Fitchburg Common Council Meeting Recap: Rezones, Healthy Neighborhoods Grants & Appointments - April 28, 2026

The Fitchburg Common Council convened on April 28, 2026, to address a packed agenda including a firefighter promotion, two proclamations, a contested reappointment to the Parks Commission, and the approval of several major rezone and development proposals. The council also approved the annual Healthy Neighborhoods grant awards and numerous public works, finance, and policy resolutions.

Opening Business & Proclamations

• Fire Department Promotion: Firefighter Alex Wickman was formally promoted to Lieutenant. The Fire Chief highlighted his eight years of service, paramedic skills, and leadership in EMS administration and technical rescue programs.
• Economic Development Week (May 4-8): Mayor Radafrata proclaimed the week, recognizing Economic Development Director Mike Zimmerman for his work. The proclamation emphasized Fitchburg's population of 36,197 and a tax base of $6.16 billion.
• Building Safety Month (May 2026): Representatives from the fire and building inspection departments accepted the proclamation, thanking the council for recognizing the collaborative work of professionals in safe building construction.

Appointments & Reappointments

• New Appointments: The council approved Todd Brunner to the Parks Commission and Mary Winkers to the EMS Commission.
• Contested Reappointment: Alder Dave Lepper opposed the reappointment of Christopher Peguero to the Parks Commission, stating his attendance was "barely 50%" and he "missed all three meetings" last summer. Mayor Radafrata stated the absences were excused. The council voted to approve the full slate of other reappointments, excluding Peguero. A subsequent vote to reappoint Peguero passed with 6 in favor and 2 opposed.

Discussion Items

Plan Commission:

• Wingro Real Estate Multifamily (Ordinance 2026.014): Approved a rezone for a market-rate multifamily development (273 units). The project includes a 4-story parking structure with 450 stalls (1.55 per unit), a 10-foot multi-use path, and electric heat pumps with central gas water heating. Council members requested the developer consider installing a B-cycle station.
• Grace Hospice Care Dementia Village (Res. R10626 & Ord. 2026.013): Approved a certified survey map and rezone for a phased expansion. Phase 1 reconfigures the current facility for more beds; Phase 2 will build the first dementia village in the U.S. with staff apartments. Total hospice beds will decrease from 50 to 28.
• Cesta Senior Living / Hills of Cortland Ridge (Res. R10726): Approved the final plat for a life-lease senior community in Terra Vasen (124 independent living, 40 assisted living, 12 memory care). The council discussed the need for construction traffic and parking mitigation, with city staff pledging to coordinate a plan with the developer.
• Bowman Plaza (Ordinance 2026.012): Approved a rezone for a 278-unit, 6-story building at 2932 Fish Hatchery Road. The project sets city records for density (120 DU/acre) and height. It shares parking with a neighboring church. Council members praised the architecture, density, and the shared parking agreement. The developer expressed a preference for professional medical office tenants for the 11,700 sq ft commercial space.

Finance Committee:

• Healthy Neighborhoods Grant Program (Res. R9526): Approved $124,000 in grants for 8 organizations. Council members discussed the growing need for food assistance programs (noting 70% of Badger Prairie Needs Network clients are Fitchburg residents) and the future structure of the grant categories. Several grantees will host programming at Hastahochi Park.
• Municipal Court Fee (Res. R9626): Passed on a roll call vote to increase the fee from $38 to $48, aligning with a new state law and representing the first increase in 12 years.
• Cybersecurity Grant (Res. R9826): Authorized acceptance of a $55,000 grant to install multi-factor authentication in police squad car laptops.

Board of Public Works:

• Approved acceptance of the Belmar and Tower Hill Utility Improvements bid ($2.3 million for utility work, excluding Aztec Trail).
• Approved a contract amendment for the Fitrona Road Engineering Services Agreement, phasing the project to minimize traffic impacts and address property acquisition issues.

Key Outcomes & Votes

• Christopher Peguero Reappointment (Parks Commission): Passed 6-2.
• Bowman Plaza Rezone (Ordinance 2026.012): Approved unanimously.
• Wingro Multifamily Rezone (Ordinance 2026.014): Approved unanimously.
• Healthy Neighborhoods Grant Awards (Res. R9526): Approved.
• Municipal Court Fee Increase (Res. R9626): Approved (roll call).
• Next Meetings: Regular Council meeting on May 12, 2026. Committee of the Whole on May 27. The first July meeting is canceled; the next meeting will be July 14, 2026.