Public Meetings - Fitchburg, Wisconsin

Members discussed the ongoing restructure of recreation roles and responsibilities, with Community Center and Recreation Coordinator Evelyn providing an overview of her duties and receiving questions from the Commission. Chad, the other recreation staff member, joined remotely on his vacation day. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the previous meeting were approved by general consent, with no deletions or additions proposed. Discussion Items - Role & Responsibilities Overview: Evelyn outlined her role as Community Center and Recreation Coordinator, explaining that she and Chad handle park shelter and community center room rentals, program coordination for youth sports and enrichment classes, and summer camp wrap-up. They also support outside organizations by providing space, administrative registration, and parent communication. - Marketing & Communications: Evelyn stated she handles marketing efforts including Facebook posts, email blasts, and infographics. - Ticket Sales: Chad added that the office sells Wisconsin Park and Rec discount tickets for attractions such as Mount Olympus, Noah's Ark, Milwaukee County Zoo, and Land of Natura, with roughly 800 tickets sold this past year. He noted that most customers buy two, four, or six tickets at a time. The office also sells Wisconsin State Trail Passes year-round. (Chairperson clarified this is a

The Fitchburg (Wisconsin) Tree Advisory Committee met on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 4:06 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. Members approved the previous meeting minutes and the day's agenda, reviewed the public-facing memorial tree program materials, and heard a forestry department update covering fall planting projects, the city's 21% tree canopy report, a nearly completed woodlot management plan, and early tree care needs. Note: the transcript's spoken introduction repeatedly refers to the 'city of Pittsburgh,' while the program's promotional intro references Fitchburg and the discussion cites Wisconsin municipalities; this summary follows the supplied designation of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the previous meeting were approved by voice vote, all in favor, with no opposition. - The agenda for the September 10 meeting was approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared for the non-agenda public comment period. Discussion Items: Memorial Tree Program - The committee reviewed the memorial tree program communication piece (graphic prepared by Miriam). Donors may choose the park but not the specific planting spot; city forestry staff select the location. Staff explained that park activities (concerts, festivals, athletics), underground stormwater and sanitary infrastructure, and wet spring conditions make staff selection necessary. Staff cited a current fall memorial tree in McKee Park where staff selected the location and sent a map to the donor. - Committee member Craig noted a typo in the second sentence of the 'How much does it cost' section (the transcript records 'this is the code'; the context indicates it should be 'this is the cost'). - Craig asked whether the document is backed by a formal policy. Staff responded that the document is the public communication piece and that a formal policy still needs to be drafted and moved through the city's policy framework with administration. - Craig also asked that the policy address early tree failure. Staff said memorial trees that die are typically replaced at no cost, and trees planted in spring/fall cycles are covered by nursery warranties. - The committee requested edits: change 'desired location' to 'selected location' (or 'preferred location') so donors understand staff make the final placement decision; remove the confusing phrase 'planted in your desired location' from the 'How does the program work' section; and state that after the donation is received, staff will plant the tree in the selected location. - The document is one of the action items from the city's urban forestry plan. The red lettering at the top was confirmed to be an internal OnBase packet annotation that will not appear in the public-facing version. Discussion Items: Forestry Department Report - Fall planting with Urban Tree Alliance will occur in the Belmar neighborhood using federal grant funding: approximately 60-something trees, including some in a park and many on terraces near multifamily housing. Staff described it as canopy renovation, though some locations may never have had trees before. - The city's other regular fall tree planting is scheduled for mid-October. - Staff participated in Youth Government Week, planting two trees on Research Park Drive. - Staff submitted a 'Million Trees' grant with a committee letter of support, for trees at Tigri Meadows, Terravesa, Softdale, and other parks. If awarded, as in past years, it would provide an extra $5,000 for volunteer tree planting. - The community canopy report from CarpC shows the city at 21% tree canopy for the entire city. Staff said Madison and Milton are also at 21% and other peer communities are lower (14-15%), adding that Fitchburg 'holds its own' despite limited forestry investment. The updated tree inventory is now visible in the report. - The city forestry budget is expected to be positive and will be released about a week after the meeting (around September 18, 2026). Staff offered to share the budget and the peer-community operations comparison at the next meeting. - Woodlot management plan: staff said it is nearly complete and should be on the October agenda. A proposed tour of