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Record of Proceedings

Fitchburg Common Council Meeting – February 10, 2026

Common Council & City Boards — Tuesday, February 10, 2026
BodyFitchburg, Wisconsin
SessionCommon Council & City Boards
DateTuesday, February 10, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:29:25

Original source
Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:00

Hi, I'm Jeremy Crosby.

0:01

And I'm Nick Boucher.

0:02

We're your hosts for the program that's all about your city, Talking Fitchburg.

Speaker 2

0:06

Every weekday, we pull together the news, events, and information you need to stay on top of what's happening in the city of Fitchburg.

0:12

Find Talking Fitchburg on Cable TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and our live stream on the web.

0:18

Plus, you can find all our headlines and stories on

Speaker 1

0:20

Facebook, YouTube, and our video on demand service.

Speaker 2

0:23

This is your city.

0:24

Keep up with Talking Fitchburg and the issues affecting you and your neighbors.

Speaker 1

0:29

Get connected, Fitchburg.

0:31

We're launching Fitchburg Connect, the city's new monthly e-newsletter that keeps you informed about all the events, services, and updates that matter to you.

0:39

Get it in your inbox once a month.

0:41

Sign up today to get Fitchburg Connect.

Unassigned speaker

1:05

To

Speaker 3

1:05

the Fitchburg Common Council meeting for February 10th, 2026.

1:09

The first thing is to call to the order to the meeting.

1:33

Thank you.

1:34

Next we are moving to roll call, please.

Speaker 4

1:36

Thank you, Mayor.

1:37

Mayor Radafrata.

1:38

Here.

1:39

Alder Dancer Jr.

Speaker 5

1:43

Here.

Speaker 4

1:43

Alder Gerhard.

1:44

Here.

1:45

Here.

Speaker 5

1:47

Here.

Speaker 4

1:48

Alder Jetzer.

1:50

Here.

1:50

Alder Ladase.

1:52

Here.

1:52

Alder Leper.

Speaker 5

1:53

Here.

Speaker 4

1:53

Alder Maldonado.

1:54

Here.

1:55

Alder Ragstan.

Speaker 3

1:56

Here.

1:56

You do have a quorumir.

1:58

Thank you.

1:58

So next we are moving to item four.

2:00

Public appearances for non-agenda items and new appointment.

2:04

And mayoral proclamation.

2:06

So we have two tonight.

2:08

The first one is recognizing February 2026 as a Black History Month in Fitchburg.

Unassigned speaker

2:15

So

Speaker 6

2:16

proclamation recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month in Fitchburg, whereas Fitchburg, the city, whereas the city of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, is enriched by a diverse community whose history, culture, and contributions have helped shape our city,

Speaker 7

2:29

state, and nation, and whereas Black History Month provides an opportunity to recognize the countless achievements and enduring contributions of Black Americans to our society in fields such as education, science, arts, government, business, community service, and beyond.

2:44

And whereas the

Speaker 8

2:46

theme for this year is a century of black history commemorations, which marks a century of national commemorations of black history.

2:53

And

Speaker 9

2:54

whereas in 1926, Dr.

2:56

Carter Godwin Woodson planned the inaugural week-long observance of black history.

3:00

And for the last 100 years, the founders of the Black History Month urge us to explore the impact and meaning of Black history and celebrate the transformation of the Black peoples in the modern world.

3:11

And

Speaker 10

3:12

whereas Black Americans have played a central role in Fitchburg's growth and development, sustaining families, schools, neighborhoods, and local institutions through their resilience, leadership, and creativity.

3:23

And

Speaker 11

3:24

whereas it is essential to educate all residents about the history, experiences, and perspectives of black Americans to promote understanding and to combat racism and inequity in all its forms and whereas the city of Fitchburg

Speaker 6

3:38

is committed to fostering an inclusive community that values every resident's dignity, equal opportunity, and full participation in civic life while supporting black-owned businesses, arts, culture, and educational initiatives.

3:49

And

Speaker 3

3:50

now therefore I, Julia Ratafrata, mayor of the city of Fitchburg, along with members of the Common Council, do hereby proclaim February 2026 as a Black History Month in Fitchburg and urge all residents to observe this month with programs and activity that educate about black history, celebrate black achievements, and recommit our community to the ideas of equality, justice, and opportunity for all.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation█████████████████17%
Procedural██████████████14%
Public Safety██████████10%
Public Works██████████10%
Public Transportation████████8%
Water And Wastewater Management████████8%
Economic Development█████5%
Public Engagement█████5%
Sustainability Tour Planning████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Fitchburg Common Council Meeting – February 10, 2026

The Fitchburg Common Council held its regular meeting on February 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included two mayoral proclamations, approval of the consent agenda, administrative and mayoral reports, multiple commission and committee reports, consideration of several resolutions, a closed session on a claim, and alderperson updates. Key actions included approval of a new inclusive playground shelter design, joining the Renew the Blue council, applying for the LEED for Cities cohort program, and authorizing fire/police training at a former building.

