October 21, 2021
Department Updates
Administration: Check out Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 23rd!
Assessing: We have a new City Assessor. Welcome, Peter Krystowiak!
City Clerk: The 2021 political redistricting process is in the final stages.
Community Development: There will be a job fair for the Greater Sun Prairie Area hosted by the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, November 3rd.
Finance: Check this department out to learn how the budget process works.
Parks, Recreation and Forestry: Fall Fun Guide is now available! Register today for fall programs!
Public Safety: The City of Sun Prairie, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 23 at 300 E. Main St. Sun Prairie in the City of Sun Prairie.
Sun Prairie Historical Museum: Every winter the Museum closes its doors to the public so volunteers and staff may build new exhibits and continue collections management initiatives, which include photographing each individual artifact.
Sun Prairie Media Center: The Sun Prairie Media Center has a unique sportscasting opportunity for any basketball fan, for anyone interested in TV sports casting, or for anyone who just wants to hear their voice transmitted to millions (well, at least dozens).
Sun Prairie Public Library: Star Wars Reads is back, but will look different this fall! It's a craft buffet where you chose what you'd like to do, then take it home to make it! Drop by the Community Room anytime during the listed hours to create your very own AT HOME Star Wars adventure!
Administration
Come and Check Out Harvest Fest!
First Care Clinic is planning to attend and will be bringing a Mobile Clinic! There will be a nurse present that can take blood pressures for those interested! Attendees can ask questions about their Education Program as well! For more information on First Care Clinic, click here!
Assessing
Welcome Our New City Assessor!
The City of Sun Prairie announced Peter Krystowiak has been appointed as the new City Assessor.
Krystowiak will serve in the Assessing Department and is responsible for the main duties of preparing, signing, delivering, and defending the annual assessment roll, ensuring that all property located in the city corporate limits is properly assesses at its respective full value, and applying fully accepted assessment methods in compliance with State Statutes and the Wisconsin Assessor’s Manual.
As a city officer position, approval from a governing body is required per state statutes. City Administrator Aaron Oppenheimer on Oct. 19 explained the interview process and provided a recommendation for the Committee of the Whole’s approval.
Both the city council's Committee of the Whole and the Sun Prairie City Council approved Krystowiak's appointment as City Assessor on Tuesday, Oct. 19.
Krystowiak will be stepping into the Sun Prairie City Assessor position with a wealth of experience and knowledge.
He has been with the City of Kenosha’s Assessing office for 25 years. He started there in the position of a Level Two Appraiser for three years before transitioning to Deputy Assessor and remaining in that role for 17 years.
Before ending his time in Kenosha, Krystowiak has served as City Assessor since 2017.
In addition to his professional experience, Krystowiak was a member of the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Association of Assessing Offices (WAAO) and served as president of the association from 2014 to 2015.
Kystowiak is an alumnus of UW–Milwaukee and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Real Estate and Urban Development.
Current assessing staff include Michael Weymier, who was been contracted from Tyler Technologies as City Assessor since November 2019, and Property Appraisers Scott Krueger and Rachel Woiteshek, who have served in the interim role after the retirement of Debbie Mason.
Krystowiak is looking forward to joining the City Assessing Department team and using his experience in the Sun Prairie community.
"I am eager to bring my 25 years of assessing experience to the growing and exciting community of Sun Prairie,” said Krystowiak. “I look forward to not only value all property in a uniform and transparent manner but also provide quick and understandable answers to all questions from the taxpayers."
For more information on the Assessing Department or questions about assessments, visit online at https://cityofsunprairie.com/151/Assessing.
City Clerk
City of Sun Prairie 2021 Redistricting
The 2021 political redistricting process is in the final stages. The purpose of redistricting is to equalize populat ion among electoral districts after the census. Redistricting takes place every 10 years to accommodate changes in cities and to adjust boundaries accordingly.
At the October 19, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting, the City Clerk presented several redistricting map options for consideration and input. These maps take into account the City’s growth in both population and in annexations. Click here to view the maps presented.
A Public Hearing will take place on November 2, 2021 at the Common Council meeting where the public will have an opportunity to speak and give comments regarding the new maps before the final one is voted on. Residents are urged to participate and give feedback to their alders.
Community Development
We're Happy to Be A Sponsor For The Greater Sun Prairie Area Job Fair
This community event will enable job seekers to meet with dozens potential employers in one central location. Recruitment is for full-time, part-time, remote and seasonal employment.
