December 16, 2021
Administration
City Council Passes Two Resolutions Improving Transportation for the City of Sun Prairie
The City of Sun Prairie is excited to announce the historical steps it has taken to improve transportation for the Sun Prairie community. On Tuesday, December 7, City Council passed two resolutions approving agreements for transit services with the City of Madison.
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project
Council approved the Cooperative Agreement for the East-West Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project with the City of Madison. This is an agreement that would extend BRT service into Sun Prairie allowing residents to travel between the City’s Park & Ride, downtown Madison, and the west side of Madison without needing to transfer between buses or routes. Additionally, BRT will expand service hours for Sun Prairie residents from peak hours on weekdays to full day service seven days a week. Ultimately, this service allows greater access between Sun Prairie and Madison.
The process began when City officials expressed interest to representatives from the City of Madison for this service. On March 2, the Committee of the Whole directed the Transit Commission and city staff to collaborate with Madison on extending BRT to Sun Prairie. On March 30, approval was received from Council for Sun Prairie to participate in the federal environmental study for BRT service. In early June, Council directed the Transit Commission and city staff to begin planning local transit service in conjunction with BRT implementation.
Collaboration was essential in order to ensure success of the service. Elected officials and city staff from both Sun Prairie and Madison demonstrated relentless efforts to arrive at an agreement that would significantly benefit both communities.
“This is extremely important as it will vastly improve mass transit in the growing City of Sun Prairie,” said Al Guyant, Chair of the Transit Commission. “The bus connections will save many who commute back and forth into Madison thousands of dollars in parking costs and other expenses.”
Transit Service Agreement (TSA)
In addition to the BRT service agreement, Council also gave their approval to an update of the Transit Service Agreement (TSA) between Madison Metro and the participating communities of Fitchburg, Madison, Middleton, and Verona. This new agreement provides the benefits of reducing the impact of
service changes to the other partner communities and mitigating the impact of cost increases in a particular fiscal year that are more significant than anticipated. The TSA commits each partner to a five-year agreement, which allows Madison Metro to trust in a partnership that will expand services to Sun Prairie and other communities. Although not as tangible to community members as the BRT service, this type of service agreement will provide structure and confidence between partners as transportation enhancements continue developing.
Next Steps
The BRT service will not be available to community members until 2024. During that period, city staff from both Sun Prairie and Madison will continue working in partnership to define and select routes that will be accessible for all. Community input will be essential in this process and the Transit Commission will continue serving a major role in reviewing the work.
“Community engagement and input is crucial in order for this to work for the entire community,” said Alexander Brown, Transportation Coordinator. “This is a great opportunity to offer multimodal transportation that doesn’t currently exist for Sun Prairie residents.”
Those who are interested in following the work and progress of these agreements can do so by viewing Transit Commission meetings that air on the Sun Prairie Media Center’s website at https://sunprairiemediacenter.com/ or contacting Alexander Brown, Transportation Coordinator, at abrown@cityofsunprairie.com.
2021 Climate Change Champions
The City of Sun Prairie is excited announce that we have been recognized as a 2021 Climate Champion due to our commitment to sustainability! Thank you Dane County Office of Energy & Climate Change for this award!
There are a total of 9 recognition categories for businesses, nonprofits, and local governments. We have received this award in the “Other” category with a Level 2 distinction. The City placed in this category for our achievements towards climate success that were not covered by the other categories. Specifically, we are being recognized for our efforts of establishing a Sustainability Committee, creating and hiring a Sustainability Coordinator, and investing in public engagement around sustainability issues.
“We are very excited to be recognized as a 2021 Climate Change Champion. Our organization is highly motivated to further its sustainability goals by continuously investing in resources that ensure these efforts are successful,” said Scott Semroc, Sustainability Coordinator.
“We applied for this award as another step in demonstrating our commitment to this important work, and we’re excited to pursue future opportunities by completing projects that optimize resource use (energy, water, materials, time), provide efficient systems (energy, transportation, food, waste recovery), and empower our residents and businesses to collectively maximize positive impact,” Semroc added. “Our mission is to promote and enable our community to embrace a culture that is inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.”
We are excited to continue taking steps to make our city a #SustainableSunPrairie.
*LEARN MORE*
Interested in learning more about the City’s sustainability goals and efforts? Check out the link below to see the work being accomplished!
Want to see the other 2021 Climate Change Champions? Check them out here!
