Administration: Sun Prairie City Council approved a contract with Prism Technical LLC to move forward with an Organizational Equity Audit that will begin this month.

Building Inspection: During the winter months, it's important to remember many residents need to be able to safely use the public sidewalks.

Parks, Recreation and Forestry: This winter the Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department will be hosting the first ever “Fun Prairie Frozen Fest” a winter festival across the City of Sun Prairie!

Public Safety: The Sun Prairie Police Department is proud to welcome six new officers who were sworn in on December 27th! Also, Sun Prairie Fire and Rescue congratulate staff on their 2021 certifications!

Sun Prairie Media Center: Looking back on 2021, SPMC volunteers and supporters totaled 8,113 volunteer hours of time and effort! Thank you SPMC volunteers!

Sun Prairie Public Library: Model train show is coming to the library community room the weekend of January 15th! Other ways to be involved include the many clubs the library has to offer, Young Explorers Club, Online Tween Book Club, and Urban SUN: Black Voices Book Club.

Administration

Council approves equity audit contract with Prism Technical LLC

On Tuesday, Dec. 21, the Sun Prairie City Council approved a contract with Prism Technical LLC to move forward with an Organizational Equity Audit that will begin this month.

The audit is another significant step the City is taking to honor its commitment of advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for both employees and community members.

The priority areas of the audit will focus on:

• Building a more diverse and inclusive organization for employees and the community in which the city serves

• Identifying blind spots and processes that perpetuate systemic injustice

• Identifying current successes, areas for improvement and recommendations/strategy in next steps for making concrete improvements in the areas of DEI.

The audit will be completed in a phased approach:

• Part one will focus on an internal organizational review that includes action items such as a senior leadership assessment, department focus groups, employee climate survey, and more.

• The second part will center on the community as it relates to equity in city services. This will include focus groups, community conversations, and other creative engagement projects to gather community feedback.

Each phase will conclude with an analysis of collected data and strategy development.

A final report of findings is expected to be complete in late 2022 that presents information gathered and ensures staff have the tools to identify a path forward as well as how to measure success.

The approval comes after nearly a year of staff developing a scope of work, releasing a request for proposals, and selecting a final vendor to enter into a contract with.

The City of Sun Prairie received proposals from eight firms and formed an evaluation team that consisted of city staff and two community members. Submissions were evaluated on the following criteria: relevant experience and qualification of firms/references, quality of detailed scope of work proposal, quality/creativity of employee and public input process, local preference, Women and Minority-Owned business preference and cost.

Prism Technical received the highest scoring proposal.

Prism Technical LLC is a private sector DEI Assurance Management consulting firm with offices in Milwaukee, WI since 1995 and Saint Louis, MO since 2016. Prism specializes in community benefits monitoring, environmental justice outreach and engagement, messaging, data collection and management on public and private projects.

The firm will be subcontracting with BDP & Associates, a performance management-consulting firm who specializes in organization assessment and development, to assist in this work.

Both organizations will utilize their extensive experience to set the city up for success in addressing the priority areas.

“We want to ensure that we are the type of organization that is embracing diversity for our employees and the community members we serve,” said City Administrator Aaron Oppenheimer. “We will be working closely with our partners to identify existing areas of success as well as opportunities for growth.”

The Equity Audit was submitted as a budget initiative in Mayor Paul Esser’s proposed 2022 City Budget which was approved on Nov. 16, 2021.

It will be funded using funds from both the American Rescue Plan Act and the Expenditure Restraint program. The Administrative and Human Resources departments will serve as project managers.

Additionally, a city team of liaison representatives will be established to work with the consulting team.

To learn more about the Equity Audit, visit https://cityofsunprairie.com/1431/Equity-Audit

Building Inspection

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.

Parks, Recreation and Forestry

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 3^rd, 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

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: Mon, January 17th

Sun Prairie Historical Museum
Closed to the Public – November 1^st-May 1^st

“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 "Rink Rangers" Adopt-a-Rink Volunteer Program is a family-friendly volunteer opportunity that relies on community members to assist the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department with basic ice rink maintenance such as snow removal, flooding/resurfacing (trained volunteers only), general site cleanup, and other maintenance needs as identified.

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!

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

American Red Cross Classes
Did you know that Sun Prairie Parks Recreation & Forestry now offers Red Cross training? Check out this informational flyer for more!

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 1^st -24^th

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 14^th

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 23^rd

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 29^th (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 30^th (10:00am)

Join us for the Hibernation Hustle fun run and kid’s 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)

School’s Out Programs/Art Enrichment

School's out for SPASD, but class is in session at the Westside Community Services Building! Join us for morning and afternoon programs, or both! We also include the option for late pickup (after AM classes only) and early drop-off (PM classes only) lastly we offer the ability to stay in between programs if need be!

