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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Fitchburg Common Council Meeting – May 12, 2026

Common Council & City Boards — Tuesday, May 12, 2026
BodyFitchburg, Wisconsin
SessionCommon Council & City Boards
DateTuesday, May 12, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:45:35

Original source
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

We're launching Fitchburg Connect, the city's new monthly e-newsletter that keeps you informed about all the events, services, and updates that matter to you.

0:09

Get it in your inbox once a month.

0:10

Our first edition is live now.

0:12

Sign up today to get Fitchburg Connect.

Unassigned speaker

0:29

Hi,

Speaker 1

0:30

I'm Jeremy Crosby, and I'm Mick Bouchet.

0:32

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

Speaker 2

0:36

Every weekday, we pull together the news, events, and

Speaker 3

0:38

information you

Speaker 2

0:39

need to

Speaker 3

0:39

stay on top of what's happening in the city of

Speaker 1

0:41

Pittsburgh.

0:42

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

0:48

Plus, you can find all our headlines and stories on Facebook, YouTube, and our video on demand service.

0:53

This is your city.

0:54

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

Speaker 4

1:11

The first thing is to call to the order to the meeting at 6 30 p.m.

1:15

Please stand up for the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:33

Thank you.

1:35

So next is

Speaker 5

1:36

roll call, please.

1:37

Thank you, Mayor.

1:37

Mayor Radafrata.

1:39

Here.

1:39

Alder Dancer Junior.

Speaker 4

1:41

Here.

Speaker 5

1:41

Alder Gerhardt.

1:42

Here.

1:42

Alder Herbs.

1:43

Here.

1:44

Alder Jetzer.

1:45

Here.

1:45

Alder Ladase.

Speaker 3

1:47

Here.

Speaker 5

1:47

Alder Leper.

Speaker 6

1:48

Here.

Speaker 5

1:48

Alder Maldonado.

Speaker 6

1:50

Here.

Speaker 5

1:50

Alder Ragstead.

1:51

Here.

1:52

You have a quorum mayor.

Speaker 4

1:53

Thank you.

1:54

So next we are in item four and it's for public appearances for non-agenda items, a new appointment.

2:00

Do we have anyone on the chamber for non-agenda items?

2:05

You're not okay.

Unassigned speaker

2:16

Is

Speaker 4

2:17

that non-agenda?

2:18

Okay.

2:20

Yeah.

2:21

It's for non-agenda.

2:23

Okay.

2:24

So next, uh, we have a couple of major proclamation.

2:28

We have four of them tonight.

2:29

So we will start with the first one is recognizing May as an olden Americans month.

Speaker 2

2:36

Whereas the city of Fitchburg is a community that values all residents, including our older adults who have contributed immensely to the social, civic, and economic fabric of our society.

2:45

And

Speaker 7

2:46

whereas the 2026 theme, Champion Your Health, highlights the importance of prevention, wellness, and taking an active role in managing health to lead independent, meaningful lives.

2:55

And

Speaker 8

2:57

whereas whereas Odor Adults deserve to age with dignity, access quality, preventative care, and live in communities that provide opportunities for social engagement, emotional support, and mental wellness.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Miscellaneous███████████████████████████████████35%
Public Safety███████████████15%
Parks and Recreation███████████11%
Public Transportation██████████10%
Procedural███████7%
Community Engagement██████6%
Personnel Matters████4%
Economic Development████4%
Engineering And Infrastructure██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Fitchburg Common Council Meeting – May 12, 2026

The Fitchburg Common Council met on May 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The meeting included four proclamations, two mayoral appointments (one with significant debate), approval of a consent agenda, a budget amendment for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) infrastructure, approval of a park renovation concept, and committee reports.

Consent Calendar

  • The consent agenda, comprising routine approvals and unanimous actions, was approved without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Police and Fire Commission appointment (Dana Pelabon): Several residents spoke in opposition, citing Ms. Pelabon's past board membership with Freedom Inc. and alleged involvement in a contentious 2024 meeting about the police department. Speakers expressed concern that the appointment would harm police morale and retention. Others spoke in support, highlighting her 30-year career working with law enforcement, her role as executive director of the Rape Crisis Center, and a strong letter of recommendation from Dane County Sheriff Calvin Barrett. Ms. Pelabon clarified that she was not involved in organizing the protest, had left the meeting early, and has a detailed record of collaborating with law enforcement.
  • BRT resolution (Rick Smith): A resident and Transportation and Transit Commission member expressed concerns about the $5.7 million capital commitment, noting that the service would be similar to existing Route B, questioned ridership data, and argued that the investment disproportionately benefits two council districts while leaving others without enhanced transit.

Discussion Items

  • Proclamations (May 2026):

    • Older Americans Month (theme: "Champion Your Health"): The Fitchburg Senior Center hosted a recognition event for residents 90+ on May 15, with 100 invitations sent.
    • Police Week (May 11–17) and Peace Officer Memorial Day (May 15): Recognized 111 officers killed in the line of duty nationally in 2025. Alder Leper thanked the police department.
    • Emergency Medical Services Week (May 17–23): Noted that Fitch-Rona EMS responds to over 5,000 calls annually and has served for nearly 50 years.
    • National Bike Month, Bike to Work Day (May 15), and Wisconsin Bike Week (May 31–June 7): Fitchburg is a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community (2015, 2019, 2023) and leads the Midwest in bike-friendly businesses (35). A Bike & Pedestrian Committee member praised advocacy and infrastructure.

