Fitchburg Senior Center Committee Meeting - October 9, 2025

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.