March 2024

Earth Month on the Horizon

Earth Month on the Horizon in Sun Prairie is a testament to the community's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Led by Dr. Rose Daily, Sustainability Coordinator, community members are invited to participate in a variety of activities and events aimed at raising awareness about pressing environmental issues and fostering a deeper connection with nature. Dr. Daily has led the planning for a wide range of initiatives including waste reduction presentations, a group compost bin sale, and much more. The City's goal is to inspire and empower individuals to make meaningful contributions towards a greener, more sustainable future. Check out the interview with Dr. Daily to learn more about the exciting activities planned for Earth Month on the Horizon in Sun Prairie.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Installing Solar Arrays

We're thrilled to announce a significant step towards sustainability as the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Sun Prairie moves forward with the installation of solar arrays. This ambitious project, estimated at $839,696, will see the implementation of a 403 kW (DC) Ground Mounted Solar Array, generating approximately 519,096 kW of energy annually. Through strategic funding avenues such as the 2021 Energy Innovation Grant Program (EIGP) potentially reimbursing $59,000, the potential Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offering $250,000, and an additional $50,000 rebate from Focus on Energy, this initiative is not only environmentally sound but also financially prudent. Led by Eagle Point Solar from Dubuque, IA, and designed by Strand Associates Inc from Madison, WI, the project is set to be fully operational by May 2024. This endeavor highlights the City's commitment to sustainable practices and positions Sun Prairie as a leader in renewable energy adoption.

Community Sponsorship for DEI Activities

In 2023, City Council passed a budget initiative to allocate funds for organizations in the community who are planning events, activities, and initiatives in line with the City's values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our commitment to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and fostering an inclusive culture serves as the focus of our daily endeavors. We want to support others who are doing this work in the Sun Prairie community. Currently, there is $5,000 allocated available for this initiative. Click here to be redirected to the application.

Once your application is submitted, an internal team of staff will review and reach out to the email address provided to notify you of the application's status. Specific questions can be sent to Jake King, Communications & Diversity Strategist, at jking@cityofsunprairie.com.

Community Conversations on Housing

Join Sun Prairie Action Resource Coalition on Thursday, March 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Sun Prairie Public Library for a panel discussion that delves into the complexities of the national housing crisis and its impact on Sun Prairie.

You will learn about the root causes of the crisis and its ripple effects on communities large and small. You will also hear personal stories that illuminate the human side of the crisis and how it directly impacts people’s daily lives.

Panelists include University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor of Urban and Regional Planning Kurt Paulsen, Sean O’Brien from Northpointe Development, Leticia Hockenberry from Sunshine Place, and Becky Binz from the City of Sun Prairie. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and join in the conversation!

The Sun Prairie Media Center will live stream the event: https://www.sunprairiemediacenter.com/now-live/.

For more information, please visit: https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com/event/sun-prairie-community-conversation-housing-17194?fbclid=IwAR2RpUKSZYPK1jTqMmUVcv3pNlE8WgSVDyNG3nR9eojIceg1_Y7hdUTqGmM

Tourism Commission Now Under Chamber of Commerce Leadership

To ensure that the City can tap into its fullest tourism potential, the Tourism Commission is making a strategic move by partnering with the Chamber of Commerce. It's common practice for cities across Wisconsin to collaborate with either a Destination Marketing Organization or a Chamber of Commerce for tourism efforts. This move aligns with industry standards and ensures that Sun Prairie is equipped to compete effectively in the tourism market. City staff will be involved in a variety of ways such as providing essential administrative support to the Commission, offering insights and perspective during grant application review, development of a marketing plan, and more. With these efforts, the City is confident that Sun Prairie will shine bright as a tourist destination. We are grateful to the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce for their leadership!

Administration: The City of Sun Prairie is excited to partner with Recycling Connections to offer its residents another compost bin group buy!

City Clerk: Do you know all the details for voting? Don't worry! We have you covered. Check out our section for more information.

Community Development: We're excited to share with you our 2023 Housing Snapshot! Check out our section to review the details and learn about housing goals.

Engineering: Construction has started on State Highway 19 between N Thompson Road and Davison Dr. Planned improvements include the replacement of traffic signals, upgrades to pedestrian access via curb ramp enhancements, and the extension of left turn lanes.

Historical Library and Museum: Jimmy called for an early spring and that means the Museum’s open season is on the way. The Museum will return to public open hours of Wednesday – Saturday, 11:00am-4:00pm beginning April 3, 2024. Be sure to visit the newest exhibitions!

