Public Meetings - Fitchburg, Wisconsin

The Fitchburg City Council met on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in the Genie Ceiling room at City Hall. Alder Logan and the presiding member (referred to as "Myself") were present. The meeting focused on the approval of several special event permits and licenses, all of which passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:09 PM. Consent Calendar - Minutes and Routine Licenses: The consent agenda approving previous meeting minutes and two routine licenses (one renewal and one new) was approved by unanimous voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared for non-agenda items. Discussion Items - 4α – Sound Permit for St. James School Spartan Stampede: A recurring event held for 18 years, scheduled for Saturday, October 13, 2025, at McKee Farms Park from 7:30–10:00 PM with amplified sound. The event is expected to draw about 90 participants and does not use city streets. The permit was approved unanimously. - 5α – Sound Permit for "Get Festive at Agora": A recurring holiday event organized by the Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce, Visitors & Business Bureau, to be held at Agora Pavilion on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 5:00–8:00 PM with amplified sound. Steve (Chamber representative) described family-friendly activities including carriage rides, cookie decorating, a photo booth, hot chocolate, and pop-up vendors. A large-scale permit was applied for due to expected attendance, but no road closures are involved. The permit was approved unanimously. - 6α – Temporary Beer/Wine License for Youth of the Year Gala: A new fundraising gala for the Boys & Girls Club on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 6:00–8:30 PM. Amy (organization representative) explained that four finalists from four high schools compete for a scholarship through interviews, essays, and speeches. This year the event expands into a larger fundraiser with beer and wine provided by Blue Plate Catering. The license was approved unanimously. - 7α – Secondhand Jewelry Dealer License for Premier Gold, Silver and Coin Association LLC: A trade show to be held at Comfort Country Inn and Suites from Tuesday, November 4 to Saturday, November 8, 2025, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM daily. No representatives were present; the presiding member noted the applicant held a similar license last year with no issues. Approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - All four license/permit applications were approved by unanimous voice vote (motions made by Alder Logan, seconded by the presiding member). - Next meeting scheduled for October 28, 2025, at the same time and location.

The Fitchburg Housing Committee met on October 13, 2025, to discuss housing initiatives, focusing on developing RFPs for land banking and acquisition, and received a staff report on major development projects. Consent Calendar - Approval of the previous meeting's minutes was granted unanimously after a correction was made for a misspelled name (Marshall). Public Comments & Testimony - None. Discussion Items - Housing Report from Staff: Laureen reported on several projects. Notable updates include: the Funders Forum on November 13; the Lido Apartments pilot project (114 units with 10% workforce at 60% median income); Bowman Plaza (270 units); Fawcite property (320 market-rate apartments); and the Homes-Boberschmidt plat submission. - Land Banking RFP Discussion: The committee split into two groups to review RFPs from River Falls (Land Banking) and Verona (Acquisition). - Land Banking Group: The group agreed that land banking RFPs should strictly focus on vacant land, separating preservation into another RFP. They recommended specifying housing types and using internal GIS staff rather than external consultants to evaluate criteria and prevent land price speculation. A need for a blight ordinance was discussed. - Acquisition Group: The group focused on partnership strategies. Mallory recommended separating acquisition methodologies from holding strategies, such as using held land for community gardens or pop-ups to generate income. Partnerships with community land trusts and Habitat for Humanity, leveraging city funds for matches, were discussed. Key Outcomes - Staff (Laureen) will incorporate committee feedback into a revised draft of the land banking and acquisition RFP for review by CEDA and City Council. - The next committee meeting is scheduled for December 8, 2025. - The city was awarded a $600,000 CDBG infrastructure grant applicable to acquired sites.

