Council approves first reading letting mayor choose plan-commission designee after amendment

The Middleton Common Council on March 19 passed on first reading an ordinance to amend §2.061 of the Middleton Municipal Code so the mayor may choose whether to sit on the planning commission or appoint a mayoral designee.

Mayor Keown said she supports the change to allow her to focus on housing strategies, arguing that in the last four years the city had seen only about 24 single-family homes built and that freeing the mayor from routine planning hearings would let her prioritize getting more single-family and affordable homes into the pipeline. "I want to spend my time making sure they're getting in the pipeline," Keown said.

Alder Cole moved the ordinance and Alder Jackson seconded. Councilmembers debated whether the mayor should remain a voting member of the planning commission. Alder Henairo (Hanyro) and others argued the mayor should continue serving on the commission to retain accountability for planning outcomes; proponents said an appointed designee could provide continuity while the mayor pursues housing initiatives.

Council adopted an amendment clarifying that "the mayoral designee shall serve at the pleasure of the mayor, but in no event shall the appointment survive the mayor's term at the time of appointment" and later added an effective date of 04/16/2024. The amendment passed; the final vote on the ordinance's first reading was 5 in favor, 2 opposed.

Because this was a first reading, council will consider the ordinance again at the next meeting for a second reading and final passage. If approved at second reading, the ordinance will take effect on the stated effective date unless the council amends it further.