Fitchburg Board of Public Works Meeting - October 20, 2025

The Fitchburg Board of Public Works met on October 20, 2025, to address a public hearing on sidewalk assessments, discuss a contested holding tank application, review utility payments, receive updates from the Public Works Department, and vote on several resolutions. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM.

Public Hearing

• 2024 Sidewalk Replacement Final Assessment: The public hearing was opened and closed. Questions were raised about billing percentages (20%, 25%, 50%, 100%) for properties on Richardson, which were part of the 2023 project and adjusted to honor 2023 pricing.

Approval of Minutes

• October 8, 2025 Meeting Minutes: Approved as amended. Amendments corrected wording regarding an electrical modification for tennis courts at McKee Farms Park (changing "ability to turn one court on at a time" to "bank of four and a bank of six") and removed the word "less" from "if cost to do so is less reasonable."

Discussion Items

• Holding Tank Upgrade at 2995 South Syene Road: The board discussed a proposal to install a new holding tank to serve the front building of Javasi's property, which currently lacks restroom facilities. The property already has a 2000-gallon tank for the back building and a septic system for the residence. Speakers:

  • Bill Mabel (representing property owner Joe Javasi) and Mark Jones (construction expert) explained that the front building needs restrooms for its trailer manufacturing business and that a holding tank is the only feasible option because the soil will not support a septic or mound system. They noted that Dane County has no objection and that the owner has a maintenance agreement with Dvorak Pumping.
  • Former Mayor Tom Clouter spoke in support, emphasizing that Javasi has been a city resident for 50 years, provides restroom access to bike path users, and that the cost of extending sewer service (over $250,000) is prohibitive. He urged the board to apply common sense.
  • Board members expressed concerns about setting a precedent, environmental risks, and the appropriate tank size (the application listed 5,000 gallons but the speaker suggested 3,000 gallons). City staff noted that the current application is incorrect and requires revision. No vote was taken; the chair indicated willingness to support if a corrected application is submitted.

• Review of Utility B Card and Check Payments: The board reviewed payments, including a $1,000+ charge for Swan Creek sample analysis at the state lab of hygiene, and sewer patches at locations on Agamon and Pheasant streets. Questions were raised about the cause of sewer pipe cracks and the tracking of maintenance expenditures.

Public Works Director Report

• Tim Volker provided updates:
  • A social media post about leaf-free streets was published on October 13.
  • Bounce tests at McKee Farms Park tennis courts passed at all 36 locations.
  • Hate Farm Road will be closed October 23–31 for a water main installation (Uptown Hills Development).
  • City of Madison will hold a virtual public information meeting on the Perry Street Connection Study on October 22 at 6 PM.
  • Syene Road reconstruction (Phase 3) is on track for a November 3 opening; binder and surface asphalt are installed.
  • Fitcherona Road reconstruction TPP was approved; land acquisition negotiations are underway.
  • Fish Hatchery Road repairs at Lacey and East Cheryl intersections are complete; remaining repairs expected early next week.

Resolutions Approved

• R159-25 (2024 Sidewalk Replacement Final Assessment): Approved unanimously.
• R140-25 (Rejection of Well #12 Facility Bids): Approved unanimously. The low bid was 28% higher than the engineer's estimate (bids ranged from $3 million to $4.9 million). The project will be redesigned to remove an open-air shelter and rebid over winter.
• R183-25 (Purchase of Plow Truck Equipment for Fourth Chassis): Approved unanimously. Delivery expected in approximately two years. Includes a wing side airbag for leaf spring support. The city is exploring GPS tracking for snowplows.
• R190-25 (Subdivision Improvements Agreement for Gusto Development CSM): Approved unanimously. Phase one includes 88 multifamily units at Lacey and Seminole; total site planned for 304 units. No public streets; water and sewer will have easements.
• R192-25 (Acceptance of Public Traffic Signal Easement in Outlot 3, Jamestown Quarry): Approved unanimously. Easement for traffic signal controller cabinet at Jamestown Way and Fitcherona Road.
• R182-25 (Amendment 1 for Well #12 and Tower D Engineering Services): Approved unanimously. $60,000 amendment to remove the open-air shelter from the well facility design and cover time extension costs due to schedule changes.
• R189-25 (Conditional Approval of Holding Tank at 2309 Two Lane Street): Approved unanimously. The existing septic system failed; soil conditions prevent a conventional system. A 3000-gallon holding tank was approved with conditions: no expansion of sewage generation, holding tank must be abandoned if property subdivided, and a recorded agreement with the city.

Key Outcomes

• All agenda items were addressed; the seven resolutions were approved unanimously.
• No decision was reached on the Syene Road holding tank; the applicant was directed to submit a corrected application.
• The board will reconvene on Monday, November 3, 2025 (note: clocks fall back the day before).

Meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM.