Public Meetings - Fitchburg, Wisconsin

The Fitchburg City Council met on October 28, 2025, with a full quorum of Alders Donald and Logan and the presiding chair. The meeting covered approval of the consent agenda, a secondhand article dealer license renewal, and a resolution for police equipment. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of October 4th and routine licenses. (Motion by Alder Logan, seconded, approved unanimously.) Discussion Items - Secondhand Article Dealer License Renewal (Item 4 Alpha): Alder Donald moved to approve the renewal for Quick Save Games, LLC, doing business at 6291 Key Road Suite C, Fitchburg. Alders noted the business had been in service with no known issues. Alder Logan reported visiting the store and speaking with staff, who indicated business was going well. The license was approved unanimously. - Resolution R18425 (Item 5A): Amending the 2025 TIF closure fund for police special response team equipment. The police department was unable to present due to another meeting. After review, the council approved the resolution without further discussion. (Motion by Alder Logan, seconded, passed unanimously.) Key Outcomes - Renewal license for Quick Save Games approved. - Resolution R18425 approved. - Next meeting scheduled for November 11, 2025. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 6:05 PM.

The Fitchburg Municipal Court held an arraignment session on October 23, 2025. No agenda or minutes were provided, so this summary is based solely on the raw transcript. The presiding judge explained plea options, penalties, and court procedures, then heard five adult cases; all were resolved by guilty or no-contest pleas. Judge’s Opening Remarks - The judge explained the three plea choices: not guilty, guilty, and no contest. A no-contest plea means the defendant believes he or she is innocent but would probably be found guilty at trial. - A guilty plea can be used against the defendant in later civil liability claims; a no-contest plea cannot. The judge said this is especially important in cases involving traffic accidents or alleged battery. - Traffic convictions carry demerit points; accumulating 12 points in one year results in suspension of driving privileges. - OWI defendants have a right to a jury trial at Dane County Circuit Court, not in Fitchburg. - The court’s philosophy is individualized justice, based on truthful mitigating circumstances and prior record, so identical citations can have different outcomes. Exceptions are alcohol/drug-related citations and city ordinances parallel to the criminal code, where maximum penalties are imposed. - Fines are normally due the night of the hearing, but the court can allow up to 60 days to pay; the clerk of court can schedule further 60-day extensions. If fines remain uncollectable, jail time of up to 90 days may be ordered, with a $50-per-day credit, and the city may also sue for $85-per-day jail maintenance costs. Case Proceedings - DeAndre May Rothers – Cited for operating a motor vehicle after suspension of registration. He entered a plea of no contest. He said he had lent his car to someone who received a ticket in Madison, which led to suspended plates, and he had not known about it; he had since paid the underlying ticket and the registration issue was resolved. The judge imposed a $67 fine instead of $98, with zero demerit points, and said he would correct any adverse record impact affecting his job. - Presley Cross – Cited for zone speeding, allegedly 45 mph in a 30 mph zone. She pleaded guilty and explained she was still getting used to a speed-limit change and was clocked just as she began slowing down. She had a probationary license and a prior zone-speeding citation on December 18, 2024. The judge warned that a second citation is normally doubled; this offense would have added four points, doubled to eight, bringing her to 11 total. The judge reduced the points for this citation to three and set the fine at $78 instead of $98, while cautioning that another citation could cost her license. - Jameera Davis – Cited for operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license. She pleaded no contest and said she had been driving a three-wheeler and did not think a license was required, though she had never had a license. The judge removed all points, reduced the fine to $78 instead of $124, and ordered her not to drive anything until she obtains a driver’s license. - Defendant cited for open intoxicant – The name is unclear in the transcript. The defendant pleaded guilty to possession of an open intoxicant in a motor vehicle by a driver, explaining that he had been living in the car and was not driving it, and that he now had housing and had started work that week. The judge reduced the fine from $187 to $105. - Darwin Alfaro – Cited for failure to stop at a stop sign and for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant / operating with a prohibited blood alcohol concentration, allegedly 0.19. He pleaded guilty. The judge explained Wisconsin’s OWI penalties: a first offense is a civil conviction, a second within 10 years is criminal, and third/subsequent offenses are criminal with mandatory jail or prison time; a fourth is a felony. The judge imposed the OWI penalty of a $1,036 fine, eight months’ revocation, six demerit points, mandatory assessment at Dane County Mental Health Institute / Journey Mental Health, and an ignition interlock device on any vehicle he uses. For the stop-sign offense, he received three demerit points. Employed at Madison Kipp Foundry and paid weekly, Alfaro said he could pay about $200 every two weeks; if he could not pay in full within 60 days, the clerk could schedule an extension. Key Outcomes - All five cases were resolved through guilty or no-contest pleas; no cases were set for trial. - Fines were reduced in several cases based on the judge’s individualized review, except for the alcohol-related OWI case, where the maximum penalty was imposed. - A payment plan and 60-day extension process were explained; several defendants were given time to pay. - The judge’s closing statement noted that the adult session had concluded.

