Fitchburg Resource Conservation Commission (RCC) Meeting – February 9, 2026

The Fitchburg RCC met on February 9, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The commission voted on two resolutions, discussed the 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan, reviewed the draft MS4 annual report, and set strategic objectives for the year. Unanimous approval was given to join the Renew the Blue Council and to continue the USGS Swan Creek monitoring station. Commissioners expressed support for applying to the LEED for Cities certification cohort. Other topics included the Green Thursday film series, Wisconsin Eco Latinos event, and updates on stormwater, sustainability, and solid waste programs.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the minutes from the January 12, 2026 RCC meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• None received.

Discussion Items

• Resolution R-32-26 – Renew the Blue Council: Ben Stubben presented the council, which brings together municipalities, businesses, nonprofits, and farmer-led groups to implement 12 high‑priority actions to reduce phosphorus in the Yahara chain of lakes. Fitchburg would send two delegates (Ben and Ron French) to five meetings in 2026. A $2,000 membership fee ($1,000 Clean Lakes Alliance membership + $1,000 facilitation fee) would be paid. Commissioners highlighted benefits: idea exchange, diverse representation, access to data, and alignment with the city's sustainability plan. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Resolution R-26-26 – USGS Swan Creek Monitoring Station: Ben noted the $25,000 annual cost for continued operation of the station installed in 2022. Long‑term data is essential for trend analysis and modeling. Commissioners discussed potential cost reductions (e.g., testing every other year, eliminating certain parameters). The resolution passed unanimously with a directive for Ben to explore savings with USGS.
• LEED for Cities Certification Cohort: Phil described a one‑year technical assistance program funded by sponsors to help municipalities collect data and apply for LEED certification. The application deadline is February 14; council will consider a resolution authorizing the $8,000 application fee (with possible financial assistance). RCC members expressed support, and Phil will indicate RCC endorsement in the application.
• 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Review: Ben walked through existing stormwater CIP projects (leaf vacuums, pond dredging, Fitron Road drainage, etc.). Commissioners asked about adding energy‑efficiency and solar projects; Phil noted those are typically CIP items and will coordinate with public works. Further discussion is scheduled for next month.
• Draft 2025 MS4 Annual Report: Ben explained the six minimum control measures under the city's stormwater permit and the report's contents. No questions were raised; the final report will be brought back for a resolution.
• January Green Thursday Recap: The film screening had good attendance, with a discussion on food scraps. An attendee offered to donate land for community gardens. The next Green Thursday is March 5 on trees. Commissioners suggested adding Spanish‑language subtitles and bilingual flyers to reach more residents.
• 2026 Strategic Objectives: The commission revised its annual focus areas: removed “lighting outreach” and “Nine Springs Creek,” changed “recycling in schools” to “recycling in multi‑family complexes,” added “energy efficiency for multi‑family and residential,” and added “consider policy changes to increase native plant use on city lands.”

Key Outcomes

• Resolution R-32-26 (Join Renew the Blue Council) – passed unanimously.
• Resolution R-26-26 (USGS Swan Creek Monitoring Station) – passed unanimously; Ben to discuss cost‑saving options with USGS.
• LEED for Cities Cohort – RCC endorsed the application; council will vote on the resolution at its February 10 meeting.
• 2027–2031 CIP – reviewed; additional energy‑efficiency projects to be considered; further discussion at March meeting.
• Strategic Objectives – updated as described above; action items include developing a native plant policy and supporting the efficiency navigator program.
• Upcoming Events: Green Thursday film series continues March 5; Wisconsin Eco Latinos environmental fair on April 18 at the newly named Hostahoche (Ho‑Chunk meaning “place to gather”); sustainability bike tours planned for spring.
• Staff Reports: Food scrap program has over 200 registrants and 1,400 gallons collected; stormwater work includes Quarry Hill Pond dredging completion and Fitron Road project; bike/ped plan approved; efficiency navigator program touched 68 units in 2025, saving $8,000 per year and reducing 44 tons of CO₂.
• Commissioner Comment: Diana raised concerns about EV charging signs at the community center reading “preferred” rather than “EV only,” leading to non‑EV vehicles blocking chargers. Discussion noted the chargers' 2009 installation and proximity to accessible parking; solutions are being explored.