Fitchburg Finance Committee Meeting Summary - March 10, 2026

The Fitchburg Finance Committee met on March 10, 2026, reviewed routine financial reports, heard public testimony on pickleball fees, and unanimously approved seven resolutions. The meeting adjourned at 5:57 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the draft Finance Committee minutes from February 24, 2026, by unanimous voice vote.
• Reviewed checks 130234 through 130305 issued February 16-28, 2026, totaling $716,501.99. An alder asked about check 130251 for elevator maintenance; staff said it covered the library elevator, that other building elevator contracts were separate, and that operating costs for the new police facility were included in that building's budget.
• Reviewed ACH payments for February 1-28, 2026, totaling $758,857.26.

Finance Director Report

• Finance Director Misty reported that auditors were on-site for the annual closing and that the city received the Certificate of Achievement for its 2024 annual comprehensive financial report, the tenth consecutive year. She will not attend the next meeting because of spring break; Chad and Robert will cover for her.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Steve Streck registered support for the pickleball fee resolution, saying that if Fitchburg does not align its pickleball court reservation fees with other municipalities, it will collect less money this year than in recent years.
• Aaron Shetler spoke in support of the revised pickleball fee schedule. She said she and her husband volunteer with MPACT and want McGaw to be a premier pickleball facility. She argued the current fee structure would make McGaw the most expensive indoor or outdoor facility in Dane County, about 30% more expensive than other courts and above some indoor rates. She cited KAPA's inability to afford leagues or skills and drills, risking about $4,500 in revenue; the Yahara House tournament, previously held for about $480, facing fees over $1,000; and a UW Initiative to End Alzheimer's tournament also at risk, with about $2,500 in potential tournament revenue lost. She urged the committee to revise the fee schedule so those events remain in Fitchburg.

Discussion Items

• R30-26 - Stormwater Utility Vegetation Management Contract: Public Works Director Tim said the stormwater utility needs a qualified contractor for weed control, herbicide applications, mowing, woody brush removal, and prescribed burning from 2026 through 2028. The RFP was advertised November 21, 2025, and one bid was received. The committee unanimously approved awarding a $261,000 three-year contract to Heartland Ecological Group.
• R31-26 - Burn Pond Vegetation Management Contract: Tim said Burn Pond was reconstructed and restored with native vegetation in 2020, and the city previously contracted with Field and Stream Restorations, LLC through 2024 for establishment and management. Invasive species appeared in 2025 while no ongoing management was in place, and Field and Stream Ecological submitted a cost-competitive proposal. The committee unanimously approved a contract not to exceed $12,953.75 for 2026-2028 with Field and Stream Ecological. Asked why it was separate from the previous contract, Tim explained Field and Stream has site-specific knowledge of the pond.
• R47-26 - Pickleball Court Fee Schedule: Staff member Eric presented a proposal to restore the 2025 fee levels: $10 per hour for residents and $15 per hour for nonresidents, with flat tournament fees of $500 for residents and $600 for nonresidents, modeled on Sun Prairie. Discussion clarified that the tournament rate applies to all 12 courts at McGaw. The committee unanimously approved the fee schedule amendment.
• R51-26 - EV Station Site Host Agreement: Staff presented the Charge Up Dane County grant agreement to place four EV chargers at McKee Farms Park at no cost to the city, including five years of operating and maintenance. The city could keep the equipment after five years or stop operating it, and may charge fees to recover electricity and tax costs. The committee unanimously approved the agreement.
• R55-26 - MOU with Wisconsin Professional Police Association: Staff explained the MOU establishes a 28-day Fair Labor Standards Act work period for police, potentially allowing certain overtime to qualify for a recent federal income tax exemption, but does not change compensation or overtime accrual. Similar work periods already exist for fire; EMS is not covered because it is not carved out under FLSA. Because employer guidance has not been released, employees were advised to consult tax advisors. The committee unanimously approved the MOU.
• R62-26 - Budget Amendment for 2025 Parks Capital Overage: Staff said the Southdale Park playground replacement was originally budgeted at $115,000, which covered contracted costs, but the city incurred about $9,000 in additional costs for staff materials, base course installation, and landscape renovations. Staff noted the amendment would also use funds received from the Town of Madison. The committee unanimously approved it.
• R66-26 - Budget Amendment for DaneCOM Costs: Fire Chief Scott presented a $10,359 invoice for the second half of 2025 operational costs for DaneCOM, the 911 dispatch center. The invoice arrived later than normal, causing a direct referral. The committee unanimously approved the budget amendment.

Key Outcomes

• All seven resolutions were approved unanimously by voice vote.
• The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2026.