Middleton City Council approves multiple event permits for 2025 activities

The Middleton License & Ordinance Committee meeting on March 11, 2025, highlighted significant changes to stormwater management policies, particularly regarding the handling of fees in lieu of stormwater management practices. Warren Giebert, a long-time member of the commission, emphasized the need for revisions to existing ordinances that dictate how these fees are applied, particularly in relation to flood management and groundwater replenishment.

Giebert pointed out that the current policy, which has been in place for decades, fails to adequately address the complexities of stormwater management. He noted that the proposed removal of certain paragraphs from the ordinance could hinder effective flood peak management and groundwater recharge efforts. "It makes sense for flood peaks that they were downstream to reduce the flood," Giebert stated, underscoring the importance of maintaining comprehensive stormwater practices.

The committee also approved several special event permits, including the Prairie Chase Run/Walk organized by the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, scheduled for June 28, 2025. This annual event will take place at Orchard Heart Heights Park and will feature outdoor amplified sound for announcements and music. The committee expressed no concerns regarding the event, which has been successfully held in previous years.

Additionally, the Middleton Public Library received approval for a new Bookmobile kickoff event on April 12, 2025, at the Terrace Avenue parking lot. This event aims to celebrate the launch of the library's new Bookmobile and will also include an outdoor sound system for the occasion.

The meeting concluded with the approval of various outdoor amplified sound permits for local businesses, including the Middleton Gators and Stonehorse Screen, ensuring that community events can proceed smoothly throughout the summer months.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting reflect a commitment to improving stormwater management practices while supporting community events that foster local engagement. The committee's decisions are expected to enhance both environmental sustainability and community connectivity in Middleton.