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- October, 2024
October, 2024
Sun Prairie Financial Roadmap
On Friday, September 20, Mayor Esser hosted a meeting of Dane County mayors at Sun Prairie City Hall, followed by a press conference where they discussed the potential for going to referendum in their respective communities. Recent projections for the 2025-2029 period show Sun Prairie’s levy will exceed state-imposed limits starting in 2026. To address this, Mayor Esser shared the strategic planning efforts of the City Council over the last three months to identify sustainable funding sources while continuing to provide high-quality services to the community.
Vehicle Registration Fee
On Tuesday, September 17, the City Council adopted an ordinance implementing a municipal vehicle registration fee in the amount of $30. The fee will be collected by the Department of Transportation along with the state’s annual vehicle registration. Fees collected will be placed in a designated fund for transportation-related projects. Implementation of the fee will generate a consistent revenue stream for road maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and other transportation projects, reducing reliance on property tax revenue. It is set to take effect in February 1, 2025.
Specific information on the vehicle registration fee can be found by visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/VRF.
Planned 2026 Referendum
If approved by voters, a successful spring 2026 referendum would allow the City to exceed these limits and raise additional revenue to maintain and/or enhance services as the community continues to grow. The referendum will be informed by feedback received from the community following extensive public engagement.
Services Reductions and Efficiencies
As a part of the Financial Roadmap, the City will continue to identify budget efficiencies through various cost-saving measures and possible service reductions. Some of these initiatives have already been implemented, while others will take effect with the 2025 Budget. These include redirecting unspent dollars to the City’s fund balance and net-neutral revenue sources to be proposed with new ongoing initiatives whenever possible.
To review the Financial Roadmap document, please visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/FRM.
Interview: Caitlin Stene | Director of Administrative Services
Voter Information on Upcoming Election
2024 is a major election year, and it’s crucial to stay informed on key topics like voting procedures, polling locations, absentee ballots, and more. To help, check out this insightful interview with Arrin Linzenmeyer, Deputy City Clerk, where she answers important questions about the election process.
Accurate Voting Information
The City of Sun Prairie Clerk’s Office has been made aware that some residents are receiving text messages regarding their absentee ballot requests, ballot statuses, or reminders to return their ballots. Please be aware that these messages are not from the City. The Clerk’s Office does not communicate with voters via text messages. Our official communications will always come through email or phone calls. Any email from us will be sent from an address ending in “@cityofsunprairie.com.”
Be Sure to Verify
With phishing scams becoming more common, it’s crucial to trust only verified information. Although some organizations may have good intentions, it’s best to verify any communication you receive about your ballot. If you’re ever unsure, please reach out to us directly for confirmation.
The most secure way to request an absentee ballot or check your ballot status is through the official Statewide Voter Registration System, MyVote. This trusted platform offers secure features and official branding, ensuring you are interacting with the Clerk’s Office.
Contact Us!
For the most accurate up-to-date information, please visit https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the Clerk’s Office at clerks@cityofsunprairie.com or 608-825-1148. We're here to help ensure your voting experience is secure and accurate.
Interview: Arrin Linzenmeyer| Deputy City Clerk
Metro Service Changes in Sun Prairie
Madison Metro has launched Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and this will impact service in Sun Prairie! This faster service departs every 30 minutes from the Sun Prairie Park and Ride. Riders are now able to travel to Capital Square, UW-Madison, Hilldale, West Towne Mall, and locations in between without needing a transfer.
The schedules for Routes S and W were reorganized. Route A utilized high-capacity buses, while the Sun Prairie routes continued using standard-size buses.
For more information on routes, schedules, and more, visit: https://www.cityofmadison.com/metro/routes-schedules/bus-rapid-transit"
Interview: David Salmon | Transportation Coordinator
Solar Tree Sponsorship Program
In 2025/2026, the City of Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center (FAC) will undergo a significant renovation to enhance energy efficiency and expand its amenities. Planned improvements include a complete bathhouse remodel, upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems, and the addition of exciting features such as new slides, an aqua zipline, basketball hoops, and an obstacle course.
As part of the City’s 'Sustainable Sun Prairie' initiative, innovative solar energy trees will be installed on the pool deck during the renovation. These 25-foot clean energy trees are not only visually striking but will also provide over 700 square feet of shade for pool users, offset 35% of the FAC’s energy usage, and serve as Sun Prairie’s first public-facing solar PV system. Each tree will feature colorful LED lights for night swims, charging outlets for phones and laptops, and a QR code displaying real-time solar energy production. In the off-season, the energy generated by the trees will be sold back to the grid.
