Council approves temporary right-of-way agreement to close Saint Teresa Terrace for nearby construction

The Monona City Council on June 2 approved a resolution granting a privilege and right-of-way for a construction staging area on Saint Teresa Terrace adjacent to 5103 Monona Drive so a developer can stage work for a nearby infill project.

Doug (Director of Planning and Community Development) said work on the site is already underway and the developer requested the temporary use of Saint Teresa Terrace to improve safety and provide space for deliveries and contractor operations. City staff reviewed the request with police and fire chiefs, who signed off on the plan because the short stretch can be closed without blocking emergency access to other properties.

Council members asked about notification and safety. Doug said the developer will install barricades and warning signs as directed by the public works director and will follow the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The agreement includes an indemnification clause requiring the developer to indemnify the city for harms caused by insufficient warnings.

A council member asked whether advance signage could warn motorists before the closure; staff said they would check with the developer and public works director about placing advance notice signs and that barricading was scheduled for Friday. Another member asked about impacts to street parking; staff said only limited street parking would be affected and that construction staging should relieve pressure from the site.

The resolution was approved on a voice vote after the council suspended the rules for immediate consideration. Staff said monthly lease payments and other terms in the agreement would be enforced and that the developer is responsible for safety measures and signage.