December 15, 2022

Administration: We are excited to have been selected by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as one of 12 communities nationwide to adopt the innovative solar permitting platform SolarAPP+.

Assessing: 2023 will be a revaluation year for all properties in the City of Sun Prairie and the Assessors Office will be changing all assessments to reflect market value on all properties as of January 1.

City Clerk: Residents in the City of Sun Prairie can be confident that votes were counted accurately in the November 2022 election following the completion of a post-election audit of voting equipment.

Community Spotlight: For the very first time, Sun Prairie West’s Asian Club is collaborating with Sun Prairie East’s Asian Club to partake in creating a Hmong New Year Show to showcase the Hmong Culture and the importance of why the Hmong people celebrate the Hmong New Year.

Finance: State Statutes and the City of Sun Prairie Ordinances require all dogs five (5) months of age or older, to be vaccinated for rabies and licensed. To learn more and access th payment portal, please click here.

Parks, Recreation and Forestry: Frozen Fest kicks off on Friday, January 27!

Public Works: Due to Christmas and New Year’s holidays falling on weekends this year, there will be no delay in garbage and recycling collection for either holiday. Collection will be on schedule for the weeks of December 19, December 26, and January 2.

Sun Prairie Public Library: The library will be closed Friday, December 23-Monday, December 26 and Friday, December 30-Monday, January 2.

Administration

SolarAPP+ Platform

We are excited to have been selected by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as one of 12 communities nationwide to adopt the innovative solar permitting platform SolarAPP+. If adopted successfully, Sun Prairie will be eligible to to receive $15,000.

SolarAPP+ is an online platform that instantly issues permits for code-compliant residential rooftop photovoltaic (PV) and battery systems. This is important as permitting can often slow the process for residential solar and battery installations.

Over the next six months or so we will work to adopt this NREL tool into our OpenGov permitting software to automate permitting of Solar PV systems for residential applications. We already have a very strong permit built out: Building Inspection Permits - Solar photovoltaic systems for one or two-family homes permit - ViewPoint Cloud. If earn the prize, we will be able to reduce Building Inspection staff review time in the Solar PV permitting process, and incrementally lower barriers to the adoption of renewable energy systems in our community.

For specific questions, please reach out to Scott Semroc, Sustainability Coordinator, at ssemroc@cityofsunprairie.com.

Assessing

2023 Revaluations

2023 will be a revaluation year for all properties in the City of Sun Prairie and the Assessors Office will be changing all assessments to reflect market value on all properties as of January 1. Market value is determined using the arms-length sales that have occurred in Sun Prairie.

The Assessors Office will be reviewing descriptions on all properties. We will NOT be doing interior and exterior inspections on all properties. Right now, we anticipate the 2023 values to be sent out in June/July. Please note that increasing the assessed values does not mean everyone will have higher taxes.

Did you know?

Here are some facts and sources to help better understand assessing in the area:

Last update of values in Sun Prairie was 2020.
Values will be updated in 2023 to reflect market value as of January 2023
Average increase in residential property in Dane County in 2020 was 6% (Wisconsin Realtors Association)
Average increase in residential property in Dane Co in 2021 and 2022 (thus far) was 11.2% and 10.1% (Wisconsin Realtors Association)
Your assessment is determined by the sales of similar properties

Property Information

City Clerk

City of Sun Prairie Experiences Successful Post-Election Audit

Residents in the City of Sun Prairie can be confident that votes were counted accurately in the November 2022 election following the completion of a post-election audit of voting equipment.

On Wednesday, November 30, staff and election workers completed an audit of voting equipment in Ward 11, which was randomly selected for audit by the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) during an event open to the public. The audit provides an additional way to ensure that voting machines worked properly, and that the election was conducted accurately.

Wisconsin statutes require a post-election audit of voting systems used in Wisconsin after each General Election. During the post-election audit, election officials check to make sure the vote totals compiled by the voting equipment on Election Night are accurate. During this process, elections workers conduct an independent hand count of paper ballots and tally the results of the selected contests. The final hand-count tally total is compared to the election night voting system results.

Audit materials are submitted to the WEC for review. The WEC analyzes the audit results and investigates any discrepancies and can request a voting machine vendor investigate and provide explanation for any unexplained discrepancies. Once this work is complete, WEC staff will prepare a public report for review by the six Commissioners during the Feb. 2, 2023 Commission meeting.

Post-election audits, conducted in a record 10% of reporting units across Wisconsin for the November 2022 election, serve as a triple check on the election results. While not every reporting unit or municipality is selected for post-election audit, state election officials ensured that the 2022 sample of 358 reporting units includes at least one reporting unit per county, and at least five reporting units for each type of equipment used.

