Common Council May 26, 2020

Council meetings are still being held partially in person and partially via video conference. As always, I wore a mask as recommended by the CDC.

Highlights:

R-98-20 Authorizing Acceptance of the 2020 Chip Sealing Program Bid
- This is a yearly effort by public works
- They put a protective treatment on certain streets in fair to good condition that helps reduce water intrusion, thus extending the life of the street.
- Check the list of streets and maps below to see if your street is on the list.
R-100-20 Approving a Design Contract with KL Engineering for the Design of the CTH MM / McCoy Intersection and Signal Improvements
- The city will be adding a stoplight to the MM/McCoy Road intersection
- This is great for the safety of cyclists and motorists
- 90% of the cost will be covered by a Highway Safety Improvement Program grant
Mayor announced that the pride flag will fly at city hall for the month of June for the first time ever. The Mayor, Alder Udell and I were present on June 1 for the raising of the flag, and we hope future years can be attended by more community members.
Fall Elections Update
- The Wisconsin Elections Commission has voted to mail absentee voting applications to everyone in the state of Wisconsin, pending finalization of the language of the letter on June 10.
- I'm very pleased with this development and I'm happy action is being taken statewide rather than city by city.
- You can request your absentee ballot today at myvote.wi.gov. Over 4,000 Fitchburg voters have already done so.
R-108-20 Authorizing a Budget Amendment to Transfer $150,000 from Fitchburg's Revolving Loan Fund to Capitalize the Forward Fitchburg Biz Boost Loan Program and Guidelines
- This money already exists in a revolving loan fund, but is being transferred to a newly created fund
- Businesses can apply for small loans from $1,000-$10,000 to assist with the reopening process after closures due to COVID-19
- For example, a business may need to buy Plexiglas barriers for their checkout counters or PPE for their employees.
- This is for small, locally owned businesses in Fitchburg, with 25 or fewer full-time employees.