# Fitchburg Common Council Meeting – August 11, 2026

The Fitchburg Common Council met on August 11, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The meeting covered administrative reports, commission updates, multiple resolutions, public claims, and district reports. All votes on the consent agenda and resolutions were unanimous unless noted.

### Consent Calendar
- The consent agenda was approved unanimously by voice vote.

### Public Comments & Testimony
- **David Hate** (resident) spoke during the discussion of Resolution R14926 (Uptown Hills CSM subdivision improvements). He argued that the city had not provided a publicly available work plan or inspection records demonstrating compliance with NR 103, city code 2425B, and CARPC resolution 2009-15. He urged the council not to accept the subdivision improvements without documented proof of compliance.
- **Brian Dulcing** (resident, Shale Road) presented a claim for $3,200 in damages after a city-owned tree fell on his house on June 18, 2026, following a tree maintenance report filed June 5. He stated city crews were not initially aware the land was city property.
- **Tyler Houston** (resident) presented a claim related to an active water leak discovered July 9, 2026. He alleged that an abandoned water line on his property was not properly shut off, causing damage. He requested the city investigate and assign responsibility.

### Discussion Items
- **Administrative Report** (Chad, pinch-hitting for clerk): Announced upcoming events: Business After Hours (Aug 12, 4:30 PM, Hop House); Police Community Night Out picnic (Aug 12, 5 PM, McKee Farms Park); Agora Art Fair (Aug 15, 10 AM–5 PM, Agora Pavilion); Brewers’ 7th inning stretch mural event (Aug 17, 2 PM, McKee Farms Park); final summer concerts (Aug 17, 6 PM); Senior Center brat sale (Aug 21, 11 AM–1 PM); public information meeting on County Highway M bike/pedestrian underpass (Aug 27, 5:30–6:30 PM, Fire Station #3). Noted that the comprehensive land use plan update web page is live and the application process for the work group closes Aug 30. Thanked city clerk and staff for the August primary election.
- **Mayor’s Report**: Attended developer roundtable (40–50 people), housing tour, and office hours (Thursday 3–4 PM). Announced the Fitchburg 2027 budget survey is open until Aug 31. Attended UPS store groundbreaking on Dick Street; thanked the Trust family and economic development team. District 2 listening session had about 10 attendees; next District 1 session is Sep 24. Thanked parks department staff and LTE workers. Will attend chief executive workshop for mayors next week.
- **Commission and Committee Reports**:
- **Public Works**: Resolution R15926 (Fitchrona Road tree clearing bid) – low bidder Homer for $65,000 (engineer estimate $70,000), funded by CIP with 10% contingency ($72,000 total). Work to be completed before Aug 31. Approved unanimously.
- **Public Works**: Resolution R14926 (Uptown Hills CSM subdivision improvements) – postponed from July 28. Public Works inspected and conditionally approved; minor items remain. Approved unanimously after public comment.
- **Parks**: Resolution R15026 (Greenfield Park playground replacement concept design) – Option 1 selected by Parks Commission based on public input (neighborhood split 50/50 between options 1 and 2, but both acceptable). Option 1 has more climbing structures and internal ramps. Construction expected complete by October 2026. Approved unanimously.
- **Parks**: Resolution R15126 (amending 2026 park fee fund budget for Terra Vesa Park amenities) – transfers funds from Ag Park and unallocated park improvement funds for Terra Vesa amenities (sidewalks, drinking fountain, shelter, community gardens). Alder Maldonado noted the park has no shade and is heavily used. Community gardens of at least 20 plots (10×20 ft each) planned for 2027 season. Two-thirds vote required; roll call passed unanimously (7 ayes, 1 absent).
- **Resource Conservation Commission**: Fall e-recycling and paper shredding event Sep 19, 8–11 AM at Civic Campus; solid waste calendar for 2027; plastic recycling event slide deck available; stormwater awareness week Sep 19–27.
- **Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission**: Discussed biking on sidewalks ordinance; reviewed models from 20 municipalities. Also discussed e-bike and scooter regulations; MPO guidelines exist but no state baseline.