the Holly Conservancy woodlot was discouraged because there are no maintained trails, heavy downed material (including black locust), and invasive species such as honeysuckle and buckthorn; no one has worked in that woodlot for about two years. A committee member suggested creating a trail; staff agreed a trail is needed but requires clearing and ideally the woodlot policy first. The plan references recreational opportunities but does not specifically call out a trail. - Budget proposal: staff confirmed they submitted a budget proposal to the mayor that includes an additional summer intern. The committee discussed extending the intern beyond 10 weeks or adding more hours; staff said there is year-round work (pruning, removals, and other tasks). - Tree protection ordinance: members asked about strengthening the recently approved ordinance. Staff said it is unclear what 'lever' could be used, noted that the Plan Commission (not DPW) approves development plans, and that tree surveys are already a required submittal. One member suggested creating non-binding guidelines to help developers and the Plan Commission use the tree survey data; another framed the goal as culture change so trees are treated as essential infrastructure. Staff said Fitchburg is a leader in tree preservation in Wisconsin, with only Madison doing better at protecting city trees, while acknowledging the city is still losing more trees than it preserves in some areas. Members agreed the committee needs a clear next goal; staff suggested an operations plan and mapped-out early tree care standards as the next frontier, possibly codified in policy. - Watering and early tree care: staff said they wish they could water more and have solutions planned for next year. The committee discussed news alerts, a pre-winter watering reminder, and flyers or door hangers for new trees. A member described a neighbor's recently planted terrace tree that died after looking dry; staff said it may be a replacement for an ash tree and likely under warranty. A member volunteered to research simple watering guidance, and staff noted an intern could draft materials. The committee also discussed sharing tree-protection-during-construction information through the architectural control committee. Key Outcomes - Approved the previous meeting minutes and the September 10, 2026 agenda by unanimous voice vote. - Directed staff to revise the memorial tree program communication piece (selected/preferred location wording, typo fix, removal of 'desired location' language) and to draft a formal memorial tree policy for the city's policy framework. - Forestry staff to present the nearly completed woodlot management plan at the October 8 meeting and to share the peer-community operations comparison and budget information. - The committee agreed to pursue early tree care outreach (watering guidance and a pre-winter reminder) and to consider non-binding guidelines on tree data use in development reviews as possible future work. - Next meeting: October 8, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., same location, with voting items expected. The meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.

The Public Safety and Human Services Committee met at 6 p.m. on September 8, 2026, with Chair Alder Reichstadt presiding and Alder Herbst and Alder Leper present. The committee approved the consent agenda and the recurring Birdie Derby special event permit. Consent Calendar - Alder Herbst moved to approve the consent agenda, and the motion carried by voice vote. It included the August 25th minutes, the operator license report, and approval of sound permit applications. - The operator license report contained five new operator licenses; none were renewals. - Sound permit applications approved for: - Oak Meadow HOA movie in the park at 2610 Targi Street on Saturday, September 19th, from 6 to 10 p.m. with amplified sound. - 1901 Inc. family picnic at McGaugh Park on Sunday, September 20th, from noon to 4 p.m. with amplified sound. - Czar's Promise Inspiring Hope Walk at McKee Farms Park on Sunday, October 11th, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with amplified sound. - Active Youth Wisconsin's Birdie Derby 5K and 10K on Thursday, November 26th, with amplified sound at Sagora Pavilion from 7 to 11 a.m., Glacier Valley Road from 8:30 to 11 a.m., Woods Hollow Road from 8:50 to 11 a.m., and use of Fitchburg streets from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Public Comments & Testimony - No public appearances were made for non-agenda items in the room or online. Discussion Items - The committee reviewed the special event license application for the recurring Birdie Derby hosted by Active Youth Wisconsin at 200 East Verona Avenue, number 126, Verona, scheduled for Thursday, November 26th. - Amanda, representing Active Youth Wisconsin, confirmed the event is unchanged from last year and requested warmer weather. She estimated about 5,500 participants. - In response to a question, she explained that northbound Fish Hatchery is fully closed for a short period, with no detour signs placed; it closes at 8 a.m. and reopens by about 10:30 a.m. - Staff noted that Active Youth Wisconsin had reached out to affected residents along the road. - Committee members called the event great and expressed support for its continuation. Key Outcomes - The committee approved the Birdie Derby special event permit unanimously by voice vote on a motion by Alder Herbst. - The consent agenda was approved by voice vote. - The next committee meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2026. - The meeting adjourned at 6:06 p.m.