Proclamations

  • Black History Month: Mayor Julia Ratafrata proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month in Fitchburg, recognizing the contributions of Black Americans and the centennial of national commemorations. Members of the Black community attended and expressed gratitude.
  • Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week: The council proclaimed February 7–14, 2026, as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, highlighting the prevalence and lifelong nature of the condition.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda was approved unanimously without any items removed.

Administrative Report (City Administrator Chad)

  • Primary Election Reminder: A primary for Dane County Circuit Court judge will be held Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Polls open 7 AM to 8 PM. Polling location changes were noted: about half of District 2 residents near Fish Hatchery Road will vote at the newly named Ho-Chunk location; Wards 19 and 20 will vote at Blackhawk Church instead of Fire Station 1. In-person absentee voting is available through Friday, February 13 at 5 PM.
  • 2026 Housing Plan Update: Resolution R-19-26 approving the 2026 housing plan update is on consent. Comments are due by February 20 to housing specialist Lorene Gage. The Housing Advisory Committee will discuss it March 2 at 4 PM; CEDA will make a recommendation March 26 at 7 AM.
  • Mobile Home Park: Staff continue to monitor conditions in District 4. A meeting with county agencies (treasurer, corporation counsel, Public Health Madison Dane County, Dane County Human Services) is scheduled for later next week to seek additional resources.
  • Non-Disclosure Agreements: City staff have not signed any NDAs regarding data centers. The administration clarified that signing such agreements would be problematic from a transparency standpoint.
  • Fire Union Contract Arbitration: Day one of arbitration occurred; a second day is scheduled for February 27. No third day is anticipated.
  • Joint Fire/EMS District: A meeting was held with Fitchburg, Oregon, Verona, Stoughton, and McFarland. Fitchburg and Oregon jointly released an RFP to create a roadmap for a joint fire/EMS district. RFP responses are due March 3; a contract may come to council in March.
  • Other: Summer seasonal positions posted; staff participated in an MGE video on commercial EV fleets; appreciation extended to Zimbrick employees and public safety for responding to a vehicle-into-building incident.

Mayor's Report

  • Mayors Innovation Project: Mayor Ratafrata attended the conference in Washington, DC (Jan 30-31), covering topics like protecting elected officials, fiscal playbooks, child care ecosystems, and age-friendly cities. The summer conference will be in Madison.
  • League of Wisconsin Municipalities: Supported bills include addressing PFAS liability, banning drones over municipal utilities, energy storage payments, improving housing loan access, increasing municipal court fees, and modernizing public construction bidding thresholds (from $25,000 to $50,000).
  • EV Charging Stations: The Dane County Office of Energy and Climate Change received a $13 million DOT grant. Four sites in Fitchburg were selected for Level 2 chargers: State Bridge Suites, Hotel Nesbit, Boys & Girls Club, Greenway Cross Apartments, and McKee Farms Park parking lot.
  • Stormwater & Renew the Blue: The mayor participated in a Renew the Blue panel and noted the city's work on stormwater, watershed protection, and phosphorus reduction.
  • Comprehensive Plan & Zoning Code: The RFP for the comp plan and zoning code update is out for about a month.

