Fitchburg License Committee Meeting - September 22, 2026

The Fitchburg License Committee met on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at approximately 5:00 p.m., with Chair Alder Reichstadt, Vice Chair Alder Herbst, and Alder Leper present. The committee reviewed and voted on multiple license applications, special event permits, and street use permits. All votes were unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 5:53 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• The committee approved the September 8th meeting minutes.
• Approved two new operator licenses (no renewals).
• Approved a sound permit for the Race Day Events Beer Run.
• Approved a change of agent for Quick Trip 959.
• Note discrepancy: The consent agenda described the Race Day Events Beer Run hours as 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., while the later agenda item listed 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No speakers from the public appeared for non-agenda items.
• Mona (applicant for Auburn Drive Block Party), Mark (Fitchburg Fire Department), Thomas (Race Day Events), and Melissa Jacobson/Harry (Wisco Cheese and Cheers LLC) provided testimony on their respective agenda items.

Discussion Items

• Auburn Drive Block Party (Item 5A): Mona described the event as a neighborhood party with lawn games and food, scheduled for Saturday, September 26th, from 2 to 6 p.m. She confirmed all neighbors on the block signed the petition. Alder Leper expressed strong support, calling block parties a "great event."
• Fitchburg Fire and Rescue Safety Day (Item 6): Mark presented the Fire Department's request to close Marketplace Drive for their annual Open House on Saturday, October 10th, from 8 a.m. to noon. The event is coordinated with the Oak Bank Great Pumpkin Giveaway to allow safe passage between events. The Fire Department has a safety plan involving staged engines at barricades to maintain emergency response. Attendance is projected between 700 and 1,000 people, an increase from roughly 500 last year.
• Race Day Events Beer Run (Items 7A & 8A): Thomas presented the annual event at Seminole Tap on Saturday, October 17th, featuring a 5K run on public sidewalks and a "beer mile" (four laps, four beers) in the parking lot. Discrepancy noted: Event hours were stated as 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., differing from the 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. listed in the consent agenda. Thomas confirmed the Badger State Trail would remain open. For the premise amendment (Item 8A), he requested permission to serve alcohol in the barricaded parking lot. Alder Herbst remarked that the event is "unique."
• Wisco Cheese and Cheers LLC (Item 9A): Melissa Jacobson and Harry requested a new Class B fermented malt beverage license for Cheers Cheese and Cheers Bistro at 2570 Rim Rock Road. The restaurant is currently open for a month and a half with a limited menu and plans to expand. Alder Reichstadt expressed excitement about the new establishment, noting the area's demand for more restaurant venues. Alder Leper echoed this sentiment. It was noted that additional operator licenses would be needed for staff not under the agent's supervision.

Key Outcomes

• Auburn Drive Block Party (5A): Motion by Alder Herbst to approve the street use permit passed unanimously.
• Fitchburg Fire and Rescue Safety Day (6): Motion by Alder Leper to approve the street closure permit passed unanimously.
• Race Day Events Beer Run (7A): Motion by Alder Herbst to approve the special event permit passed unanimously.
• Public Premise Amendment (8A): Motion to allow alcohol service in the barricaded parking lot passed unanimously.
• Class B License (9A): Motion by Alder Leper to approve the fermented malt beverage license for Wisco Cheese and Cheers LLC passed unanimously.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for October 13th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.