Fitchburg Board of Public Works Meeting – March 23, 2026

The Fitchburg Board of Public Works met on Monday, March 23, 2026, in the Francis Huntley Cooper Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order at an unspecified time and adjourned at 6:19 PM. Members present included Don Gutowski, Alder Bill Jetzer, Chair (presumed), and Dave Wilburne, with former city engineer Paul Woodard attending online. Key actions included approval of several resolutions related to infrastructure projects, a holding tank permit, and a deferred item.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (March 2, 2026): A motion to approve the minutes from the March 2, 2026, meeting was made, seconded, and carried unanimously. Alder Jetzer noted he was absent and could not confirm accuracy, but no changes were requested.

Director’s Report (Tim Volker, PE)

• MGE Rates Follow-Up: Alder Jetzer’s question about MGE rates for city buildings compared to residential was answered: typical residential rate is just over 18 cents/kWh, while city buildings pay about 12 cents/kWh.
• 2026 Street Resurfacing Project: Bids opened March 10, 2026; three bids received. Payne and Dolan Incorporated was the low bidder at $1,393,676.91. The contract award will be referred to the April Board of Public Works meeting after council referral.
• 2026 Sidewalk Replacement Project: To be advertised in April.
• Fitch Rona Road Reconstruction Project: To be advertised in April with bids opening late April. Phase 1 (Nesbet Road to Quarry Ridge) would start after school ends. Land acquisition issues: one landowner (Ramica property, southeast corner of Lacey Road/Fitch Rona intersection) agreed on Friday; one outstanding. The multi-use path on the east side was removed due to condemnation limits but may be rerouted. The west-side path is proceeding after agreement with another landowner.
• Leaf Sweeping and Drop-Off Site Access: Both street sweepers were active on days above freezing. Discussion about controlling access at the drop-off site to prevent non-residents from dumping; cameras previously installed had been removed. Tim Volker suggested possibly bringing this to Committee of the Whole.

Discussion Items

• Resolution R5826 – Police Services Facility Audio Visual Work: Approved. The original bid was above the $250,000 budget; by using state bid pricing and adjusting equipment, the cost was reduced to roughly $400,000 (within FGM’s estimate for added scope including a crime scene room). Paul Woodard explained the AV scope (multi-purpose room, briefing room, crime scene room, offices). Questions about technology obsolescence and coordination with general contractor were addressed.
• Resolution R5426 – Purchase of Salt for 2026-2027 Season: Approved. The city will piggyback on the state bid; vendor not yet selected. Discussion of salt storage capacity (about 1,000 tons working capacity), delivery timelines, and metrics for salt use. Mark (public works) tracks data; electronic controls have reduced salt usage. The city also uses brine (32¢/gallon) and beet juice ($2.65/gallon) for pretreatment.
• Resolution R5926 – Professional Services for City Hall and Community Center Renovation: Approved. Paul Woodard presented the scope: full renovation from basement to third floor after police move out in April 2027. Design by Dawn Proly (Probity Design LLC) under a fixed-percentage fee based on estimated construction cost. Timeline: design complete November 2026, bid in January 2027, construction start May 2027, duration 12 months. Discussion included security changes (public access limited to second floor), open office concept, and cost offset by lower-than-expected police facility costs.
• Resolution R5726 – Holding Tank Permit for 2695 South S. Ryan Road: Approved as amended. The resolution originally stated the septic system had failed; an amendment was moved and seconded to strike the first “whereas” clause because the holding tank is new for the east building, not a replacement. The permit allows a 3,000-gallon holding tank for restroom facilities at a fabrication building. Discussion about future septic needs for the existing house and potential MMSD interceptor connection (10–15 years out).
• Resolution R6326 – (Not Discussed in Detail): Deferred to a date uncertain until the village of Oregon finalizes details.
• Resolution R6126 – Subdivision Improvements Agreement for Plat of Fifth Edition to Terra Vesa: Approved. This is the last edition of Terra Vesa, with two phases. No unique concerns raised.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Unanimous.
• Resolution R5826 Approved: Aye unanimous.
• Resolution R5426 Approved: Aye unanimous.
• Resolution R5926 Approved: Aye unanimous.
• Resolution R5726 Approved (as amended): Aye unanimous after striking first whereas clause.
• Resolution R6326 Deferred: Unanimous to postpone to a future uncertain date.
• Resolution R6126 Approved: Aye unanimous.
• Next Meeting: Monday, April 6, 2026, at 5:30 PM. Meeting adjourned at 6:19 PM.