LINK: https://countyofdane.maps.arcgis.com/.../index.html...
Holiday Schedule!
Be sure to see our holiday schedule to know when we're closed!
Mayor's Holiday Message
For many of us, Christmas is the primary holiday that we recognize and celebrate with community gatherings, festive celebrations, gift giving, volunteering, and more. However, our community is filled with rich diversity and it is equally important to acknowledge those traditions.
To all in Sun Prairie celebrating Kwanza, Christmas, Hanukkah, Three Kings Day, Winter Solstice, other significant cultural days, or none at all, it is our desire that you feel recognized and included in this community. Our City has planned a variety of seasonal events such as the 106th Annual Fire & Lights Parade, which are intended to bring the entire community together.
To all who live, work, and play in Sun Prairie, please know that you have a place here and the differences you bring are valued.
We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season!
Check out the video here: https://sunprairiemediacenter.com/mayors-holiday-message-2021/
Finance
Paying Property Taxes
Just sharing a friendly reminder that property taxes can be paid in person, by mail, by drop box, or online with credit card or e-check.
1. In person at City Hall between 8am and 4:30pm M-F. City Hall is closed for business on Thursday December 23rd, Friday December 24th, Thursday December 30th, Friday December 31st, and Monday January 17th.
2. By mail at 300 E Main St., Sun Prairie, WI 53590
3. By drop box at City Hall and the Westside Community Services Building
4. Online at https://www.cityofsunprairie.com/324/Payment-Options-Deadlines . Convenience fees apply.
If you have any questions, you can call the Finance Department at 608-825-1192 or email taxes@cityofsunprairie.com.
2021 Mill Rate
The Finance Department has been working on the next steps in the tax bill preparation process since the 2022 budget was approved on November 16th. It has been confirmed what the total mill rate will be used to calculate property taxes. The 2021 total mill rate is $21.774388 per $1,000 of assessed value (or .021774388). This is a decrease over the 2020 mill rate, which was $22.00609 per $1,000 assessed. Below is the insert that will be included in the real estate property tax bills this year. This insert provides information on how property taxes can be paid, who to contact with questions, and an example calculation comparing the taxes on an average single family home for 2020 and 2021.
Additional information will be provided at https://www.cityofsunprairie.com/321/Property‐Taxes web page. Questions can be emailed to City of Sun Prairie Finance Department at taxes@cityofsunprairie.com or call 608‐825‐1192.
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Recreation Department
The Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry office is 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 #5 (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 Face Covering Emergency Order #5 expires January 3rd, 2022. 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
Announcements:
Winter/Spring Guide out now!
Register today! - rec.cityofsunprairie.com
Online Guide available here - https://view.flipdocs.com/?ID=10018939_143015
Office Hours Update
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm
Closed: Dec. 23 -24 & 30-31
Sun Prairie Historical Museum
Closed to the Public – November 1st-May 1st
“Volunteer work continues behind the scenes to develop new exhibits and advance collections inventory. Anyone interested in volunteering at the Historical Museum should email museum@cityofsunprairie.com”
Sun Prairie Rink Rangers
Calling all volunteers! – Become a “Rink Ranger!”
SPPRF has invested in two ice rink liner systems for the 2021-2022 skating season. The liner systems significantly improve the quality of the ice and the duration of the skating season. However, the liner system also requires additional maintenance, time, and attention that a traditional flooded rink does not.
SPPRF is committed to providing high quality ice rink facilities, but due to the additional manual labor required, combined with finite staffing resources, a community-supported volunteer program is critical for the success and future expansion of these facilities.
The 2021-2022 season is the first year of this program and will serve as a pilot to determine if additional ice rink liner systems within the park system are feasible in future years.
• For more information, see the Fun Prairie Rink Ranger Information Packet.
• To sign-up, please e-mail rec@cityofsunprairie.com to request a volunteer form!
Safe Haven Youth Mentorship Program
Sun Prairie Community Schools and the Sun Prairie Neighborhood Navigators have teamed up to bring you the Safe Haven Youth Mentorship Program!
This FREE program invites youth and teens ages 8-16 to participate in safe, supervised activities every Friday from 4:30 – 6:30 pm at C.H. Bird Elementary School for the duration of the school year.
For more information, or to sign up, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/SPYouthMentorship2021
New in 2022! – Fitness Flex Pass & Fitness “Try it” Week
Not sure what fitness class is right for you? Enjoy the flexibility to try them all with our new Fit Flex Pass. More details to come in our 2022 Winter/Spring program guide!
