Community Development

The City Will Host Its 106th Annual Fire and Lights Parade in December!

The City of Sun Prairie Volunteer Fire Department and the Historical Museum are excited to announce that the annual Fire and Lights Parade will be held on Saturday, December 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. along East Main Street in front of the museum. This event is a community tradition with the goal of bringing all who live, work, and play in Sun Prairie together to enjoy comradery and entertainment during the holiday season. This will be a holiday fun-filled evening packed with lots of activity.

Kicking off the entertainment by playing in Cannery Square from 5:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. is the Sun Prairie Community Band. Beginning at 5:45 p.m., E. Main Street will be closed down to make way for the parade. After streets are closed off, the Fusion Dance Academy will launch the parade with street performance in front of the museum at 5:55 p.m. The dancers will be followed by vehicles from the Sun Prairie Fire Department, EMS, and Public Works as well others from surrounding communities. At 6:15 p.m., we will have special appearances in front of the museum from the Sun Prairie Media Center who will provide information about the vehicles, Mayor Esser with remarks, and Santa to do the Holiday Tree Lighting using a little magic. Santa will stick around for photos, candy cane handouts, and gift requests until 7:30 p.m. so he can make it back home in his sleigh.

Due to safety concerns around COVID-19, last year’s event was held as a drive thru parade at Angell Park and the tree lighting was offered virtually. City organizers are looking forward to the event returning to its original spot. “We’re thrilled that we were able to bring this annual event back to Downtown Sun Prairie, in front of the Sun Prairie Historical Museum,” said Colleen Burke, BID & Tourism Manager. “The excitement of Santa lighting the tree, a decorated downtown, and all of the emergency services vehicles on display and lit up in holiday lights is Sun Prairie’s way of saying that the holidays have arrived!”

The Fire and Lights Parade is certainly a major attraction for the downtown area but it’s not the only one. Many of the downtown shops and restaurants will have their own holiday designs and decorations up for attendees to see as well as offering a variety of specials and deals. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the area before and after all of the events. Follow us on Facebook at Downtown Sun Prairie - www.facebook.com/downtownsunprairie to see all of the upcoming winter fun!

Downtown Sun Prairie... we’re having fun down here!

Joshua Clements Joins the City of Sun Prairie as Planning Director

The City of Sun Prairie has hired Joshua Clements to serve as the new Planning Director. He will initiate, create, and implement plans, programs, and ordinances in order to meet the objectives of the community as established through the Common Council, Plan Commission, and other committees and commissions of the City. Additionally, Joshua is responsible for overseeing the Planning Division, which includes two Planners and an Administrative Assistant.

From 2009 to 2013, Joshua served as the Community Natural Resource and Economic Development Educator for the University of Wisconsin Extension where he led and taught municipal strategic planning for county and municipal governments. In 2014, he transitioned to work for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach as a Community Development Specialist. In this role, he provided expert consultancy and technical assistance for impactful municipal planning and civic engagement with a focus on equitable development, placemaking, and active transportation. Currently, he serves as the Planning Director for the City of Altoona. Joshua holds a Bachelor of Science in Conversation Biology and a Master of Science in Urban Regional Planning from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Joshua looks forward to using his skills and working with a motivated team to support the City’s planning efforts and serve the community as best possible.

“I am eager to join the Sun Prairie team and support the City’s efforts of continuously pursuing the community’s ambitious vision and values,” said Clements. “This is an exciting opportunity to use my expertise to ensure that Sun Prairie continues to thrive.”

For enjoyment, Joshua likes to be active by running, cycling, and backpacking. When it’s time to take a break from the activity, him and his wife can be found in the kitchen cooking up new recipes for their two kids. When it comes to traveling, he is a frequent flyer to Washington D.C.

Joshua will officially begin his time with the City on Monday, December 6. “Joshua was a very impressive candidate throughout the hiring process,” said Scott Kugler, Community Development Director. “His extensive experience in planning will be a major asset to the Sun Prairie community.”

SNOW- It's coming!

Winter is on the way, which means it won’t be long until we once again hear the familiar sounds of shovels and snow blowers. During the winter months, many residents (including children walking to school and the physically challenged) need to be able to safely use the public sidewalks.  A vital element in providing clean and safe passage of pedestrians during the winter is in your hands, namely, the removal of snow and ice from public sidewalks and ramps.  The City has an ordinance regarding snow removal which identifies the responsibilities of citizens in removing snow and ice from sidewalks and ramps.  However, clearing snow and ice should simply be looked upon as a combination of courtesy and caring toward all those who need to use the public walkways.

Residents are required to clear snow from sidewalks within twenty-four hours after the snow has stopped falling. Snow must be cleared the full width of the sidewalk or ramp, not just the width of the shovel or blower.  And remember, snow plows might create a blockage even after your sidewalk or ramp has been cleaned.  In the event that removal of ice is impossible, the property owner or occupant is required to use sand, salt or other suitable substance to prevent the ice from being dangerous.  The sooner and more completely you shovel, the less likely ice will form. 

If a sidewalk is not cleared by the required time, the property owner will receive one warning per winter season.  After that, City crews will remove the snow and ice from the sidewalk.  Property owners will be billed for this service, and unpaid bills will be added to the owner’s property tax bill.  After the 2^nd violation, fines will also be levied for not complying.   It is also unlawful to take snow or ice from one property and deposit on another (public or private property).  

If you are planning on a vacation or other absence from home, please make sure to make arrangements for someone to take over for you while you are gone.  Residents who require time extensions to complete clearing of sidewalks may request such by contacting the Building Inspection Division.  

If anyone has a question or concern regarding sidewalk snow removal, the Building Inspection Division is ready to help.  You can reach us by email at buildinginspection@cityofsunprairie.com or by phone at (608) 845-1184 or visit the City’s website at www.cityofsunprairie.com for news and updates.  If you are reporting locations which may be in violation of the city snow removal ordinance, please be prepared to leave enough information so that your complaint can be processed in a timely manor.  Sidewalk enforcement is complaint driven. The entire block for which a complaint is received will be inspected to insure fair and consistent enforcement.  Return calls are not made to individuals calling or e-mailing complaints due to the sheer volume of complaints that can be received surrounding a snow event.

When it snows in Sun Prairie, the City depends on its citizens to be helpful, responsible, and aware of the need to remove all snow and ice from the public sidewalks including walks and ramps leading to a crosswalk. This enables people of all ages and physical condition to have access to clean pedestrian walkways.