On September 8, 2026, the Fitchburg Finance Committee met to review financial reports, bills, and resolutions. No agenda or minutes were available for this summary, which is based on the raw transcription. The committee approved the August 25, 2026 minutes and three resolutions, and heard a finance update covering debt disclosure, the upcoming city budget, and the 2026 bond sale. Minutes Approval - The committee approved the minutes from August 25, 2026, on a motion by Alder Gerhardt. No questions were raised, and the motion carried by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public appeared online or in chambers for non-agenda public appearances. Finance Structure Report - Finance staff reported that the annual continuing disclosure filing had been completed and uploaded to EMMA, the national debt repository for issuers. - A committee member noted that the city has issued nearly $82 million in debt since 2015 and has about $53 million outstanding. Finance staff confirmed the city's guideline is to repay most debt within 10 years and that the city is within that policy. - The mayor's proposed budget is scheduled to be posted on the city website next week Friday. Additional special finance committee meetings are planned for late September or early October. - The 2026 debt issuance will be handled through a parameter sale resolution that will be referred directly to the next finance and council meeting. The bond sale is scheduled for mid-October, with closing in early November. City staff are still preparing documents for bond counsel, and a representative from Ellers will walk through the documents on September 22. Review of Bills - The committee reviewed checks 13146 through 131242 issued August 16-31, 2026, totaling $1,727,439.20. One committee member asked about the first check, for a Titan 2024 Case excavator; staff explained that the purchase was within budget and followed the purchasing process, so no prior approval was needed. - ACH payments from August 1-31, 2026, totaling $713,332.48, were reviewed. - Checks of $10,000 and above from August 16-31, 2026, totaling $1,656,352.10, were reviewed. Resolution R172-26: Wellness Day MOU - The committee approved a one-year wellness day memorandum of understanding for 2027. Chief Sarver explained that it grew out of the arbitration process and would provide one shift period off to attend a wellness visit and use the remainder for personal wellness and mental health. The department's shift period is 24 hours, compared with eight hours for the police department. - Follow-up mental health support is available through peer support, employee assistance programs, a cognitive coaching app, and EMS grant funding. Attendance would be verified while maintaining confidentiality. The transcript contains an apparent transcription inconsistency, referring both to 'one shift period off' and later to 'the one hour period'; the described benefit is a shift period. - The motion was approved by voice vote. Resolution R174-26: McKee Farms Park Signs and Splash Pad Maintenance - The committee approved using unexpended McKee Farms Park capital project funds for two purposes: $16,275 to replace three property identification signs with corrected spelling, and $17,940 for splash pad maintenance, including past spring repairs and expected off-season repairs. - A committee member questioned replacing signs that still had useful life because of a spelling error. Staff noted that the manufacturer could not correct just one letter, all three signs would need full replacement, and the misspelling had been tolerated by the McKee family for nearly 20 years. The resolution was approved by voice vote. Resolution R179-26: Insurance Risk Management Fund Defensive Claims - The committee approved a budget amendment allowing the city to use the insurance risk management fund's remaining fund balance to defend claims. The fund covers workers' compensation, employee liability, property insurance, and other insurance costs. The fund has faced many claims, including assessment, condemnation, and police-related claims. - The fund was expected to have about $265,000, or 22% of estimated expenditures, at the end of 2026. Staff acknowledged that using it would put the fund below the city's fund balance policy, but a plan exists to rebuild the balance in future years. The resolution was approved by voice vote. Key Outcomes - Approved the August 25, 2026 minutes. - Approved Resolution R172-26 (wellness day MOU) by voice vote. - Approved Resolution R174-26 (McKee Farms Park signs and splash pad maintenance) by voice vote. - Approved Resolution R179-26 (insurance risk management fund defensive claims) by voice vote. - The next finance committee meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2026. - The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.

