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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Fitchburg Common Council Meeting - March 24, 2026 Summary

Common Council & City Boards — Tuesday, March 24, 2026

BodyFitchburg, Wisconsin

SessionCommon Council & City Boards

DateTuesday, March 24, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 2:06:25

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

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:00

Get connected, Fitchburg.

0:01

Sign up for Fitchburg Connect, the city's monthly e-newsletter that keeps you informed about all the events, services, and updates that matter to you.

0:10

Get it in your inbox once a month.

0:12

Sign up today to get Fitchburg Connect.

Unassigned speaker

0:29

Hi,

Speaker 2

0:30

I'm Jeremy Frosby.

0:31

And I'm Nick Bouchet.

0:32

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

0:36

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.

0:42

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

0:48

Plus, you can find all our headlines

Speaker 1

0:50

and stories on Facebook, YouTube, and our video on demand service.

Speaker 2

0:53

This is your city.

0:54

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

Unassigned speaker

1:25

One nation under God, indivisible with each other.

Speaker 3

1:32

Thank you.

1:33

Next is uh Roll Call, please.

Speaker 4

1:36

Thank you, Mayor.

1:36

Mayor Radafrata.

1:37

Here.

1:38

Alder Dancer Junior is absent with excuse.

1:40

Alder Gearhert.

1:41

Here.

1:42

Alder Herbs.

1:42

Here.

1:43

Alder Jetser.

1:44

Here.

1:44

Alder Latter say.

Speaker 5

1:46

Here.

Speaker 4

1:46

Alder Leopard.

Speaker 5

1:47

Here.

Speaker 4

1:47

Alder Maldonado.

1:48

Here.

1:49

All their register.

Speaker 5

1:50

Here.

Speaker 4

1:51

You have a quorum.

Speaker 3

1:52

Thank you.

1:53

So next is uh public appearances for non-agenda items and new appointments, and we have a mayor proclamation.

1:59

It recognized March 24, 2026 as Agricultural Day in Fitchburg.

2:06

So

Speaker 6

2:09

as agriculture has shaped the identity, economy, and landscape of Fitchburg since the earliest days of settlement, when John Stoner and the early settlers like the Vroman brothers cultivated the land that would become our community

Speaker 7

2:22

and whereas the land that is now the city of Fitchburg had long been cared for by the Ho Chunk Nation, whose deep understanding of the local landscape and agricultural practices established enduring traditions of land stewardship that continue to influence how the land is valued, worked, and sustained by generations who have followed.

2:39

And

Speaker 5

2:40

whereas Fitch Fitchburg's historic farmsteads and rural crossroads communities remain tangible reminders of our agricultural roots and are protected in part through the work of the city's landmarks preservation commission and the Fitchburg Historical Society.

2:54

And

Speaker 8

2:55

whereas the city of Fitchburg has a unique combination of urban and rural land uses with approximately 9,000 acres of land and agricultural use that support the city's residents and economy while working to conserve soil, protect water, and respond to the challenges of a changing climate.

3:10

And

Speaker 9

3:11

whereas the city of Fitchburg values its agricultural heritage and supports the preservation of rural lands and farming traditions through planning efforts and advisory committees dedicated to agricultural and rural affairs and

Speaker 10

3:23

whereas agriculture continues to be a vital pillar of our national economy and national agriculture day, observed March 24, 2026.

3:32

Calls on communities like Fitchburg to recognize the essential role of farmers, ranchers, farm workers, agribusinesses, and restaurants, and

Speaker 11

3:40

whereas the city recognizes that preserving the agricultural heritage and honoring past present agricultural contributors helps connect future generations and the land to use one another.

Speaker 3

3:54

Now therefore I, Julia Ratafrata, mayor of the city of Fitchburg, along with the members of the Common Council, do hereby proclaim March 24, 2026 as Agriculture Day in Fitchburg, and encourage all residents to acknowledge the contributions of agricultural producers and to reflect on the significance of agricultural in daily life.

4:17

This is proclaimed today, March 24, 2026.

4:21

Okay, so we are gonna take a picture.

Unassigned speaker

4:23

We

Speaker 12

4:24

are gonna invite Roger and Amy.

Speaker 13

5:16

Well we certainly want to uh thank Michael for what he's done is putting this together.

5:21

Uh certainly an important tribute to our community, which is as you know, very diverse.