The Fitchburg Plan Commission met on October 21, 2025, to consider a wide range of land use and development proposals. The meeting began with the approval of the previous meeting's minutes. No one from the public spoke during the non-agenda public comment period. The Commission debated a new medium-high density residential category, approved several rezonings and development plans, and addressed stormwater, parking, and traffic concerns. All votes were unanimous except one (5J). Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the previous meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Chris Wolpat (resident): Opposed the high-density rezoning (5B) for Jamestown Quarry, stating that high density was not clearly communicated in neighborhood meetings and that it directly abuts low-density residential. - David Haight (resident): Spoke multiple times throughout the meeting. On 5B, he raised procedural and legal concerns about comprehensive plan amendments. On 5C and 5D, he emphasized the need for compliance with the city's MS4 stormwater discharge permit and water quality requirements. On 5M, he noted that he is filing contested cases with the DNR regarding stormwater discharges into wetlands. - Deb Nye (resident on Conservancy Way): Expressed dismay over tree loss from a proposed fill operation (5J) and requested assurance that after two to three years of dumping, the site would be restored and trees replanted; she also appreciated the developer's adjustment to revised hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m.). Discussion Items - 5A – Medium-High Density Residential Land Use Category: Staff proposed adding a category at 9–20 dwelling units per acre, but after debate the Commission voted to amend the range to 9–15 units/acre to preserve the "missing middle" character (townhomes, patio homes) and align with the T4 Smart Code zone. The amendment carried; the ordinance and resolution were approved as amended. - 5B – High Density Residential for Jamestown Quarry: The Commission considered changing the future land use to high density for a second multifamily building. The developer argued that this alternative (versus a big-box retail) allowed a 120-foot buffer and a substantial berm to protect neighboring single-family homes. Staff recommended approval with conditions. The Commission approved the resolution and recommended the ordinance to Common Council. - 5C & 5D – Orchard Point Comprehensive Development Plan Amendment & Rezone: The applicant presented plans for an 80-unit affordable senior building (with 9% tax credits and an $8 million county grant) and a 100-unit market-rate building. Parking ratios generated discussion; the senior building would provide 0.75 underground stalls per unit, the market-rate building 1.0 stall per unit. The Commission approved the CDP amendment (5 conditions) and the rezone (8 conditions). - 5E & 5F – Jamestown Quarry CDP Amendment & Rezone (Signage): The staff recommended approval of a CDP amendment correcting ownership and timeline, plus a rezone to permit drive-through menu signs and monument signage for McDonald's and Chick-fil-A. The Commission approved the CDP (6 conditions after removing condition 6) and the rezone (11 conditions). - 5G, 5H, 5I – Certified Survey Map, Rezone, & Conditional Use for 2160 Fitchburg Road: These items subdivided a farm parcel to create a separate lot for an existing home. The Commission approved the survey map (14 conditions), the rezone from exclusive agriculture to rural residential (3 conditions), and the conditional use for farm consolidation (4 conditions). - 5J – Erosion Control & Stormwater Management Permit (Thermo Fisher Fill Operation): The applicant presented a revised plan with a 100-foot tree buffer and proposed hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (changed from 7 a.m. start). One neighbor (Deb Nye) expressed concerns about tree loss and requested restoration assurances. The Commission approved the permit with the revised hours and a condition to maintain the 100-foot buffer; one commissioner voted in opposition. - 5K – Architectural Design Review (ADR) for Storage Building at 701 Rolfsmeyer Drive: The Commission approved the ADR with seven conditions, including maintaining the existing vegetative buffer on the south property line. - 5L – ADR for Thermo Fisher Loading Dock Expansion: The Commission approved the ADR with two conditions. - 5M – Early Issuance of Building Permits for Leto Apartments: The Commission approved early start permits for a 114-unit apartment building on Lacey Road that includes 12 workforce housing units. The building's design uses Smart Code and features townhomes fronting the street. - 5N – Preliminary Plat for No Oaks Ranch: Staff requested a postponement to finalize parkland dedication and wetlands details. The Commission postponed the item to the November 2025 meeting. - 5O – Farmland Preservation Plan Map Amendments: Resolution R-187-25 updated the city's farmland preservation map to align with Dane County's plan and prepare for exclusive agriculture district recertification. Approved. - 5P – Subdivision Improvement Agreement for Gusto Development: Resolution R-190-25 approving the agreement for public improvements such as water