Meeting colors

OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Fitchburg Common Council Meeting - May 26, 2026

Common Council & City Boards — Tuesday, May 26, 2026

BodyFitchburg, Wisconsin

SessionCommon Council & City Boards

DateTuesday, May 26, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 3:06:58

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

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.

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 1

0:30

I'm Jeremy Crosby.

0:31

And I'm Nick 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

Speaker 3

0:36

pull together the news, events, and information you need to stay on top of what's happening in the city of Fitchburg.

Speaker 1

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

1:05

One for the Fitchwork Common Council for May 26, 2026.

1:09

So the first thing is to call to the order of the meeting.

1:12

Second, please stand up for the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:31

So next is uh roll call, please.

1:34

Thank you, Mayor.

1:35

Mayor Radafrata here.

1:37

Alder Dancer

Speaker 5

1:38

Junior.

Speaker 4

1:38

Here.

Speaker 5

1:38

Alder Gerhard here.

1:40

Alder Herps.

1:41

Here.

1:41

Alder Jetzer.

1:42

Here.

1:42

Alder Latase.

Speaker 6

1:43

Here.

Speaker 5

1:44

Alder Leper.

Speaker 6

1:45

Here.

1:45

Alder

Speaker 5

1:45

Maldonado.

Speaker 6

1:46

Here.

Speaker 4

1:46

Alder Rags then.

Speaker 6

1:48

Here.

Speaker 4

1:48

You do have a quartermare.

1:49

Thank you.

1:50

So next is item four public appearances for non-agenda items and um new appointments and mayoral proclamation.

1:58

And we have two.

2:00

So the first one is uh celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Fitchford Farmer Market.

2:04

And we're gonna start with Jake.

Speaker 2

2:07

Whereas for 30 years, the Fitchburg Farmers Market at the Agora Pavilion has served as a vibrant community tradition that brings together residents, families, local producers, musicians, and visitors in celebration of Fitchburg's rich agricultural history and local food enterprise.

2:21

And whereas

Speaker 7

2:22

the Fitchburg Farmers Market has become a beloved gathering place where neighbors connect, families create memories, and visitors experience the welcoming spirit and quality of life that define the city of Fitchburg and

Speaker 8

2:33

whereas the farmers market has consistently championed sustainability by supporting local farmers and producers, encouraging environmentally conscious practices, reducing food transportation impacts, and promoting healthy locally sourced products and

Speaker 6

2:49

whereas the market provides an inclusive and accessible environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather to enjoy fresh foods, handcrafted goods, live music, educational opportunities, and community fellowship.

3:02

And

Speaker 9

3:03

whereas the beautiful setting of the Agora Pavilion at Fitchburg Center, including its relaxing landscapes and restored prairie surroundings, offers a unique and inviting atmosphere that enhances the market experience and reflects a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community wellness.

3:18

And

Speaker 10

3:19

whereas ProMega Corporation has demonstrated outstanding community partnership and leadership through its continued support and hosting of the Fitchburg Farmers Market at Fitchburg Center, helping cultivate a destination that enriches the cultural and social fabric of the community and

Speaker 11

3:36

whereas the success and longevity of the Fitchburg Farmers Market is a testament to the dedication of organizers, volunteers, vendors, performers, sponsors, and community partners whose efforts have made the market treasure a treasured regional asset for three decades.

Speaker 4

3:59

Hereby express sincere appreciation and congratulations to the Fitchburg Center and Promega Corporation on the occasion of the 30 anniversary of the Fitchburg Mark Farmers Market.

4:10

And extend gratitude for the enduring commitment to sustainability, local agriculture, community connection, and creation of a welcoming place for all to gather and celebrate.

4:22

This is proclaimed today, May 26th, 2026.

4:26

So we are gonna take a picture and we're gonna call Steven from Romega.

Unassigned speaker

5:15

Thank you.

Speaker 12

5:17

Um just a few brief words.