The City is proud to report that the results of the audit showed that election equipment was working as it was supposed to should be and there were no discrepancies.

The Sun Prairie Clerk’s Office reported 22,382 registered voters on Election Day with a total participation of 17,126, which is a turnout of 76.5%.

“It is our highest value to ensure elections are safe for voters,” said Elena Hilby, City Clerk. “We strive to ensure that every part of the voting process is secure and creates trusts amongst voters.” More information about the 2022 post-election audit can be found here: https://elections.wi.gov/2022-voting-equipment-audit

Community Spotlight

Hmong New Year Celebration!

The Hmong New Year is amongst us!

Each year, the Hmong people celebrate the Hmong New Year to give thanks to their ancestors and welcome the new year.

For the very first time, Sun Prairie West’s Asian Club is collaborating with Sun Prairie East’s Asian Club to partake in creating a Hmong New Year Show to showcase the Hmong Culture and the importance of why the Hmong people celebrate the Hmong New Year.

The Hmong New Year Show will be an excellent opportunity for many of our students, staff, families, and the community to come and experience the Hmong culture and traditions. We hope to see you all in the SP West PAC at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, December 21st, to support our Asian Club students and their hard work in putting this show together!
B.E.A.M. Awards
For more information on the B.E.A.M. Awards, follow us on Facebook to stay connected!

Parks, Recreation and Forestry

Recreation Department

The Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry office is open: Monday – Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, or by phone at (608) 837-3449 or by email at rec@cityofsunprairie.com.

Announcements:

Office Closed

Parks, Recreation, and Forestry office will be closed on the following days:

• December 23rd and December 26th for Christmas

• December 30th and January 2nd for New Year’s

Winter/Spring Rec Connection Guide available!

Winter/Spring Rec Connection guide is now out for viewing! Registration begins on Tuesday, December 6^that 9:00 a.m. To view the guide on online, visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com.

1. View the Winter/Spring Guide at rec.cityofsunprairie.com!

2. Log in to our website to make sure you know your password and that your account is up to date, including street address and email address.

3. If you don’t already have an account, create your account. If you think you have an account, but cannot find yourself on the website, please do not add yourself again. Call the Recreation Department office at 608/837-3449 and we will assist you.

4. If you do not have a Sun Prairie address, but live in the Sun Prairie School District, the system will not know that and will charge you Non-Resident rates. If you continue your registration and pay Non-Resident rates, the difference is non-refundable. Please contact our office prior to your registration so that we may adjust your account to reflect the proper designation.

5. If you accidentally register for the wrong program, do not immediately register for the correct program. Call us (608-837-3449) and we can make the transfer for you.

Now Hiring – Program Instructor Thursday After School Program

“Recreation is for Everyone” Scholarship form!

Come join us for fun and enriching programs available for the whole family! Requesting a scholarship is easier than ever with our NEW online form! This easy, streamlined form provides "no questions asked" financial access to SPPRF programs.

In order to request the Recreation is for Everyone Scholarship you must be a resident of Sun Prairie or enrolled in the Sun Prairie Area School District.

For questions or assistance contact us at 608-837-3449 or visit Recreation is for Everyone Scholarship Information

Scholarships cover 50% of enrollment fees on most programs
No formal documentation is required for approval of financial assistance
Online submission with approvals within 2 business days

Upcoming Events:

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 with be held at WCSB unless noted below.

CLASS	AGES	DAY	DATE	TIME
Zumba with Naveen	16+	Tues	1/3	6:00 – 6:45 p.m.
Pound	16+	Wed	1/4	5:45 – 6:30 p.m.
Zumba Gold	16+	Thurs	1/5	9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
Zumba with Valerie	16+	Thurs	1/5	5:30 – 6:15 p.m.

Frozen Fest

Upcoming Programs Not to Be Missed:

Winter Break Art Camp

Monday, December 26^th – Thursday, December 29^th

9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Registration Deadline: 12/19/2022

Don't miss out on this creative four-day Winter Break Art Camp! Each day we'll create a variety of art projects and media exploration including: acrylic paints, watercolor painting, sculpture with air clay and modeling clay, drawing and more through themes of snow, winter and arctic landscapes.

Foil Fencing

January 6^th – February 3^rd

5:00 – 6:15 p.m.