lines, streets, and turn lanes. Approved. - 5Q – Traffic Signal Easement for Jamestown Quarry: Resolution R-192-25 accepting an easement for traffic signal equipment on private property. Approved. - Item 6 – Reports from Departments: The Transportation and Transit department reported completion of phases of Syene Road, progress on Fitchrona Road, and receipt of a $300,000 Safe Streets for All grant for a comprehensive safety action plan. Planning staff reported finalizing appendices for neighborhood plans and moving toward an RFP for the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Minutes approved unanimously. - 5A: Medium-high density residential category amended to 9–15 units/acre; resolution PCR-4-25 approved as amended; ordinance recommended to Common Council. - 5B: High density residential future land use approved for Jamestown Quarry (5B); resolution PCR-5-25 approved; ordinance recommended. - 5C & 5D: Orchard Point CDP amendment (CDP 2610-25) and rezone (RZ 2609-25) approved with conditions. - 5E & 5F: Jamestown Quarry CDP amendment (CDP 2616-25) and rezone (RZ 2617-25) approved with conditions. - 5G, 5H, 5I: Certified survey map (CS 2615-25), rezone (RZ 2614-25), and conditional use (CU 2613-25) for 2160 Fitchburg Road approved. - 5J: Erosion control/stormwater permit approved with 100-foot buffer and 8 a.m.–5 p.m. hours; one commissioner opposed. - 5K: ADR for storage building approved. - 5L: ADR for loading dock approved. - 5M: Early issuance of permits for Leto Apartments approved. - 5N: Preliminary plat for No Oaks Ranch postponed to November 2025. - 5O: Farmland preservation map amendments (R-187-25) approved. - 5P: Subdivision improvement agreement (R-190-25) approved. - 5Q: Traffic signal easement (R-192-25) approved. - Reports: Transportation and neighborhood plan updates received.

The Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee of the City of Fitchburg met on October 21, 2025, to consider a farm consolidation proposal and updates to the farmland preservation plan map. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, public appearances, staff reports, and committee discussion. Consent Calendar - Unanimous approval of the meeting minutes from August 19, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - No public appearances were made for non‑agenda items. - Later during the meeting, an audience member asked about the farmland preservation tax credits and a potential funding opportunity for conservation easements, referencing a Dane County pilot program. City Planner Deanna Schmidt stated she would investigate the grant program further. Discussion Items - Farm Consolidation (Items 5A–5C – 2160 Fitchburg Road): Jim Classy introduced the requests on behalf of Daryl Hageman to separate a one‑acre lot (Lot 1) from the larger Farm 90 parcel. The lot would be sold to Shane Daffles for a farmhouse and farm support. City Planner Deanna Schmidt presented the three related actions: a Certified Survey Map (CSM) to create the lot, a rezone from exclusive agriculture (AX) to rural residential (RR), and a conditional use permit for the farm consolidation. Staff recommended approval with conditions (14 for the CSM, 3 for the rezone, 4 for the conditional use). The committee discussed the location of existing farm buildings, a shared well easement, and allocation of four existing claims. Each item was voted on separately and approved unanimously. - Farmland Preservation Plan Map Amendments (Item 5D – Resolution R‑187‑25): Deanna Schmidt explained the need to update the city’s farmland preservation map to match all parcels zoned AX in preparation for state certification of the AX zoning ordinance in 2026. The updates remove parcels no longer zoned AX or ineligible for farmland preservation tax credits (approximately $10/acre). The map distinguishes medium‑term (20+ years) and long‑term (30+ years) preservation areas, consistent with the county’s criteria and the city’s neighborhood plans. Discussion clarified that the timeframes do not start a clock and that tax credits are not affected by the medium/long designation. The committee approved the map as presented. - Departmental Reports: Deanna Schmidt reported that the Plan Commission reviewed plans for a new Department of Corrections juvenile facility on the city’s southeast side, which will be submitted for a CSM next month. She also noted that a land‑based condo plat in Verona falls outside the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction over subdivisions. Road project updates: Fitcherona Road construction has been delayed a year for additional sanitary line engineering, and Lacey Road near Edgewood College also faced schedule delays. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of the August 19, 2025 meeting unanimously. - Approved Certified Survey Map (CS2615‑25) with conditions (unanimous). - Approved Rezone (RZ‑2614‑25) from AX to RR (unanimous). - Approved Conditional Use Permit (CU‑2613‑25) for farm consolidation (unanimous). - Approved Farmland Preservation Plan Map Amendments (Resolution R‑187‑25) unanimously. - Committee directed staff to follow up on the Dane County Agricultural Conservation Easement Pilot Program (application deadline November 21, 2025). - Meeting adjourned.