Fitness “Try It” Week
Are you thinking about signing up for a fitness class, but you're not sure which one? Join a FREE class (or several) during our 'Try It' week to help you make up your mind! No need to register, just show up! All classes will be held at the Westside Community Services Building unless noted below.
SPPRF Gift Certificates
Looking for a fun gift for a friend or loved one? Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation and Forestry has Gift Certificates available for purchase! Good for the FAC or most of our classes or programs! Call 608-837-3449 or stop in to the Westside Community Services Building for more information
Fun Prairie Frozen Fest! EVENTS LISTED BELOW
For more on Frozen Fun Prairie as well as a list of events check out these links!
(Frozen Fun Prairie) – (Frozen Fest)
This winter the Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation and Forestry (SPPRF) Department will be hosting the first ever “Fun Prairie Frozen Fest” a winter festival across the City of Sun Prairie! SPPRF is teaming up with a number of local organizations and businesses to promote events, activities, attractions and promotions/specials in Sun Prairie.
Best in Snow – January 1st -24th
For the second year running we want to see how good your snowman game is! From January 1-24 we want you to build the best snowman ever! Any time you have one to share, snap a picture and send it to: rec@cityofsunprairie.com. We will gather all of the pictures, and have a Facebook voting contest to see who has the “Best in Snow” in Sun Prairie 2022. Voting will be January 25-30. The top three finalists will receive signs for their yard and the winner will be crowned “Best in Snow 2022”!
Candle Light Snowshoe/Hike – January 14th
Join us for this free family friendly event to explore the trails of Sheehan Park in the winter. Trails will be lit to guide your way. After your hike, warm up by our bonfire while sippling hot cocoa. If snow is present, snowshoeing is preferred. There will be a limited amount of snowshoes available to use free of charge on the trails.
No registration or RSVP required.
Movie Night: Cool Runnings – January 23rd
Join us for this free family friendly event and get ready for the Winter Olympics with this classic movie featuring the story of an Olympics Jamaican bobsled team! While watching the movie we will have all the supplies needed to construct your own cardboard sled for the Cardboard Sled Classic at Sheehan Park on Saturday, January 29th. See Frozen Fest page for more information.
When: Sunday, January 23, 1:00-4:00 PM
Where: Westside Community Services Building (2598 W. Main Street, Sun Prairie)
Cost: FREE!
Cardboard Sled Classic – January 29th (10am-12pm)
Join us for the First Annual Frozen Fun Prairie Cardboard Sled Classic!
The Cardboard Sled Classic is an opportunity for families and groups to create their own cardboard sled creations and race them down the sledding hill at Sheehan Park and compete for prizes for best time and best design. Groups can register as one of four entry categories – Club/Community Organization, Youth-Only, Adult-Only, and Family.
Hibernation Hustle – January 30th (10:00am)
Join us for the Hibernation Hustle fun run and kids dash for the Boys & Girls Club!
Jimmy the Groundhog is looking forward to Groundhog Day and wants to brave the cold with the community! Jimmy will determine the distance of the race (5K or 2 miles) at the Frozen Fest Opening Ceremony on Friday, January 28 - much like he will determine if we have 6 more weeks of winter or not on February 2nd!
When: Sunday, January 30th at 10:00 AM
Where: Cannery Square - Downtown Sun Prairie
Distance: 5K or 2 miles. Jimmy the Groundhog will decide on
Friday, January 28 at the Opening Ceremony!
Cost: $25 for fun run, kid’s dash is FREE ($10 charge for shirt for Kids Dash)
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Classes/Programs:
Thank Goodness it’s Thursday (1/06/2022 - 1/28/2022)
(Meadowview Elementary) (Creekside Elementary)
Ages: 5-10 – Registration ends 12/30/2021
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.
This month's theme: Go with the Snow
Tot School (1/11/22 – 03/10/22)
Ages: 3-4 – Registration ends 12/27/2021
This class will give your tot an opportunity to explore their independence while socializing with peers! At Tot School children will play, create and learn through interactive activities in a semi-structured environment. Parents are asked to remain on site but not actively in program. A lounge with coffee and refreshments will be provided. Free Wi-Fi is also available.
