Watertown approves memorandum with Elmira Township to assume maintenance on roads in imminent development areas

The Watertown City Council approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Elmira Township on July 7 to document which entity will assume maintenance responsibility for certain roadways on the city's fringe that are likely to be developed or annexed.

City staff explained the MOU was developed with Elmira Township supervisors and the city engineering and community-development teams to assign maintenance responsibility for shared roadways where upcoming development and likely future annexation make city maintenance appropriate. The agreement includes a mapped exhibit identifying roads and will be updated every two years to reflect changes in city boundaries and development patterns, staff said.

Councilman Allen asked whether the MOU would permit developers to alter roads (for example, by installing sewer or water crossings under Third Avenue). Staff said the township retains right-of-way authority, and necessary permits or access approvals would still be required; the MOU primarily clarifies long-term maintenance responsibility as development proceeds. City Manager (staff member) noted the township lacks resources to maintain certain roads and the MOU facilitates development by allowing the city to assume responsibility where it is the practical option.

A motion by Councilman Shutti, seconded by Councilman Peters, carried by roll call with Allen, Hoyer, Pauline, Moorman, Durrance and Peters voting aye.

What the council approved: an MOU with Elmira Township that assigns maintenance responsibility on specified fringe roads, to be updated biennially; access permits and right-of-way approvals remain subject to township permitting where applicable.