Fitchburg Common Council Meeting - February 24, 2026

The Fitchburg Common Council met on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, for a regular meeting. Key actions included the approval of a 146-unit mixed-income housing development, the establishment of the Kyle Steiger Greenway, and several fiscal and operational resolutions. Voter turnout for the February 17th primary was reported at 13% of ~19,000 registered voters.

Consent Calendar

• The Council approved the consent agenda as presented without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public appeared to speak on non-agenda items.

Discussion Items

Rezoning and Development (Plan Commission)

• Residences at Greenfield Glen (Ordinance 2026-005): The Council approved a rezone for 146 apartments (86 market-rate, 60 affordable) in the first application of the High Density Urban (HDU) zoning district. The developer, Adam Gorman of Gorman and Company, noted the project includes 3,000 sq ft of artist space and seeks WHEDA tax credits.
• Council Deliberation: Alder Jetzer expressed a preference for integrating the affordable units across both buildings rather than separating them into one, stating a belief in the social benefits of mixed-income communities. Gorman explained that the 9% tax credit structure financially favors concentrating the affordable units in a single building to maintain "credit efficiency" and avoid requiring large gap financing. The developer also confirmed the building will meet Enterprise Green 2020 standards.
• Bike Share Amenities: Council members requested the developer explore installing a B-cycle station at the site, noting a gap in the network on the east side of Fish Hatchery Road. Staff was directed to share B-cycle contact information.
• Hive Culinary Collective: The Plan Commission passed a conditional use for a small event space and cafe, but the related rezone was postponed indefinitely as it was not required for the project.

Parks and Greenways (Park Commission)

• Kyle Steiger Greenway (Resolution R-27-26): The Council approved plans and a property improvement agreement for the memorial greenway.
• Public Testimony: Dawn Stiegert, Kyle's widow, detailed the project's progress including the formation of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the successful fundraising of $26,000. She outlined plans for a walking path, prairie restoration, memorial benches, and a bike repair station.
• Council Action: The Council approved two minor amendments to clarify the stage of the plans and the nature of the agreement. Alder Gabriela praised the project as a "good model for a public-private partnership." The resolution passed.

Operational and Fiscal Resolutions (Board of Public Works & Finance Committees)

• Plat Restriction Litigation: The Council authorized staff to initiate a circuit court action to modify a plat restriction on the Michelson Woods property to allow for a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) support facility and multi-use path (R 38-26).
• Stormwater Pond Rejection: Bids for the Area H Stormwater Pond were rejected because costs were ten times higher than comparable projects. The affected landowners will instead construct their own on-site ponds (R 41-26).
• Budget Amendments: The Council approved shifting funds to cover higher-than-budgeted utility costs (R 45-26) and a cost increase for the Badger Lift Station replacement project requiring a completely new build (R 46-26). The sewer fund amendment passed via a roll call vote with all ayes.
• Capital Equipment: Approved the replacement of SCBA compressors ($134,000) for the Fire Department (R 28-26) and a network equipment refresh for Fire Station 3 ($21,700) (R 42-26).
• CIP Schedule: Adopted the 2027-2036 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) schedule, noting a change for this year: council amendments will be due at noon on July 6th rather than 4 p.m. (R 44-26).
• Sidewalk Replacement: Preliminary assessment resolution for the 2026 sidewalk replacement program was approved (R 48-26).

Legal and Personnel Matters

• Police Union Memorandum: A new memorandum of understanding was established with the police union to create a 28-day FLSA work period, enabling officers to potentially utilize new federal laws permitting overtime tax exemptions.
• Data Usage Policy: The employee handbook was updated to explicitly prohibit the inappropriate use of confidential city data and information systems.
• Closed Session & Settlement (Mims Claim): The Council unanimously voted to enter closed session under Wisconsin Statute to discuss a settlement offer from Mr. Mims. Upon returning to open session, the Council voted to deny the settlement claim and direct staff to move forward as discussed.

Key Outcomes

• Postponed Indefinitely RZCU 263126 (Rezone and Conditional Use) as the rezone was unnecessary.
• Approved Ordinance 2026-005 (Rezone for Residences at Greenfield Glen).
• Approved Resolution R-27-26 (Kyle Steiger Greenway Plans and Improvement Agreement), as amended.
• Approved Resolution R-38-26 (Authorizing Circuit Court Action for Michelson Woods plat restriction).
• Approved Resolution R-41-26 (Rejecting Bids for Area H Stormwater Pond).
• Approved Resolutions R-45-26 and R-46-26 (Budget Amendments for Utilities and Sewer).
• Approved Resolutions R-28-26 and R-42-26 (Fire Department Capital Equipment).
• Approved Resolution R-44-26 (CIP Schedule, amendments due at noon on July 6).
• Approved Resolution R-53-26 (Accepting 2025 City Donations).
• Voted to deny the Mims settlement claim.
• Next Meeting: Common Council meeting scheduled for March 10, 2026. Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for February 25, 2026 at the Oregon Public Library.