The City is covering 60% of the cost of the solar trees and is offering lifetime sponsorship opportunities to cover the remaining 40% of the cost. Businesses, organizations, and individuals are invited to sponsor the FAC solar trees to showcase their dedication to a clean energy future. Sponsorship opportunities are available now through December of 2025.
Sponsorship Levels
Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $25,000, with recognition based on contribution. Opportunities include naming rights to the solar tree forest ($25,000), name/logo on a solar tree ($18,000), on the arm of a solar tree ($10,000), on a stained concrete leaf ($5,000), or on the Friends of the Forest plaque ($1,000). Sponsors also receive season passes, an invitation to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, social media recognition, and mentions at 2026 events.
Youth Involvement
To celebrate the connection between art and science, Sun Prairie youth will be invited to participate in an art competition to design custom graphic wraps for the solar trees. The youth design contest will open in summer of 2025. Sponsors who provide $10,000+ will be invited to serve on the judging panel for the graphic wrap design competition and help select the winning designs for the solar trees.
Official sponsorship guide: https://cityofsunprairie.com/DocumentCenter/View/15490/Solar-Tree-Sponsorship-Guide_final
Solar tree sponsorship webpage: https://cityofsunprairie.com/1904/Solar-Tree-Sponsorship-Program
Information on the FAC renovation project: cityofsunprairie.com/1858/FAC-Renovation-Project-Information
Interview: Rose Daily | Sustainability Coordinator
Trunk or Treat
Join us for Trunk or Treat, a free, family-friendly event perfect for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Explore over 30 decorated trunks, collect treats, and vote for your favorite. Enjoy a variety of games, food from local trucks, and refreshing beverages. The event will also feature live entertainment, including Hula Hooping with Hoop Elation from 12-2pm, free face painting from 1-3pm, and a Spooky Sing-A-Long with Marta Hansen from 2:30-3:30pm.
We’d like to thank our sponsors: Bank of Sun Prairie as the Hocus Pocus Presenting Sponsor, and TDS, Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, and KidsStrong as Spooky Supporting Sponsors.
Interview: Alyse Peters | Special Events & Sponsorship Manager
Administration
Vehicle Registration Fee
On Tuesday, September 17, the City Council adopted an ordinance implementing a municipal vehicle registration fee for vehicles in the amount of $30. The fee will be collected by the state along with the annual vehicle registration and will be allocated to a designated fund specifically for transportation-related purposes.
What is it for?
Implementation of the fee will generate a steady revenue stream for road maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and other transportation projects to enhance Sun Prairie’s quality of life, reducing reliance on property tax revenue.
When it will be implemented?
It will take effect on February 1, 2025.
FAQs
For a fuller list of frequently asked questions, please visit to https://cityofsunprairie.com/1905/Vehicle-Registration-Fee
Sustainable Sun Prairie - New Episode!
Community Development
Reimagine Sun Prairie
Reimagine Sun Prairie, a community-driven initiative to update Sun Prairie’s zoning code and subdivision ordinances, aimed at creating a more prosperous, resilient, an equitable future. The focus of this effort is to prioritize the community’s vision and values in the development and design of public spaces while building on the City’s previous and recent planning efforts. Understanding the significance of zoning in shaping the community is essential as this update launches.
What is Zoning?
Zoning governs how cities and towns use land by dividing areas into zones for specific activities like homes, businesses, and parks. These standards shape daily lives by influencing everything from the layout of streets and buildings to housing options and transportation choices. Zoning regulations can be complex and hinder positive changes. To better serve the community, the City is working with an expert consultant team to create a new code that is more user-friendly and aligned with what matters most to Sun Prairie community members.
Zoning Code Update
Updating the existing zoning code will be a multi-year project filled with a variety of opportunities for community input. A community survey is now available, offering community members the chance to begin sharing feedback. Printed materials will be distributed at key ‘Home Base’ locations across the city, ensuring that everyone, including individuals without digital access, can contribute. Additionally, there will be community pop-up events at various local gatherings where attendees can engage with interactive activities, share their thoughts, and learn more about the project. Contributions to the surveys and in-person events will help shape the standards and procedures that influence how new development in the city may occur.
To learn more about the project, take the first survey, and get involved, please visit www.ReimagineSunPrairie.com.
Fall Fun!