The Common Council met on September 8, 2026, for a regular meeting. Proceedings included consent agenda approval, administrative and mayor's reports, updates from various commissions and committees, standing committee reports, consideration of two resolutions, and alder reports. Key topics encompassed the city budget, a wellness day memorandum of understanding for firefighters, and an insurance fund budget amendment. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously without discussion. Administrative Report - City Administrator Chad Brecklin provided updates. He noted the splash pad season ended on Labor Day. The Iron Man triathlons (half and full) are scheduled for September 12–13, causing road delays. Upcoming events include an e-shred event on September 19, a farmers market on September 22, and a community meal on October 1. The Fitchburg Star is ceasing print publication but continuing online. Sidewalk replacement is nearly complete; absentee ballots are being mailed. He thanked first responders for their response to a fire on Pike Drive. - Alder Joe expressed concern over the Fitchburg Star's cessation of print without proper notice, calling it inequitable and noting that working-class neighborhoods lost coverage. The city has named the Wisconsin State Journal as official publication. - Alder Logan asked if the city had funded postage for the Star; Administrator Brecklin stated the city never provided financial assistance for postage, only for advertisements. Mayor's Report - Mayor Radafrata reported the 2026 budget is balanced and will be published September 18. She thanked staff and the finance committee. She attended Gigi's Playhouse ribbon cutting (with the governor) and the police pinning ceremony, congratulating promotees. Upcoming: a community listening session on September 24, mayor's office hours on September 10 and 24, and orange lights on city hall for Hunger Action Month. She encouraged ride-alongs with fire and police. She shared the Community Canopy Report. Commission and Committee Reports - Plan Commission: Meeting next week. - Board of Public Works: Belmar and Tower Hill utilities fully installed; curb/gutter replacement ongoing, paving later this month. Sidewalk replacement complete. Whalen Road grading ongoing with cleanup before Iron Man. Well 12 pre-construction meeting scheduled. Fitchrona Road tree clearing complete. Meeting was canceled due to lack of agenda items. - Park Commission: Resolution R 174-26 (amending 2026 capital projects fund budget) was postponed to October 13 because the September meeting lacked a quorum. - Library Board: Meeting next week for annual library director evaluation. Used book sale October 22–24; book donations requested. - Resource Conservation Commission: Electronics recycling and paper shredding event September 19 at City Hall, 8–11 a.m. Volunteers needed. - Community and Economic Development Authority (CEDA): Alder Jake reported. CEDA reviewed revolving loan fund guidelines (currently excluding restaurants/retail); potential amendments due to a brewery needing assistance. Hotel room taxes up. Housing stability fund for seniors (age 55+ at ≤60% Dane County median income) discussed. Jamestown Quarry updates: McDonald's occupancy permit issued; Chick-fil-A to open after Labor Day; apartment building broke ground; retail center expanded to 80,000 sq. ft. with Ross, Marshall's, and a specialty grocer. UPS store under construction; received Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation grant. - Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission: Alder Joe announced bike-friendly business award renewals (Allied Boys & Girls Club, Kale Engineering, Oasis Cafe, Shine Technology – two promoted from bronze to silver). Fitchburg ranks sixth but is effectively first. An increase in motorized bicycles (e-motos) not classified by state law was noted; commission awaits state legislation. As mentioned in Alder reports, a pick-me-up-at-the-border ride is scheduled for September 18 at 6:30 p.m. from Seminole Tap. No e-bikes allowed. - EMS Commission: Meets at end of month. - Healthy Neighborhoods Advisory Committee: Next meeting October 14. September events include neighborhood meals, farmers market, and community dinners. - Housing Advisory Committee: Next meeting October 12. Housing stability assistance program and down payment assistance program with Dane County under consideration. - Landmarks Preservation Commission: Alder Logan announced the commission will meet on September 28 (first since October 2022) to discuss renovations at the Ruud property (farmhouse near proposed Hive on Lacey Road). - Trade Advisory Committee: Meets this Thursday; topic: memorial trees. - Community and Equity Advisory Committee: Reviewed community engagement plan for comprehensive plan, introduced equity rubric. Drafted proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15). - Office of Equity and Community: Hispanic Heritage Month speaker series: Alder Maldonado spoke on September 2; Arelia Estrada from United Way to speak September 16. Social workers working with eviction clients; meeting with YMCA CEO; HI grant timeline. - MPO Policy Board: Alder Micah reported. Transportation improvement program open for comment through September 21. Resolution recognizing Week Without Driving (October 1–8). Unified planning work program presented. Federal funding increase of 2% (below inflation). Standing Committee Reports - Finance Committee: Annual debt disclosure filed. Parameter sale resolution for debt issuance to be brought next meeting. - Personnel Committee: No updates. - Public Safety and Human Services: Approved special event permit for Birdie