Parks, Recreation & Forestry: The Recreation Division staff is working hard to plan a summer full of fun for the whole family. We’re only a few weeks away from the Summer Fun Guide release date on April 2!

Sun Prairie Public Library: There will be a series of presentations in March focused on waste reduction. This series will be led by Dr. Rose Daily, Sustainability Coordinator.

Sun Prairie Utilities: Take a moment this March to check your water usage. Is it higher than usual? Do you have a leak? In honor of Fix a Leak Week running from March 18 to 22, 2024, we are offering kits that will help you find leaks, track your water usage, and learn about water conservation.

Administration

Compost Bin Group Buy

The City of Sun Prairie is excited to partner with Recycling Connections to offer its residents another compost bin group buy! Compost bins can be ordered now through April 18, 2024 and will be available for pickup on Saturday April 20, 2024 at the Sun Prairie Recycle Center. The cost is $68.00. 

- - -DETAILS ABOUT THE COMPOST BIN- - -

-Black plastic to absorb heat quickly
-Easy to use, simple to assemble and move
-Long-lasting
-A sliding door opens at the bottom of the bin, providing easy access to finished compost
-Tight lid keeps pests out
-Great ventilation for aerating organic material
-Comes with "The Composting Cookbook"

For more information and to place your order, please visit https://www.recyclingconnections.org/store/Home-Composter-Bin-Sun-Prairie-p452880195?fbclid=IwAR3Nf3MDkc9O6MBJ0tvJBwb2VRVMPTPqx_PMBurrOwA2kthuArHu1D7rXtQ

City Clerk

Absentee Ballot

The Clerk’s Office would like all voters to know how to request an absentee ballot. The fastest method for requesting an absentee ballot is using MyVote.WI.Gov. Other methods for requesting an absentee ballot can found here: https://cityofsunprairie.com/232/Absentee-Voting 

Please note that absentee requests CANNOT be made over the phone.

Information on photo ID requirements for absentee voters can be found below.

Regular Voters (including Temporary Overseas Voters)

Regular absentee voters, including those temporarily overseas, are required to provide acceptable photo ID before being sent an absentee ballot. However, once photo ID is provided, an absentee voter does not need to resubmit photo ID when requesting an absentee ballot by mail for future elections, as long as they have not moved or changed their name.

Military and Permanent Overseas Voters

Military and permanent overseas voters are exempt from the photo ID requirement. If you are a military voter or are registered to vote as a permanent overseas voter, you are not required to provide photo ID.

Indefinitely Confined Voters

Indefinitely confined voters are persons who, because of age, physical illness, infirmity, or disability, are eligible to receive ballots automatically for all future elections. If you requested absentee ballots as an indefinitely confined voter, you are not required to provide photo ID.

Confidential Voters

Confidential Voters are exempt from the photo ID requirement. If you are currently qualified for a confidential listing, you are not required to provide photo ID.

As a reminder, the City of Sun Prairie will be utilizing all 8 polling places for the 2024 Spring Election, which will be held on April 2, 2024.

• District 1 (Wards 1-3) - Colonial Club, 301 Blankenheim Ln

• District 1 (Wards 4-7) – City Hall, 300 E Main St

• District 2 (Wards 8-10, 28, 29) – Heartland Church, 800 Wilburn Rd

• District 2 (Wards 11-13, 30) - United Methodist Church, 702 North St

• District 3 (Wards 14-17) - Sun Prairie Public Library, 1350 Linnerud Dr

• District 3 (Wards 18-21) – Living Water Church, 3075 Prospect Dr

• District 4 (Wards 22-24) - Westside Community Service Building, 2598 W Main St

• District 4 (Wards 25-27) – Focus Church, 411 N Thompson Rd

Visit MyVote.WI.Gov to find your polling place.

Are you registered to vote?

Wisconsin requires 28 days to establish residency at a new address. When registering, you must present Proof of Residence, a document showing your current name at your current address. You cannot register to vote at a post office box. Time spent away from your residence still counts toward the 28 days.

Online

Visit myvote.wi.gov to register online. If you have a valid, unexpired Wisconsin driver license or Wisconsin ID, and your address on file with the DMV matches the address at which you are registering to vote, your registration will take effect immediately. If the DMV does not have your current address on file, either update your address on the DOT’s website (wisconsindot.gov) before updating your registration, or submit Proof of Residence along with your registration form to the City Clerk’s Office.

In person

Registration can take place up until the Friday before any election at the City Clerk’s Office. When registering, you must present Proof of Residence, a document showing your current name at your current address. View acceptable forms of Proof of Residence on the Wisconsin Elections Commission website (elections.wi.gov).