The Fitchburg Resource Conservation Commission (RCC) convened on October 13, 2025, to welcome new commissioner Diana, receive an update on the Yahara Wins phosphorus reduction program, approve the 2026 solid waste collection rates, and approve membership in the Wisconsin Local Governments Climate Coalition. The commission also reviewed draft annual reports and event calendars, and received updates from staff and council. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The September 8, 2025 meeting minutes were approved with a correction to the call-to-order time (6:30 PM, not AM). Discussion Items Yahara Wins Adaptive Management Update - Mike Gilbertson presented on behalf of the Yahara Watershed Improvement Network (Yahara Wins). The program has since 2017 achieved nearly 60,000 pounds of phosphorus reduction, exceeding 2024 annual targets. The City of Fitchburg has paid about $1 million into the program since 2016, with contributions set at 2,141 pounds of phosphorus per year at $50 per pound (originally $105,000 annually), now reduced to 682 pounds (approximately $65,000) due to the city's own phosphorus reduction practices. Total implementation costs in reaches tied to Fitchburg reached $24 million, yielding over 46,000 pounds of reduction. If Fitchburg pursued compliance on its own, costs were estimated at $30 million over 20 years. Gilbertson emphasized cost-effectiveness and ongoing expansion of practices to urban and other watershed projects, and sought future collaboration with the city. 2026 Solid Waste Collection Rates - Ben Schulte presented the proposed 2026 rates. The single-family (and 4-unit or fewer) charge would increase from $232 to $236 (1.7% increase), and the apartment brush charge would rise by $0.10 to $7.35. The modest increase was attributed to a healthy fund balance and interest earnings, partially offsetting higher contract costs. Commissioner Bill Jetzer noted the fund balance allowed a lower increase than unit cost changes. The resolution (R-133-25) passed unanimously by voice vote. Joining Wisconsin Local Governments Climate Coalition - Phil Groupie introduced the Wisconsin Local Governments Climate Coalition (LGCC), a no-cost membership organization that provides advocacy, networking, and tools for municipal climate action. Fitchburg would join neighboring communities such as Madison, Middleton, and Verona. Phil would represent the city. The resolution (R-173-25) passed unanimously with no opposition. Draft 2025 Annual Report and 2026 Calendar - Ben Schulte presented draft documents. The annual report summarized RCC-led events like recycling events and waterway cleanups. The 2026 calendar of events listed recurring initiatives and focus areas. Commissioners were asked to submit edits via OneDrive; further discussion is planned for the November meeting. Green Thursday and Sustainability Bike Tour - Ryan Otter updated on the sustainability bike tour: plans for a walk/talk at Dunn's Marsh with a groundwater expert, possibly in late 2025 or early 2026. A November 6 Green Thursday film showing at the library requires promotion. Commissioners were encouraged to help publicize the event through social media and neighborhood networks. Fall Recycling Event Recap - Ben reported the fall 2025 recycling event saw lower tonnage: 4,600 pounds of paper and 6,300 pounds of electronics, down from spring events but still well-attended. No operational changes are planned. Council Update - Bill Jetzer provided updates: the Community Equity Committee became permanent; efficiency navigator phase two approved for window replacements in affordable housing; Bowman Plaza (7-story building) to break ground spring 2026; new police facility groundbreaking; South Stoner Prairie and Greenfield Neighborhood Plans passed; pickleball court lighting vote scheduled; Tower Hill Park shelter near completion; ash trees replaced with diverse species; Capital City Trail improvements ongoing; Fitchrona Road property acquisition approved. Staff and Commissioner Updates - Solid Waste: Food scrap drop-off location will launch at Swan Creek Park shelter with a pre-launch event October 27. Licenses for solid waste transportation and composting renewed through 2026. - Stormwater: Bids for dredging Cory Hill Pond and infiltration basin remediation opening; Goose Lake/Vitrone Road project progressing with Verona cost-sharing; Yarmouth-Greenway stream bank stabilization planned for 2026; projects for vegetation management, storm sewer televising, and street sweeping optimization. - Sustainability: Bicycle program (B-cycle) finalized; Fitchburg has 31 bike-friendly businesses (most in Midwest). EV charging station application for McKee Farms Park pending, rebates for city EVs being processed. Ordinance updates on native landscaping and solar ordinances moving forward; goal to achieve SolSmart Gold designation. - Commissioner's Report: Chris Jenson reported on Madison School District cafeteria recycling expansion. Leopold Elementary program (begun 2018) helped lead to district-wide carton recycling with a Carton Council grant; a sustainability policy is nearing finalization. Key Outcomes - Resolution R-133-25: Approved 2026 solid waste rates: $236 per unit for refuse/recycling/yard waste and $7.35 for apartment brush (both increases of about 1.7% and $0.10, respectively). - Resolution R-173-25: Approved Fitchburg's membership in the Wisconsin Local Governments Climate Coalition. - Action Items: Commissioners to review and submit edits to the 2025 annual report and 2026 calendar via OneDrive. Community outreach subcommittee to promote the November 6 Green Thursday event. - Next Steps: Yahara Wins update positions the city for continued collaboration and reduced payments due to past municipal practices. Staff will advance stormwater, solid waste, and sustainability projects as detailed.