The Fitchburg Board of Public Works met on October 20, 2025, to address a public hearing on sidewalk assessments, discuss a contested holding tank application, review utility payments, receive updates from the Public Works Department, and vote on several resolutions. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM. Public Hearing - 2024 Sidewalk Replacement Final Assessment: The public hearing was opened and closed. Questions were raised about billing percentages (20%, 25%, 50%, 100%) for properties on Richardson, which were part of the 2023 project and adjusted to honor 2023 pricing. Approval of Minutes - October 8, 2025 Meeting Minutes: Approved as amended. Amendments corrected wording regarding an electrical modification for tennis courts at McKee Farms Park (changing "ability to turn one court on at a time" to "bank of four and a bank of six") and removed the word "less" from "if cost to do so is less reasonable." Discussion Items - Holding Tank Upgrade at 2995 South Syene Road: The board discussed a proposal to install a new holding tank to serve the front building of Javasi's property, which currently lacks restroom facilities. The property already has a 2000-gallon tank for the back building and a septic system for the residence. Speakers: - Bill Mabel (representing property owner Joe Javasi) and Mark Jones (construction expert) explained that the front building needs restrooms for its trailer manufacturing business and that a holding tank is the only feasible option because the soil will not support a septic or mound system. They noted that Dane County has no objection and that the owner has a maintenance agreement with Dvorak Pumping. - Former Mayor Tom Clouter spoke in support, emphasizing that Javasi has been a city resident for 50 years, provides restroom access to bike path users, and that the cost of extending sewer service (over $250,000) is prohibitive. He urged the board to apply common sense. - Board members expressed concerns about setting a precedent, environmental risks, and the appropriate tank size (the application listed 5,000 gallons but the speaker suggested 3,000 gallons). City staff noted that the current application is incorrect and requires revision. No vote was taken; the chair indicated willingness to support if a corrected application is submitted. - Review of Utility B Card and Check Payments: The board reviewed payments, including a $1,000+ charge for Swan Creek sample analysis at the state lab of hygiene, and sewer patches at locations on Agamon and Pheasant streets. Questions were raised about the cause of sewer pipe cracks and the tracking of maintenance expenditures. Public Works Director Report - Tim Volker provided updates: - A social media post about leaf-free streets was published on October 13. - Bounce tests at McKee Farms Park tennis courts passed at all 36 locations. - Hate Farm Road will be closed October 23–31 for a water main installation (Uptown Hills Development). - City of Madison will hold a virtual public information meeting on the Perry Street Connection Study on October 22 at 6 PM. - Syene Road reconstruction (Phase 3) is on track for a November 3 opening; binder and surface asphalt are installed. - Fitcherona Road reconstruction TPP was approved; land acquisition negotiations are underway. - Fish Hatchery Road repairs at Lacey and East Cheryl intersections are complete; remaining repairs expected early next week. Resolutions Approved - R159-25 (2024 Sidewalk Replacement Final Assessment): Approved unanimously. - R140-25 (Rejection of Well 12 Facility Bids): Approved unanimously. The low bid was 28% higher than the engineer's estimate (bids ranged from $3 million to $4.9 million). The project will be redesigned to remove an open-air shelter and rebid over winter. - R183-25 (Purchase of Plow Truck Equipment for Fourth Chassis): Approved unanimously. Delivery expected in approximately two years. Includes a wing side airbag for leaf spring support. The city is exploring GPS tracking for snowplows. - R190-25 (Subdivision Improvements Agreement for Gusto Development CSM): Approved unanimously. Phase one includes 88 multifamily units at Lacey and Seminole; total site planned for 304 units. No public streets; water and sewer will have easements. - R192-25 (Acceptance of Public Traffic Signal Easement in Outlot 3, Jamestown Quarry): Approved unanimously. Easement for traffic signal controller cabinet at Jamestown Way and Fitcherona Road. - R182-25 (Amendment 1 for Well 12 and Tower D Engineering Services): Approved unanimously. $60,000 amendment to remove the open-air shelter from the well facility design and cover time extension costs due to schedule changes. - R189-25 (Conditional Approval of Holding Tank at 2309 Two Lane Street): Approved unanimously. The existing septic system failed; soil conditions prevent a conventional system. A 3000-gallon holding tank was approved with conditions: no expansion of sewage generation, holding tank must be abandoned if property subdivided, and a recorded agreement with the city. Key Outcomes - All agenda items were addressed; the seven resolutions were approved unanimously. - No decision was reached on the Syene Road holding tank; the applicant was directed to submit a corrected application. - The board will reconvene on Monday, November 3, 2025 (note: clocks fall back the day before). Meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM.

