is property‑tax neutral. - Resolution R23125 – Approved unanimously to correct a clerical error in the 2024 sidewalk assessment, shifting a $180.50 charge from the north parcel to the correct south parcel. - Resolution R22825 – Approved unanimously to reject the sole bid ($503,678.78) for the Police Services Facility audio‑video system (budget $2,500) and to rebid the project in January 2026. Announcements - The next Board of Public Works meeting is Monday, December 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. - A positive report was shared about the new Traceway Hub; a child remarked she wanted to live there. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.

The Fitchburg Common Council met on November 25, 2025, at 6:34 PM. Key actions included appointing Jake Lepper as the new District 4 Alder, presenting the 2025 Mayoral Awards, and debating the Flock Safety subscription renewal. The Flock renewal motion failed. The council also approved a Land Acknowledgement policy and the 2025-2030 Transit Plan, and received a briefing on significant property tax increases for 2025. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Flock Safety Subscription (R21025): Patrick Cheney (District 3) opposed renewal, citing four years of financial losses and privacy concerns with automated license plate readers (ALPRs). Danielle St. Louis (12-year resident of Jamestown) opposed renewal, detailing security vulnerabilities in Flock cameras, including a congressional investigation and the potential for hacking. - Land Acknowledgement Resolution (R-207-25): Christopher Petero, chair of the Community Equity Advisory Committee, spoke in support, urging the council to ensure the acknowledgement leads to meaningful action and relationship-building with the Ho-Chunk Nation. - Preliminary Plat (R23425) & Transit Plan (R20825): David Hayde spoke on the plat, suggesting the city consider using the lowland area for wetland restoration to address pollution in Nine Springs Creek. On the Transit Plan, he urged the council to integrate transit goals deeply into the comprehensive plan. - City Administrator Employment Agreement (R-172-25): David Hayde spoke in opposition, arguing the proposed amendment reinforces a governance structure where the council lacks influence over the administrator's performance evaluation. Discussion Items - Appointment of District 4 Alder: The council filled the vacant District 4, Seat 8 seat. Candidates Adam Guyle and Jake Lepper each gave a three-minute statement. Guyle highlighted his background in land surveying, development, and farming. Lepper emphasized stewardship, a human-centered ethic, and good-faith disagreement. The council voted via written ballot. Jake Lepper was appointed with a 6-1 vote, sworn in by the city clerk, and appointed to the Community and Economic Development Authority (CEDA) and Personnel Committee. - 2025 Mayoral Awards: The mayor and council president Gabriela presented awards across five categories: Janice Hughes (Resident Award) for service on the Commission on Aging Well and creating the Lancher Learn Program; Quivey's Grove (Business Award) for 45 years as a community gathering place; Kelly Moss Inc. (Business Award) for leadership in Porsche racing and promoting women in motorsports; Interim Fire Chief Grossen (Staff Award) for over 30 years of dedicated service; and Rooted (Nonprofit Award) for building a just local food system through garden programs and youth employment. - Flock Safety Subscription (R21025): Public Works staff Tim explained the camera is used solely at the 24/7 drop-off site to capture license plates of illegal dumpers when standard video fails. A Flock representative (Trevor Chandler) denied security breach claims, stated data is owned 100% by the city, and argued the system is constitutional. Council members raised significant concerns: Alder Latis discussed data sharing clauses in the contract and requested audit data; Alder Gabriela questioned the cost-benefit ratio ($15k camera, $3k/yr subscription for few citations); and Alder Logan questioned multi-factor authentication requirements. The resolution failed on a roll call vote. - Land Acknowledgement Resolution (R-207-25): The council approved a resolution directing city staff to include a land acknowledgement at ribbon cutting ceremonies, recognizing the Ho-Chunk Nation as the original stewards of the land. The resolution passed. - City Administrator Employment Agreement (R-172-25): The council approved an amendment to the city administrator's contract to mirror the city attorney's contract, allowing the mayor to grant higher merit increases to remain competitive with other Dane County municipalities. The resolution passed. - Tax Impact Briefing: City Administrator Chad presented preliminary 2025 property tax increase estimates. The city portion increases $83 (3.1%) for the average single-family home ( $500,000). Increases vary significantly by school district: Madison Metropolitan (approx. $988 / 20%+), Verona Area ($465 / 6.2%), and Oregon ($267 / 3.1%). Tax bills are expected to be mailed around December 10th. - Other Resolutions: The council approved several other items, including a budget amendment for office furniture for the Recreation & Community Services department (R21425), a library budget amendment for utility cost overages (R22525), a certified survey map for the DOC juvenile detention facility (R23325), the 2025-2030 Transit Plan (R20825), and the designation of new polling locations (R19725, R19825). The council postponed a preliminary plat (R23425) to December 9th. Key Outcomes - Jake Lepper Appointed: New District 4 Alder sworn in (6-1 vote). - Flock Subscription Rejected: Resolution R21025 to renew the Flock Safety subscription failed. - Land Acknowledgement Adopted: Resolution R-207-25 was adopted. - Transit Plan Approved: Resolution R20825 adopting the 2025-2030 Transit Plan passed. - Litigation Authorized: Resolution R22125 authorizing legal services for the Reginald Mims lawsuit was approved following a closed session. - City Administrator Contract Amended: Resolution R-172-25 passed. - Polling Locations Changed: Ward 20 (District 4) moved to Black Hawk Church. Wards 9, 10, 22 (District 2) moved to The Hub at 2220 Traceway Drive. - Drop-off Site Discussion Planned: The council acknowledged a future Committee of the Whole discussion is needed on the operation and management of the city recycling drop-off site. - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned after all business was concluded, with a note about the upcoming holiday lights tour and city events.

The Finance Committee of the Fitchburg Common Council met on November 25, 2025, at 5:33 PM. The meeting included a preliminary property tax report, budget amendments, a discussion on the Flock camera subscription renewal, and multiple purchases for the new police services facility. All actions taken to a vote were unanimous. Consent Calendar - The draft minutes of the October 11, 2025, Finance Committee meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared for non-agenda items. Discussion Items - Finance Director's Report: The city administrator presented preliminary 2025 property tax numbers. The city portion of the tax bill increased by $83 (3.1%) for an average single-family home. The overall estimated tax impact, including refuse charges, was reported as $988 for the Madison Metropolitan School District, $267 for the Oregon School District, and $465 for the Verona Area School District. Dane County's increase was $49 (3.9%) and MATC's increase was $7 (2.2%). - Review of Bills: The committee reviewed checks totaling $898,294.46 and P-Card transactions totaling $224,180.90. Alder Bill asked for clarification on police canine unit expenses, specifically a Kaiser Ford service and dental care costs, prompting discussion on whether such costs were covered by a donation account. - Library Utility Budget Amendment (R-225-25): Library Director Wendy reported the utility budget was overspent due to the new chiller and solar array not meeting efficiency goals. The committee approved moving $35,000 from other accounts to cover the shortfall. - Flock Safety Camera Subscription (R-210-25): Tim presented a request to renew the license plate reader camera subscription at the recycling drop-off site for three years at a total of $9,000. Alder Micah questioned whether a standard camera could serve the same purpose. The city administrator noted that standard cameras only captured plates about 10% of the time, while the Flock camera is highly reliable. The committee voted to refer the resolution to the full common council without a recommendation. - Police Services Facility Purchases: The committee approved a $527,765 purchase for evidence storage and lockers (R-219-25), noting it was $50,000 under budget. The committee also approved a $96,000 contract with Baker Tilly (R-224-25) to pursue IRA tax credits estimated at $530,000 for the facility's energy-efficient features. Alder Micah raised concerns about the timing of solar tax credits, and the administrator indicated the commercial side has a longer window. - Administrator Employment Agreement Amendment (R-1-25): HR Director Sarah presented an amendment to allow the mayor discretion to provide merit increases above the standard 2% cap for the city administrator, making the contract mirror the city attorney's. The current salary is $174,000. Key Outcomes - Resolutions Approved Unanimously: R-225-25 (Library Fund Budget), R-214-25 (Rec Dept Office Furnishings), R-219-25 (Police Facility Lockers), R-221-25 (Mims Lawsuit Legal Defense), R-224-25 (Baker Tilly IRA Consulting), and R-1-25 (Admin Contract Amendment). - Resolution Referred: R-210-25 (Flock Safety) was referred to the full common council without a recommendation. - Next Steps: The meeting adjourned at 6:15 PM. The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for December 9, 2025.