The meeting covered reports from the Friends of the Senior Center, departmental updates, a detailed presentation from the police department social worker, outreach plan progress, and city council updates. Key topics included budget advocacy, police social work expansion, and community engagement. Friends of the Senior Center Report - The Friends reported expenditures of $504.96, including $297 for special needs (MGE reconnect fee $207 and locksmith $90), $36.40 for Jill's budget, and $171.56 for advertising and marketing. New bilingual brochures (English/Spanish) are available at the center. Lunch for veterans and their guests for Veterans Day was approved. Discussion Items - Jill's Operations Update: - Department reorganization will be voted on November 10. County budget hearing advocacy: urging Dane County to restore a 4% cut to case management, which would reduce funding by $3,500, offset by a $4,000 increase in nutrition funding. Recruitment for a part-time social worker (24 hours/week) to replace Sarah is planned, with preference for a candidate of color or Spanish-speaking. - Medicare Part D enrollment assistance starts next week. Lunch-and-learn sessions continue: recent topics included brain health and memory loss; upcoming session on sleep by UW Sleep Clinic. Tech support with UW students is available daily. - Roger announced a new "Suddenly Single" support group forming, with about 10 attendees. Topics include scams and coping with holidays. - Sarah Fulkers' Police Social Worker Presentation: - Sarah is the first police department-employed social worker in Dane County, serving since March 2022. Referral data: 96 in 2022 (partial year), 102 in 2023, 114 in 2025 (as of October 9). Top referral types: domestic violence (130 out of 402 total) and mental health (105). Referral sources include patrol, detectives, dispatch, and self-referrals (64). - She described crisis intervention (e.g., deep breathing to de-escalate an agitated individual), follow-up procedures, and collaboration with community resources (UNIDOS, Journey Crisis, DA's office). A detailed case example illustrated assisting a domestic violence victim with rent assistance, dog food, a phone, and divorce referral. - Due to the failed referendum and police department reorganization, dispatch center was eliminated; Sarah transitioned to full-time. The reorganization also created new positions (shift lieutenant, detective sergeant). Sarah is now full-time and aims to develop programs supporting new officers' families. - She participates in crisis intervention team (CIT) and peer support. Benefits include reducing officer workload, improving community relations, and connecting people to resources. - Outreach Plan Updates: - Paul developed a concise elevator speech for the senior center to be used in church bulletins and newsletters. Charles contacted Fountain of Life church; waiting for response. Invitations to Limerick Innovation Commons residents for an event on November 7 are ready. Next working meeting: October 22, 3-5 PM. - City Council and District Updates (Donald): - District 3 listening session at The Line highlighted concerns: safety at the senior center (inside and parking lot), engine braking noise on Lacey Road, speeding, and need for better communication. Transportation was also discussed. District 4 session was productive, covering flock cameras, Lacey Rd/Pich Rona intersection improvements, and Edgewood Athletic Campus. - Alder Nicole resigned; an emergency appointment process will fill the vacancy. Key Outcomes - The committee adjourned with a motion seconded and approved. Next regular meeting: November 13. Working meeting: October 22, 3-5 PM.

