Committee approves final Lake Street/Dewey Court design for bidding and recommends funding approach

The Middleton Public Works Committee on March 1 approved final design plans for the Lake Street and Dewey Court reconstruction project for advertisement, subject to minor modifications by the consultant, and recommended funding approaches to the finance committee.

MSA presented final designs showing sidewalks on both sides of Lake Street, a new water main throughout the project, dual storm inlets with sump features to improve sediment capture, and an alignment change intended to move storm discharge away from condominium springs. The design also addresses a sag in the Allen Boulevard sanitary sewer that staff said would require a 10-inch pipe in the sag zone because an 8-inch pipe would not provide the minimum slope.

Residents and neighborhood representatives raised a number of concerns during the meeting, including stagnant water in a ditch on the west side of Middleton Beach Road, the placement of the connector path and raised crosswalk, preserving mature trees and screening evergreens, bench placement in a cul-de-sac and potential lighting upgrades near the boat launch. Staff said some items fall under stormwater maintenance and others under Parks, Recreation and Forestry; Parks will review park elements at its March 18 meeting.

After discussion, the committee moved, seconded and carried a motion to approve the plans for bidding provided MSA implements the agreed minor modifications. The committee discussed two schedules: an aggressive timeline that would allow advertising soon and a conservative one that waits for permitting (DNR/Chapter 30 and U.S. Fish & Wildlife review); staff noted permitting could take about 60–90 days.

On funding, staff presented project cost buckets and identified a general-fund shortfall. The water utility has some available 2024 funds that can be redirected because a previously budgeted Franklin Avenue item is deferred. The committee voted to recommend using the park development fund for the park portion (approximately $210,000 in the packet) and asked the finance committee to identify funding for the remaining shortfall rather than defer the entire road program. The committee also voted to recommend Resolution 2024-13 declaring the city’s intent to levy special assessments for typical improvements (sidewalks, driveway aprons) associated with the project.

Votes on the motions were carried by voice vote; staff will return with an updated schedule and any additional revisions at the next meeting, and will forward the funding recommendation to the finance committee and Common Council for consideration.