Fitchburg Common Council Meeting - October 14, 2025

The Fitchburg Common Council met on October 14, 2025, at 6:34 PM, with Mayor Julia Ratafrata presiding and all alders present except Alder Dancer Jr. (excused) and Alder Gearhurt (without excuse). The meeting covered public appearances, proclamations, appointments, a public hearing on the 2026 operating budget, approval of a consent agenda, numerous resolutions, commission reports, and alder district updates.

Public Appearances

• Paul Algiers (2470 South Syene Road) requested council support for enforcing city ordinances against a neighboring property that has accumulated junk, wood piles, auto parts, and debris since 2000. He stated he has filed complaints since 2004 and organized a 2016 neighborhood petition to reinstate an omitted ordinance. He urged the council to take action on all listed violations. His speaking time expired after three minutes.

Proclamations

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October): Mayor Ratafrata read a proclamation recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Statistics cited: 316,950 women expected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the U.S. in 2025, and about 42,170 deaths; in Wisconsin, approximately 5,920 expected diagnoses and 690 deaths. Death rates have declined by 44% since 1989 due to early detection and treatment. City Hall will shine pink throughout the month.
• Pedestrian Safety Month and White Cane Safety Day (October 15): Proclamation noted that over 100,000 Wisconsinites have vision loss, and Wisconsin's white cane law requires drivers to stop at least 10 feet from pedestrians using a white cane or service animal. A resident, Jim (also a Bicycle Pedestrian Commission member and employee of Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired), spoke in support, highlighting that 34% of Wisconsin residents cannot or choose not to drive.

Appointments

• Diana De Pierola appointed to the Resource Conservation Commission (term expiring April 2027). She works for Focus on Energy in energy efficiency, is a lawyer from Peru, and has lived in Fitchburg for 8 years. Approved unanimously.
• Brett Wagner appointed to the Library Board (term expiring April 18, 2028). He is an engineer with 20 years in technical and digital transformation, ran for Madison School Board on a literacy platform. He cited that 90% of African American students and 75% of Hispanic students in Madison read below grade level. Approved unanimously.

Public Hearing

• Resolution R-177-25 (Mayor's Proposed 2026 Operating Budget): No members of the public spoke. The hearing was closed.

Consent Agenda

• Approved with a friendly amendment to item 5C (preliminary plat for No Oaks Ranch) changing “west of highway 18” to “west of highway 14.” The consent agenda included routine approvals and was passed unanimously.

Administrative Report

• City Administrator reported on upcoming events: Fitrona EMS annual meeting (Oct 16, 7 PM), Business After 4 at Four Winds Farm (Oct 21, 4:30 PM), virtual public information meeting on Perry Street extension (Oct 22, 6 PM), groundbreaking for UW Health UnityPoint Meriter rehabilitation hospital in Uptown (Oct 30), Fitchburg Business Luncheon (Oct 30), and Traceway Hub opening (Nov 24, 3-6 PM).
• Police Department reorganization: Support specialists filled, dispatch operations ceased earlier this week, and internal promotions are being filled. Fencing has gone up at the new police services facility site.
• Syene Road reconstruction Phase 3 (West Clayton to McCoy Road) remains on track for early November completion; no further reconstruction plans for several years.
• Council operating budget amendments are due October 16 at 4:30 PM.
• Process to fill the alder seat vacated by Alder Vafadar: Applications due November 4; Committee of the Whole on November 17 to interview candidates; council vote anticipated on November 25.

Mayor's Report

• First exploratory meeting with Verona and Oregon regarding a joint EMS and fire district was held two weeks ago; Verona Council is open to continuing the conversation; next meeting scheduled for end of October.
• Attended listening sessions, coffee with the mayor, Centro Hispano gala, ribbon cutting for McGaw Park pickleball courts, economic forecast conference, police department award ceremony, Bike the Burbs event.
• Fire union contract moving to arbitration; EMS union contract underway.