The Fitchburg City Council met on November 25, 2025, in the Genie Sealing room with a full quorum present: Alder Dansler, Alder Ollie Eckstead, and the presiding member. The meeting covered routine approvals, liquor license applications for two new businesses, a secondhand jewelry dealer license renewal, and an ordinance adoption required by state law. The session lasted approximately 12 minutes, adjourning at 6:12 PM. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda, including approval of prior meeting minutes and five routine licenses (all new), was moved and approved unanimously by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public appearances were made for non-agenda items. Discussion Items - Liquor Licenses: - SpringHill Suites Madison Southwest (Rye Operations Inc.): A representative presented a license application for a 100-room hotel at 6245 Limestone Lane, near the corner of Limestone Lane and Nesvit Road. The hotel will feature a small lobby bar open to the public, operating primarily in the evenings, likely five days a week (closed Sundays and Thursdays), with hours around 5 PM to 9:30-10 PM. The applicant (also owner of the adjacent StayBridge Suites) noted this is their first hotel with a full-service bar. Council members raised no concerns about late hours given a recent nearby incident, and the license was approved. - Fairway Lodge Lounge, LLC: The applicant described a golf-themed venue at 2949 Treverton Pike with six Trackman golf simulators, a 30-seat bar, and a commercial kitchen for food trucks. Hours would be 10 AM to midnight (later on weekends), but the applicant assured the council they did not intend to be a late-night destination, citing employee safety concerns. The business expects about 12 employees, most part-time. Council members expressed enthusiasm for the concept, noting its location and distance from other indoor golf facilities. The license was approved. - Secondhand Jewelry Dealer License: A renewal application for Easy Pawn Iowa (319 West Beltline Highway) was moved and approved without questions, noting the business has operated for many years without issues. - Ordinance 2025-023 (Camping Units): The council adopted an ordinance amending Section 367 of the Fitchburg General Code to incorporate Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 327, establishing uniform statewide construction standards and inspection procedures for camping units. The item was described as a required housekeeping update to align with state law. It was approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - The consent agenda (minutes and routine licenses) was approved unanimously. - The class B fermented malt beverage and reserve class B intoxicating liquor retail licenses for Rye Operations Inc. (SpringHill Suites) were approved unanimously. - The class B fermented malt beverage and reserve class B intoxicating liquor retail licenses for Fairway Lodge Lounge, LLC were approved unanimously. - The secondhand jewelry dealer license renewal for Easy Pawn Iowa was approved. - Ordinance 2025-023 (camping units) was adopted unanimously. - The next regular meeting was scheduled for December 9, 2025, noted as the last meeting of the year. The meeting adjourned at 6:12 PM.