5:28

We're one of the very few communities in the state that has this much uh diversity as far as urban and rural.

5:38

Um family uh settled here in 1854.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Works█████████████████17%

Public Safety█████████████13%

Transportation Safety███████████11%

Engineering And Infrastructure█████████9%

Public Transportation████████8%

Public Engagement██████6%

Affordable Housing█████5%

Procedural████4%

Parks and Recreation████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Fitchburg Common Council Meeting - March 24, 2026

The Fitchburg Common Council met on March 24, 2026, for a regularly scheduled meeting that ran approximately two hours. The agenda included the proclamation of Agriculture Day, recognition of fire department promotions, multiple major land development approvals, contracts for city facility projects, and committee reports.

Proclamations & Recognitions

Agriculture Day: Mayor Julia Radafrata proclaimed March 24, 2026 as Agriculture Day in Fitchburg. The proclamation acknowledged the Ho Chunk Nation's historical land stewardship, the city's 9,000 acres of agricultural land, and the contributions of agricultural producers. Roger and Amy Johanning accepted the proclamation; Roger stated he is a fourth-generation farmer and Amy stated she is a fifth-generation farmer serving on the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
Fire Department Promotions: The Council recognized three promotions in the Fitchburg Fire Department: Battalion Chief Matt Sutter (19 years of service), Lieutenant Jeremy Bruggeman (22 years of service), and Career Firefighter Austin Lynch (2 years of service). The Fire Chief praised their dedication.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda was moved, seconded, and approved by a voice vote with no discussion or opposition.

Discussion Items

Municipal Reports

City Administrator Chad: Reported that the online community garden plot registration has opened (public opens April 3rd); the library will transition to a new South Central Library System software the week of April 13th, leading to at least one day of closure; three federal spending requests were submitted to Senator Baldwin's office (Senior Center kitchen remodel, Southdale Park spray feature, and the Teen Center); and a vendor has been selected for the Fire/EMS consolidation study with the Village of Oregon, with a contract expected before the Council in April. He also provided updates on the Fitchrona Road construction project (land acquisition progressing, phased construction planned) and in-person absentee voting.
Mayor Radafrata: Announced Fitchburg's third consecutive recognition as a Tree City of the World by the Arbor Day Foundation and the UN FAO, making it one of 283 cities globally. She highlighted ribbon cuttings for the Madison Reading Project (relocated to Fitchburg) and the Fairway Lounge. The Mayor stated she is working to cancel remaining Flock cameras and to update the police department's immigration-related language on the city's website.

Land Development Approvals (Plan Commission)

Resolution R-6026 (CBRF Exception for Trilogy): Alder Gearhert presented an exception request to allow a Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) as part of a continuum-of-care senior campus. The exception was needed because the number of CBRF units would reach 1.99% of the population in District 3, exceeding the 1% state threshold. The resolution was approved.
Resolution R-7826 (Preliminary Plat - Syncopation/Nine Springs Hills): Alder Gearhert presented the preliminary plat for a mixed-use development on a former construction debris landfill off Lacey Road. The project plans include single-family homes, townhomes, multifamily rentals, and the Trilogy senior campus. Alder Bill expressed concerns about sustainability goals related to vehicle miles traveled, transit, and energy efficiency. The developer stated they are exploring car share and B-cycle options, and plan to use energy-efficient HVAC systems. Alder Logan discussed trail connectivity. The resolution was approved.
Resolution R-7926 (Final Plat - Nine Springs 8th Edition/Avante): Alder Gearhert presented the final plat for multifamily and townhome lots. The developer stated a grocery store is under contract on an adjacent property. Alder Logan requested maintaining pedestrian and bicycle connectivity during construction. Alder Bill questioned the developer on Smart Code priorities, walkability, and electrification. The developer noted tenants are already using transit services. The resolution was approved.
Resolution R-8026 (Final Plat - No Oaks Ranch): The Council approved the first final plat for the No Oaks Ranch development, noting significant wetlands requiring mitigation credits. The estimated density is 15-16 dwelling units per acre across the full buildout. Alder Bill inquired about transit and walkability. Alder Logan discussed traffic impacts from a previously approved lot.