This is a 9-week session. Payments have been broken up in three equal portions for convenience for our customers. Please note that by registering, you are agreeing to pay the FULL program amount over the course of three months. Automatic payments are not available. Payments may be made through online account, in person, 24-hour drop-box or by mail. There will be no proration of fees. Registrants will be liable for all three payments regardless of whether the child attends all months or not.
Save 5% by paying for the session in full at the time of registration. To do this please call 608-837-3449 and we can process your registration by phone and apply the 5% discount.
Lil’ Cardinals (1/03/22 – 5/20/22)
(Session: 10:30 – 12:15pm) (Session: 1:00 – 2:45pm)
Ages: 3-4 – Registration ends 12/27/2021
Are you looking for an opportunity for children to learn through play? This inclusion program will be an early pre-school experience incorporating music, art and movement activities. Peers will engage in activities that will develop skills in the areas of expressive language development, fine and gross motor skills, and play skills. This is a team-taught program with the Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department and the Sun Prairie Area School District Early Childhood Special Education Department.
This is a semester long program. Payments have been broken up in four equal portions for convenience for our customers. Please note that by registering, you are agreeing to pay the FULL program amount over the course of four months. Automatic payments are not available. Payments may be made through online account, in person, 24-hour drop-box or by mail. There will be no proration of fees. Registrants will be liable for all four payments regardless of whether the child attends all months or not.
Save 5% by paying for the session in full at the time of registration. To do this please call 608-837-3449 and we can process your registration by phone and apply the 5% discount.
Figure Skating – (Ages 6-8: 10:30 – 11:20am) (Ages 9+: 11:30am – 12:30pm)
Registration ends 01/03/2022
Take your skating to the next level this winter during our Figure Skating101 class held at Renstone Park. This class is for skaters with previous instruction/skating experience who want to explore advanced skills such as crossovers, turns, spins and beginning hops and jumps. Participants should bring their own skates, if possible. Skates are available to rent at Sun City Cyclery in Sun Prairie. No double blade skates. Helmets and elbow/knee pads are not required, but highly encouraged. If you would like to stay and practice your skills, there will be open ice to do so.
Discover Skating – (Ages 4-5: 12:00 – 12:50pm) (Ages 6+: 1:00 – 1:50pm)
Registration ends 01/03/2022
Enjoy the outdoors this winter during our Discover Skating class held at Renstone Park. This class is designed to give an overview of the fun aspects of ice skating. Each class will include 30 minutes of skills instruction, 10 minutes of guided activities and 10 minutes of open skating time. Register as an individual or sign-up the whole family. Participants will be broken up into age/skill appropriate groups from the beginner 4-year-old to adults. Participants should bring their own skates, if possible. Skates are available to rent at Sun City Cyclery in Sun Prairie. No double blade skates. Helmets and elbow/knee pads are not required, but highly encouraged. If you would like to stay and practice your skills, there will be open ice to do so.
Public Safety
Oh Christmas Tree!
Shop With A Cop!
The Sun Prairie Police Department hosted our annual Shop with a Cop event on Saturday, December 4. Through the generous donations of many individuals and businesses, we were able to brighten the holidays for some local families. It is always guaranteed to be a morning full of smiles and laughter and we are incredibly grateful for our community’s continued support of this worthwhile program!
Winter Parking Regulations
With the start of December comes additional parking restrictions for a number of streets in Sun Prairie. From December 1st through March 31st, parking is not allowed on any designated snow route from midnight until 7am, each and every day. The list of snow routes within the city along with essential winter parking info can be found at this website (http://www.cityofsunprairie.com/.../Snow-Ice---Winter...).
Snow route violations carry a $50 fine and the regulations are enforced whether or not there is snow on the ground. Snow routes are indicated by white/red signs along those designated streets.
- Other winter parking regulations which we want to make sure people are aware of include:
- Alternate Side Parking - Wyoming Ave ONLY, which is in effect from November 15th through March 31st
Snow Emergency Parking – When 3” or more of snow falls, the city will declare a snow emergency. During this period parking is prohibited on any city street until the snow emergency has been canceled. Please check the City Website and social media platforms (Twitter @sunprairiepd and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sunprairiepd/) to confirm whether or not a snow emergency has been declared and if so, when it ends.
Holiday Lights Displays
1: Inspect each strand and bulb prior to putting them up.
- Check to make sure they are designed for the intended use (indoor vs. outdoor).
- Inspect wires and plugs for damage.
- Check each bulb and replace not working or damaged bulbs.
- Find the rating for length or number of stands that can be plugged together.