Registration Deadline: 12/30/2022

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

Framed Barn Quilt

Thursday, January 12th

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: 1/5/2023

Few things say home better than a handmade quilt, but you don’t need a sewing machine to
bring this folk art to life. Painted barn quilts add a warm personal touch to your
barnyard, garage, shed, porch or deck!

Choose from three designs: Dresden Barn Quilt, Star Barn Quilt, and Patchwork Barn Quilt. Then, customize your project in the workshop with your choice of stain & paint. These barn quilts are framed and measure 12” by 12”. Your creativity coach will walk you through this project step by step, and you will go home with a beautiful piece of art.

Family CPR

Saturday, January 14^th

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: 1/7/2023

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.

Listen to Your Art – Banksy

Monday, January 16th

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Registration Deadline: 1/9/2023

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. This day's theme is Banksy, students will create art inspired by this artist.

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.

Foundations of Athletic Development

January 16^th – February 6^th

5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: 1/9/2023

Foundations of Athletic Development is a 60-minute training session designed for 9-12 year olds with the focus of learning and developing fundamental athletic skills and movements that translate directly to their sports. Learning these quality skills and movement patterns can set each child up for a successful path in sports or an active lifestyle, while also decreasing bad habits from forming that could lead to injuries. Sessions will incorporate skills such as body weight strength, core stability, coordination, body control/awareness, and fundamental positions/skills used in athletics and training.

Thursday Early Release Afterschool Programming (previously TGIT)

Thursdays, 1:30-5:00 p.m.

Elementary School Site Locations:
Meadowview
Northside
Token Springs - NEW

Beginning in the 2022 – 2023 school year, Sun Prairie Area School District Elementary Schools will be dismissing students at 1:30 pm on Thursday afternoons to accommodate professional staff development. In an effort to provide high quality afterschool childcare to our growing community, Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry, the Sun Prairie Area School District and Community Schools are putting forth a collaborative effort to provide a community partner-based afterschool program. This program will aim to provide families with safe, affordable and engaging childcare on Thursday afternoons for students in kindergarten through 5th grade.

Childcare will be available from dismissal at 1:30 pm until 5:00 pm. We will pilot this program, starting in September, at three elementary school locations and will have programming at all nine elementary schools starting in January 2023. Program partners will be brought in monthly to provide fun and exciting programming ranging from chess to sports to ukulele lessons.

If this program isn’t offered at your school initially you do have the option to attend any site, but transportation will not be provided at this time. Registration will be by month for September -December. Please click “register” to be added to our interest list to be notified when enrollment begins and when new sites are added to this program.

For more information visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com and the digital version of the Rec Connection which will be updated prior to the start of the school year. Please contact Emily Rebarchek, erebarchek@cityofsunprairie.com, or call 608-837-3449 with any questions.

Fitness Classes

Public Works

Garbage and Recycling Collection

Due to Christmas and New Year’s holidays falling on weekends this year, there will be no delay in garbage and recycling collection for either holiday. Collection will be on schedule for the weeks of December 19, December 26, and January 2.

And don’t forget, weekly curbside recycling collection begins in January!

What gets recycled?

So...... what exactly can you recycle? Well, here is a guide to help you out! 

In 2023, the City of Sun Prairie will be making the switch to weekly recycling and we want you to know what DOES an DOES NOT go into recycling. Here is a simple guide with information pulled from our service provider Pellitteri Waste Systems. 

For more information about waste management in the City of Sun Prairie, go here.

Sun Prairie Media Center

Congratulations!

We want to celebrate and thank all of the wonderful community members involved in supporting the Sun Prairie Media Center! We are so lucky to have the volunteers that we do and we had the opportunity to recognize them at our End of Year Banquet!

Here is the list of our award-winning producers:

-Outstanding Service and Dedication: Tim Hatfield
-Best Comeback: Jason Schulman
-Best Short-Form Producer: Sandy Kintner
-Outstanding Media Center Ambassador: Sara Milewski
-Best Interviewer: Christine Bright
-Most Adventurous: Steve Sabatke
-Outstanding Reliability: Graham Otto
-Outstanding Broadcast Team: Schmozcast - Chandler Daniels and Andrae Martinez
-Best Newcomer: Laura Jennings
-Outstanding Longevity: Don Hooser
-Best Behind the Scenes: Gary Hebl

Sun Prairie Public Library

Library Closed for Holidays

The library will be closed Friday, December 23-Monday, December 26 and Friday, December 30-Monday, January 2.

The drive through book drops will be closed Thursday, December 22 at 8:45 p.m. until Tuesday, December 27at 8:45 a.m. and Thursday, December 29 at 8:45 p.m. until Tuesday, January 3 at 8:45 a.m.