5:19

I'm honored to accept this on behalf of ProMega and the farmers market.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Technology and Innovation████████████████████20%

Public Safety██████████████14%

Community Engagement██████6%

Affordable Housing██████6%

Zoning██████6%

Procedural█████5%

Stormwater Management█████5%

Public Infrastructure█████5%

Economic Development████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Fitchburg Common Council Meeting

The Fitchburg Common Council met on May 26, 2026, to address a range of items including proclamations, public comments, and several resolutions related to development agreements, surveillance technology, and park fees. The meeting began with ceremonial proclamations, followed by administrative and mayoral reports, and then moved to a series of resolutions that were brought forward for discussion and vote.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda was approved unanimously without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

Syncopation development (TIF agreement): A speaker (David Haight) questioned the order of approvals, arguing that the comprehensive plan and zoning should be amended before the development agreement, and expressed concern that the TIF would not cover all systemic costs for city services.
Flock cameras (Resolution R112-26): Multiple members of the public spoke in support of discontinuing the contract with Flock Safety, citing privacy concerns, potential for misuse by ICE and other agencies, security vulnerabilities, and lack of proven safety benefits. No speakers voiced support for retaining Flock.
Hostahochi rental fees: A video message from Lucia Ledesma (Unidos) supported the resolution to reduce fees for former HI grantees, noting that affordable community spaces help nonprofits serve residents.
Plan commission items: David Haight raised a question about wetland compliance for a stormwater plan on a plat application, but did not state outright opposition.

Discussion Items

Syncopation TIF development agreement (Resolution R102-26): The council considered a $9.8 million TIF assistance package for a mixed-use development on a former fill site. Economic Development Director Michael and financial advisor Keith Dahl (Ellers) presented the analysis, justifying the assistance due to extraordinary site costs. Developer Mark Fairchild outlined the project: approximately 312 market-rate apartments (with potential workforce housing), a 119-bed continuum of care facility, 34 single-family lots, 40 townhomes, and 12,000 sq ft of commercial space. The TID (District 11) would generate an estimated $1.8M annual tax increment, with 66.67% used to repay the note over 15 years. The agreement is structured in two phases with cost verification before issuance. After questions about site conditions, private roads, and public transportation, the resolution passed.
Flock cameras (Resolution R112-26): Alder Ladase introduced a resolution to discontinue the contract with Flock Safety. The police department had already canceled two cameras earlier. The resolution was amended (by Alder Leper) to extend the effective period to 120 days or upon activation of a replacement ALPR system, whichever is sooner. An additional amendment (by Alder Maldonado) required turning off the nationwide search feature during the 120-day period. Council members expressed that the decision was about the company's unethical and unconstitutional practices, not a criticism of the local police. The resolution passed unanimously.
Hostahochi rental fees (Resolution R124-26): The council approved reducing rental fees for former HI (Human Issues) grantees for the remainder of 2026. Current HI grantees already receive free rental. This extends relief to past grantees. The fee schedule currently charges $800 per eight hours (weekend) and $400 (weekday) for nonprofits. The resolution aims to encourage use of the facility and support community organizations. Approved.
Plan Commission items: Several resolutions were passed regarding land divisions and rezonings:
- R109-26: Exception for a community-based residential facility (Sesta) in Terravesa.
- R111-26: Amended final plat for Green Tech Land Company (stormwater redesign on site).
- O2026.015: Rezone of agricultural property to low-density residential for a new home at 2266 S. Syene Rd.
- R122-26 & R123-26: Certified survey maps and rezoning for two lots on Kane Road (horse farm and caretaker residence).
Board of Public Works:
- R63-26: Approved water service agreement between Oregon, Fitchburg, and WI DOC for a new juvenile facility.
- R110-26: Approved a level 3 EV charging agreement with MGE (four ports at civic campus at no cost to city for five years, then city may take over).
Park Commission: Approved Resolution R83-26 updating the senior center wellness room policy and fee structure.
Library Board: Reported on computer purchases, summer reading program, and a children's area redesign at the library.
Commission on Aging: Announced Juneteenth celebration and rebranding of recreation and community services.
Other reports: Resource conservation, transportation and transit (pilot to lower speed limit on Research Park Drive), community and economic development, agricultural committee (ordinance update on farm residences and horse caretaker residences), bicycle and pedestrian commission, EMS commission (new paramedics, MOU for part-time paramedics), HI advisory committee (potential restructuring), housing advisory, land preservation, tree advisory (woodlot management and request for intern position), community and equity advisory (proclamations for Pride and Juneteenth).
District Reports: Alder Ragsdale highlighted the Rusty B night market, dementia village groundbreaking, and community events. Alder Herbst encouraged more library pop-ups in Jamestown. Alder Dancer Jr. noted PlayCon anniversary and upcoming Festa Italia. Alder Maldonado thanked residents for input on Flock and shared details about the Grace dementia village.