Job Seekers are the guests. No fee required. However, advanced registration is recommended for a complimentary and professional resume review plus for educational sessions. If you register early, you'll also be entered into the prize drawings.
Job Seekers can Register HERE
Upload your Resume for Review and Job Matching HERE
Employers and Recruiters
For employers, this event provides a neutral site for job seekers to meet you. You'll be provided with a designated space to highlight your company, the culture, openings, benefits and more. You'll be provided with a table and chairs; but most of all access to job seekers.
Recruiters should provide a listing of open positions, skills required, certifications, etc. in advance so job seekers may be directed to the best employment match via this WI Job Service partnership. Additional details will be provided during the registration process.
Limited booths will be available for Chamber of Commerce members on a first-reserved basis. Booths includes 8-foot table, 2 chairs and refreshments. Booth fees are solely to cover event costs and as much promotion as possible including traditional media and digital media platforms. Booth rental: $300.
The Job Fair is in collaboration with City of Sun Prairie, the WI Department of Workforce Development, Wisconsin Job Service and the Dane County Job Center. The Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce is coordinating this event.
Website
Contact Information
barbarabehling@sunprairiechamber.com, 608-837-4547
Finance
Learn the process!
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Recreation Department
SPPRF office is now open: Monday – Friday 8:00am-4:30pm and available by phone at (608) 837-3449 Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, by email at rec@cityofsunprairie.com.
COVID-19 Update
In accordance with the Public Health Madison and Dane County (PHMDC) recent Face Covering Emergency Order #3 (publichealthmdc.com), we will require everyone age 2 and older to wear a mask or face covering for all indoor programming and rentals, inside the Family Aquatic Center bathhouse, and when visiting the Parks, Recreation and Forestry office for in person services until the current order expires on November 5th, 2021. For the most up to date Dane County COVID-19 information visit publichealthmdc.com and specific Parks, Recreation and Forestry mitigation plan visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com
Fall Fun Guide is now available! Register today for fall programs!
Register at rec.cityofsunprairie.com
Classes/Programs:
Thank Goodness it’s Thursday (T.G.I.T) – November Session (11/4 – 11/18)
Meadowview Elementary Location
Res: $63.00 / Non-res: $83.00 – Ages 5-10
Join us every early-release day for an afternoon of action-packed activities. Each session will feature a healthy balance of academic, recreation and social activities that support educational achievement and personal growth. On most days of the program participants will rotate through a variety of age-appropriate games, activities and crafts that revolve around the monthly theme. Participants will have time carved out to complete homework and/or silently read. An afterschool snack will be provided.
These programs are open to any Sun Prairie Area School District students, regardless of the school they attend. However, no transportation is provided to the sites at this time.
Scholarships are available for this program. For more information and to apply visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com or call 608-837-3449.
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Archery Lessons:
Family Archery lessons – 10/23-12/11
Res $63.00 / Non-Res $83.00 – Ages: 8+
9:30 – 10:30am
Join our National Archery in the Schools Program certified instructor, Terry Berndt, to learn all about the popular sport of archery! In this beginner session, students will learn about archery safety, determine their "dominant eye" make a string bow to help with proper technique, and will learn about the 11 steps to archery success. Fun games will also be played that will challenge the archer's aim.
Price includes 2 family members. Each additional family member $10
*No class 11/27.
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Fitness Classes:
Zumba (Tuesdays) - 10/26-12/14
Session Res $62.00 / Non-Res $82.00 - Drop-In Res $10.00 / Non-Res $12.00
6:00 - 6:45pm – Ages: 16+
ZUMBA is a fusion of Latin and International music/dance themes that create a dynamic and exciting environment. Based on the principle that a workout should be "FUN AND EASY TO DO", the routines feature aerobic/fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body.
Zumba (Thursdays) – 10/28-12/16
Session Res $62.00 / Non-Res $82.00 - Drop-In Res $10.00 / Non-Res $12.00
6:00 - 6:45pm – Ages: 16+
ZUMBA is a fusion of Latin and International music/dance themes that create a dynamic and exciting environment. Based on the principle that a workout should be "FUN AND EASY TO DO", the routines feature aerobic/fitness interval training with a combination of fast and slow rhythms that tone and sculpt the body.
Session Res $54.00 / Non-Res $74.00 – Drop-In Res $10.00 / Non-Res $12.00
9:00 - 9:45am – Ages: 16+
Join this modified Zumba class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower-intensity. The design of this class introduces easy-to-follow Zumba choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion, coordination, cardiovascular/muscular conditioning, flexibility, and balance! Come ready to sweat, and prepare to leave empowered and feeling strong.
