Committee backs easement and holding-tank agreement for Solis Natural Burial Reserve

The Middleton Public Works Committee recommended the Common Council accept an easement agreement to allow public water and sanitary sewer and a pedestrian/bike-path easement across land proposed as the Solis Natural Burial Reserve on the city’s far north edge.

Staff said the reservation is being marketed as a natural burial site (no embalming or formal casket requirements). Because development there is at an early stage, staff recommended establishing easements now so the city can run water and sewer across the parcel in a location that may later shift with adjacent development. Staff said the easement documents include language recognizing that alignments may change if future plats and roads are laid out differently.

Separately, the committee recommended council approval of a private holding-tank agreement (PCA 26 20) for an on-site sanitary holding tank. Staff told the committee the proposed facility will use a well and septic/holding tank until a public water and sewer connection is available; the tank would be private property and the owner’s maintenance responsibility. If the city must step in to pump or maintain the system, staff said the city can place a special charge on the property and pursue collection through existing processes.

Committee members asked questions about liability, technical review and whether the city could charge time-and-effort costs when it needs to collect or administer a special charge. Staff said DSPS (state plumbing regulator) will review tank sizing and that the city has a standard process to place special charges on a parcel for work the city performs.

A motion to recommend council approval of the easement agreement and a second motion to recommend approval of the holding-tank agreement were both seconded and carried by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will forward the easement and the holding-tank agreement to the Common Council for final action, and proceed with the technical and permitting steps needed before construction or burial activities begin.