The inaugural meeting of the Community Equity Advisory Committee was held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 5:03 PM. Members introduced themselves, elected a chair, reviewed the committee's scope, and unanimously approved a resolution recommending a land acknowledgement for ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Discussion Items - Welcome and Introductions: Members shared their backgrounds and commitment to equity work. New member Colleen Butler was welcomed. Committee members: Bill Gillespie, Colleen Butler, Donald Dansler, Christopher Paguero, Janice Hughes. - Election of Chair: Christopher Paguero was nominated and unanimously elected as the inaugural chair. - Meeting Reminders: Staff contact Sarah Olson outlined that meetings will be the fourth Wednesday of each month from 5:15 to 6:15 PM, with the next meeting on December 15, 2025. Quorum is four members. - Team Scope and Work Parameters: The committee reviewed the mission, vision, and values developed by the ad hoc committee. The committee's role is advisory, focusing on reviewing city plans and providing input on equity matters. - Resolution R20725 – Land Acknowledgement: The committee discussed a resolution directing the city to include a formal land acknowledgement recognizing the Ho Chunk Nation at all ribbon-cutting ceremonies on city-owned property. Members expressed strong support, noting the importance of meaningful collaboration with the Ho Chunk Nation. - Future Agenda Items: The committee discussed a potential meeting with the city's employee resource group (ERG) in January 2026 and the upcoming GARE (Government Alliance on Race and Equity) membership and resources. Key Outcomes - Election of Chair: Christopher Paguero was elected chair by unanimous voice vote. - Resolution R20725: The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of the land acknowledgement resolution to the common council. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for December 15, 2025, at 5:15 PM. Future meetings will be the fourth Wednesday of each month from 5:15 to 6:15 PM. - GARE Membership: The city will sign up for GARE in January 2026, providing equity tools and resources to employees and the committee.

The Fitchburg Police and Fire Commission met on November 19, 2025, to receive staffing reports from both departments, approve personnel actions in closed session, and adopt new pre‑employment testing requirements for firefighter hires. Consent Calendar - Minutes: The commission approved the minutes from the October 15, 2025 meeting by voice vote with no corrections. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present for non‑agenda items. Discussion Items - Police Staffing Report: Chief Morales reported four officer vacancies, with a hiring process scheduled for December 4, 2025 involving lateral transfers. No officers were in field training, the academy, or on leave. The monthly activity report showed a decrease in citizen‑generated calls (1,000) and officer‑initiated calls (981), a 38‑call decrease from the previous month. Burglaries (5 reported, all attempts) were concentrated in the northwest end, with attempts through windows. No robberies were reported for October; three firearms were seized. Year‑to‑date part‑one crime was down 40%, aggravated assaults down 51%, domestic violence incidents down 30% (8 in October). Traffic crashes decreased 4%. Chief Morales noted a focus on domestic violence and credited the DV team for progress. In response to a question, a detective explained partnerships with Unitas and crisis lines, and the social worker providing phones to victims. - Fire Staffing Report: Chief Europe reported an 11% increase in call volume for October, with an expected year‑end increase of 3–5%. Inspections were proceeding well; false alarms were reduced by over 30% year‑over‑year. One firefighter resigned; a firefighter was promoted from intern to career status. Overtime dropped significantly. Four mandates occurred in October. - New Pre‑Employment Testing Requirements (Item 6b): Chief Europe requested approval to require CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test), psychological, and drug tests for all future POX (career) firefighter hires after January 1, 2026, and CPAT and drug tests (but not psychological) for fire interns after that date. He explained the CPAT is an internationally recognized entry‑level fitness test, and the medical/psychological screens help identify unknown health risks. Psychological testing was excluded for interns due to their young age (18–19) and the ability to vet them during the extended internship. The effective date of January 1 aligns with the new budget. The motion passed unanimously. - Training Center Announcement: Chief Europe announced the purchase of a shipping container to be converted into a training center, shared with Dane County Sheriffs, BD, and EMS. The facility is expected to positively impact the city’s ISO rating and home insurance rates. Key Outcomes - Police Personnel Actions (Closed Session): The commission voted to remove probationary status for Officer Erica Broad, promote Officer Spangler to sergeant, and place Officer Fennerton on a sergeant eligibility list. - Fire Personnel Actions (Closed Session): The commission authorized the fire chief to make conditional offers of employment to candidates for POX firefighters and for a POX battalion chief, approved an eligibility list for battalion chief, authorized the start of a lieutenant promotional process, and authorized a fire science resident intern recruitment process. - Approval of Testing Requirements: Approved CPAT, psychological, and drug tests for POX firefighters and CPAT and drug tests for fire interns effective January 1, 2026.

