City of Sun Prairie

*SOLAR TREE SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM* The City of Sun Prairie is excited to announce the Solar Tree Sponsorship Program, a sustainability initiative centered on offering local businesses, organizations, and individuals the opportunity to support the installation of innovative solar energy-producing trees at the Family Aquatic Center (FAC). These solar trees will play a key role in the FAC’s 2025/2026 renovation, which aims to enhance both the visitor experience and the facility’s energy efficiency. - - -SOLAR TREE IMPACT- - - The solar trees are designed to offset 35% of the FAC’s energy usage, offer over 700 square feet of shade, and enhance the pool environment with colorful LED lights, charging stations for mobile devices, and real-time solar energy production data via QR codes. The City will be funding 60% of the solar tree installation costs and is seeking sponsorships to cover the remaining 40%. - - -GET INVOLVED- - - Lifetime sponsorship opportunities are available now through December 2025, with various levels ranging from $500 to $25,000. Recognition for sponsors includes naming rights to the solar tree forest, logos displayed on the trees or surrounding areas, season passes to the FAC, and prominent acknowledgment at key city events in 2026. Staff intend to work with youth for the design aspect of the solar trees. Sun Prairie youth will be invited to participate in a design competition to create custom graphic wraps. The contest will open in summer 2025, with sponsors of $10,000 or more eligible to serve on the judging panel and help select the winning designs. For more information, including the official sponsorship guide, please visit the Solar Tree Sponsorship Program webpage at https://lnkd.in/gS4GtwAg

*EMPLOYEE DEI GYM* In 2023, the City collaborated with humanworks8 to develop key initiatives, including new organizational values, a redesigned evaluation program, an employee recognition initiative, and the launch of our employee development 'gym'. It is called the gym for employee development because, like a health and fitness facility, people come in with different skills and levels of experience, needing a variety of challenges to grow and improve. Currently, a group of staff from different departments and divisions are going through the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Gym Series. The DEI Gym features a range of speakers invited by the City to share their knowledge and personal experiences with staff. Following these sessions, staff engage in debriefs to explore how they can apply the insights to their work. Additionally, some staff members serve as peer-learning speakers, sharing how they are advancing equity within their roles. In a growing community like Sun Prairie, with its diverse needs, this is one of many steps being taken to ensure we effectively understand and serve all members of the community. To learn more about the ways the City is working to live out its values of DEI, please visit https://lnkd.in/g-jH25FS

*TELL US WHAT YOU THINK* The Chief of Police, Michael Steffes, has announced his retirement, effective February 18, 2025. Under the direction of the Police and Fire Commission, the City aims to seek a new Chief of Police, and seeks valuable input from all members of the community to assist in the selection process. We kindly request you to participate in a brief survey consisting of six (6) questions. The survey should take approximately 5 - 10 minutes to complete and will remain open until October 19th at 4:30 pm. This survey is accessible in English, Hmong, and Spanish. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by clicking the link below. Link: https://lnkd.in/gMtsxPii

*HERE IS YOUR BIG 5* Our city newsletter "The Big 5" highlights the biggest 5 city news stories in an easy-to-read format that offers the option to go deeper into the content through recorded interviews with city staff connected to the story. It's a whole new look meant to engage you as the reader! You can subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/gYFpRudZ - - - TOP 5 STORIES - - - 1. 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. 2. 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 in the online newsletter with Arrin Linzenmeyer, Deputy City Clerk, where she answers important questions about the election process. 3. 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. 4. Solar Tree Sponsorship Program - In 2025/2026, the City of Sun Prairie Family Aquatic Center (FAC) will undergo major renovations to improve energy efficiency and expand amenities. Plans include a bathhouse remodel, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and new features like slides, an aqua zipline, basketball hoops, and an obstacle course. As part of the City's 'Sustainable Sun Prairie' initiative, 25-foot solar energy trees will be installed, providing shade, offsetting 35% of the FAC’s energy use, and serving as the city's first public solar PV system. The trees will also feature LED lights, charging outlets, and a QR code for real-time energy tracking. 5. 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.

*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.