Children’s & Teen Services

Save the date for our Model Train Show January 14 & 15! Tea Parties are back! January 21-27 ...more details to come! Dinosaur, Dress-up, and American Girl Tea Parties are all in the works! Storytime will resume the week of January 30, 2023. In the meantime, we have Young Critics Book Club, LEGO® Club, Tween and Teen Book Clubs, Teen Board Gaming, Teen Creativity Club, and more! Visit the Events calendar for more information!

Teen Board Gaming

Friday, December 16 4:00-5:30 p.m., Community Room

Play board games, Jackbox, Gartic Phone, and more! Registration is required, please register on our Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com. Teens in 6th - 12th grade are eligible to register. Questions, concerns, or if registration has already closed but the event has not yet happened, please email Melissa at mcarollo@sunlib.org.

Adult Services

Sun Prairie Area Chorus: Christmas Caroling

Sunday, December 18 2-3 p.m., Community Room

Come get in the holiday spirit with Christmas carols from the Sun Prairie Area Chorus! Founded in 2012, the chorus is a collaborative group of individuals who simply love music. The mission of the chorus is to welcome, entertain and inspire audiences while performing music the whole family will enjoy! This event is generously funded by the Friends of the Sun Prairie Public Library.

Oh, Jackie O!

Tuesday, December 20 6:30-7:30 p.m., Community Room

We're excited to welcome back Chicago theater performance artist, Jillann Gabrielle, who specializes with panache in one woman shows based on the life of notorious female legends that she writes and performs herself. And, tonight's portrayal is of none other than the beloved Jackie O!

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis has been an international iconic figure since she married John Fitzgerald Kennedy and then became First Lady of the United States. Everyone who was alive during the tragedy of JFK’s assassination remembers where they were when they heard the news and then watching the funeral on TV—which Jackie orchestrated. An extremely private individual she tried to raise her two children to be as normal as possible and to shun the press. Oh, Jackie O! finds Jackie returning home from the doctor after she is told she has Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma—and her life flashes before her.

It is hard to believe another year is coming to a close. I know I say this every year but it is always true! 2022 demonstrated that the Sun Prairie community is definitely ready to reconnect as demonstrated by robust activity at the library, particularly during the second half of the year. After more than two years of isolating, our community slowly began to reenter the library consistently this year. By the summer, we saw a return to pre-pandemic levels of activity.

Our Summer Library Program statistics were back to our highest levels of engagement with over 3,300 active youth, teen, and adult participants and we circulated over 645,000 physical and digital items!

The Sun Prairie Public Library (SPPL) staff and Library Board of Trustees continues to work on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The DEI Advisory Committee to the Library Board reviewed over 17 policies with the Library Policy Committee and discussed intellectual freedom concerns and issues facing libraries locally, regionally, and nationally. The committee also helped develop a report with recommendations for the library. The full report can be found here. The SPPL Board added two new student trustee appointments to ensure they are including the perspective of our youth when making decisions as part of their commitment to DEI.

What makes SPPL so special is the initiative and creativity that staff bring. Below is a list of examples of new and innovative services and projects staff put into place in 2022:

Resuming indoor programs for all ages
Library Champion signs in English, Spanish, and Hindi
Updated Teen space and furniture with additional computers
Latino Nights @ the Library (three-week series)
New automated sorter (more efficient return and re-shelving of materials)
Cross-departmental team of library staff participated in the City of Sun Prairie's Continuous Process Improvement training, focusing on our acquisitions and processing workflow
Dream Bus – over 3,000 visits in 2022! (A record breaking year which included weekly visits with the Neighborhood Navigators, Community Schools and Sunshine Place)
Regular COVID-19 vaccine clinics from PHMDC
Ripple Intern (As part of our commitment to the Dane County Ripple Project which seeks to advance and promote racial equity in public library staffing
Social Work Intern (with aim to provide library staff with more training and resources to help patrons in need of social services and other types of assistance
After hours holds pick-up lockers (In progress with ARPA funds through the South Central Library System)
Multi-disc DVDs - patrons can check out an entire season of new television shows
Visits to senior apartments – bringing library services and staff to residents that may not be able to access the library
Vital Signs Clinic (In partnership with Sun Prairie EMS as part of a grant program)
Elections (a popular early voting and election day voting site)
Rotating collections at senior residences
Spanish language signage in key areas of library (e.g. restrooms, computers, etc.)
Testing site for free ACT prep test
Juneteenth Celebration with community partners
Permanent Story Walk installed in Sheehan Park

Click here to read the full letter!