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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Fitchburg Common Council Meeting - October 13, 2026

Common Council & City Boards — Tuesday, October 13, 2026

BodyFitchburg, Wisconsin

SessionCommon Council & City Boards

DateTuesday, October 13, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 4:24:57

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.

Speaker 1

0:00

Get connected, Fitchburg.

0:01

Sign up for Fitchburg Connect, the city's monthly e-newsletter that keeps you informed about all the events, services, and updates that matter to you.

0:10

Get it in your inbox once a month.

0:12

Sign up today to get Fitchburg Connect.

0:29

Hi, I'm Jeremy Frosby.

0:31

And I'm Nick Boucher.

0:32

We're your hosts for the program that's all about your city, Talking Fitchburg.

Speaker 2

0:36

Every weekday, we

Speaker 3

0:36

pull together the news, events, and information you need to stay on top of what's happening in the city of

Speaker 1

0:41

Fitchburg.

0:42

Find Talking Fitzburg on Cable TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and our live stream on the web.

0:48

Plus, you can find all our headlines and stories on Facebook, YouTube, and our video on demand service.

0:53

This is your city.

0:54

Keep up with Talking Fitchburg and the issues affecting you and your neighbors.

Speaker 4

1:04

Okay, good evening evening everyone to the Fitchburg Common Council meeting for the October 13, 2026 meeting.

1:11

So the first thing is to call to the order to this meeting at 6:31 p.m.

1:15

Please stand up for the place should have lesions.

1:34

Thank you.

1:35

Uh please roll

Speaker 5

1:36

call.

1:37

Thank you, Mayor.

1:38

Mayor Radafrata.

1:39

Here.

1:39

Alder Dancer Jr.

1:41

Here.

1:41

Alder Gerhard.

1:42

Here.

1:42

Alder Herbs.

Speaker 6

1:44

Here.

Speaker 5

1:44

Alder Jetzer.

1:46

Alder Ladase.

Speaker 6

1:47

Here.

Speaker 5

1:47

Alder Lepper.

Speaker 6

1:48

Here.

Speaker 5

1:49

Alder Maldonado.

Unassigned speaker

1:51

Here.

Speaker 5

1:51

Alder Ragstan.

Speaker 4

1:52

Here.

1:53

You do have a quorum, Mayor.

1:54

Thank you.

1:55

So the next item is item four in the agenda is for public as appearances for non-agenda items and new appointment.

2:03

And also we have a couple of mayoral proclamation.

2:06

So the first one is recognizing October as a pedestrian safety month and October 15th as a white cane safety day.

2:15

So

Speaker 7

2:18

safe accessible streets are essential for the well-being of all residents, including children, older adults, and people with disabilities and

Speaker 6

2:25

whereas thousands of Wisconsinites, including over 100,000 with vision loss, rely on sidewalks, curb ramps, accessible pedestrian signals, white canes, and service animals to navigate public spaces safely, and

Speaker 8

2:39

whereas uh white cane law requires drivers to stop at least 10 feet from pedestrians using a white cane or service animal reinforcing the need for driver awareness and pedestrian respect

Speaker 2

2:50

and whereas communities can reduce injuries and save lives by investing in proven pedestrian safety infrastructure such as high visibility crosswalks, traffic calming, and accessible design, and

Speaker 9

3:03

whereas the city of Fitchburg is committed to improving pedestrian safety throughout the community by implementing temporary traffic calming measures and testing innovative approaches to improve pedestrian visibility and safety, including the 2026 crosswalk refresh throughout the city, improvements along Schumann Drive using payment pavement markings and plastic delineators posts to address pedestrian safety concerns and quick build traffic calming projects in neighborhoods such as Jamestown that have helped inform permanent improvements during street reconstruction and

Speaker 10

3:32

whereas raising awareness of pedestrian rights and responsibilities promotes a culture of safety and inclusion for all road users.