Res $48.00 / Non-Res $48.00
5:45-6:30pm – Ages: 16+
Instead of listening to music, you become the music in this full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements. Using lightly weighted drumsticks, POUND® transforms drumming into a great work out!
Designed for all fitness levels, POUND® provides the perfect atmosphere for letting loose, getting energized, and toning up. The workout is easily modifiable and the alternative vibe and welcoming philosophy appeals to men and women of all ages and abilities.
30 Minute HIIT – 10/25 – 12/13
Res: $50.00 / Non-res: $70.00 – Ages: 16+
Don’t hold back. This exhilarating, high-intensity interval training class is just 30 minutes of non-stop movement. For maximum efficiency, it’s all done in one place: on your mat. Fire it up with high-intensity intervals using weights, core balls, and your own body weight. Tone and strengthen as you sweat with scalable, full-body exercises proven to bring your fitness to a maximum. Get lost in the moment and come out stronger.
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Fall Events:
2:00 – 5:00pm
Put on your best costume, and join us at the Family Aquatic Center for the 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat!
Various local business and organizations will be handing out candy and other goodies! Enjoy festive games, spooky music, and fa-BOO-lous prizes!
If you have questions, or are interested in being a vendor or a sponsor, please contact Alyse Peters at apeters@cityofsunprairie.com or (608) 590-3828.
Public Safety
Drug Take Back Day
The City of Sun Prairie, in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 23 at 300 E. Main St. Sun Prairie in the City of Sun Prairie.
“Drug Take Back is a great opportunity for Wisconsinites to be proactive in the fight against substance use disorder. By bringing your unused and unwanted medications to a drug disposal box, you can help prevent prescription drugs from being misused,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul.
This effort will continue to bring focus to the issue of prescription medication or drug abuse in Wisconsin. Drug Take Back Day provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the community about the potential abuse and consequences of improper storage and disposal of these medications. Find your nearest drug disposal location: www.doseofrealitywi.gov
Unused or expired medicine should never be flushed or poured down the drain. Water reclamation facilities are not designed to remove all of them and trace amounts of pharmaceuticals are showing up in rivers and lakes.
GUIDELINES:
All waste pharmaceuticals must be generated by a household – no businesses are allowed.
Bring: Prescription (controlled and non-controlled) and over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, inhalers, non-aerosol sprays, creams, vials and pet medications. Vape pens or other e-cigarette devices (batteries removed).
Do Not Bring: Illegal drugs, needles/sharps, acids, aerosol cans, bio-hazardous materials (anything containing a bodily fluid or blood), personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreens), household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas), mercury thermometers.
- Participants may dispose of solid, non-liquid medication(s) by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into a disposal box or into a clear sealable plastic bag. Plastic pill containers should not be collected. Blister packages without the medications being removed are acceptable.
- Liquids will be accepted during this initiative. However, the liquids, creams and sprays must be in their original packaging. Liquids without the original packaging will not be accepted.
- Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers.
Community members are also reminded that many drug disposal boxes are open year-round. To keep everyone safe from COVID-19, please wear a mask and practice physical distancing when visiting a drug disposal site.
We're In Need of Volunteers
A very important emergency preparedness training activity is coming up in May 2022 and volunteers are needed. It might seem that May is far into the future, but in the realm of emergency training planning, it is right around the corner!
The FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, Wisconsin Emergency Management, Department of Health Services, along with many area hospitals, law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS agencies have been working for almost 2 years in the planning of a significant full-scale training exercise that will take place in Wisconsin Dells next spring. Sun Prairie EMS has been an integral planning partner since 2018.
*NEED*
Volunteer roles are carefully scripted and volunteers play in various capacities such as patients/victims, bystanders, witnesses, etc. This is a very complex full-scale exercise and they need hundreds of volunteers to help support the event.
*QUESTIONS?*
You can contact:
-Jed A. Seidl, Emergency Management Program Coordinator | Lake Delton Fire Department - jseidl@lakedeltonfd.org
-Brian Goff | Sun Prairie EMS Chief | bgoff@cityofsunprairie.com
*ALL DETAILS*
Site Link: https://lakedelton.org/dares/volunteers/
Sun Prairie Historical Museum
Closing For Winter!
From May 1st through October 30th the Sun Prairie Historical Museum has been an air-conditioned, educational haven for young parents, new residents, and out of town visitors. Open Wednesday through Saturday (11am-4pm), the Historical Museum has offered both public and private tours, participated in city-wide and downtown events, and exhibited artifacts from some of Sun Prairie’s first settlers.
