Misty Dodge

The council meeting covered several committee reports and new business items. Key discussions included an update from the Plan Commission, which approved a certified survey map for a future 100-unit multi-family apartment building near Central Park Place and Lacy Road, and postponed two other development items. A zoning ordinance change concerning property owned by ThermoFisher for a future fitness center and childcare facility (likely a YMCA) was also reviewed. The Board of Public Works addressed a change order for the street resurfacing project, substituting resurfacing for chip seal on Fitchrona Road, Nesbet Road, and Seino Highway to ensure a smoother, longer-lasting surface, with completion anticipated by mid-October. The council also approved the annual request to exempt the city from the county library tax because the city funds its own library operations. The Finance Committee discussed amending the 2024 General Budget to cover higher maintenance costs for older police vehicles due to supply chain delays. The Public Safety and Human Services Committee handled a request for an operator license (bartender's license), which was approved. New business included approving the retention of a communications consultant to enhance city-wide communication strategy and declaring intent to exercise special assessment for sidewalk repair work, requiring a subsequent hearing on October 7th.

The Committee of the Whole meeting focused primarily on reviewing and discussing the special assessment processes and procedures for the City of Fitchburg, which have been in place since 1997, with the current policy established in 2013. The Director of Public Works detailed the statutory requirements and local ordinances governing special assessments, outlining the steps involved from publishing a preliminary resolution to preparing the assessment report, determining project costs, applying assessment methods (like per foot or area), and holding public hearings prior to letting bids and approving construction contracts. Discussion also covered various project types subject to assessment, such as street improvements, new road construction, driveway/apron replacement, utility installations (water, sewer), and stormwater facilities, noting the preferred assessment methods for each. Furthermore, the presenter highlighted potential areas for process improvement, particularly concerning communication outreach during the 10-year Capital Improvement Plan phase to better inform property owners about pending assessments.

The meeting included the approval of the October 18th meeting minutes. Key discussion centered on agenda item 5A, a conditional use request (CU-2487-22) by Jeff O'Brien (KGP Services) for temporary storage of construction materials for a fiber optic network installation at 2652 South Seminole Highway, located in an AX (Exclusive Agriculture) zoning area. The committee debated the appropriateness of granting a storage use under current zoning regulations for utilities, ultimately recommending approval with conditions, including a sunset date of December 31, 2024, and a stipulation for the City Attorney to review and agree with staff's interpretation of the zoning ordinance. Agenda items 5B and 5C involved a public hearing and request for a rezone (RZ-2455-22) and certified survey map (CS-2453-22) for 2266 South Scyene Road. The amendment primarily involved keeping the farmhouse on the same lot as the farm buildings, maintaining Exclusive Agriculture zoning, and requiring a compulsory water connection waiver for the farmhouse lot until rezoning occurs. Agenda item 5D was a pre-conference discussion regarding a potential land division and rezone along Whalen Road for a small residence, where potential concerns regarding driveway access, fire code 'bump outs,' and vehicle turnaround space were raised.

The meeting included no public appearances for non-agenda items. The department report detailed ongoing inspection work for several subdivisions, including Highfield Reserve, Crescent Crossing, Terra Vessel, and Lacey Ridge. A significant discussion focused on the Cyan Road construction project, tentatively scheduled to begin in early September, pending material delivery, with completion expected by November for the northern half. The board deferred the fall construction of sidewalks to the following spring, opting instead to order the repair of damaged sidewalks, with the city potentially managing the repairs and offering property owners a 50% reimbursement. The board also initiated the design phase for new facilities, meeting with stakeholders for input on mechanical and construction standards. Additionally, the board discussed the status of electric vehicle orders, awaiting vendor confirmation on fulfillment timelines. A resolution (R-144-22) was approved, as amended to correct a funding source, contracting with AE2S to complete a stormwater study for Seminal Glenn kettles. A public commenter raised concerns regarding mosquito control in the kettles and requested the consulting firm investigate effective treatment methods like BTI application.

The City of Fitchburg's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a 10-year planning document that identifies large purchases and significant projects for the city and its departments. These projects include major infrastructure such as roadway resurfacing and reconstruction, and equipment acquisitions like fire trucks, police cars, and snow plows. The plan prioritizes active implementation for the initial five years, with the subsequent five years serving as conceptual placeholders. This plan is a critical component of the city's budget process, involving department presentations, public hearings, and ultimately requiring adoption by the city council.