Fond du Lac council OKs easement for Alliant Energy at Lakeside Park

The Fond du Lac City Council unanimously approved an easement request April 22 from Alliant Energy for work along Lakeside Park related to the city’s renewable natural gas program.

City staff described the request as a 12-foot-wide permanent natural gas and communications easement plus a 10-foot-wide temporary construction easement on city-owned land east of Dodie Street near the wastewater treatment plant and down to West Harbor View Drive. Staff said the current plan calls for underground natural gas and fiber facilities.

Council members asked whether any above-ground facilities would remain after installation; staff read the easement language that prevents construction of buildings or other improvements in the easement area without the city’s written consent. Councilors said they were concerned about protecting park green space but accepted staff’s representation that the project now proposed is underground.

The plan commission recommended approval and the council voted unanimously to grant the easement. The project is tied to the city’s wastewater renewable natural gas efforts and requires continued coordination with Alliant Energy per the easement terms.

Councilors who asked questions during the discussion included Mr. Mullen and Miss Luring. The easement resolution passed without recorded dissent.