Derby (Thanksgiving morning). New Business - Resolution R 172-26 – Approval of Wellness Day MOU for Fire Department: Fire Chief presented. Provides each firefighter one paid shift off per year for mental health wellness, including a required meeting with a provider. Budgeted at 300 hours for 2027. One-year MOU expiring at end of 2027. Alders expressed support. Approved unanimously. - Resolution R 179-26 – Amending 2026 Insurance Risk Management Fund Budget – Defense of Claims: Due to increased claims (Fitchrona Road reconstruction condemnations, police claims), additional funds are needed. Two-thirds of the increase is for Fitchrona. Approved via roll call (all ayes, no nays). Alder Reports (District Updates) - District 1: Alder Dave reported on a car theft on Chesapeake and advised locking cars. Planned meeting with owner, management, and police regarding issues at a new apartment building. - District 2: Alder expressed sympathies for those displaced by a fire on North Fish Hatchery Road. Upcoming events: farmers market fall fest, pick-me-up-at-the-border ride, a book discussion on transportation planning, and a passive building tour. - District 3: Alder Logan reported on a meeting with Waterford Glen homeowners association about speeding and a proposed development. Attended Southdale movie in the park and a public involvement meeting for the Highway MM bike/pedestrian underpass. Noted road construction delays on Lacey Road and Larson Road. Iron Man route maps posted. Promoted the Walk for Warriors on September 19. - District 4: Alder Jake attended Gigi's Playhouse opening and the police swearing-in. Announced ribbon cutting for new sushi restaurant (Mijabi) on September 15. Mayor Radafrata addressed speeding, urging residents to slow down and stating that behavior change is needed rather than speed bumps. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved. - Resolution R 174-26 postponed to October 13 meeting. - Resolution R 172-26 (Wellness Day MOU) approved. - Resolution R 179-26 (Insurance fund budget) approved via roll call. - Meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.

The Fitchburg Bike and Ped Commission met on September 2, 2026, with Chair Andy Potts presiding. Present were members Kelly Jetser, Mark Hamilton, Brandon Haas, Jim Denham, and Joe Albado; Josh Olson was excused. The commission approved the August 5, 2026 minutes, received updates on public works and staffing, heard from Bike Fitchburg, and discussed next steps on greenway and youth bike education initiatives. No members of the public appeared for non-agenda items. Minutes Approval - The commission corrected an initial reference to June 3 and approved the minutes from August 5, 2026 by voice vote with no opposition. Public Works Updates - Ross reported that the Schumann Drive on-street multi-use paths are complete, with posts and paint installed and positive neighborhood feedback. - The County Highway MM Underpass public involvement meeting was held the previous Thursday and drew good feedback; design work continues, with construction planned to start in the spring. - The Fitcherona Road project is set to start in the spring; utility work and tree clearing are already underway. Quarry Ridge Bike Park remains open, but access requires waiting through flagging operations. - The annual sidewalk project is substantially complete: all planned sidewalk has been poured and staff are completing inspections and restoration. - Ross announced a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant of approximately $700,000-750,000 for the Traceway path from Fish Hatchery Road near Hoshi, past Leopold School, to the Cannonball Trail. The path ends less than 100 feet inside Madison. Local access TV recorded the presentation portion of the MM underpass meeting, but not the open-house Q&A. Staffing Transition Update - Phil, who staffs the commission as sustainability specialist, announced this was his last week with Fitchburg after roughly four weeks of transition work. He apologized for sending the transition plan to Chair Andy two weeks earlier but not to the full commission. - Adam Sayre, deputy city administrator, said the city is taking time to review the position description, especially in light of the field referendum, and to consider capacity elsewhere. He expects more certainty in about a month. - Adam and Ross will provide interim support; Phil's sustainability projects will be assisted by Adam, and Ross will remain the main infrastructure staff contact. - Commission members asked about the staffing timeline and unfinished items. Phil agreed to send notes on open items, including a sidewalk-related recommendation and the long-running bike-on-sidewalks policy question. Bike Fitchburg Update - Bike Fitchburg's Steve congratulated the city on the TAP grant and said the route fills an identified gap in a healthy neighborhood initiative area. - Community Night Out included a successful bike rodeo with eight stations, loaner bikes and helmets, and two league cycling instructors supervising volunteers. - In the Bicycle Friendly Business program, 11 businesses received awards in 2022; one later left the city and nine have renewed. Bike Fitchburg is the remaining original awardee and is working toward an October 30 renewal deadline, with four or five additional businesses under consideration. - The city remains sixth in the nation overall, and first in the nation among awardees in good standing within their four-year award period. - Upcoming events include the Pick me up at the Border night gravel ride on September 18 at 7 p.m. from Seminole Tap, a Ride for Joe at 10 a.m. that day, a September 23 helmet-fitting event