Fitchburg RCC Meeting – July 13, 2026

The Resource Conservation Commission (RCC) met on July 13, 2026, to discuss and plan several key initiatives, including the 2027 solid waste collection rate, an update to the Dane County Water Quality Plan, a community plastic recycling event, a sustainability tour, and other outreach efforts. The meeting lasted from its call to order until 8:39 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The draft minutes from the June 8, 2026, RCC meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote. (Motion by Kim, seconded by Ron; no discussion or dissent.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public appearances on non‑agenda items were made; no slips were submitted.

Discussion Items

• 2027 Solid Waste Collection Rate (Ben, staff)

  • Ben presented the annual rate analysis for residential solid waste (refuse and recycling) collection under the city’s contract with Pelotari. The projected contractual costs for 2027 total approximately $1.6 million, based on an estimated 6,650–6,750 residential units (single‑family and up to four‑plex units).
  • The recommended rate is $240 per household per year, a 1.7% increase from the current $236 rate. This is lower than the contractual cost increase (4.13%), with the difference intended to draw down the fund balance (currently about 30% of budget) toward the target range of 20–25%.
  • Alternative rates of $238 and $242 were also presented as viable options. The $240 recommendation would require approximately $30,000 from the fund balance.
  • Discussion included the rationale for recycling being cheaper than refuse (due to material value), the impact of interest income and fuel surcharges, and the timing of the next five‑year contract (RFP in early 2029).
  • A formal resolution to set the rate will be presented at the next month’s RCC meeting.

• Dane County Water Quality Plan Update (Ben)

  • Ben introduced the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission’s efforts to refresh the Dane County Water Quality Plan (last updated in 2004). The plan is a policy framework (not regulatory) covering surface waters, groundwater, pollution sources (point and non‑point), land use, and environmental corridors. It also includes specific goals for each community, such as Fitchburg.
  • Discussion clarified the relationship between the plan and other initiatives (Yahara WINS, Renew the Blue, Clean Lakes Alliance). Yahara WINS is a separate program to meet regulatory TMDL requirements through agricultural best management practices, while the Water Quality Plan guides development approvals (e.g., sanitary sewer extensions via CARPC).
  • The refresh will incorporate new data from those initiatives and is expected to extend into 2027. Ben attended a kickoff meeting the following day and will bring future updates to the RCC.

• Plastic Recycling Event Planning

  • The event is scheduled for July 23, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fitchburg Public Library. Presenters Kim and Ben will give a 30–45 minute PowerPoint presentation on plastic impacts, microplastics, and recycling best practices, followed by Q&A. Visual displays and giveaways (reusable bags) are planned.
  • Outreach includes 250 postcards mailed to neighborhoods near the library and a digital flyer. The commission discussed additional social media promotion, inviting local media (e.g., Fitchburg Star, City Channel), and possibly offering food (vegan options) from a local business.
  • The event is part of Plastic-Free July and aims to close a knowledge gap about the city’s existing plastic recycling options.

• Sustainability Tour Planning

  • The commission is planning a tour for September 2026 (likely September 12 or September 27) focusing on sustainability features in the Terra Vesa neighborhood (stormwater management, native landscaping, net‑zero features) and possibly extending to the Promega campus (solar parking structure, green infrastructure).
  • A draft agenda and timeline will be prepared before the next meeting. The tour would be a bicycle‑and‑walk event lasting 90 minutes to 2 hours.

• Fitchburg Star Articles

  • The schedule for monthly articles was confirmed: August (Andy), September (Ben), October (Diana – “getting your home ready for winter”), November (Ron – topic TBD). The commission also discussed the possibility of translating articles into Spanish for the existing Spanish section of the Fitchburg Star; Diana will inquire.

• Green Thursday Event Planning

  • Upcoming films: September (“Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food”) and November (“The Shopping Conspiracy”). The June film (WALL‑E) had the highest attendance (43 people) but experienced staffing issues. The commission noted the popularity of family‑friendly events and considered adding hands‑on activities (e.g., building birdhouses or mini rain gardens) for future events.

• Council Update (Bill)

  • Highlights included: groundbreaking for senior housing on Nesbitt Road; first concert at McKee Park; Police Services Facility on track for February 2027; street resurfacing and sidewalk maintenance underway; election season (August primary); and the selection of a vendor for the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance update (18 months each, sequential).

• Staff and Commissioner Updates

  • Stormwater (Ben): Outfall inspections for Zone 2 found no illicit discharges; 2026 citywide storm basin and channel inspections ongoing; McKee Farms Park headwall replacement project to be bid soon (winter construction); pond dredging project for Business Park A and B ponds (over 1,000 cubic yards sediment, ~$300,000, from stormwater utility capital budget).
  • Solid Waste (Ben): The food scrap drop‑off program has collected over 12,000 pounds as of June 29, with 338 registered participants. The commission discussed possibly adding a second drop‑off location in partnership with Madison/other entities.
  • Sustainability (Phil): Staff met with Focus on Energy regarding planned Civic Campus renovations; $150,000 check received from Dane County for the bike playground at Ostahochi; solar inverter repairs needed (funding source TBD); applications submitted for Dane County Climate Champion awards; Level 3 EV charging partnership with MGE moving forward (installation expected this summer). The commission also debated how to classify land under solar arrays (e.g., agricultural, prairie, or grassland) in terms of land‑use tracking and water quality modeling.

Key Outcomes

• Formal rate vote deferred: The commission will vote on the proposed 2027 solid waste rate of $240 (or alternative) after a resolution is presented next month.
• Plastic recycling event to proceed as planned on July 23; commissioners will assist with promotion and outreach.
• Sustainability tour draft plan to be developed by Ben and Ryan for review at the next meeting, with a target date in September.
• Articles schedule finalized through November; Diana will explore Spanish translation.
• Future family‑friendly event ideas (e.g., mini rain garden workshops, pollinator plant giveaways) noted for potential spring 2027 implementation.
• Ongoing projects (headwall replacement, pond dredging, EV chargers) are moving forward; staff will report back on inverter repairs and data map restoration.