Speaker 4

3:40

Now therefore, I mayor Julia Ratafrata along with the common council, though hereby proclaim October as a pedestrian safety month, and October 15th of 2026 as a white cane safety day in Fitchburg and call on all residents, leaders, and lawmakers to prioritize safe, accessible streets all year round.

4:03

This is proclaimed today, October 13, 2026.

4:08

Okay, so.

Jim Dunham · Speaker 11Inferred

4:49

Thank you so much.

4:51

Thank you.

4:52

Um, Madam Mayor, um, members of the council, thank you so much.

4:57

My name is Jim Dunham.

5:00

I am uh the Access Technology Specialist with the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired.

5:05

Uh, I'm also a member of Fitchburg, and I'm also a member of the bicycle and pedestrian commission.

5:12

So, on behalf of the thirty-three percent of Wisconsin residents who cannot or choose not to drive, I really thank you for your commitment to pedestrian safety, your recognition of pedestrian safety month, and white cane safety means a lot.

Summary of Proceedings

Fitchburg Common Council Meeting - October 13, 2026

The Fitchburg Common Council met on October 13, 2026, at 6:31 PM. The meeting included the adoption of the 2027 budget, a controversial forestry fee ordinance, several proclamations and awards, and multiple resolutions related to infrastructure, park improvements, and elected official compensation. Public comment was extensive, with many residents opposing the forestry fee and raising concerns about the budget process.

Consent Calendar

The consent agenda (excluding item 12) was approved unanimously. Item 12 (Resolution R-201-26, amending the 2026 budget for police real-time information center technology) was removed and referred to the Community and Equity Advisory Committee.

Public Comments & Testimony

Budget Public Hearing (Resolution R-189-26): Multiple residents spoke against the forestry fee and the budget.
- Patrick Cheney argued the forestry fee is a tax that bypasses the failed referendum, calling it an underhanded way to raise revenue.
- David Hayde criticized TIF funding and the city's use of fund balances, stating $7 million was spent on pet projects.
- Davy Harford claimed the forestry fee violates the Wisconsin Supreme Court's Buchanan ruling, calling it an illegal property tax.
Forestry Fee Ordinance (2026-0-30): Eight additional speakers registered in opposition, emphasizing regressive impacts, lack of low-income relief, and legal concerns.
- Bill Humbert requested protections for low-income residents and retirees on Social Security.
- Paul Roleski (Wisconsin Property Taxpayers) argued the fee is a tax in disguise, citing court precedents.
- Daniel Villegas asked for a means-tested relief program similar to Madison MadCAP.
- Rita Henrik questioned the fee's equity, why homeowners bear the brunt, and the lack of notice.
- Aileen Keller urged maintaining current service levels and exploring alternatives before imposing a new fee.

Discussion Items

Budget Survey Presentation: Alder Micah presented results from 571 responses. Key priorities were public safety, road maintenance, and snow removal. The 2027 draft budget allocates funding for two new firefighters, one police officer, EMS peak staffing, and an arborist position funded by the forestry fee. The survey also showed support for maintaining services and using new revenue over cuts.
Forestry Fee Ordinance: Deputy City Administrator Adam Sayer explained the fee is authorized under state statute 66.0628, modeled after Madison's fee, and would appear on utility bills starting Q2 2027. City Attorney Valerie provided legal opinion that the ordinance is authorized by statute, though it could be challenged. Council members debated the fee's regressive nature and impact on low-income residents. Alder Maldonado suggested exploring a low-income relief program.
Resolution R-202-26 (Bond Parameters): Greg from Ehlers explained the need to raise the true interest cost ceiling from 4.43% to 5.75% due to market conditions. Public commenter David Hayde questioned the legality and lack of detail. The resolution passed.
Resolution R-187-26 (Elected Official Compensation): Mayor Radafrata proposed increasing alder, mayor, and municipal judge salaries, noting no increase since 1997 (or 2009 for judge). The increase phases in over three years, with mayoral salary taking effect in 2029. Council members supported the increase to attract diverse candidates and reflect time commitment. Alder Herbs voted no.
Other Items: Approval of park fee ordinance (O-026), solid waste collection rates (deferred), sewer service agreement for DOC facility, Southdale Path grant, McKee Farms Park sign and splash pad maintenance (amended to remove sign replacement), and Kids Crossing playground replacement concept.