at Leopold Park with UW Health Fit Helmets, and Paddle Palooza on September 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Memorial UCC with a bike rodeo and repair fundraiser for Cycling Without Age. - Bike Fitchburg's monthly meeting was canceled; it will give a greenway presentation to the Park Commission on October 1. Greenway and School Bike Education Discussion - Steve said he has spoken with the mayor about reintroducing a resolution to recognize and master plan the city's 50 miles of multi-use paths as the Fitchburg Greenway system. The proposal has been pending since 2022 and was unanimously supported by the Park Commission in 2023. - An informational presentation is planned for the October 1 Park Commission meeting, after the scheduled September meeting was canceled for lack of quorum. - Commission members expressed interest in receiving a longer version of the greenway presentation at a future Bike and Ped Commission meeting. - Members also discussed youth bike education, including a possible Strider bike program at Leopold School and potential work with the Oregon School District through All Kids Bike. Key Outcomes - Approved the August 5, 2026 meeting minutes by voice vote; no opposition. - Took no formal action on staffing; the city is reviewing the sustainability specialist position and will provide more information in about a month. - Agreed to schedule a longer greenway presentation for a future Bike and Ped Commission meeting and to follow up on outstanding commission items through Phil's notes. - Adjourned by voice vote on a motion by Mark, seconded by Joe.

On August 28, 2026, the City of Fitchburg held a public involvement meeting for the proposed County Highway MM underpass project. Ross Kaler, Transportation Engineer and city project manager, along with Josh Swaino of the project designer MSA, presented the design, schedule, funding, and answered questions from attendees. The project aims to construct a pedestrian and bicycle underpass and associated trail to improve connectivity and safety. Discussion Items - Project Description: The underpass will be a 14-foot-wide by 10-foot-high box culvert with a 10-foot-wide paved asphalt trail (concrete inside the culvert). Approximately 905 linear feet of trail will be built, and about 450 feet of County MM will be reconstructed with beam guard and a paved width of 36 feet. The road profile will not change. - Schedule: Currently in design; design completion scheduled for the end of 2026. The project will be bid in early 2027, construction will start in summer 2027, and County MM is expected to re-open before the start of school in 2027. Some trail work may extend slightly beyond that. - Funding: The project received a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant from WisDOT for $430,000, originally covering about half of the $900,000 estimated total cost. The remaining cost will be funded by the City of Fitchburg through its CIP (borrowing). The grant requires the project to proceed on the described timeline. - Route and Connectivity: The trail will connect to the existing trail on the east side of MM, south of Lionel Court. It will go under MM and exit on the west side into an area of planned redevelopment. Future developments (e.g., Syncopation) will extend the trail northward, eventually linking to the Capital City State Trail at McCoy Road. That connection is not part of this project and depends on development timing. - Safety Purpose: The underpass will provide a safe way for children and residents to cross County MM, especially for access to Forest Edge Elementary, and fills a gap in the pedestrian network. Public Comments & Testimony - Several attendees asked about the choice of an underpass versus an overpass or at-grade crossing. The designers explained that the existing topography (a deep ditch on the east side and significant slopes) makes the underpass the most feasible option. - One resident asked whether the tunnel would be lighted; staff confirmed that lighting will be installed inside the structure. Lighting on the approaches is not currently planned. - Questions about drainage and potential flooding were addressed: the culvert will have a continuous grade with the low point outside the structure on the west side, and water will be directed via a flume to the existing ditch. No standing water is expected. - A member of the public requested that salt not be used on the trail; staff noted that city parks staff will handle snow and ice control with salting, brining, and plowing. - Concerns were raised about future connectivity: the underpass does not eliminate the existing at-grade intersection crossing at MM and McCoy, and on-street bike lanes will remain. - Logan, a city staff member, clarified the grant timeline, emphasizing that the grant deadlines are driving the project schedule. - Steve, a resident, discussed the history of Fitchburg’s opportunistic trail-building approach and the long-term plan to link trails. - No formal opposition to the project was expressed; questions focused on details and implementation. Key Outcomes - The project design is proceeding with input from the public meeting; no formal decisions or votes were taken. - The underpass will be built to current plans, with construction expected to begin in summer 2027 and completion by fall 2027. - The city will fund the local share through CIP borrowing; the TAP grant constrains the timeline. - Future northward trail connections will be built by private developers as parcels develop; the city has no set schedule to complete the link independently. - Staff will consider feedback on lighting, drainage, and salt use in final design.

