Committee approves draft infrastructure agreement with Oneida Nation for Cattail Marsh subdivision

The Improvement Services Committee on July 30 approved a request from the Department of Public Works to enter into an infrastructure developer agreement with the Oneida Nation for the Cattail Marsh subdivision.

Public Works staff said the proposed infrastructure agreement and easement documents cover the installation and maintenance of pavement and underground utilities — storm sewer, sanitary sewer and drinking water — for the Cattail Marsh subdivision and identified affected parcel ranges (6H1154 through 38 and 6H1155 through 8) on Oneida Nation property. Staff said the subdivision and private development would remain under the jurisdiction of the Oneida Nation, and the city’s role concerns the infrastructure, easement terms and future maintenance responsibilities. A draft easement included in the meeting packet was under review by both parties at the time of the meeting.

A motion to approve the agreement proceeded and the committee voted in favor. Committee members asked clarifying location questions; one member asked whether the site was “off West Mason” and staff clarified it is roughly half a mile west of West Mason near Chief Hill Drive. No changes to the draft agreement were made at the meeting; staff said the draft is being routed to the Oneida Nation for review.

The committee approval authorizes continued negotiations and routing of the draft easement; the development’s jurisdictional status under the Oneida Nation was affirmed by staff and the committee. The agreement is to be finalized through follow-up review between city and Oneida Nation counsel and staff and will be reported to the full council as required for final approvals.