Council Updates + Citizen Action Opportunities
COUNCIL UPDATES
BIG CHANGE for public comments
The Mayor has decided to no longer read any written testimony aloud during council meetings. You have 3 options now: testify publicly, register in support or opposition publicly, and/or send feedback privately.
If you have a message you want heard at a council meeting, you must attend the meeting and speak for up to 3 minutes. Attend in-person or on video.
You can register in support or in opposition to an item. Provide your name and address and which item you are weighing in on, and the Mayor will read your name and your position out loud (but no accompanying statement).
Written feedback for the council members is STILL IMPORTANT even though it will no longer be read out loud. Even if you can't speak, you can still make your position known in a private email to the full council (email Council&Mayor@fitchburgwi.gov) or to your individual alders.
Public Transportation Service in Fitchburg is at risk
Service is limited already because of COVID, but projections show that the cost of metro service to the city of Fitchburg will rise significantly in 2022, and the council declined to make a commitment to stay in partnership with Madison Metro to provide bus service. Therefore, the service you are accustomed to may not exist as of 2022.
At the 8/25 council meeting, the council discussed the public transportation resolution I drafted, which failed with 5-4 vote (the mayor voted no after a 4-4 tie). Many of the alders established their current position on the issue. Watch the public transit discussion.
My belief is that we must center the experience of those that rely on public transportation in these discussion RATHER than focus on the budget alone. Because if we design a bus system that works for our budget but DOES NOT WORK for those riding it, it will be a disaster for the residents in our city. This short clip sums up my position.
There was also a discussion at the recent Transportation & Transit Committee Meeting. Watch here.
I'm working with the committee on developing a public hearing. Stay tuned.
Meijer project on McKee Road
There is a proposal for a new Meijer grocery store on McKee Road, across the street from Target. We have had several conversations about it in council during early zoning approvals for the site.
I have decided to support this project for 4 main reasons:
Meijer will not build elsewhere in Fitchburg if they do not get approval for this site. It would be ideal if they would build in the food desert areas of Fitchburg, but that would not be the result of rejecting this project- they will just build in another city.
This site is complex to develop, with significant grading required to build. A larger company is likely the only company that would have the resources to develop it. So while I would prefer a local, smaller business, I believe this may be the best chance to develop the site and generate the tax revenue.
As part of this project, they will work on the stormwater issues in the area.
There's a real risk that if we reject this type of proposal, we create a reputation for ourselves that may scare away future grocery stores. We need grocery stores to come in other parts of town.
Read this great opinion piece from a resident about the issues with the project.
Police Department Update
Chief Brecklin provided a detailed overview of the Fitchburg Police Departmentat a recent Committee of the Whole meeting. If you're curious abou the department, this is a good place to start. Watch presentation.
If you prefer to read, these are the slides from the presentation.
Council approved a budget amendment to hire a consultant to update the Police Policy Manual at the 8/25 council. I plan to push for community feedback to be part of that discussion.
Lake Barney future storm water project overview
There was a presentation at a recent Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss the upcoming study and what potential solutions to this issue may be.
Syene Road reconstruction is moving forward
Public meeting to discuss will likely be schedule for January 2021. Stay tuned.
Fitchburg Fun Facts!
Bike bridge over McKee Road is open!
Did you know? We regularly replace turnout gear for our Fitchburg Firefighters. We donate the expired equipment to the Gear Up Foundation, which delivers much-needed firefighting equipment and gear to departments in Mexico.
GET INVOLVED! CITIZEN ACTION OPPORTUNITIES
FLU SHOTS AVAILBALE NOW!
Fitchburg will host a drive-up flu shot on OCTOBER 21. Sign up.
Also available at Fitchburg Family Pharmacy and the Fish Hatchery Rd Walgreens and your doctor's office.
Leaf Free Streets! We need your help!
Removing leaves from the streets before rainfall is crucial to protect our lakes and wetlands from pollutants that cause algal blooms.
We're looking for ambassadors! Get a yard sign.
Safe Halloween 2020
Get a Halloween activity bag from Fitchburg Library!
Fitchburg Farmers Market
Outdoor through October @ Agora Pavillion 3-6 Thursdays
Moved indoors November & Devember
COMING SOON Tree Diversity Events
A variety of tree species and a variety of tree ages is crucial to ensure tree cover in our city, that's not at risk from an invasive species like the emerald ash bore.
When you plant on your property, you should consider a wide variety of trees.
Read about the important of age diversity in the Fitchburg Star
More info coming soon.
Did you know you can get a discount on your stormwater rates?
This is through Fitchburg's Stormwater Utility Rebate Program.
Recycle responsibly!
Check out the 2020 Recycling Guide