The meeting on 2026-08-27 was an arraignment session presided over by The Honorable Omni Azuler. The judge explained court procedures, plea options, potential penalties, and the city’s individualized justice philosophy to the assembled individuals. Arraignment Process & Plea Options - Judge Azuler explained the three plea alternatives: not guilty, guilty, and no contest, including the legal consequences of each. - He advised that a plea of no contest is advantageous when civil liability might be involved (e.g., car accidents), because unlike a guilty plea, a no contest plea may not be used against the defendant in a subsequent civil court claim. Demerit Points & DUI Procedures - Judge Azuler warned that a guilty finding for traffic citations results in demerit points; accumulating 12 demerit points in a single year would lead to revocation of driving privileges. - Individuals charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant have the right to request a jury trial, which would be held in Dane County Circuit Court rather than in Fitchburg. Sentencing Philosophy & Municipal Ordinance Procedures - The judge explained that Fitchburg's philosophy is to individualize justice: mitigating circumstances and past record are considered, and two people with identical citations could receive different outcomes. - With exceptions for alcohol- or drug-related citations, the judge may reduce points or fines for those with clean records and good mitigating circumstances. - For city ordinances with criminal code counterparts (e.g., theft, disorderly conduct, carrying concealed weapon, prostitution), convictions in municipal court are civil commitments, not criminal convictions. The judge stated he does not compromise penalties in these cases. - If a defendant cannot pay a fine immediately, they must explain why; the maximum payment extension is 60 days, renewable. If fines remain unpaid, the city may seek a warrant for arrest and jail time of up to 90 days (transcript says up to 90 days? Actually says

The Community Economic Development Authority (CEDA) met on August 27, 2026, at 7:00 AM. The meeting covered discussions on revising the Revolving Loan Fund guidelines, an update on hotel room tax revenues, and a proposed Housing Stability Pilot Program for seniors. No formal votes were taken, but direction was given for future agenda items. Consent Calendar - Minutes from June 25, 2026 were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present for non-agenda items. Discussion Items - Fitchburg Revolving Loan Fund Program: Staff introduced a request to review the loan fund guidelines, particularly regarding restaurants and alcohol‑licensed businesses. Historically, the fund avoided such businesses due to perceived risk, but recent success with restaurant loans during COVID and a specific request from a long‑standing local restaurant prompted reconsideration. The fund currently holds approximately $180,000. Members expressed support for revisiting the policy, noting that the last restaurant funded before the policy change remains in business and that COVID-era restaurant loans performed well. A formal discussion is scheduled for the next meeting on September 24, 2026. - Hotel Room Tax Report: Staff presented the second quarter 2026 room tax collection of $218,834, a 36% increase over the prior year, driven by a rate increase to 8% and the new SpringHill Suites. Year‑to‑date collections are $325,415. The 2027 budget projection is $697,000, based on actual Q1/Q2 data and conservative estimates for Q3/Q4. The chamber receives 70% of room tax revenue. Staff noted that the current policy allowing up to $2,500 for promotional items without further CEDA approval remains in place. - Housing Programs Update: A new Housing Stability Pilot Program was presented for feedback. It would allocate $100,000 from the existing $500,000 affordable housing fund for seniors (age 55+) renters at or below 60% AMI. Maximum assistance is $1,000 per household for one‑time expenses such as security deposits, moving costs, or emergency furniture. The program would be administered through Dane County Human Services, with caseworkers determining eligibility and priority based on urgency. Staff emphasized that the program aims to prevent homelessness and help seniors remain in Fitchburg. No formal action was taken, but the concept received positive feedback. Additional housing updates included progress on Land Use Restriction Agreements (LURAs), down payment assistance, and a CDBG‑funded single‑family home project expected to issue an RFP in fall 2026. Key Outcomes - Revolving Loan Fund: Staff will bring revised guidelines to the next meeting on September 24, 2026, for a policy decision. - Housing Stability Pilot: Staff will proceed with finalizing the program through Dane County and aim to launch in fall 2026. - Next Meeting: Scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 7:00 AM.