Key Outcomes

Syncopation TIF agreement (R102-26): Approved unanimously. The developer will receive $9.8M in municipal revenue obligation notes, repaid from 66.67% of tax increment over 15 years. The TID is expected to close in 2045. Conditions include verification of actual costs before issuance.
Flock cameras (R112-26): Approved as amended. The contract with Flock Safety will be discontinued within 120 days or upon replacement ALPR activation, whichever is sooner. During that period, the nationwide search feature must be turned off.
Hostahochi rental fees (R124-26): Approved. Former HI grantees can rent the facility at reduced fees for the remainder of 2026.
Plan Commission resolutions (R109-26, R111-26, R122-26, R123-26, O2026.015, O2026.016): All approved as presented.
Water service agreement (R63-26): Approved.
EV charging agreement (R110-26): Approved. MGE will install level 3 chargers at no city cost.
Senior center wellness room policy (R83-26): Approved.
Agricultural ordinance (O2026.008): Approved, updating rules for second farm residences and caretaker residences for horse facilities.
Committee of the Whole: Scheduled for May 27, 2026, to discuss City Hall/Senior Center remodel and CIP financial policies.
Next Common Council meeting: June 9, 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 Crosby. 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 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. One for the Fitchwork Common Council for May 26, 2026. So the first thing is to call to the order of the meeting. Second, please stand up for the Pledge of Allegiance. So next is uh roll call, please. Thank you, Mayor. Mayor Radafrata here. Alder Dancer Junior. Here. Alder Gerhard here. Alder Herps. Here. Alder Jetzer. Here. Alder Latase. Here. Alder Leper. Here. Alder Maldonado. Here. Alder Rags then. Here. You do have a quartermare. Thank you. So next is item four public appearances for non-agenda items and um new appointments and mayoral proclamation. And we have two. So the first one is uh celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Fitchford Farmer Market. And we're gonna start with Jake. Whereas for 30 years, the Fitchburg Farmers Market at the Agora Pavilion has served as a vibrant community tradition that brings together residents, families, local producers, musicians, and visitors in celebration of Fitchburg's rich agricultural history and local food enterprise. And whereas the Fitchburg Farmers Market has become a beloved gathering place where neighbors connect, families create memories, and visitors experience the welcoming spirit and quality of life that define the city of Fitchburg and whereas the farmers market has consistently championed sustainability by supporting local farmers and producers, encouraging environmentally conscious practices, reducing food transportation impacts, and promoting healthy locally sourced products and whereas the market provides an inclusive and accessible environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather to enjoy fresh foods, handcrafted goods, live music, educational opportunities, and community fellowship. And whereas the beautiful setting of the Agora Pavilion at Fitchburg Center, including its relaxing landscapes and restored prairie surroundings, offers a unique and inviting atmosphere that enhances the market experience and reflects a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community wellness.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI

TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com