City of Sun Prairie

*NEW EPISODE JUST DROPPED* Curbside recycling has been around for over 30 years and has become a staple in our daily lives. We see those blue or green recycling bins everywhere – at home, in our schools, and at work. But even if recycling feels like second nature, there are some surprising facts that many of us might not know. In this episode, host Rose Daily and guest Todd Bollenbach discuss 6 things every consumer needs to know about recycling, including exploring the impact of wish cycling and revealing the meaning behind the small numbers on the bottom of plastic contains (news flash - they're not actually recycling numbers!). Pellitteri Waste Systems: https://lnkd.in/eaV6jeR The truth about recycling numbers: https://lnkd.in/dSMZmrkT Listeners can easily tune in to the podcast by accessing the Sun Prairie Media Center app, tuning into to 103.5 The Sun, or visiting https://lnkd.in/gr6BEzUe. Additionally, the podcast is available on platforms such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and Google Podcasts. For those who share a passion for sustainability and wish to get involved as a guest, please complete the interest form at https://lnkd.in/gC_ziwXW

*WEEK WITHOUT DRIVING* The City of Sun Prairie is excited to promote "Week Without Driving" from September 30 to October 6! This national initiative is designed to increase awareness of how the lack of safe, accessible, and affordable transportation impacts non-drivers—31% of Wisconsin residents, including people with disabilities, seniors, young people, and those unable to afford a car or gas. - - -DID YOU KNOW?- - - In 2023, the average cost of owning a car in the U.S. reached $12,182, a number that continues to rise. By prioritizing non-driving options during this week, participants can gain insight into the challenges faced by non-drivers in our community. This effort will help provide a better understanding of how transportation barriers affect access to basic needs, civic life, and economic opportunities. - - -JOIN US- - - Join Sun Prairie, the Greater Madison MPO, America Walks, and Disability Rights Washington in taking this important step toward improving our transportation system to better serve everyone, while also contributing to a healthier environment. To watch Mayor Esser's proclamation (16:00), https://lnkd.in/gMGuWwRa

*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://lnkd.in/d557WKt 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.

*CITY 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 on potential referendums. With Sun Prairie's levy projected to exceed state limits by 2026, Mayor Esser highlighted the City Council's recent three-month effort to plan for sustainable funding while maintaining high-quality services. The press conference was recorded by the Sun Prairie Media Center and can be viewed here: https://lnkd.in/gZDeEMpV - - -VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEE - - - The City Council recently 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 on February 1, 2025. Specific information on the vehicle registration fee can be found by https://lnkd.in/gzSp8yAn - - 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. To review the Financial Roadmap document, please visit https://lnkd.in/gsPGcSdk

*FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 - THE ERAS ENCORE TRIBUTE BAND* The Eras Encore tribute band will perform at Sheehan Park Central (945 Linnerud Drive, Sun Prairie, WI) on Friday, September 27. Food and beverage vending, and activity booths led by local organizations will begin at 5pm. The Eras Encore will take the stage at 6pm. - - - NO COST TO ATTEND - - - This is a free, public concert. Donations to the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department are encouraged to support the Scholarship Program that provides barrier-free access to recreation programming. - - - STREET CLOSURES AND PARKING - - - Linnerud Drive will be closed from Walker Way to Bird Street from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Free parking is available at the Family Aquatic Center, Sun Prairie School District Building, and Youth Baseball Complex. A free shuttle will run continuously between the Family Aquatic Center, Youth Baseball Complex, and Sheehan Park Central before, during, and after the concert. - - -STAY CONNECTED - - - For more information and event updates, go to https://lnkd.in/gTxiacBG or follow Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation and Forestry on Facebook

*JUNETEENTH RECOGNITION* Due to inclement weather, Sun Prairie’s Juneteenth celebration faced some challenges, with vendors packing up early and some performances missed. To make up for this, the Multicultural Fair planning team has invited several Juneteenth vendors and included one of the event’s performers in this year’s lineup. We’re excited to feature the following vendors and exhibitors: -Ancestrial Tribe Custom Apparel -Deadore LLC -Unique Hair Accessories & More We are also proud to present a special Juneteenth performance: Gospel Afrobeat Dance Medicine (GAME): A culturally responsive program developed by UW-Madison's CRoME Lab, designed to improve youth and family health through dance. The performance will begin at 1:15 p.m.

*2024 MULTICULTURAL FAIR* We are so excited for this Saturday's Multicultural Fair! This event aims to honor and celebrate the diverse cultures that thrive within our community, fostering unity and providing opportunities to build relationships! We invite attendees to come hungry and enjoy the variety of multicultural food vendors on-site! After grabbing a bite, head over to the stage to experience a diverse lineup of talent through music and dance performances! The event is being held at Sheehan Park, beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there!

*CONGRATULATIONS* We are thrilled to announce that Taylor Brown, our Economic Development Director, has been honored as a community role model in Greater Madison In Business magazine’s Power 100! The Power 100 represents a selection of 100 influential business and community leaders from companies, nonprofits, and government sectors. These individuals were chosen for their significant contributions and lasting impact on their industries, Greater Madison, and beyond. Honorees include key Greater Madison figures like mayors, financiers, education leaders, and more. Taylor oversees the City's economic development initiatives, which include negotiating development proposals within the community’s Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts, leading business recruitment and retention strategies, promoting redevelopment efforts along Downtown and the Central Main Street Corridor, and managing staff within the Economic Development Division. She has led major projects, including spearheading Quorra Stone Company's relocation of their corporate headquarters to the Sun Prairie Business Park, a multiyear project that began in 2020 and represents a significant investment in the community. IB will feature the Power 100 in the October print issue. Thank you for your service to our organization and community, Taylor!

*HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH* National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, celebrates the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Originally established as a week-long celebration in 1968, it was extended to a month in 1988 to further recognize the significant influence and achievements of Hispanic and Latino communities in shaping the history, culture, and economy of the United States. This evening, Mayor Esser will read a proclamation officially recognizing September as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Sun Prairie. The proclamation will be read during the City Council meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. If you'd like to witness this occasion, you can watch the Common Council meeting live on KSUN Now, available on Spectrum channel 983 and TDS channels 983/1983. Streaming is also available through the Sun Prairie Media Center's apps for Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and smartphones. You can also watch online at https://lnkd.in/gZQUyACb.

*WELCOME TO THE TEAM* The City of Sun Prairie is excited to welcome Mary D'Amico as the new Business Improvement District (BID) Manager. In this role, Mary will lead the daily operations of the Sun Prairie Downtown BID, working to advance the district’s strategic goals through key initiatives in beautification, maintenance, recruitment, retention, and event promotion. Her responsibilities will include managing the efforts of four committees: Executive; Beautification, Maintenance, & Signage; Recruitment, Retention, & Policy; and Advertising, Promotion, & Events. Mary will also play an important role in building relationships with Downtown property owners, commercial tenants, residents, community organizations, elected officials, and city departments, ensuring a cohesive and collaborative approach to enhancing the vibrancy of Sun Prairie’s downtown area. Mary brings a strong background in operations and event management, having served as Director of Operations at KO Business Solutions, where she oversaw the daily operations of the Call Center, Talent Acquisitions, and Human Resources departments, contributing to $2 million in annual revenue. She also brings valuable experience from her role as Special Events Planner at The Morton Arboretum, where she developed and coordinated over 40 public and member events that aligned with the organization's mission. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from North Central College and brings a passion for community development and engagement. We are thrilled to have her on board and look forward to the impact she will make in Downtown Sun Prairie!