This joint annual meeting of the Fitch-Rona EMS District brought together elected officials and staff from the City of Fitchburg, City of Verona, and Town of Verona. The primary agenda included the approval of previous meeting minutes, recognition of employee service milestones, a comprehensive chief's report on operations and finances, and presentations from deputy chiefs on fall prevention and training. District Chief Patrick Anderson presented the 2026 budget, capital improvement plans, and a discussion on future staffing needs. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the October 2024 meeting were approved with a minor correction (spelling of former Verona Alder Brandon Braithweight's name). Motion carried by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. Discussion Items - Chief's Report (Patrick Anderson): Provided an overview of the district's operations, including a response time analysis showing a median time of less than five minutes from notification to arrival, meeting NFPA standards. The district serves a population of 55,172 across 71 square miles, with three ambulances 24/7. Call volume is up 8.3% year-over-year, projected to reach 5,600 calls in 2025. Mutual aid requests (when all three district ambulances are out) have reached 44 times year-to-date, already nearly matching last year's total of 45. The chief outlined a phased plan to add a peak-time ambulance in 2026 (two days per week), then expand to five to seven days per week by 2028, with a potential fourth full-time ambulance by 2030. - Fall Prevention Program (Deputy Chief Jeff Dosdall): Described ongoing community outreach with 14 presentations reaching over 120 participants. Falls account for approximately 20% of district calls; the program aims to reduce repeat falls through referrals to senior centers. - Training Update (Deputy Chief Luke Anders): Reported completion of 168 hours of on-duty EMS training and 140 hours of fire training year-to-date, including new equipment such as video laryngoscopes and an inflatable shelter for rehab operations. - Budget and Financial Review: Chief Anderson presented the proposed 2026 operating budget of $4.5 million, with $2.125 million in estimated run revenue (average collection of $418 per call) and $2.2 million to be covered by municipal contributions. The new intergovernmental agreement (based on one-third per capita, one-third call volume, one-third equalized value) shifts the share: Fitchburg 63% ($1.4 million), Verona 32% ($732,000), Town of Verona 5% ($93,000)—resulting in a 4.69% overall increase. The district's unassigned fund balance of 40% (above the required 15–25%) will be used to increase the reserve to 35% and contribute $180,000 to the post-retirement healthcare account. - Capital Improvement Plans: A new ambulance is on order for 2027 at a cost of $339,000, plus approximately $165,000 for durable and disposable equipment. Two support SUVs are included in the fleet replacement cycle. Key Outcomes - Approved the October 2024 meeting minutes with a spelling correction. - Recognized employees for service milestones: Greg Bailey (15 years), Jamie Ennis, Chip Hankley, Hayden Latch, and Ryan Robertson (5 years). - The commission received the chief's report, deputy chief presentations, and the 2026 budget overview. No formal vote on the budget was taken at this meeting. - The meeting adjourned by motion and voice vote.

