Fitchburg Resource Conservation Commission Meeting - October 13, 2025

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.