Snowman Escape – 1/14/2022

Registration ends: 01/07/2022

Being a snowman seems fun but, all you do is stand around. When the sun goes down can you help your snowman escape the yard and go have some snowman fun in this winter themed escape room? Ages 5-8

Let go and Let’s Lego – 2/25/2022

Registration Ends: 02/18/2022

Everything is Awesome! Join us for an awesome day of Lego building, challenges and STEM activities. You will then have your own Lego kit to take and build at home. Ages 5-8

I Spy – 03/11/2022

Registration Ends: 03/04/2022

Calling all super sleuths! Someone stole Mr. Bear and we need your help. The crime scene is set where you can put your CSI skills to work finding clues to hopefully find Mr. Bear and bring him home. Ages 5-8

G.A.T.O.R Games, Art, Tag, and Outdoor Recreation – 05/13/2022

Registration Ends: 05/06/2022

Spring is here! Time to grab your friends for a fun filled day with group games, art projects and other outdoor activities. Tennis shoes are required. Be sure to dress for the weather, it’s Wisconsin after all. Ages 5-8

Listen to your Art 1/14 (AM session) Ages 9-11 - Listen to your Art 1/14 (PM session) Ages 5-8

Registration Ends: 01/07/2022

Join Ms. Jessica from Jessica’s Art Studio on these days off of school for hours of creativity! You will also learn about famous artists and popular art methods such as drawing, painting, sculpture, clay exploration and more. Wear “Art Clothes” and be prepared to get messy. It is recommended to bring an Art Bag with you to take your projects home at the end of the day. Each day will explore entirely new projects than the day before, so signing up for the whole week means TONS of new unique art projects.

Camp Creativo (AM session) Ages 5-8 – Camp Creativo (PM session) Ages 9-11

Registration Ends: 03/014/2022

It’s Spring Break! What better way to enjoy your free time than coming to Camp Creativo - Join Ms. Jessica from Jessica’s Art Studio for this week long Art Camp and explore different art mediums such as; acrylic paints, water color paints, modeling clay, 3D building, collage, mosaics and more! Each day will explore different themes and mediums so register for one day or for all of the days! Don’t forget to wear your “Art Clothes”, as we’ll explore messy materials during Camp Creativo.

Classes/Programs/Sports:

American Red Cross Adult/Pediatric First Aid-CPR-AED 1/15 – 9:00 am

American Red Cross Adult/Pediatric First Aid-CPR-AED 1/15 – 12:00 pm

Registration Ends: 02/02/2022

This course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children and infants and meets OSHA/workplace requirements. This is a blended learning course including an online portion and an instructor-led classroom skill session. The online portion must be completed prior to attending the in-class portion and must be taken on a PC or tablet with a high speed Internet connection. Allow approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes to complete the online portion. Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a digital certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years. You will receive information about the online portion after registration.

Men’s 6 v. 6 Volleyball League - Registration ends: 01/11/2022

Bump! Set! Spike! Calling all men's volleyball teams. Game times will be determined by the number of teams registered. Level of play is considered intermediate. Each team will play 8 games. Games will be self-officiated. A SPPRF staff member will supervise games.

Location: Meadowview Elementary School

*Team fee does not included tax.

Foil Fencing - Registration ends: 01/24/2022

Learn the European style of Foil Fencing under the direction of former European World-Class Fencer, Krystyna Kostecka, who will guide you through the basics of technique, tactics and independent strategy, using group challenges and games. Ages 10+

Music & Me (Parent/Child Program) – Registration Ends: 01/12/2022

Music & Me is a mixed-age class of toddlers and preschoolers along with their parents or caregivers. Activities include playing rhythm instruments, having fun with finger plays, and singing and dancing to music of different meters and tonalities. A mixed-age setting allows children the freedom to develop basic skills like singing in tune and keeping an accurate beat at their own pace.

*Required instruments are included.

Monday Night Madness: Artful Storytime – Registration Ends: 01/24/2022

Come join us for an artful story time! Class will begin with reading a popular children’s book and then create an art project that goes with our story. All materials used will be non-toxic and washable.

Public Safety

The Sun Prairie Police Department is proud to welcome six new officers who were sworn in on December 27th to our department.

Eric Jeffers was our own community service officer and is very excited to join us as a new police officer.

Chris Jauch was previously a police officer with the Town of Madison.

Connor Ziegler is a Sun Prairie resident and previously was an employee of the Waunakee School District.

Jared Bello is active in the United States Navy Reserve and was most recently employed with Securitas.

Nikolas Rivera lives in Sun Prairie and, after an active duty career in the USMC, was employed at Allied Universal Security.

Eric McGlynn previously served as a police officer in Deforest.