- **Housing Advisory Committee**: Tour of Quarry Ridge retirement (100% full, waiting list), Limestone Ridge workforce housing (30–80% AMI, average under 60%), and Texas wrap-up (98% occupied). Noted strong demand for housing.
- **MPO Policy Board**: BRT North South Route delayed to 2028–2031; Metro buying hybrid buses; transportation alternatives funding ($1.5M annually).
- **Standing Committees**:
- **Finance**: Approved updates to overtime policy and classification title change.
- **Public Safety & Human Services**: Approved special event permits for Iron Man on Sep 12–13, causing street impacts.
- **New Business**:
- Resolution R15426 (2027 Healthy Neighborhoods Grant redesign) – pauses grant program for one year; directly allocates $20,000 each to Rooted, River Food Pantry, Allied Food Pantry, and Badger Prairie Needs Network (total $80,000). Rationale: 10-year program evaluation needed; food pantries identified as priority. Approved unanimously.
- Resolution R16526 (amending 2026 general fund and capital projects fund budgets for fire headquarters exterior door replacements) – replaces two doors at Fire Station #1 used as polling place, bringing them into ADA compliance. Funds from existing remodel project. Two-thirds vote required; roll call passed unanimously (7 ayes, 1 absent).
- Resolution R16726 (CDBG Pro Housing Grant Agreement with Dane County) – $600,000 CDBG pro-housing grant plus $1 million from city’s Affordable Housing Fund for infrastructure improvements supporting at least 15 affordable homes (80% AMI or below). Agreement still finalizing insurance language. Approved unanimously.
- **Action on Claims**: Council went into closed session (Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(g)) to discuss claims from Tessner, Edmonds, National Subro Chubb, Somers, Moore, Dulcing, and Houston. Upon return, council voted to deny all seven claims unanimously.
- **Alder District Reports**:
- District 4 (Alder Lepper): Proposed changes to Schumann Drive near Seminole Glen Park to address traffic safety issues – removing one stop sign, adding flex posts and a bike-only crosswalk, creating an all-way stop at Seminole Glen Park intersection. Trial with paint and flex posts; no budget amendment needed. Will be on TTC agenda Aug 13.
- District 1 (Alder Moldonado): Noted Black Restaurant Week; promoted events including King James Way Redeemer City Church Festival (Aug 29) and Centro Hispano visit. Also promoted Fathers in Focus conference (Oct 10, free, at MATC).
- District 2 (Alder Herbst): Reported that a lightning strike caused a house fire in Swan Creek (no injuries, residents displaced). Avante extending Central Park Place street; EW Health rehab facility windows and brick going up.
- District 3 (Alder Ladise): Announced 100 Black Men of Madison backpack event Aug 15, 8–11 AM at Madison College Truax campus.
- Alder Reichstadt: Presented charts showing Fitchburg’s property tax per capita (nominal and inflation-adjusted) is in the lower middle of Dane County cities. Population estimate 37,220 as of Jan 2026 (23rd largest city in Wisconsin, surpassing Beloit and Franklin).

### Key Outcomes
- **Consent agenda** approved unanimously.
- **Resolution R15926** (Fitchrona Road tree clearing bid) approved unanimously.
- **Resolution R14926** (Uptown Hills CSM subdivision improvements) approved unanimously after public comment.
- **Resolution R15026** (Greenfield Park playground concept design, Option 1) approved unanimously.
- **Resolution R15126** (Terra Vesa Park amenities budget amendment) approved unanimously on roll call (two-thirds vote).
- **Resolution R15426** (Healthy Neighborhoods Grant redesign) approved unanimously.
- **Resolution R16526** (Fire headquarters door replacements) approved unanimously on roll call (two-thirds vote).
- **Resolution R16726** (CDBG Pro Housing Grant Agreement) approved unanimously.
- **All seven claims** (Tessner, Edmonds, National Subro Chubb, Somers, Moore, Dulcing, Houston) denied unanimously after closed session.
- **Next meeting**: August 25, 2026 (Common Council) and August 26, 2026 (Committee of the Whole, with budget process discussion and presentation from city planner Deanna Schmidt).