Commission & Committee Reports

  • Plan Commission: Meets next week.
  • Public Works (Director Ben): 2026 street resurfacing will be advertised Feb 13; bids open late Feb. Petrona Road Goose Lake Stormwater Project (culverts) will be bid in March. Bellmar neighborhood street work will await utility completion (due Sept 1), then streets done this fall. Resolution R-26-26 (Swan Creek monitoring station) was approved unanimously. Funding from stormwater utility, not property taxes.
  • Parks Commission (Alder Dave): Reviewed urban forestry plan; discussed a nonprofit bike rest station along the Capital City Trail. Resolution R-36-26 for inclusive playground shelter at McKee Farms Park was approved with park commission selecting design Option B (more consistent with Stoner Prairie shelter, less swallow attraction). The shelter will be accessible and provide shade/rain protection. Alder Dave opposed, arguing trees would suffice. Vote: approved with one nay. Resolution R-37-26 for replacement of picnic tables and benches at Stoner Prairie, Southdale, and Tower Hill parks was approved by roll call: all 8 alders present voted aye (Alder Dancer Jr., Gerhard, Herbst, Jetzer, Latase, Lepper, Maldonado, Ragstan).
  • Commission on Aging (Donna): Black History Month luncheon at the Milton House had about 80 attendees, orchestrated by Janice Hughes. Department restructure is underway with Jessica Wolf moving to the senior center.
  • Resource Conservation Commission (Alder?): Discussed stormwater CIP items, MS4 annual report, strategic objectives. Since Oct 27, 2025, 5,350 pounds of food scraps collected. Phil Gruppi presented at NASECA conference. Quarry Hill Pond dredging complete; Techlands infiltration basin nearing completion. Resolution R-32-26 to join the Renew the Blue council was approved unanimously. The council is a cross-sector cohort focused on Yahara watershed initiatives; one-year commitment at $2,000 from stormwater utility. Alder Dave expressed skepticism, but the mayor and others emphasized partnership and education benefits.
  • Transportation & Transit Commission: Meets Thursday.
  • Community & Economic Development Authority: Meets Thursday (meeting later canceled).
  • Agricultural & Rural Affairs Committee: Meets next Tuesday.
  • Bicycle & Pedestrian Commission: No update.
  • EMS Commission: Has not met; will meet next week.
  • Healthy Neighborhoods Committee: Meets tomorrow evening; working on grant process.
  • Housing Advisory Committee: Meets March 2 at 4 PM for housing plan discussion.
  • Landmarks Preservation Commission: May need to meet soon regarding a historic property owner wanting to make improvements.
  • Three Advisory Committee: Meets Feb 12 at 4 PM for public hearing on urban forestry plan (feedback open until Feb 24).
  • Community & Equity Committee: Met last week; discussed reviewing plans with equity lens and planning Black History Month events.
  • MPO Policy Board (Alder): Reported 13 public comments opposing Beltline expansion. Metro awarded low/no emission grant for hybrid buses (85% federal funding). City of Madison extending Capital City Trail to meet Glacial Drumlin Trail; railroad crossing issue forces longer route. Sun Prairie awarded Safe Streets for All grant for vision zero planning. Upcoming road projects: Beltline (2033), I-39/90 reconstruction ($238M planning, $65M right-of-way). MPO drafting guidance for e-bike and e-mobility regulation.

Discussion Items (New Business)

  • Resolution R-43-26 – LEED for Cities Cohort: Authorized staff to apply for the 2026 LEED for Cities and Communities cohort program (free technical assistance). Phil Gruppi explained that data from the sustainability plan can be reused. Letters of support from Middleton, Madison, Sustain Dane, Dane County. Potential $8,000 cost for certification application next year. Approved unanimously.
  • Resolution R-50-26 – Bowman Plaza Training Agreement: Authorized agreement for Fitchburg police and fire to conduct scenario-based training at the former Bowman Plaza building before redevelopment begins (likely mid-April). Destructive training allowed inside. Outreach to neighbors via signage and social media planned. Approved unanimously.

Closed Session

  • The council moved into closed session to confer with legal counsel on strategy regarding a claim filed by Corey Webster (Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(g)). After reconvening, the council directed staff to move forward as discussed.

Alderperson Reports & Announcements

  • Alder Logan (Dist. 3) reported on a neighborhood meeting for

Meeting Transcript

Hi, I'm Jeremy Crosby. And I'm Nick Boucher. We're your hosts for the program that's all about your city, Talking Fitchburg. Every weekday, we pull together the news, events, and information you need to stay on top of what's happening in the city of Fitchburg. Find Talking Fitchburg on Cable TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and our live stream on the web. Plus, you can find all our headlines and stories on Facebook, YouTube, and our video on demand service. This is your city. Keep up with Talking Fitchburg and the issues affecting you and your neighbors. Get connected, Fitchburg. We're launching Fitchburg Connect, the city's new monthly e-newsletter that keeps you informed about all the events, services, and updates that matter to you. Get it in your inbox once a month. Sign up today to get Fitchburg Connect. To the Fitchburg Common Council meeting for February 10th, 2026. The first thing is to call to the order to the meeting. Thank you. Next we are moving to roll call, please. Thank you, Mayor. Mayor Radafrata. Here. Alder Dancer Jr. Here. Alder Gerhard. Here. Here. Here. Alder Jetzer. Here. Alder Ladase. Here. Alder Leper. Here. Alder Maldonado. Here. Alder Ragstan. Here. You do have a quorumir. Thank you. So next we are moving to item four. Public appearances for non-agenda items and new appointment. And mayoral proclamation. So we have two tonight. The first one is recognizing February 2026 as a Black History Month in Fitchburg. So proclamation recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month in Fitchburg, whereas Fitchburg, the city, whereas the city of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, is enriched by a diverse community whose history, culture, and contributions have helped shape our city, state, and nation, and whereas Black History Month provides an opportunity to recognize the countless achievements and enduring contributions of Black Americans to our society in fields such as education, science, arts, government, business, community service, and beyond. And whereas the theme for this year is a century of black history commemorations, which marks a century of national commemorations of black history. And

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