By Mail

Registration applications need to be postmarked 20 days before an election. (Applications submitted within the 20 days must be received In person ONLY). When registering, you must submit Proof of Residence, a document showing your current name at your current address. To register to vote by mail, visit the Wisconsin Elections Commission website (elections.wi.gov) and print the Voter Registration Application. Complete the form and mail it along with Proof of Residence to the City Clerk’s Office.

Mail application to:

City Clerk’s Office

Attn: Elections

300 E Main Street

Sun Prairie, WI 53590

Community Development

2023 Sun Prairie Housing Snapshot

We're excited to share with you our 2023 Housing Snapshot!

When addressing the multifaceted issue of housing, these are the goals we are pursuing:

1. Add and Preserve Affordable Housing Units - Increase the number of affordable units available to lower-income households experiencing housing cost burden; preserve affordability and quality of existing units.

2. Expand Housing Choice - Increase overall housing stock, expand housing types and price points.

3. Increase Housing Stability - Prioritize projects and programs that support those who are most at-risk of housing instability.

4. Improve the Quality, Accessibility, and Attainability of Housing - Improve the condition of existing properties, make properties accessible to those with disabilities, and increase access to attainable housing for underrepresented community members.

This snapshot highlights some of the key work being accomplished in 2023 that aligned with these goals. Stay tuned for 2024!

For further information on diverse housing initiatives, resources, data, and additional details related to Sun Prairie, visit: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/27968dd724bd4b1bae29cd027d920571?header=false&fbclid=IwAR007tEDmmS2yyKhVcBCJneNdfjUR2OS_F8GlmRCuRQyiXIfuXo4OwYa70w

Engineering

Construction on State Highway 19

Construction has started on State Highway 19 between N Thompson Road and Davison Dr. Planned improvements include the replacement of traffic signals, upgrades to pedestrian access via curb ramp enhancements, and the extension of left turn lanes.

The project will be completed in three sections:

-151 and 19 interchange: March 4th to Mid-September

-Thompson Road intersection: Mid-March to Mid-May

-Davison Drive: Mid-May until the end of August

For specific questions about this project, please contact Cody Kammerzelt, Project Manager, by phone at (608) 243-5995 or email at Cody.Kammerzelt@dot.wi.gov

Historical Library and Museum

The Museum is open to the public this winter on Wednesdays 11:00am-4:00pm and by appointment for research and special events. To learn more, visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/museum. 

Staff can be reached by phone at (608) 825-0837 or by email at museum@cityofsunprairie.com.

The Historical Library and Museum is located at 115 East Main St. Sun Prairie with parking behind the building. Admission is always free.

Announcements:

Season Opening 2024

Jimmy called for an early spring and that means the Museum’s open season is on the way. The Museum will return to public open hours of Wednesday – Saturday, 11:00am-4:00pm beginning April 3, 2024. Be sure to visit the newest exhibitions!

Going Public with the Past

Ever wished you could look through the Museum’s collections from the comfort of your own home? As of this January, you can! In 2023, the Museum’s database migrated to an online platform that makes public access possible. Visit our Facebook page to learn how you can explore the collections: www.facebook.com/CityOfSunPrairieMuseum

Parks, Recreation and Forestry

Did you know the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department has snowshoes available to rent? For only $10 per pair, there are weekend and weekday rental options. Even though the groundhog predicted an early spring, winter is certainly not done so be sure to take advantage of the next snow!

RECREATION

The Recreation Division staff is working hard to plan a summer full of fun for the whole family. We’re only a few weeks away from the Summer Fun Guide release date on April 2! Until then, there are plenty of winter and spring programs coming up. To view and/or to register for programs, visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com or stop by the office during business hours, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Pick up a 2024 Winter/Spring Rec Connection at the Westside Community Services Building, Library, or City Hall and/or view the guide online at rec.cityofsunprairie.com.

PARKS

• As soon as conditions are favorable, the crew will be removing and replacing the existing playground at Cardinal Crest Park.

• Active construction on the four season shelter and restroom facility at Wetmore Community Park continues and is on track to be completed by this summer!

FORESTRY

• Winter is the perfect time for tree care! Parks and forestry staff are out pruning street and park trees. If you have any questions regarding care of street trees, let us know at forestry@cityofsunprairie.com.

o The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recommends NOT pruning or cutting oak trees from April through July to reduce the risk of spreading oak wilt disease.