The Fitchburg Public Library Board met on October 15, 2025, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included approval of minutes and financial report, a presentation on youth services, review and approval of three policies, and updates on facilities, personnel, and a new board member. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the September meeting were approved unanimously. - Financial Report: The financial report and register for July were approved unanimously after discussion. Notable items included a replacement card reader ($240), a no-overnight-parking sign ($350), task chair replacements, magazine subscriptions, and a budget amendment for utilities using disability insurance funds and interest income. Discussion Items - Youth Services Department Presentation: Youth Services Manager Kristen Garvey presented an overview of the department. Key statistics for 2025 through September: 275 in-person programs with 7,755 attendees, 21 self-directed programs with 3,584 participants, 19 teen programs (92 attendees) and 195 in self-directed teen activities, and 30 outreach programs with 1,529 attendees. The department also manages collections, the summer reading program, outreach (pop-up library, story walk at McKee Farms Park), and a mini food pantry in collaboration with the River Food Pantry. Discussion included the use of Excel for tracking program statistics and identifying trends. - Code of Conduct Policy: Approved with minor updates removing references to the technology center and family computing center due to the second floor redesign. - Record Retention Policy: Approved unchanged, as dictated by state statute. Discussion included the seven-year retention period for both paper and electronic records and the process for managing destruction. - Gifts to the Library Policy: Approved with a change to monetary gifts: gifts of $5,000 or more require board input, matching the expenditure policy thresholds (under $5,000 director can decide; $5,000-$24,999 treasurer approves; $25,000+ board approves). This aligns with the existing expenditure policy. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of September meeting (unanimous). - Approved July financial report (unanimous). - Approved updated Code of Conduct Policy (unanimous). - Approved Record Retention Policy (unanimous). - Approved updated Gifts to the Library Policy (unanimous). - Noted the appointment of Brett Wagner as a new board member, confirmed by the Common Council the previous evening. - Library Director reported: RFP for children's library redesign published (due October 31); solar panel issue: one-third of array not working, suspected ARC failure after inverter replacements; personnel update: an LA2 left, 69 applicants for replacement; next board meeting November 19. Announcements - Friends of the Library book sale starting October 16. - Next library board meeting on November 19 at 5:30 PM. Note: The meeting was adjourned at 6:02 PM.

The Fitchburg Police and Fire Commission met on October 15, 2025, to approve minutes, receive monthly reports from the Fire and Police Departments, enter closed session for personnel matters, and take related personnel actions. No public appearances were made for non-agenda items. Consent Calendar - Approved the October 7, 2025 Police and Fire Commission minutes by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared for public appearances on non-agenda items. Fire Department Staff Report - Fire Chief Gero reported a 2% increase in September calls for service and projected 2025 call volume could exceed 2024 by 2-4%. - A career firefighter who received a contingent offer has completed the background process; the chief expects good news next week. The department processed the September retirement of Paid-on-Call Division Chief Steve Wunsch. - Recruitment continues: applications were pulled for paid-on-call battalion chief and firefighter positions; 11 firefighter interview offers were extended, with 9 confirmed, and 9 battalion chief interviews were scheduled. - September overtime was 449 hours, down from 632 hours last September, but year-to-date overtime has already surpassed 2024 levels and significantly exceeded the budgeted overtime amount even after accounting for remaining paid-on-call salary surplus. Five mandates in September totaled 64 hours; additional mandates have already occurred in October. Hunting season PTO makes this a challenging time of year, and strategies are being developed for 2026. Police Department Staff Report - The department has four vacancies: one lieutenant and one sergeant created during reorganization, plus two police officer vacancies. Once the reorganization is completed, the police officer vacancy count is expected to go from two to four. A police officer hiring process will run in November, with interviews the first week of December. - For the first time in three years, no officers are in the law enforcement academy, field training, or restricted duty; previously up to 18-20 officers were unavailable. This improves street staffing. - Monthly activity included more than 1,000 citizen-generated calls and more than 1,100 officer-initiated calls, down 9 from the prior month. Compared with September 2024, citizen-generated calls were down by over 170 and officer-initiated calls by 162. The department also reported one burglary and four vehicle reports. - There were no reports of shootings or shots fired in September. The chief said the department works with the ATF on gun-related investigations and recovers firearms. Shots-fired cases are down 50%, and domestic cases are down more than 30 percentage points. The domestic violence team focuses on repeat offenders. - The chief noted that per-capita gun activity