Finance Committee Meeting - August 11, 2026

The Finance Committee of the Fitchburg Common Council met on August 11, 2026 at 5:30 PM. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, review of bills, and several resolutions including budget amendments, a grant redesign, and acceptance of a construction bid. All items on the agenda were approved.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes from the July 28, 2026 Finance Committee meeting was moved by Alder Jetzer and approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public appeared for non-agenda items, either in chambers or online.

Discussion Items

• Finance Director Report: Chad, covering for Finance Director Misty Day, reported that no written finance report was included in the packet; a more comprehensive report is expected at the August 25th meeting.
• Review of Bills: Detailed reviews were conducted for checks $10,000 and above (July 16-31, 2026, totaling $1,659,704.09), all checks issued (totaling $1,793,455.11), all ACH payments (July 1-31, 2026, totaling $694,012.90), and open purchase orders. Alder Jetzer asked about check 131035 for the Dane County Courthouse Parcel 12 purchase; staff agreed to follow up on the question.
• Resolution R151-26: Amending the 2026 park fee fund budget for Terra Vesta Park amenities. Eric (online) explained the budget amendment moves existing park improvement fees to renovate a park off Frizy and Spinach Drives, including an internal sidewalk, park shelter, bubbler, and community garden installation. Alder Jetzer noted the park currently lacks shade, making the shelter and drinking fountain welcome additions. The resolution was approved.
• Resolution R154-26: 2027 grant redesign for the Healthy Neighborhood Grants. Staff explained the grants have been active for 10 years and a pause is needed for redesign. For 2027, funding will be direct allocations of $20,000 each to food pantry organizations (total $80,000), rather than competitive grants. Alders questioned the total amount compared to previous years ($140,000 two years ago, $120,000 this year) and whether funds could be used for personnel or non-food items; staff clarified that for 2027, funds are limited to food and beverage purchases only. The resolution was approved.
• Resolution R159-26: Acceptance of the Fitch Rona Road Tree Clearing Bid. Public Works staff Tim reported that tree clearing and grubbing is needed before private utility relocations for the Fitch Rona Road Reconstruction Project. Two bids were received; Homeowner Tree Services was the low bidder at $65,275, plus a 10% contingency of $6,527.50, for a total of $71,802.50. The engineer's estimate was about $70,000. Alders confirmed the bid is within budget and asked about land acquisition status; staff noted three parcels are still in process. The resolution was approved.
• Resolution R165-26: Amending the 2026 general fund and capital projects fund budgets for Fire Headquarters exterior door replacements. Staff explained that two doors used as a polling location are not functioning well and are not ADA compliant; replacement is needed before the November general election at a cost of approximately $10,000. The resolution was approved.
• Resolution R167-26: Approval of the CDBG Pro Housing grant agreement with Dane County for public infrastructure improvements supporting affordable single-family housing. Staff recalled the city received approximately $600,000 from Dane County for workforce/affordable housing. The funds can offset infrastructure costs such as roadways, sewers, water mains. Next steps include working with the county on a request for proposals (RFP) to attract developers. Alders expressed excitement about the grant. The resolution was approved.

Key Outcomes

• All resolutions (R151-26, R154-26, R159-26, R165-26, R167-26) were approved unanimously by voice vote.
• The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for August 25, 2026.
• The meeting adjourned at 5:44 PM.