This year, the Sun Prairie Historical Museum affiliated with the Wisconsin State Historical Society, to access their many resources for improving exhibits, events and outreach. The 1899 Water Tower was inspected and plans for its restoration are being discussed, while a Collections Management Policy was drafted and an advisory group was assembled to monthly discuss the Museum’s acceptance of recent donations.
Every winter the Museum closes its doors to the public so volunteers and staff may build new exhibits and continue collections management initiatives, which include photographing each individual artifact. The Museum will be working with the local Public Library and the new Children’s Museum to provide satellite exhibits in their public spaces. Please visit our city website or Facebook page for Museum updates throughout the winter months.
EVENT INFO:
Location: Sun Prairie Historical Museum | 115 East Main Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Event Category: Education, Family, Community
Date & Time: Museum Open: (11a-4p) Wednesdays thru Saturdays
Last day open: Saturday, Oct. 30th
Website: www.cityofsunprairie.com/museum
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cityofsunprairiemuseum
Phone: 608-825-0837
Contact: Jennifer Harper, Managing Director museum@cityofsunprairie.com
Sun Prairie Media Center
BASKETBALL ANNOUNCERS NEEDED!
Are you a basketball fan? Do you watch basketball games on TV or listen to games on the radio and say to yourself, “I have a fresher take than that announcer. I should be calling this game!”
Well, now is your chance!
The Sun Prairie Media Center has a unique sportscasting opportunity for any basketball fan, for anyone interested in TV sports casting, or for anyone who just wants to hear their voice transmitted to millions (well, at least dozens).
This year the SPMC will broadcast over 40 total Sun Prairie Cardinals boys’ and girls’ basketball games on KSUN, sunprairiemediacenter.com, and 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio.
We are in need of three enthusiastic, knowledgeable, professional, and entertaining sportscasters for games. Money is no object, because we don’t pay for these positions. They are strictly volunteer opportunities. But hey, you get the best seat in the house and who knows, maybe this could be the springboard for future appearances on “Inside the NBA”!
If you have the desire and passion to be KSUN’s season-long voices to call out every play, to question every foul, and to celebrate every slam dunk, this could be the chance you’ve been waiting for!
Anyone interested is urged to contact the Sun Prairie Media Center IMMEDIATELY at 837-4193 or via e-mail at jrobbins@cityofsunprairie.com.
The first game in the 2021-2022 season that KSUN is covering is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18. For a full schedule of games, go to sunprairiemediacenter.com/ksunprograms.
Sun Prairie Public Library
Storytime
Join us for Small Fry Storytime on Mondays at 10 a.m. in the SPPL Storytime Facebook Group or on the SPPL YouTube Channel, and Storytime on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the SPPL Storytime Facebook Group or on the SPPL YouTube Channel. Visit https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/storytimeinfo for up-to-date info. Look for Pop-up Outdoor Family Storytimes, weather permitting, Wednesdays, starting Wednesday, September 29 at 10:30 a.m.
Dates & Times:
Thursday, October 21 from 4-6 PM
Friday, October 22 from 10-11:30 AM and 2-3:30 PM
Saturday, October 23 from 11 AM - 1 PM
What: Star Wars Reads is back, but will look different this fall! It's a craft buffet where you chose what you'd like to do, then take it home to make it! Drop by the Community Room anytime during the listed hours to create your very own AT HOME Star Wars adventure!
Who: All are welcome! To make it extra fun, come in your costume!
Thursday, October 28 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Sammy wants to play Among Us and maybe some Jackbox games! Game with Sammy on Zoom on select Thursdays at 3:30 PM. Registration required for each session and space is limited. This program is for those who are 7-12 years old.
Friday, October 29 4-5 p.m.
Melissa wants to play Among Us and Jackbox games! Game with Melissa on Zoom on select Fridays at 4:00. Registration required for each session and space is limited. Email Melissa at mcarollo at sunlib.org to register. This program is for teens in 6th-12th grade.
Adult Services
Urban SUN: Black Voices Book Club
Sunday, October 24 3-4 p.m.
A monthly book club devoted to creating meaningful conversations about race by exploring works of contemporary and historical African-American authors. Discussions are led by Sun Prairie residents, Donna Mackey and Marilyn Ruffin. Get ready to get uncomfortable and get real! This month's book selection is “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” by Emmanuel Acho. Copies will be available at the library's Information Desk for those who register. This title may also be available in ebook or audio format from Overdrive/Libby or Hoopla. The Urban SUN book club will meet via Zoom until further notice. To receive the Zoom log in information, please register here.