and domestic cases had previously placed Fitchburg in the top five with cities such as Racine and Milwaukee, but current reductions are bringing the numbers in line with a city of Fitchburg's population size. The mayor dislikes describing Fitchburg as having a high per-capita crime rate. - Traffic stops and monitoring are increasing for a second year, based on data, citizen complaints, and alderperson complaints, but traffic crashes have not yet declined. The department wants to add crash-location data and focus enforcement on high-crash areas; captains are working on a plan. A commissioner asked about demographic data on traffic stops; the chief confirmed the department has it, last presented it at the request of Albert Maldonado, and can present updated data again. - The chief agreed that traffic safety requires enforcement, education, and engineering, and noted the city's monthly traffic safety meeting. Some alderpersons favor speed bumps on every corner, but the chief said that is not necessarily the right choice. A commissioner asked about a missing speed limit sign on Lacy Road toward the expressway; the chief had no installation date and noted enforcement in that area in late August and September. Closed Session - The commission moved into closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(c) to consider employment, promotion, compensation, and performance evaluations, specifically a conditional offer for detective sergeant and shift lieutenant, an eligibility list for shift lieutenant, a sergeant recruitment process, and removal of one police officer's probationary status. Key Outcomes - Approved the October 7, 2025 minutes. - Logan Brown was moved to shift lieutenant, and the chief was directed to establish a shift lieutenant eligibility list through 2026. - Ariana Ridgley was moved to detective sergeant. - Matthew Spry was moved from probationary status to police officer. - The chief was directed to start a sergeant recruitment process. - All closed-session personnel actions were approved by voice votes without recorded opposition. Announcements - Construction activity has begun for the new police facility across the street; machines are on site and fencing is up. The meeting then adjourned.

The Fitchburg Finance Committee convened on October 14, 2025, from 5:31 PM to 6:05 PM. The committee unanimously approved seven resolutions, including 2026 solid waste collection rates, a design agreement for the County MM underpass, an engineering amendment for Fitchrona Road, a community history exhibit, lighting for the Magaw pickleball courts, a strategic plan update, and the purchase of a police vehicle for a new Detective Sergeant position. The committee also received an update on the 2026 budget process. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: Unanimously approved draft minutes from the September 23, 2025, finance meeting and the September 30/October 1, 2025, budget presentation meetings. - Review of Bills: Reviewed checks issued from September 16-30, 2025, totaling $2,668,857.90, and ECH payments from September 1-30, 2025, totaling $677,724.23. Public Comments & Testimony - Aaron Scheder, representing the Magaw Pickleball Advisory Committee, spoke in favor of the pickleball court lighting project. He detailed the sport's 45.8% year-over-year growth, Magaw Park being ranked fourth in the nation for National Pickleball Day attendance, and the need for evening play to serve working adults and youth. Discussion Items - Finance Director Report: Misty Dodge informed the committee that the first budget public hearing was held that evening. Council amendments for the 2026 budget are due by Thursday, October 16. A Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss the amendments is scheduled for October 29, with final adoption set for November 11. - Resolution R133-25 (Solid Waste Rates): Ben presented the 2026 solid waste rate of $236, designed to apply roughly $11,000 from the fund balance while keeping it at a healthy 29.1%. - Resolution R161-25 (MM Underpass Design): Tim presented the award of a $205,018 design contract to MSA for a bicycle/pedestrian underpass. Funding is tied to a federal grant requiring project progression. - Resolution R163-25 (Fitchrona Road Engineering): Tim detailed Amendment 2 with AECOM for $58,410, adding sanitary sewer design to the project, a need identified during the South Stonery neighborhood study. - Resolution R169-25 (Community and History Exhibit): Mike presented a $37,400 contract with local firm ZebraDog to design and install an exhibit at City Hall. Discussion covered digital content integration and tariff-related contract terms. - Resolution R171-25 (Pickleball Lighting): Following public comment, Adam reviewed a $146,000 change order to add lighting to the courts, with installation targeted by the end of December. A switch to control lighting zones was included from a contingency fund. - Resolution R178-25 (Strategic Plan Update): Mike presented a $77,400 agreement with Vanderwall Associates to update the City in Motion economic strategy. Funding combines city ARPA and CETA dollars with chamber resources. - Resolution R193-25 (Police Vehicle): The Captain presented a $44,000 purchase for a Chevy Traverse for the new Detective Sergeant position, with minimal required outfitting. Key Outcomes - Unanimous Approval: All seven action items were approved by unanimous voice vote. - Budget Amendment Deadlines: Council members were directed to submit amendments to the 2026 budget by Thursday, October 16 at 4:30 PM. - Future Meetings: The Committee of the Whole will discuss budget amendments on October 29. The final budget adoption hearing is November 11. The next regular finance meeting is October 28, 2025.