Commission and Committee Reports

• Plan Commission: Next meeting October 21 at 6:30 PM. Two minor comprehensive plan amendments referred to council for December.
• Board of Public Works:
  • Resolution R-133-25 (2026 Solid Waste Collection Rates): Rate set at $236/year (up from $232) for refuse, recycling, 5 yard-waste pickups, 14 brush pickups, Christmas tree pickup, and recycling center services. Fund balance is healthy at 30%; $11,000 from fund balance will be used. Approved.
  • Resolution R-155-25 (accepting subdivision improvements for Phase 4 of High Field Reserve): Previously postponed due to liens; liens released and inspections complete. Approved.
  • Resolution R-156-25 (accepting subdivision improvements for Oak Meadow Reserve): Similar to previous; lien removed. Approved.
  • Resolution R-161-25 (design services for County Highway MM underpass): Bicycle/pedestrian underpass to connect Terra Vesca to Capital City Trail, with 60% federal grant. Design to be completed; project to be bid spring 2027. Alder Logan expressed desire for a temporary slip bike lane until development on Fosside property proceeds. Approved.
  • Resolution R-163-25 (second amendment for engineering services for Fitchrona Road Reconstruction): Upsizing sanitary sewer and other unanticipated work; $20,310 moved from Lacey Road/Fitchrona Seminal project. Future assessments on developing properties. Approved.
• Parks Commission:
  • Resolution R-171-25 (lighting for McGaw Park pickleball courts): Public comment: Erin Scheter and Carlos Castillon spoke in support; Patrick Cheney asked about separate switches. The resolution includes installation of 12 lights (four new courts and eight existing courts) with separate switches for four and eight courts ($3,250). Council discussed using Artisan Village park fees (must be spent by April 2027) for the project; remaining funds from town of Madison annexation are available for future park needs. Community members noted 9,000 visits in the past year, a 46% year-over-year growth in pickleball, and inclusive nature. Approved with staff direction to include the separate switches.
• Library Board: Next meeting tomorrow with new member.
• Resource Conservation Commission: Update on watershed program with MMSD; 2025 annual report and 2026 calendar; first Green Thursday event November 6; joint bike/walk events; food scrap collection bins to be placed near Swan Creek shelter by end of October.
  • Resolution R-173-25 (Joining Wisconsin Local Government Climate Coalition): Phil Gronning (sustainability specialist) presented. LGCC now has 40 member communities covering 40% of Wisconsin's population; Fitchburg will join, with no membership fee. Approved.
• Transportation and Transit Commission: Reviewed RFPs for comprehensive safety action plans as next step in Vision Zero. More to come.
• Community and Economic Development Authority (CEDA):
  • Resolution R-178-25 (City in Motion Economic Vision and Strategy Update 2025): Scope of services with Vandewalle Associates and cost-sharing with Fitchburg Chamber/Visitor Business Bureau. Total cost $77,400: $25,000 from TID closure, $20,000 from chamber, $32,500 from CEDA room tax. Kickoff meeting November 20. Roll call vote passed (Ayes: Gerhardt, Herbs, Jetzer, Laddase, Maldonado, Ragstack; Dancer absent).
• AG and Rural Affairs Committee: Next meeting October 21.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission: Update from October 3 meeting: presentation from Wisconsin Bike Fed, GIS mapping tools. Next meeting December 3.
• Healthy Neighborhood Committee: Moved to postpone Resolution R-1962 (strategic plan) indefinitely. Reasons: staff capacity, nearly a year since draft, new council members. Intent to reconvene a work group with outside facilitator in Q1 2026. Original budget has unspent TID closure funds. Postponed.
• Housing Advisory Committee: Update on funders forum (Nov 14), Avante Lido apartments affordable unit pilot (10%), Gorman team land identification, land banking RFP feedback. Caution: Dane County budget eliminates two regional housing strategy positions; alder Gerhardt will write a letter to supervisors. Meeting on October 17.
• Landmark Preservation Commission: Discussion with chair about using existing study to identify potential historic structures and reaching out to property owners for opt-in to access tax credits.
• Urban Forestry Commission: Open house for urban forestry management plan held; draft survey data presented. Next meeting December 4 to review draft plan; finalization expected Q1 2026.
• Community Equity Committee: Not meeting due to need to appoint last member; application to come to council October 28.
• Finance Committee: Budget process update: amendments due October 16 at 4:30 PM; Committee of the Whole October 29; final public hearing and council vote November 11.
  • Resolution R-169-25 (Community and Historical Exhibit at City Hall): Contract with Zebra Dog for design and installation ($37,400) using TID closure money. Budget amendment moves $40,000 from operating to capital. Council members suggested including input from long-time families, the historical society, agriculture component, and acknowledgment of pre-1800s history. Roll call vote passed (Ayes: Gerhardt, Herbs, Jetzer, Laddase, Maldonado, Ragstack; Dancer absent).
• Personnel Committee: No update.

New Business

• Resolution R-193-25 (Purchase of Police Vehicle): For a detective sergeant as part of police reorganization. $44,000 for a vehicle on a lot; equipment build-out later. Net neutral cost. Approved.

Alder District Reports

• District 4 (Alder Gerhardt): Hosted listening session, participated in Week Without Driving (biked, made it to Sunday 7 PM), attended Oak Bank pumpkin giveaway and fire department open house. Trick-or-treat hours October 31, 4-7 PM. Oscar Mayer Wiener Mobile at farmers market October 16.
• District 3 (Alder Logan): Completed Week Without Driving (would have struggled with grocery run). Held listening session at Limerick senior housing; strong support for transit expansion (Routes 65 and 75 and Paratransit). Reported 18 riders on Route 65. Uptown Hills affordable townhouse project (24 units) has begun construction. Brush/yard waste pickup weeks: Oct 27 and Nov 10; free yard waste poly bags from city. Noted meeting four Fitchburg residents on a dive trip in the Maldives.
• District 1 (Alder Herbs): Also did Week Without Driving (not unusual). Community discussion recorded. Bike camping trip to Lake Kegonsa State Park. Tower Hill shelter completion by end of month (awaiting windows/doors). Fish Hatchery Road repairs at Cheryl and Lacey nearing completion. Dane County renewable diesel webinar; staff will trial renewable diesel in a snowplow this winter and street sweeper next summer.
• Alder Maldonado: Announced pumpkin carving at Marlborough Park (Oct 25, 3-6 PM) hosted by Allied Dunns Marsh Neighborhood Association. Noted UW Madison professors received $3M grant for Puerto Rican studies research hub.
• Alder Ragstack: Toys for Tots at Boys and Girls Club in December; register by end of October. Noted massive structure at the Quarry (Texas wrap) visible from Fitchrona Road. Fitchrona Road closed for about another month. McKee Park name spelled with capital K (donor's name was misspelled); family willing to pay for new signs.

Announcements

• Next Committee of the Whole: October 22 (amended to October 29, 6:30 PM) to discuss operating budget amendments.
• Next Common Council meeting: October 28, 2025.
• Motion to adjourn approved.