  • Mayoral Appointments:

    • Joshua Orson to Bike & Pedestrian Committee (term ends April 17, 2029): Approved unanimously. Orson cited personal loss and a focus on pedestrian safety.
    • Dana Pelabon to Police and Fire Commission (term ends April 21, 2031): After extensive debate, the council voted 7–0 (one abstention) to approve. Supporters cited her trauma-informed training for law enforcement, work on racial disparities, and ability to hold officers to high standards. Opponents argued her past affiliation with Freedom Inc. (which had called for a "no-cop city") disqualified her.

  • Resolution R-9726 – BRT North South Line Budget Amendment:

    • The council approved (7–0) a $4.2 million budget amendment for Fitchburg's share of the $180 million BRT project (70% federal, 30% local). The amendment increases the city's total contribution from $1.5 million to $5.7 million, using TID 10 funds and general obligation borrowing. The project includes four-and-a-half stations on Fish Hatchery Road, reduced stations, and a new charger at the McKee terminus. Proponents emphasized long-term economic development, reduced parking costs, and improved transit efficiency. Opponents noted the service is similar to existing Route B and that the investment bypasses Districts 1 and 3.

  • Resolution R-9126 – Southdale Park Renovation Concept Design:

    • Approved unanimously (voice vote). The park commission preferred Concept 2, which includes a larger splash pad (1,660 sq ft flow-through design) and a larger shelter but a smaller single-stall restroom. Cost estimated at $285,000, funded by park impact fees and Madison Street funds. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026 with completion in early 2027.

  • Administrator's Report:

    • Upcoming events: Fitchburg Focus (May 13), ribbon cutting (May 14), Grace dementia village groundbreaking (May 20), Memorial Day program (May 25).
    • Utility replacements in Bellmar and Tower Hill neighborhoods begin late May; repaving to follow.
    • Fire/EMS district feasibility study: Four additional municipalities (Brooklyn, Stoughton, McFarland, Minona) have joined, with results expected in 5–6 months.
    • McKee Park splash pad: Underground leaks detected; opening may be delayed from Memorial Day.
    • Special Council meeting on TID 17 amendment scheduled for May 19 at 6 PM.

  • Mayor's Report:

    • CAP update (due June 4).
    • Bike to Work with the Mayor: Friday, May 15 at 7 AM at McKee Farms Park.
    • Upcoming meetings: Dane County Cities & Villages (May 13), police awards ceremony (May 13), PlayCon 60th anniversary (May 16).
    • Urged residents to slow down in neighborhoods during summer.

  • Commission Reports:

    • Parks Commission: Southdale Park design approved; spring prairie burns completed; hydrant flushing through May 15.
    • Bike & Pedestrian Commission: Discussed e-moto regulations (waiting for state legislation), sidewalk biking policy (to be considered by council), and bike-friendly community redesignation.
    • RCC: Reported 4.5 tons of food scraps collected at drop-off site. Spring shredding/electronics recycling event collected 10,000 lbs of electronics and 11,000 lbs of paper.
    • Finance: ARPA funds fully spent; interest earnings used for road projects.
    • Personnel: Post-hearing briefs submitted in fire union arbitration; rebuttals due May 28.

  • New Business – Resolution R-10526 AMI Meter Software Upgrade:

    • Approved unanimously (voice vote). The 10-year contract ($367,000) will replace expiring water and sewer meter software; annual cost is $2,000 less than current software.

Key Outcomes

  • Four proclamations recognizing Older Americans Month, Police Week, EMS Week, and Bike Month/Bike to Work Day/Wisconsin Bike Week.
  • Joshua Orson appointed to Bike & Pedestrian Committee (unanimous).
  • Dana Pelabon appointed to Police and Fire Commission (7–0 after debate).
  • Consent agenda approved.
  • Resolution R-9726 (BRT budget amendment) approved (7–0).
  • Resolution R-10326 (9 Springs subdivision improvements) postponed to a date uncertain.
  • Resolution R-9126 (Southdale Park Concept 2) approved.
  • Resolution R-10526 (AMI meter software upgrade) approved.
  • Special Council meeting scheduled for May 19, 2026 at 6 PM (TID 17 amendment).
  • Next regular Council meeting: May 26, 2026.
  • Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled to review CIP and city hall renovation.

Meeting Transcript

Get connected, Fitchburg. We're launching Fitchburg Connect, the city's new 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. Our first edition is live now. Sign up today to get Fitchburg Connect. Hi, I'm Jeremy Crosby, and I'm Mick 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 Pittsburgh. Find Talking Fitzburg 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 Fitzburg and the issues affecting you and your neighbors. The first thing is to call to the order to the meeting at 6 30 p.m. Please stand up for the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you. So next is roll call, please. Thank you, Mayor. Mayor Radafrata. Here. Alder Dancer Junior. Here. Alder Gerhardt. Here. Alder Herbs. Here. Alder Jetzer. Here. Alder Ladase. Here. Alder Leper. Here. Alder Maldonado. Here. Alder Ragstead. Here. You have a quorum mayor. Thank you. So next we are in item four and it's for public appearances for non-agenda items, a new appointment. Do we have anyone on the chamber for non-agenda items? You're not okay. Is that non-agenda? Okay. Yeah.

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