Thursday, October 28 6:30-7:30pm
Poltergeists. They're not your typical ghosts. Throughout world history their violent and sometimes nonsensical manifestations have kept witnesses guessing. What invisible forces are behind these destructive rampages? Many different explanations have surfaced over the centuries. Learn about poltergeists through newly uncovered local cases in Milwaukee and beyond...Presented by award-winning paranormal investigator and founder of American Ghost Walks, Allison Jornlin. To view, watch on Facebook Live at 6:30pm. We will be able to leave the video up in our Facebook page after the event.
Meditative Stitching & Fabric Collage
Saturdays, October 30th, November 6th, 13th and 20th, 2-3pm
Discover the practice of Meditative Stitching & Fabric Collage with local textile artist Patrizia Ferreira! It's a reflective and mindful practice as well as the perfect excuse to slow down from our busy lives while creating something beautiful. Nothing gets discarded, every bit of fabric is utilized, morphed and transformed. The final piece can become a wall hanging, a pillow cover, or any other decorative piece of fabric of your liking to enjoy and share.
Please note: This course will be a demonstration and participants will need to provide their own supplies. Recommended materials include: thread, embroidery thread, pearl cotton in different thickness & colors, needles that fit both, scraps of cotton & fabric (nothing heavier than denim) no knits, in any color or design of your choosing, on 10” x 12” cotton canvas fabric, which will be used as foundation, fabric scissors, and fabric pins. This program will be held via Zoom. Zoom details will be emailed to registrants.
This is a 4-session workshop series, meeting on Saturdays: October 30, November 6, November 13, and November 20. Due to the limited number of spaces available, participants must commit to all 4 sessions. To register for the series, please use the registration form on the October 30 event listing.
Join the Dream Bus bookmobile on Monday nights at Rolling Prairie apartments, The Element on Main apartments, and Vandenburg Heights Park, in collaboration with Sun Prairie Community Schools, The Sun Prairie Neighborhood Navigators, and the Sun Prairie YMCA. Sign up for a library card, check out free books, music, and movies, access free Wi-Fi and resources, and more! Masks are required. Staff will have free masks available upon request.
Mondays
Rolling Prairie Apartments - 415 S. Bird Street
4 - 4:30pm
The Element on Main Apartments - 102 Park Circle
4:40 - 5:15pm
Vandenburg Heights Park - 1020 Vandenburg Street
5:25 - 6pm
Library Conceptual Design SPARK Session
Wednesday, October 27
The Sun Prairie Public Library is currently working on conceptual design for an expansion and renovation. The Library Board and staff are working with FEH Design. FEH Design is an architectural, structural engineering, and interior design firm with specialized experience in public library design. In 2018, FEH Design conducted Sun Prairie Public Library’s architectural analysis, which determined that the Sun Prairie Public Library is currently undersized and the spaces do not include the features necessary to meet the needs and goals for 21st century public library services. The SPARK Session is an opportunity for community input.
From 9am-5pm residents of all ages can meet with the FEH Design team in-person or virtually over Zoom to share suggestions and comments on drawings. These conversations will be informal and they can be as short or as long as needed.
From 5-7pm a formal group session will take place over zoom. At this meeting, FEH Design architects will present drawings that resulted from their work over the past few months and the conversations earlier in the day.
To have a conversation with the FEH Design team, visit the Sun Prairie Public Library Community Room in-person anytime between 9am-5pm OR join virtually via Zoom. To take part in the formal discussion and presentation, please join via Zoom from 5-7pm. To learn more about the Sun Prairie Public Library’s expansion plan, please visit: https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/architectural-analysis.
Details for participation:
9am-5pm: Sun Prairie Public Library Community Room OR Zoom
Go to https://www.zoom.us/
Click on "Join a Meeting"
Enter Meeting ID # 843 4360 1893
Enter Passcode: w5WYT978
OR Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84343601893?pwd=ZEJESXVUbEZCWTQ4OWJ0RUwyWkpVQT09
5-7pm: Formal presentation and discussion. Zoom only. The session will be recorded.
Go to https://www.zoom.us/
Click on "Join a Meeting"
Enter Meeting ID # 843 4360 1893
Enter Passcode: w5WYT978
OR Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84343601893?pwd=ZEJESXVUbEZCWTQ4OWJ0RUwyWkpVQT09