Chris Jauch and Eric McGlynn will be completing their two weeks of our Mini Academy and starting field training the week of January 10th along with recent Police Academy Graduates Zackeri Drill and Derek Moe.

Eric Jeffers, Nikolas Rivera, Connor Ziegler and Jared Bello will be attending the Madison College Police Academy starting on January 10th.

Sun Prairie Fire and Rescue would like to congratulate the following people:

Connor Bloyer, Jessica Bouchard, Easton Gaber, Isaac Lund and Austyn Trent for earning Firefighter Certifications in 2021.

Chris Alexander, James Anderson, Joshua Archibald, Kyle Dahmen, Armando Farias, Bryan Griffey, Derek Heinzelman, Jeffrey Hilby, Wyatt Kraiss, Stephanie Leahan, Ben Lee, Mallory Lieberman, John Loeffler, Tiffany Reed, Christopher Reese, Michael Stieber, Mike Terry and Roger Turner for earning Operator Certifications in 2021.

Joshua Archibald, Natalie Courtier, Braynt Davis, Kenny Kim, Roger Turner, Thane Westermeyer, and Derek Weum for earning Inspector, Safety and/or Officer Certifications in 2021.

Jason Beauchamp, Connor Bloyer, Corey Dahmen, Kyle Dahmen, Jeffery Hilby, Abigail King, Mallory Lieberman, Isaac Lund, Blake Nelson, Jeffery Neuhauser, Skylar Potts, Michael Stieber, Roger Turner and Thane Westermeyer for earning Emergency Medical Certifications in 2021.

Sun Prairie Media Center

Thank You SPMC Volunteers!

The mission of Sun Prairie Media Center is to provide service to the community of Sun Prairie in the form of original local programming on the KSUN and KIDS-4 channels. KIDS-4 is dedicated to providing continued media literacy education to the Sun Prairie youth through KIDS-4 crews and programming. KSUN is the designated Public, Education and Government (PEG) channel. It encourages community involvement in, and provides information about, city government, local schools, service groups and area churches. Sun Prairie Media Center is responsible for television information management in the City of Sun Prairie. It is also responsible for safeguarding the first amendment rights of its citizens.

With that is mind, Sun Prairie Media Center would not be what it is today without the volunteers who support the organization. The number of hours and productions show the true strength of the volunteers and the work that they are doing.

In 2021, volunteer producers created original programming for the station to the tune of 349 TV programs and 1,539 radio programs. This time and effort totaled 8,113 volunteer hours for the year. This is an impressive number to consider all while living in a pandemic. These volunteers are dedicated to their craft and the community of Sun Prairie is benefiting from it.

Looking forward to 2022, the path looks to stay strong as the community grows - so do the needs and the interests of the citizens. If you are interested in getting involved with Sun Prairie Media Center, please visit our website about membership options at Sun Prairie Media Center. If you have specific questions or would like to set up a tour of the station, please email Jeff Robbins at jrobbins@cityofsunprairie.com.

Thank you again to all of our volunteers and supporters – we look forward to continuing our work with all of you this year!

Sun Prairie Public Library

Library Closed for MLK Jr. Day
The library will be closed on Monday, January 17^th for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The drive through book drops will remain open.

Model Train Show featuring the Southern WI Sandhouse Crew

Saturday, January 15^th 9:30am-4:45pm

Sunday, January 16^th 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!

Young Explorers Club

Tuesday, January 18 4-4:45pm

Library Community Room

NEW in 2022! Young Explorers Club will be for ages 4-8. Registration is required. You will have to register for each event individually. This club will meet once a month and we'll explore different animals, eco systems, habitats, and more! This program will meet in-person in the community room each month. Space will be limited. Children can be left with the librarian as long as they are registered. For any questions, problems registering, or for more information, please email Sammy: snieman@sunlib.org or call the Children's Desk: 608-825-0701.

Online Tween Book Club

Wednesday, January 19 4-4:45pm

Join Melissa and Sammy on Zoom for Tween Book Club on Wednesday, January 19 at 4:00 p.m. For our January meeting we will be talking about “AMIRA & HAMZA” by Samira Ahmed and “DUST & GRIM” by Chuck Wendig. Please contact Melissa at mcarollo@sunlib.org if you need help getting copies of the books! Registration is required, reserve your spot by using the form here. This program is for teens in 6th - 12th grade. Questions, concerns, or if registration has already closed but the event has not yet happened, please email Melissa at mcarollo@sunlib.org.

Urban SUN: Black Voices Book Club

Sunday, January 23 3-4pm

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 “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone. Copies are available at the library's Information Desk for those who register, and may also be available in digital formats from Overdrive/Libby or Hoopla. We also encourage you to listen to or read the text of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous "I Have A Dream" speech. The Urban SUN book club will meet via Zoom until further notice. Please register to attend the discussion here, and Zoom details will be emailed to you.