Fitchburg Common Council Meeting - September 8, 2026

The Common Council met on September 8, 2026, for a regular meeting. Proceedings included consent agenda approval, administrative and mayor's reports, updates from various commissions and committees, standing committee reports, consideration of two resolutions, and alder reports. Key topics encompassed the city budget, a wellness day memorandum of understanding for firefighters, and an insurance fund budget amendment.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously without discussion.

Administrative Report

• City Administrator Chad Brecklin provided updates. He noted the splash pad season ended on Labor Day. The Iron Man triathlons (half and full) are scheduled for September 12–13, causing road delays. Upcoming events include an e-shred event on September 19, a farmers market on September 22, and a community meal on October 1. The Fitchburg Star is ceasing print publication but continuing online. Sidewalk replacement is nearly complete; absentee ballots are being mailed. He thanked first responders for their response to a fire on Pike Drive.
• Alder Joe expressed concern over the Fitchburg Star's cessation of print without proper notice, calling it inequitable and noting that working-class neighborhoods lost coverage. The city has named the Wisconsin State Journal as official publication.
• Alder Logan asked if the city had funded postage for the Star; Administrator Brecklin stated the city never provided financial assistance for postage, only for advertisements.

Mayor's Report

• Mayor Radafrata reported the 2026 budget is balanced and will be published September 18. She thanked staff and the finance committee. She attended Gigi's Playhouse ribbon cutting (with the governor) and the police pinning ceremony, congratulating promotees. Upcoming: a community listening session on September 24, mayor's office hours on September 10 and 24, and orange lights on city hall for Hunger Action Month. She encouraged ride-alongs with fire and police. She shared the Community Canopy Report.

Commission and Committee Reports

• Plan Commission: Meeting next week.
• Board of Public Works: Belmar and Tower Hill utilities fully installed; curb/gutter replacement ongoing, paving later this month. Sidewalk replacement complete. Whalen Road grading ongoing with cleanup before Iron Man. Well #12 pre-construction meeting scheduled. Fitchrona Road tree clearing complete. Meeting was canceled due to lack of agenda items.
• Park Commission: Resolution R 174-26 (amending 2026 capital projects fund budget) was postponed to October 13 because the September meeting lacked a quorum.
• Library Board: Meeting next week for annual library director evaluation. Used book sale October 22–24; book donations requested.
• Resource Conservation Commission: Electronics recycling and paper shredding event September 19 at City Hall, 8–11 a.m. Volunteers needed.
• Community and Economic Development Authority (CEDA): Alder Jake reported. CEDA reviewed revolving loan fund guidelines (currently excluding restaurants/retail); potential amendments due to a brewery needing assistance. Hotel room taxes up. Housing stability fund for seniors (age 55+ at ≤60% Dane County median income) discussed. Jamestown Quarry updates: McDonald's occupancy permit issued; Chick-fil-A to open after Labor Day; apartment building broke ground; retail center expanded to 80,000 sq. ft. with Ross, Marshall's, and a specialty grocer. UPS store under construction; received Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation grant.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission: Alder Joe announced bike-friendly business award renewals (Allied Boys & Girls Club, Kale Engineering, Oasis Cafe, Shine Technology – two promoted from bronze to silver). Fitchburg ranks sixth but is effectively first. An increase in motorized bicycles (e-motos) not classified by state law was noted; commission awaits state legislation. As mentioned in Alder reports, a pick-me-up-at-the-border ride is scheduled for September 18 at 6:30 p.m. from Seminole Tap. No e-bikes allowed.
• EMS Commission: Meets at end of month.
• Healthy Neighborhoods Advisory Committee: Next meeting October 14. September events include neighborhood meals, farmers market, and community dinners.
• Housing Advisory Committee: Next meeting October 12. Housing stability assistance program and down payment assistance program with Dane County under consideration.
• Landmarks Preservation Commission: Alder Logan announced the commission will meet on September 28 (first since October 2022) to discuss renovations at the Ruud property (farmhouse near proposed Hive on Lacey Road).
• Trade Advisory Committee: Meets this Thursday; topic: memorial trees.
• Community and Equity Advisory Committee: Reviewed community engagement plan for comprehensive plan, introduced equity rubric. Drafted proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15).
• Office of Equity and Community: Hispanic Heritage Month speaker series: Alder Maldonado spoke on September 2; Arelia Estrada from United Way to speak September 16. Social workers working with eviction clients; meeting with YMCA CEO; HI grant timeline.
• MPO Policy Board: Alder Micah reported. Transportation improvement program open for comment through September 21. Resolution recognizing Week Without Driving (October 1–8). Unified planning work program presented. Federal funding increase of 2% (below inflation).

Standing Committee Reports

• Finance Committee: Annual debt disclosure filed. Parameter sale resolution for debt issuance to be brought next meeting.
• Personnel Committee: No updates.
• Public Safety and Human Services: Approved special event permit for Birdie Derby (Thanksgiving morning).

New Business

• Resolution R 172-26 – Approval of Wellness Day MOU for Fire Department: Fire Chief presented. Provides each firefighter one paid shift off per year for mental health wellness, including a required meeting with a provider. Budgeted at 300 hours for 2027. One-year MOU expiring at end of 2027. Alders expressed support. Approved unanimously.
• Resolution R 179-26 – Amending 2026 Insurance Risk Management Fund Budget – Defense of Claims: Due to increased claims (Fitchrona Road reconstruction condemnations, police claims), additional funds are needed. Two-thirds of the increase is for Fitchrona. Approved via roll call (all ayes, no nays).

Alder Reports (District Updates)

• District 1: Alder Dave reported on a car theft on Chesapeake and advised locking cars. Planned meeting with owner, management, and police regarding issues at a new apartment building.
• District 2: Alder expressed sympathies for those displaced by a fire on North Fish Hatchery Road. Upcoming events: farmers market fall fest, pick-me-up-at-the-border ride, a book discussion on transportation planning, and a passive building tour.
• District 3: Alder Logan reported on a meeting with Waterford Glen homeowners association about speeding and a proposed development. Attended Southdale movie in the park and a public involvement meeting for the Highway MM bike/pedestrian underpass. Noted road construction delays on Lacey Road and Larson Road. Iron Man route maps posted. Promoted the Walk for Warriors on September 19.
• District 4: Alder Jake attended Gigi's Playhouse opening and the police swearing-in. Announced ribbon cutting for new sushi restaurant (Mijabi) on September 15. Mayor Radafrata addressed speeding, urging residents to slow down and stating that behavior change is needed rather than speed bumps.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved.
• Resolution R 174-26 postponed to October 13 meeting.
• Resolution R 172-26 (Wellness Day MOU) approved.
• Resolution R 179-26 (Insurance fund budget) approved via roll call.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.