• Order native plants for your yard and donate to local projects to increase pollinator habitat in Sun Prairie at https://ripple-effects.com/Plant-Dane!  Sun Prairie community projects include:

o Sun Prairie’s Westside Community Services Building – Conservation Landscaping Demonstration Garden

o Sun Prairie Parks Friends – Pollinator Gardens at local parks

Sun Prairie Public Library

Programs for Children and Teens

LEGO® Club

Thursday, March 7 from 2-3:30pm, Community Room

Build with the library’s LEGO® collection! Bring your creativity, but leave your LEGO®s at home! Registration is required. For school-age children only (Kindergarten - 5th grade). Children can be left with the librarian as long as they are registered. We'll take photos of their creations and post it to our Facebook Page.

Teen Gaming and Legos

Friday, March 8 from 4-5:30pm, Community Room

Come play board games, Codenames, Gartic Phone, and Jackbox games. Or build with our massive LEGO collection. Having a device that can access the internet is useful, but not necessary. We will meet in the Library Community Room. This program is for teens in 6th-12th grade.

ACT Diagnostic Test with Galin Education

Tuesday, March 12 from 9:30am-1pm, Community Room

Sophomores, sign up now for a free ACT diagnostic test! While the juniors are taking their ACT, get a head start for your own test. The library is partnering with Galin Education to offer a realistic ACT experience. This diagnostic test will help you work out some test-taking jitters as well as help you focus your studying. Please bring a calculator if you have one. Advance registration is required.

Young Explorers Club

Tuesday, March 19 from 4:15-5pm, Community Room

This club will meet once a month and we'll explore different animals, ecosystems, habitats, and more! Children can be left with the librarian as long as they are registered. For any questions, problems registering, or for more information, please email Sammy at snieman@sunlib.org or call the Children's Desk at 608-825-0701. Registration is required. You will need to register for each event individually. Young Explorers Club is for ages 4-8.

Winter/Spring Dates:

Tuesday, March 19 from 4:15 to 5:00 PM - Animal Superpowers

Tuesday, April 23 from 4:15 to 5:00 PM - Spring & Back Yard Animals

Programs for Adults

Waste Reduction Series with Dr. Rose Daily, City of Sun Prairie Sustainability Coordinator

Striving for a Zero-Waste Lifestyle

Wednesday, March 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Community Room

The average American disposes of 4 lbs of waste each day. The good news is, there’s practical steps we can take to reduce our waste to nearly zero while saving $$$! Join Dr. Rose Daily, City of Sun Prairie Sustainability Coordinator, to learn about circular economy, the 15 Rs (there’s a lot more than just reduce, reuse, recycle!), and opportunities you can take advantage of right now in our community to start reducing your waste.

A Taste for Change: Combating Food Waste Together

Wednesday, March 13 from 6:30-8 p.m., Community Room

When we think of reducing food waste, most people think of composting as the only solution. Composting is just one of many easy and fun solutions to our food waste problem. Join Dr. Rose Daily, and Ben Stanger, CEO of Green Box, for an engaging presentation centered around combating food waste.

Registration is not required for this series, but you may register on our Events Calendar at www.sunlib.org if you would like an email reminder prior to the event.

Irish Family Meals with Chef Jason Dunn

Monday, March 11 from 6-7:30pm, Community Room

Get ready for your St. Patrick's Day celebration with a cooking demo from Chef Jason Dunn! Samples will be provided, and attendees will receive a copy of the recipe. Space is limited, registration is required. Please register here.

Singer/Songwriter Series: Hannah Busse and Luke McGovern

Tuesday, March 19 from 7-8pm, Community Room

The Sun Prairie Public Library is excited to announce the performers for the 2024 Singer/Songwriter Series. Celebrating the art of lyrics, performance, and songwriting, the library will host 3 concerts, each featuring two local musicians performing together. Join us for night one of the series!

Hannah Busse is a folk-pop singer-songwriter and recording artist. She was named the Madison Area Music Association’s 2018 New Artist of the Year. Hannah’s repute as a songwriter and performer is on the rise.

Madison songwriter Luke McGovern blends his findings in the natural world with examinations of human emotion to make an eclectic mix of modern folk songs. His song "Yellow Jacket Rebirth" was named one of Tone Madison's "Favorite Songs of 2023".

Sun Prairie Public Library Foundation – Save the Date!

Save the date! The Sun Prairie Public Library Foundation is proud to present the Love Your Library Gala on Saturday, April 20th at 6pm.

Join the fun at this hands-on interactive event exploring podcasting, gaming through the decades, a cooking demo with Chef Patrick DePula from Salvatore's, artwork live by Artist in Residence Rebecca Kautz, and a historical storywalk.