The Fitchburg Public Library Board met at 5:30 p.m. on November 19, 2025. No written agenda or minutes were available, so this summary is based on the meeting transcript. The board approved routine financial items, the 2026 library budget, the annual Dane County Library System (DCLS) contract, a 2025 budget amendment for utility costs, and the 2026 closure schedule. No public appearances were reported. Consent Calendar - Approved the October 25 meeting minutes by voice vote (motion by John). - Approved the August Financial Register and overview by voice vote. Highlights included a three-pay-period month with higher salary accounts, garage door opener repair, door-counter software costs, mileage reimbursement for a director’s meeting in the Dells, and uncashed patron refund checks trued up at the county level. The copier overage was down to $1.28, with a later noted overage of $0.56. Restricted grant spending was $5,499.89 against a $5,550 grant. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke; no public appearances were reported. Discussion Items - 2026 Library Budget: The board discussed the city council-approved budget. It applies $237,040 from the library’s fund balance, resulting in a net surplus/deficit of $237,538, about $500 overspent. Total fund balance is $900,000. The finance director added $800 to the $73,000 utility allocation from a lower-than-expected IT account. Repairs and maintenance by others was budgeted at $5,000, down from $19,000, and staff will pursue carrying forward unspent funds for repairs, custodial supplies, and vehicle expenses. - DCLS/County Library System Contract: The annual contract was approved. The library will receive $18,418. The payment is lower than recent years because of the town of Madison absorption, the drop-out of 2019 circulation from the three-year average, and Fitchburg residents checking out materials in Verona. A board member confirmed the numbers were double-checked and correct. - Resolution R200-25 (2025 Budget Amendment): Approved to move $35,000 into utility accounts, including $4,800 from disability premiums and additional interest earnings, to cover higher chiller and solar costs. The 2026 utility budget is $73,800, and a further amendment of perhaps $10,000 may be needed next year. A third of the solar array is not working; an inverter was replaced under warranty, but repair work is still needed. The replaced chiller has not delivered the expected efficiency gains. - 2026 Library Closure Dates: Approved. The schedule includes federal holidays, early closures on the day before Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, and extended closures around Juneteenth, Independence Day, and Christmas to give paid holiday compensation to weekend staff. New Year’s Eve is being considered as a city paid holiday in the future. - Board Vice President: The board president announced that Rachel Becker accepted the vice president position, filling out the current year. Board member Logan raised a point of order that the appointment was not on the agenda. The board agreed no formal vote was needed and accepted the appointment. - Library Director’s Report: November staff in-service included CPR, Narcan, and Stop the Bleed training with Fitchrona, plus manager strategic planning. Wireless session statistics were blank for two months due to a South Central software problem. Three new second-floor security cameras were installed as part of the CIP project and await connection. The CIP project is about $60,000 under budget. A children’s library redesign RFP closed October 31 with two proposals; interviews are scheduled December 1. The library hired an LA2 for adult services. An LA1 posting was expanded to cover a second vacancy and received 57 applicants; interviews are scheduled December 4. - New Board Member: Brett Wagner introduced himself and said he joined the board after running for Madison School Board, with a focus on literacy advocacy. Key Outcomes - Approved October 25 meeting minutes by voice vote. - Approved August Financial Register and overview by voice vote. - Approved the 2026 library budget by voice vote. - Approved the DCLS/county library system contract by voice vote. - Approved Resolution R200-25, the 2025 budget amendment, by voice vote. - Approved the 2026 library closure dates by voice vote. - Accepted Rachel Becker as board vice president. - No December meeting; the next regular board meeting is January 21, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.