Engineering
Important Street Closures
S. Bird Street from the railroad tracks to the Deer Creek Run will be temporarily closed for preventative maintenance on the road surface. Our crew will be doing the work in sections; accessibility to the dog park and the businesses on that section of the street will be open. Expect the street closure between 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, October 3rd.
For questions about this work, please contact Public Works at 608-837-3050
Road Closure on Montana Avenue for Construction
The road closure and construction is anticipated to last for 6 weeks. The project will consist of multiple lane shifts on STH 19, please use caution and obey all signs and temporary speed limits while using this corridor.
Additionally, safety improvements at the intersection of Broadway Drive and St. Albert the Great Drive will also be completed at this time but will not result in any road closures. Anticipate delays during construction in this area, please use caution and find alternate routes of travel if possible.
Feel free to contact Engineering (608-825-1170) with any questions.
Public Safety
Fire Open House
Sun Prairie Public Library
*Featured Event*
Spooky Trivia Night
At the Nitty Gritty - 315 E Linnerud Dr. Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Grab your friends and join us for an exciting night of Spooky Trivia, hosted by Chad Lewis, professional paranormal researcher, author, and lecturer on topics ranging from haunted places to cryptids to UFO sightings. Teams will compete to see who has the most knowledge about ghouls and goblins near and far! Costumes are encouraged, but not required.
Ages 16+, tickets $25/individual or $100 for teams up to 4. One free drink is included with the ticket price. Register here: https://www.sunlibfoundation.org/events
All proceeds support the Anna Taylor Study Tower - a cozy reading space within the Sun Prairie Public Library.
Programs for Children and Teens
*Featured Event*
Saturday, October 19 from 10am-12pm, Community Room
An exciting family event in October is the return of our annual Star Wars Reads Day! On Saturday, October 19th from 10:00 AM until Noon, Star Wars fans of all ages are encouraged to come dressed in your favorite Star Wars attire and have fun with games, crafts, and activities!
Saturday, October 5 from 10-10:30am, Community Room
Music Avenue is a nonprofit music education organization whose classes focus on infants, toddlers, and young children interacting musically with their caregivers.
Participants will experience the beauty of artistic movement, steady beat, singing, and listening. Activities are highly interactive and extremely fun! Classes offered in partnership with the Sun Prairie Public Library will be 30 minutes long and held in the Community Room where there is plenty of space for all. Geared for ages 0-4, but all ages welcome! Registration Recommended - Register Here
Tuesday, October 15 from 4-6pm, Community Room
Join Melissa for Creativity Club. Projects we'll be doing: Paint Night, air-dry clay, ghost paintings, knitting and crocheting, shrinky dinks, beading, washi tape, and more. Registration is recommended. When you register, you'll automatically be signed up for all sessions. It is okay if you are not able to come to all sessions. This program is for teens in 6th - 12th grade.
Wednesday, October 23 from 4-4:45pm, Community Room
This club will meet and explore different animals, ecosystems, habitats, and more! This program will meet in the Community Room. Space will be limited. Children can be left with the librarian as long as they are registered. Registration is required. Please register for each event individually.
Programs for Adults
Your Financial Fitness for 2025: Making Budgets Work
Tuesday, October 1 from 6-7:30pm, Community Room
Participants will identify personal obstacles to budgeting and create and apply a structure to track and analyze spending. They will also list short, medium, and long-term goals and discuss the importance of debt reduction and building emergency savings. Ultimately, participants will learn to apply strategies to manage day-to-day spending.
Please register here if you plan to attend this event. Co-sponsored by Bank of Sun Prairie and Sun Prairie Public Library.
Thursday, October 3 from 6-8pm, Community Room
Stitching in Sun Prairie is a community-based fiber crafts group that meets on the first Thursday of the month! Bring your knitting, crochet, or embroidery projects and craft and chat with fellow fiber art enthusiasts. This program is open to all skill levels. No registration required.
Banned Book Club - Gender Queer: A Memoir
Monday, October 7 from 7-8pm, Conference Room
Join us for a discussion of last year's most challenged book according to the American Library Association (ALA), Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe, as a part of Banned Books Week 2024. We will also briefly discuss the state of book banning across the United States in general. Celebrate the freedom to read with Dane County public libraries!
Copies of Gender Queer: A Memoir are available for checkout at the Information Desk. No registration is required to participate in the discussion.
The Banned Books Week 2024 series is sponsored by Beyond the Page with the support of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Madison Community Foundation.
To learn more about the freedom to read and frequently banned and challenged books, visit ALA's Banned Books page at https://www.ala.org/bbooks.
