Fitchburg Common Council Meeting – June 23, 2026

The Common Council met on June 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM (UTC). The meeting covered a wide range of topics including a public hearing on the Capital Improvement Plan, consent agenda approvals, department reports, significant discussion on fire department staffing reductions, a contested liquor license renewal, and multiple development agreements. Key decisions included approval of amended hours for Cornerstone Bar & Grill, approval of TIF assistance for a retail center and a redevelopment project, and adoption of a resolution supporting sustainable transportation funding. Several items were postponed or sent back for verification.

Public Hearing

• Josh Olson (Strong Towns member) spoke on the proposed 2027–2036 Capital Improvement Plan, noting that nearly one-third of the budget ($51 million) is dedicated to streets. He urged the council to treat streets as liabilities and to ensure surrounding land uses are productive, and suggested Vision Zero should receive more attention.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda, including routine approvals, was adopted unanimously (voice vote).

Discussion Items

• Deputy City Administrator Adam gave updates: absentee ballots for the August 11 primary began mailing (≈1,200 processed); the library celebrates its 15th anniversary with an event June 29; fireworks are banned in city parks; ribbon cutting for Spring Hill Suites on June 25; Popsicles in the Park rescheduled to June 25 at Hugo Jamestown Park.
• Mayor’s announcements: promotion of Captain Logan Brown (former lieutenant); presentation of the proposed CIP to the finance committee; amendments to the CIP due July 6; 2027 budget survey being drafted; groundbreaking for affordable senior housing on Nesby Road; YMCA West coming to Fitchburg (58,000 sq ft, $58 million project, includes medical/dental clinic); ribbon cutting for Blue Plate catering; tennis/pickleball courts at Chickory nearly complete; joint review board meeting scheduled; first listening session for District 4 on June 29; no council meeting July 14; library statistics (5M items checked out, 1.2M visits, 7,700 programs, 277,000 attendees over 15 years); Promega boardwalk opened to public; City Motion economic strategy initiative.
• Fire Department Operational Staffing Modifications (moved up on agenda): Fire Chief presented a difficult financial situation. Key points: 2026 overtime budget of $215,000 was already exceeded by $194,000 in 2025; through May 31, 2026, overtime reached $229,000; mandatory overtime increased >200 hours/month in last two months; POX firefighters decreased from 30 (2023) to 21 currently; proposed reduction of staffing from 4 to 3 per engine when the fourth person would create overtime (projected savings >$400,000); impacts on mutual aid response and incident capability (25% reduction); contract adherence issues (limiting PTO on earned days off, requiring career staff to work holidays). Council members expressed concern: Alder Gearhart noted the failed referendum and called for data tracking; Mayor committed to adding two firefighter positions in the 2027 budget and exploring long-term consolidation with EMS. The Chief stated changes would take effect July 1 (some July 5) and will provide monthly staffing data.
• Liquor License for Cornerstone Bar & Grill (formerly Monkeyshine): Public comment included Regina Ryan (former Dane County Supervisor) who expressed concerns about a manager’s behavior and unequal treatment. Staff recommended removing 3 old conditions but setting closing times. Council debated: Mayor wanted 12 AM or 12:30 AM to avoid becoming a late-night spillover bar. Amendment passed: premises close by 1 AM Friday and Saturday (with state-licensed uniformed security for 4 hours) and 12:30 AM Sunday through Thursday; maintain 30-day video surveillance. License approved as amended.
• Development Agreements:
  • Jamestown Quarry Retail Center (resolution R118-26): TIF assistance up to $2 million for extraordinary costs (soil removal, underground stormwater, retaining wall). Consultant Keith Dahl (Ehlers) justified 11-year payback from 2/3 of new increment. Council approved (roll call 5-0). Conditional on joint review board action.
  • Ross Family Rentals LLC (resolution R120-26): TIF assistance for demolition costs ($56,450), 6-year payback from 2/3 of increment. Approved (voice vote).
• Athletic Court Renovations Bids (Swan Creek tennis/basketball, Wildwood South tennis): Public comment from Patrick Cheney opposed the scope, citing cost savings and omission of McGaw courts. Staff explained preventative maintenance. Concern about a discrepancy in fiberglass square footage (1300 vs 13,200). Council approved the bid subject to staff verification the next day; if an error is found, the contract will not be executed.
• Comprehensive Plan & Zoning Code Update (resolution R138-26): Contract with House Seal Levine approved for up to 18 months per phase. Public comment from David Hayde argued procedural violations; staff stated procedures exist. Approved.
• Transportation Resolution (R113-26): Supporting sustainable municipal transportation funding from the state. Approved.
• Other items: multiple Plan Commission items (rezones, certified survey maps, comp plan amendment for Lacey Road – approved after plan commission unanimous vote with support from owner and neighbors); board of public works items (wastewater report, subdivision improvement acceptance, easements for MG&E, sidewalk bid requiring 2/3 vote – approved); Whalen Road paved shoulders bid (approx. $774,000) approved.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved.
• Public hearing closed.
• Fire department staffing changes approved (effective July 1/5) with monthly data reporting; mayor commits to adding positions in 2027 budget.
• Cornerstone Bar & Grill liquor license approved with amended conditions (1 AM Fri/Sat with security, 12:30 AM other nights, video surveillance).
• Development agreements (Jamestown Quarry retail and Ross Family Rentals) approved.
• Athletic court renovation bid approved, pending staff verification of fiberglass square footage.
• Comprehensive plan & zoning code update contract approved.
• Whalen Road paved shoulders bid approved.
• Transportation resolution approved.
• Easements, subdivision improvements, sidewalk bid all approved.
• Joint review board set for June 24.
• Council adjourned after alder reports; next meeting July 28, 2026.