Committee approves developer agreement for 6300 University Ave with complete-streets language subject to attorney review

The City of Middleton Finance & Personnel Committee recommended that the common council approve a city developer agreement with 6300 University Ave MF LLC, and the committee amended the approval to require final city attorney review and incorporation of complete-streets language.

A committee member reminded the group that on July 15 they had requested adding complete-streets policy wording to the template. At the public works committee meeting, Alder Myers had previously amended the agreement; during this meeting the member asked staff and the city attorney to identify where the agreement could require that streets remain accessible to pedestrians and bicycles if vehicular detours are in place and that transit stops be considered. Ben from Public Works said staff could work with the city attorney to find the appropriate wording if the motion were amended to require attorney approval of final language. The member moved to amend the motion and the amendment was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Committee also asked about timing in paragraph 23 (a provision to be satisfied no later than Nov. 30); Ben said the developer reviewed the timeline and staff would confirm feasibility. Members discussed the fee-in-lieu for tree planting ($420 per tree) and asked about what the fee covers; staff said the fee covers purchase, installation and watering, and the fee is reviewed annually.

The committee approved the amended motion to recommend Council approval, subject to final city attorney review and any necessary final language edits.

Ending: The committee forwarded the CDA approval recommendation to Council with the amendment requiring city attorney review and incorporation of complete-streets language.