Commission backs e‑bike rentals and directs land‑lease for viewing pavilion at Middleton Airport

The Middleton Airport Commission on Oct. 9 voted to pursue two community‑oriented items: investigating B‑cycle/e‑bike rental infrastructure at the airport and directing the city attorney to draft a land lease to allow a small pavilion‑style aviation viewing area east of the terminal.

During discussion, commissioners noted the airport’s proximity to the Pheasant Branch Conservancy and area hotels and said a small e‑bike station could connect visiting pilots and hotel guests to downtown Middleton and local trails. Chair and staff discussed whether tourism funding could be a source but warned that tourism commission funding must demonstrate a nexus to increased hotel stays before it can be applied. "If there can be a nexus shown between that b cycle infrastructure and an increase in hotel stays in the community, then I think under state law...there's a better connection to say that yes, that money can be used for that," staff said.

Commissioners also debated a modest pavilion to provide shade and seating for families and visitors watching aviation activity. Because the airport master plan identifies the area east of the FBO as developable, the board instructed the city attorney to craft a land lease template clarifying the temporary nature of any structure and the city's right to require removal if future development requires the space. The motion to draft the land lease was made by Commissioner Charles and seconded by Jack; it passed by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will reach out to the tourism commission about funding options and the city attorney will draft a land lease for consideration at a future commission meeting.