The meeting began at 6:30 PM on October 9, 2025, and covered routine approvals, staff reports on multiple transportation projects, and a detailed discussion on Vision Zero planning via the Safe Streets for All grant. Commissioners also received updates from council and other commissions, and identified future agenda items. Consent Calendar - Motion to approve the agenda passed unanimously. - Motion to approve the minutes of September 11, 2025 passed unanimously. Discussion Items Staff Report (Ross) - Sciences Phase One: Rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB) at Swamp Creek Park south of the Citgo is on track for reinstallation in about two weeks (concrete next week, post the week after). - Phase Two (East Cheryl to West Clayton) is complete; in punch list phase, all paved and marked. - Phase Three: Binder put down on October 9; surface asphalt and bike path paving scheduled for next week. Signal turn-on meeting in two weeks. Full traffic signal posts being installed over the next two weeks. - West Clayton Road: Speed limit has been changed, but signs have not yet been updated; the Streets department is aware. - Fitcherona Road TPP: Project approved by council, property acquisition has begun. A contract amendment with AECOM (approved October 14) will add sanitary sewer design to upsize pipe for the South Stoner Prairie neighborhood. - County Highway MM Underpass: Design contract will go to council on October 14. The project will build about 500 feet of trail to the north, with buffered bike lanes in the interim. Staff noted a grant deadline prevents delaying the tunnel build; a new development is anticipated on adjacent land. - Lacey Road Bike Lane: Between MM and Brassica in Terravesa, staff will mark a bike lane with no-parking signs and a bike symbol, and possibly a buffer line, removing parking on that block. - ProMega Area: No-parking zones were lengthened for sight distance; an RRFB and raised crosswalk at a ProMega driveway are being considered. - Pacer Ratings: 50% complete; two-year roadway safety ratings are being updated. - Fish Hatchery Road / East Cheryl: Under construction; East Cheryl closure remains until Saturday (two days from the meeting). - Greenway & Coho Roundabout: Temporary roundabout ("roundabout in a box") has reduced speeding slightly but not as much as hoped; no plans to make permanent but will remain. Vision Zero / Safe Streets for All Grant Discussion - Ross presented on the $300,000 federal grant awarded through the MPO (administered by City of Madison). The city has not yet signed an agreement and cannot spend money until that is executed. - The grant funds a comprehensive safety action plan for Fitchburg. Commissioners discussed required elements: leadership commitment, goal setting, planning structure, public engagement, equity, and use of existing MPO regional data. - Key points: - The steering committee should be larger than the commission, including staff, alders, police, and public. - Engage hard-to-reach neighborhoods through events (like National Night Out) and door-knocking rather than passive meetings. - Build on the MPO High Injury Network; focus on specific, actionable infrastructure recommendations (bump-outs, RRFBs, radar signs, etc.) with cost estimates and a prioritization matrix. - Plan should include a timeline and cost estimates to aid grant applications and public transparency. - Avoid duplicating the MPO regional plan; use it as a foundation. - Expected timeline: about one year for the plan. - Commissioners directed staff to incorporate these ideas into the RFP; no formal vote was taken. Other Updates - Council Update (Logan): Council approved final plat for Terravesa Phase Five; Lacey Road will extend from western to eastern city boundary in 2026, connecting to Meadow Wood Drive. Also approved resolutions for property acquisition on Fitcherona Road, and both Greenfield and South Stoner Prairie neighborhood plans. - Plan Commission Update (Elizabeth): Redevelopment at City Anna Hill Church and Bowman Plaza on Fish Hatchery Road includes shared parking and traffic redesign to a lighted intersection at O’Calla; a traffic impact analysis is required. - Bike & Pedestrian Commission Update (Jeremy): Presentation by Sean Covell (Wisconsin Bike Fed) on safe routes to school – prioritizing based on crash data and equity, targeting four expanded community schools in the Leopold area. Also highlighted the Fitchburg Open Data Portal GIS tool for viewing infrastructure layers. - Public Feedback on Transit: Several residents expressed excitement about expanded transit (routes 65 and 75), particularly paratransit and restoration of service on the Fitcherona/Nesbit corridor. Future Agenda Items - Commissioners suggested a future discussion on the connection between transit and housing affordability. - Review parking restrictions on bus routes (e.g., Brassica in Terravesa) as bus service expands. - Evaluate the city's alternate-side parking ordinance to better rely on street parking year-round for traffic calming. Key Outcomes - Agenda and minutes approved unanimously. - Staff directed to incorporate commission input into the Vision Zero comprehensive safety action plan RFP. - Next meeting scheduled for November 13, 2025.