Additionally, food, drinks, live music and raffle to support the library expansion project will make this a night to remember! On-site childcare will also be available! Bring your friends! Tickets are available at sunlibfoundation.org.

Sun Prairie Utilities

Free Fix a Leak Week Kits

Take a moment this March to check your water usage. Is it higher than usual? Do you have a leak?

In honor of Fix a Leak Week running from March 18 to 22, 2024, we are offering kits that will help you find leaks, track your water usage, and learn about water conservation.

Stop at our office or the Sun Prairie Public Library to grab a free English or Spanish kit, which includes:

Dye tabs (to test for a toilet leak)Fix a Leak Week kits
Leak checklist
Flow rate bag (to measure water flow rate of a faucet or shower)
MyAccount threshold alert set up how-to
Water conservation wheel (tips for conserving water)
SPU pen
'Leak Detective' sticker
'Spot the Leak' coloring page
Educational activity page
Coloring book

Currently, 50% of our customers have an AMI water meter. If you are one of them, the kit will also have a how-to on signing up for water threshold alerts in MyAccount, making it easier to know when your property has reached a specific usage level. All you have to do is log into your MyAccount, click Alerts, scroll to Usage, and click 'Add' for Usage Threshold.

MyAccount also has Water Leak Detection Alerts for those interested in getting notified if there's been continuous or higher-than-normal water usage in their home. Simply log into your MyAccount, click Alerts, scroll to Service, and add your email or phone number.

Kits will be available until the end of March, while supplies last. You can find them at the Sun Prairie Public Library and the Sun Prairie Utilities office.

For more information about Fix a Leak Week, visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency here.

Sun Prairie Earth Day 2024

The Sun Prairie Parks Friends have a variety of activities planned for Saturday, April 20 (Earth Day)! The activities include:

9:00am Kickoff at Sheehan Park - West (1357 Linnerud Drive/Across the Street from the Library)
9:30am Volunteers Disperse to City Parks and Sweep Each Park for Litter
12:00pm Dispose of Garbage & Pat Yourself on the Back!

**Kickoff event will happen rain-or-shine, but in the event of inclement weather, registrants can sweep their park when the weather clears.**

How to Volunteer:How to Volunteer:

Step 1: Sign up to help at the park(s) you like

Step 2: Set Your Alarm & Get Out of Bed

Step 3: Head to Sheehan Park West at 9:00am on Sat. April 20, 2024 for the Kickoff and to get trash bags

Step 4: Go to the park that you signed up to sweep

Step 5: Collect Litter/Debris/Trash

Step 6: Properly Dispose of your collection bag or return it to Sheehan Park West.

Groups, Organizations, and Companies

Your Group Can Reserve a Large Park and Participate Together!

Churches, Troops, Packs, Companies, Service Organizations, Social Groups, Bridge Clubs, Fraternities, Sororities, Bunko Clubs, Garden Clubs, Committees, Commissions, Departments, Etc.

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole, consisting of all 8 seated City Council members, addresses multi-committee issues, reviews the annual budget, manages real estate transactions, engages in long-term planning, has the authority to sanction Council members and officials, and handles matters not assigned to specific committees. Chaired by the Council President, it convenes on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 300 E. Main St., Downtown Sun Prairie, with meeting times occasionally subject to change (refer to the events calendar for specific times).

Check out the latest Committee of the Whole meeting (2/20/2024)

Check out the latest Common Council meeting (2/20/2024)

Sun Prairie Media Center

Sun Prairie Media Center consists of three main entities, each with its own individual mission:

KSUN: The mission of KSUN is to train and nurture Sun Prairie residents in providing original video programming designed to educate, inform, entertain, and enlighten the city of Sun Prairie. KSUN programming should appeal to a wide range of Sun Prairie residents and reflect the diverse nature of the Sun Prairie population.

KIDS-4: The mission of KIDS-4 is to promote media literacy to the youth population of Sun Prairie as well as to teach students all aspects of producing original video and audio content. Students enrolled in KIDS-4 become more discriminating consumers of media, better communicators, better collaborators, and receive vital hands-on experience on a wide range of media-making tools.

103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio: The mission of 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio is to train and nurture Sun Prairie residents in providing original radio and podcast programming designed to educate, inform, entertain, and enlighten the city of Sun Prairie. 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio programming should appeal to a wide range of Sun Prairie residents and reflect the diverse nature of the Sun Prairie population.

Check out the abundance of quality community programming at https://www.sunprairiemediacenter.com/