Public Works Items

Resolution R-5826 (Police Facilities A/V Work): Approved a $398,000 purchase for audio/video equipment for the new police station. The cost is included within the overall project budget. The former dispatch room will be repurposed as a Real-Time Information Center.
Resolution R-5926 (City Hall Renovation Design Contract): Approved a contract for design and construction administration services for renovating City Hall and the Community Center. The project scope expanded from the former police space to include all floors of City Hall, the community center, municipal court, and the senior center kitchen. The estimated budget is $10-12 million, a significant increase from the initial $5-6 million CIP estimate due to expanded scope and inflation. The project will be funded through borrowing and aims to set up the facility for the next 25-30 years.
Resolution R-5426 (Salt Purchase): Approved $77,600 for salt purchase for the 2026-2027 season. The state has not yet selected a vendor.
Resolution R-5726 (Holding Tank Permit): Conditionally approved a holding tank permit for a property on South Sayon Road to allow restroom facilities in a front building, with a 5-year review added. The resolution was approved as amended.
Resolution R-6126 (Subdivision Agreement for Terra Vesa 5th Edition): Approved the standard subdivision improvements agreement.
Resolution R-6326 (Deferred): Postponed to a date uncertain pending clarification from the Village of Oregon.

Other Reports

Finance Committee: Alder Herbs reported the 2025 audit fieldwork is complete. Resolution R-5626 (Budget Amendment for 2025 Carryovers) passed by roll call vote with all seven present alders voting in favor (Ayes: Gearhert, Herbs, Jetzer, Ladasse, Leper, Maldonado, Ragstead).
Library Board: The library will migrate to a new software system around April 13-15 and is closed for staff training on April 14th. The Books & Brews birthday bash fundraiser returns on June 27th.
RCC: Announced paper/electronics recycling (April 11th), Guns to Gardens event (April 11th), waterway cleanup (April 18th), and the Eco Latino bilingual conservation fair (April 18th).
Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission: A fatal hit-and-run of a cyclist on East Cheryl Parkway on March 23rd was reported; it appears to have been an intentional action by the driver.

Key Outcomes

Proclamation: March 24, 2026 officially recognized as Agriculture Day in Fitchburg.
Land Development: Preliminary plat for the Syncopation development and final plats for Avante Properties and No Oaks Ranch were approved.
City Facilities: Contracts were approved for the design of the City Hall renovation and audio/video work in the new police station.
Budget: Resolution R-5626 (Budget Amendment/Carryovers) was approved via roll call.
Fire/EMS Study: The city will move forward with a selected vendor for a consolidation study with the Village of Oregon.
Next Meeting: The next Common Council meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Get connected, Fitchburg. Sign up for Fitchburg Connect, the city's 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. Hi, I'm Jeremy Frosby. And I'm Nick Bouchet. 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. One nation under God, indivisible with each other. Thank you. Next is uh Roll Call, please. Thank you, Mayor. Mayor Radafrata. Here. Alder Dancer Junior is absent with excuse. Alder Gearhert. Here. Alder Herbs. Here. Alder Jetser. Here. Alder Latter say. Here. Alder Leopard. Here. Alder Maldonado. Here. All their register. Here. You have a quorum. Thank you. So next is uh public appearances for non-agenda items and new appointments, and we have a mayor proclamation. It recognized March 24, 2026 as Agricultural Day in Fitchburg. So as agriculture has shaped the identity, economy, and landscape of Fitchburg since the earliest days of settlement, when John Stoner and the early settlers like the Vroman brothers cultivated the land that would become our community and whereas the land that is now the city of Fitchburg had long been cared for by the Ho Chunk Nation, whose deep understanding of the local landscape and agricultural practices established enduring traditions of land stewardship that continue to influence how the land is valued, worked, and sustained by generations who have followed. And whereas Fitch Fitchburg's historic farmsteads and rural crossroads communities remain tangible reminders of our agricultural roots and are protected in part through the work of the city's landmarks preservation commission and the Fitchburg Historical Society. And whereas the city of Fitchburg has a unique combination of urban and rural land uses with approximately 9,000 acres of land and agricultural use that support the city's residents and economy while working to conserve soil, protect water, and respond to the challenges of a changing climate. And whereas the city of Fitchburg values its agricultural heritage and supports the preservation of rural lands and farming traditions through planning efforts and advisory committees dedicated to agricultural and rural affairs and whereas agriculture continues to be a vital pillar of our national economy and national agriculture day, observed March 24, 2026. Calls on communities like Fitchburg to recognize the essential role of farmers, ranchers, farm workers, agribusinesses, and restaurants, and

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