Key Outcomes

Forestry Fee Ordinance (2026-0-30): Passed 8-0 (with amendment to take effect the later of publication or January 1, 2027). Council will explore a low-income relief program.
Resolution R-202-26 (Bond Parameters): Passed on roll call (7-0, one absent).
Resolution R-187-26 (Elected Official Compensation): Passed on roll call (8-1, Alder Herbs opposed).
Resolution R-193-26 (Subdivision Improvements): Passed.
Resolution R-194-26 (Traceway-Leopold Path): Passed.
Resolution R-190-26 (Kids Crossing Playground): Passed on roll call (8-0).
Resolution R-174-26 (McKee Farms Park Signs & Splash Pad): Amended to remove sign replacement; splash pad maintenance approved.
Solid waste rates (R-192-26): Deferred to November 10 meeting.
Other resolutions (R-186-26, R-148-26, etc.) passed as noted.

Meeting Transcript

Get connected, Fitchburg. Sign up for Fitchburg Connect, the city's monthly e-newsletter that keeps you informed about all the events, services, and updates that matter to you. Get it in your inbox once a month. Sign up today to get Fitchburg Connect. Hi, I'm Jeremy Frosby. And I'm Nick Boucher. We're your hosts for the program that's all about your city, Talking Fitchburg. Every weekday, we pull together the news, events, and information you need to stay on top of what's happening in the city of Fitchburg. Find Talking Fitzburg on Cable TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and our live stream on the web. Plus, you can find all our headlines and stories on Facebook, YouTube, and our video on demand service. This is your city. Keep up with Talking Fitchburg and the issues affecting you and your neighbors. Okay, good evening evening everyone to the Fitchburg Common Council meeting for the October 13, 2026 meeting. So the first thing is to call to the order to this meeting at 6:31 p.m. Please stand up for the place should have lesions. Thank you. Uh please roll call. Thank you, Mayor. Mayor Radafrata. Here. Alder Dancer Jr. Here. Alder Gerhard. Here. Alder Herbs. Here. Alder Jetzer. Alder Ladase. Here. Alder Lepper. Here. Alder Maldonado. Here. Alder Ragstan. Here. You do have a quorum, Mayor. Thank you. So the next item is item four in the agenda is for public as appearances for non-agenda items and new appointment. And also we have a couple of mayoral proclamation. So the first one is recognizing October as a pedestrian safety month and October 15th as a white cane safety day. So safe accessible streets are essential for the well-being of all residents, including children, older adults, and people with disabilities and whereas thousands of Wisconsinites, including over 100,000 with vision loss, rely on sidewalks, curb ramps, accessible pedestrian signals, white canes, and service animals to navigate public spaces safely, and whereas uh white cane law requires drivers to stop at least 10 feet from pedestrians using a white cane or service animal reinforcing the need for driver awareness and pedestrian respect and whereas communities can reduce injuries and save lives by investing in proven pedestrian safety infrastructure such as high visibility crosswalks, traffic calming, and accessible design, and whereas the city of Fitchburg is committed to improving pedestrian safety throughout the community by implementing temporary traffic calming measures and testing innovative approaches to improve pedestrian visibility and safety, including the 2026 crosswalk refresh throughout the city, improvements along Schumann Drive using payment pavement markings and plastic delineators posts to address pedestrian safety concerns and quick build traffic calming projects in neighborhoods such as Jamestown that have helped inform permanent improvements during street reconstruction and whereas raising awareness of pedestrian rights and responsibilities promotes a culture of safety and inclusion for all road users.

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TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
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