Fitchburg Parks Commission Meeting – April 2, 2026

The Fitchburg Parks Commission met on April 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM (UTC). The meeting covered approval of minutes, public comments on community garden terms, discussion and approval of the Urban Forest Management Plan with amendments, staff reports on awards and volunteer opportunities, and a discussion on park maintenance planning. All commission members were present.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of March Minutes: Approved unanimously after a motion and second. Patrick Cheney registered to speak, noting the minutes had an incomplete list of attendees (the mayor was present) and that public comments were listed as "N/A" instead of "none." The chair clarified that corrections would be posted. The minutes were approved as presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patrick Cheney spoke on the February minutes (still draft at the time) and later registered in opposition to agenda item 5A (Urban Forest Management Plan), stating no changes had been made in response to public comments and that the original resolution (R-45-25) was missing.
• Dave Carlson (Shale Road resident) expressed concerns on behalf of Quarry Hill Park community gardeners about new terms from Eric Schreiner: removal of tilling for existing plots, reduction to one mulch delivery per season, restriction on perennials, and requirement to return plots to original condition. He supported the new online registration system but urged consultation with garden coordinators. Jill Matt registered support for his comments. The chair noted conversations are ongoing and would speak with Eric.

Discussion Items

• Urban Forest Management Plan (Item 5A): The commission reviewed the draft plan after public comment. Commissioner Sue proposed amendments: (1) add a sentence referencing Common Council resolution R-45-25 to the project purpose; (2) in Goal 3, Objective 3.1, add the words “and wildlife” to “desirable plant communities”; (3) (not adopted) add “wildlife habitat” to Objective 4.1’s iTree study language after discussion that iTree does not measure wildlife habitat; (4) add a caption to a GIS dashboard graphic on page 8 for clarity. The amendments were moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. The original motion as amended was then approved unanimously. Commissioner Sue was thanked for her detailed review.
• Staff Reports:
  • Anna reported the Forestry Department received a Growth Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation for upgrading the work order system, a Gold Leaf Award, and retention of Tree City of the World status. Upcoming volunteer events: Arbor Day tree planting on April 25 (10 AM–12 PM) at Western Hills Park, and Earth Day tree planting and invasive removal on April 24 (10 AM–12 PM) at Chicory Meadows. Both events are federally funded.
  • Eric reported spring opening of facilities (pickleball courts open despite snow), a lead worker vacancy from Mike Mayhall’s retirement (30+ years), with 22 applicants and first-round interviews scheduled next week. Bid documents for Swan Creek, Wildwood South, and an inclusive shelter at McKee are under final engineer review. Southdale park concepts will come to the May 7 meeting pending council approval.
• Maintenance and Capital Planning: Commissioner Dave raised the need for a comprehensive maintenance funding strategy, noting that a $1 capital investment typically requires $3–$5 in ongoing maintenance. Eric explained that the department is implementing a replacement cycle for playground equipment, trails, equipment, and shelters, following public works’ template. This is the first year of such a system, with information still being gathered. Future presentations will outline the process and funding needs.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: March meeting minutes approved unanimously.
• Agenda Approved: Agenda approved as written.
• Urban Forest Management Plan: Approved with amendments (adding R-45-25 reference and “wildlife” to Objective 3.1). The final plan will be forwarded to City Council with the revisions.
• Staffing: Interviews for lead worker position scheduled for next week; goal to fill by end of April.
• Next Meeting: May 7, 2026. Staff will provide a status update on replacement cycle implementation and maintenance priorities.
• Community Event: Dave announced a bike distribution event on Saturday, April 4, from 11 AM–1 PM at Belmore Hills Park (volunteers at 10:30 AM), with safety materials in English and Spanish.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 6:56 PM.