2: Check you extension cords, timers and sensors. Make sure they are designed for the use you plan on (indoor vs. outdoor) and that everything is UL Listed.
3: When installing, do not pierce, cut, or alter the lights or wires in any way. Do not run cords through doors or windows.
4: Know how much power your lights require, and how much each outlet can provide. Plug outdoor lights into a GFI outlet only.
5: Keep away from flammables, keep tree well-watered and healthy to prevent fire from overheated lights.
6: Only use lights when they can be monitored, and are needed. Leaving your tree on all day while at work is not recommended.
We hope to see everyone at the Fire and Lights Parade this weekend, where we intend to show of our light decorating skills!
For additional decorating safety tips please see cnet.com's article.
Public Works
Sun Prairie Shared-Ride Taxi Adjusted Holiday Hours
*This service will only operate until 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Christmas Day.*
More information on the service:
The shared ride taxi provides door-to-door transportation service within a 3-mile radius of Sun Prairie, east of the interstate.
To request a ride, call 608-837-5550. Be prepared to provide your name, location, phone number, and information about any needed accessibility accommodations.
Fares
For regular one-way trips within the City:
- Senior/Disabled: $4
- Regular Adult: $4
- Youth under 6: Free (up to 3)
- Youth 6 to 17: $4
Other Fees:
- 12:00am to 3:00am: $5
- Wait Time Fee: $0.50 per minute
- Outside city limits: $2.25/mile
- East Towne Mall:* $5 each way
Each passenger in the vehicle must pay the above fare rate.
*Call at least 60 minutes before requested pick-up. Shuttles will arrive on the half hour at East Towne and on the hour in Sun Prairie.
Phone: 608-837-5550
For more information, please go to https://cityofsunprairie.com/496/Shared-Ride-Taxi-Service.
Pedestrian Safety Task Force- December Town Hall
The Pedestrian Safety Task Force aired its Town Hall on Wednesday, December 8th beginning at 6 p.m. for community members to ask questions and/or comment during the airing and have them responded to. It was broadcasted on the City's Facebook page. The topics covered consisted of:
-UPDATE ON WORK FROM THE LAST TOWN HALL SESSION
-COMMUNICATIONS AND CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT
-COMMUNITY PARTNERS
-FUTURE PLANS AND GOALS
-Q&A
-AND MORE!
You can check it out here: https://videoplayer.telvue.com/player/O1KDXxYafTFWNyJDAq7WcuvJ9u9YH6tS/media/686888?autostart=true&showtabssearch=true&fullscreen=false&jwsource=cl
Do you want to learn more about the Task Force and their purpose? You can do so here: https://vision-zero-sunprairie.hub.arcgis.com/
Sun Prairie Public Library
Holiday Hours
The library will be closed December 23-25 and December 30-January 1. The drive-through book drops will be closed on 12/22 at 8:45 p.m. until 12/26 at 12:45 p.m. and 12/29 at 8:45 p.m. until 1/2 at 12:45 p.m.
At the Library Board meeting on Thursday, December 9th, the Library Board refined the recommended conceptual design. The recommended conceptual design reflects the goals for success which include: 1) meeting the community’s needs and growth for the next 20 years, 2) improving infrastructure for comfort, aesthetics, safety, security, 3) incorporating sustainability features, 4) promoting life-long learning and creativity, and 5) providing broad and diverse collection access. Over the next few months, the Library will be presenting the recommended design to City officials to discuss the financial impact and public dollars necessary for the recommended concept. In addition, the Foundation will begin working on a capital campaign study to help determine a private fundraising goal.
The Sun Prairie Public Library is excited to begin the next stages in the expansion process, with a Capital Campaign beginning in 2022 and Full Design in 2023 and thanks all the community members who participated in the SPARK Session. For more information on the Library Expansion, including the presentation from FEH Design on December 9th, visit www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/library_expansion
Model Train Show featuring the Southern WI Sandhouse Crew
Saturday, January 15th 9:30am-4:45pm
Sunday, January 16th 1:30-4:30pm
Library Community Room
The Southern Wisconsin Sandhouse Crew is an H.O. Scale Model Railroad Club. The Crew will display their trains, answer questions, and talk trains all day!
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 - 4:25pm
The Element on Main Apartments - 102 Park Circle
4:30 – 4:55pm
Vandenburg Heights Park - 1020 Vandenburg Street
5 – 5:25pm