Beginning Spanish for English Speakers
Starting October 12, 10-11:30am, Conference Room
The library is offering a 6-week course for English speakers who want to learn or brush up on beginning conversational Spanish! This course is open to adults and will be held Saturday mornings from 10:00 - 11:30, on October 12, 19, 26, and November 2, 9, and 16.
Please note: Registration is required as space is limited. Participants must be able to commit to attending all 6 weeks. No materials are required, notebooks and pencils will be provided.
This class will be led by Adriana Ruiz Anchando. Born in Chihuahua Mexico, Adriana has a bachelor’s degree in Business and a specialty in Marketing by the Instituto Tecnológico de Chihuahua, with TKT and CLIL Cambridge English certifications to teach English as a second language. She has worked in manufacturing and engineering fields, and is currently doing volunteer work in Sun Prairie. She is fluent in Spanish and English.
Grupo de Inglés Conversacional / English Conversation Group
Starting October 12, 11:30am-12pm, Conference Room
La biblioteca pública de Sun Prairie ofrece un curso gratis de ingles conversacional con duración de 6 semanas. Sábados 12, 19, y 26 de octubre, y 2, 9, y 16 de noviembre; 11:30am - 12:30pm. No necesitas traer nada. Esta es una clase sin cita previa, se recomienda registrarse pero no es obligatorio.
The library is offering a free 6-week conversation class for English Language Learners! Saturdays, October 12, 19, and 26, and November 2, 9,and 16 from 11:30am - 12:30pm. You do not need to bring anything. This is a drop-in class, registration is encouraged but not required.
Travel Lessons: Your Personal Guide to Better Travel with Glenn Schmidt
Thursday, October 17 from 6:30-8pm, Community Room
If you are a traveler and you'd like to know what the post-COVID world of travel is like, then join author, teacher, world traveler, neighbor, and labor newspaper editor, Glenn Schmidt as he takes you on a visual tour of his new book about travel - Travel Lessons: Your Personal Guide to Better Travel. Glenn will share tips and tricks you can use to plan your travels, as well as recount his own journey to becoming a published author. Whether it's hunting for truffles in Croatia or humoring security in Iceland, Glenn's slightly off-kilter look at the world of travel will charm and inform you. Copies of Travel Lessons: Your Personal Guide to Better Travel will be available for purchase at the event.
Your Financial Fitness for 2025: Debt Management
Tuesday, October 22 from 6-7:30pm, Community Room
Participants will explore common reasons why people find themselves in debt and the most common types of debt. They will also describe the value of using debt management strategies such as loan consolidation, budgeting, and debt management plans. Finally, participants will compare various debt management solutions and create a personal plan about how to manage their debt.
Please register here if you plan to attend this event. Co-sponsored by Bank of Sun Prairie and Sun Prairie Public Library.
Sun Prairie Utilities
Sun Prairie Utilities (SPU) has partnered with Beans n Cream Coffeehouse to create a Public Power-themed drink this October!
SPU employees brainstormed and voted to find the winning drink name, and Beans n Cream Coffeehouse crafted an electric refreshment for everyone to taste.
Try the High Voltage Cold Brew at both of the Beans n Cream Coffeehouse locations in Sun Prairie - 345 Cannery Square and 1120 West Main Street.
The special drink will be available starting Thursday, October 3, until the end of October.
Take a break and try this limited-time cold brew before it's gone!
Metro Transit at Sunshine Place
Drug Impairment Training for Educational Professionals
Free Vaccination Clinics (English Flyer)
Free Vaccination Clinics (Spanish Flyer)
Trunk or Treat
Business Spooktacular 2024
Bring your kiddos for a fun afternoon of trick or treating at your favorite local Sun Prairie businesses! This year’s Business Trick or Treat will take place on Thursday, October 24, from 2-5PM.
Full Event Activities Include:
* The Sanderson Sisters from 3-5pm
* Balloon Photo Frame Area by Pop Art Entertainment
* Spooky Public Piano available to play
* Business Decorating Contest (participating businesses denoted with *)
* Raffle prizes for trick or treaters that visit 10 or more businesses: turn maps into drop boxes located at The Loop and Beans N Cream Coffeehouse
Map Raffle: Go to at least 10 participating businesses and get your map stamped at each location. Turn your map to the drop boxes located at either The Loop or Beans N Cream Coffeehouse at the end of the event to be entered in the raffle! Lots of great prizes! Winners will be drawn on October 28.
Any business outside of Downtown counts for an extra raffle entry!!
Event Coordinator and Contest Judge: The Piano Gal Shop
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