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Plan Commission recommends easement for TDS Metricom to install citywide fiber
Summary
The Fort Atkinson Plan Commission on Jan. 27 recommended the city council approve a utility easement to TDS Metricom LLC to install fiber in city rights-of-way, shifting a portion of the route to city-owned property to avoid Lorman Bicentennial Park; staff said the easement includes $250 compensation and a brief river crossing.
The City of Fort Atkinson Plan Commission on Jan. 27 recommended the City Council approve a utility easement to TDS Metricom LLC to enable installation of fiber-optic cable in public rights-of-way.
Director Niven presented the staff report, saying TDS first approached the city in 2022 and paused work thereafter; staff proposed moving a portion of the route from Lorman Bicentennial Park to city-owned property on West Milwaukee Avenue to reduce park disruption. Director Niven said the easement documents list key terms including dimensions and “the compensation of $250.”
Staff told the commission the West Milwaukee Avenue corridor already contains utilities and made a logical route for the new fiber. The easement would include a small segment north of the river and a brief underground crossing to return utilities to the right of way along the sidewalk, staff said.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about existing utilities and the route alignment. After discussion, a motion to recommend approval to the City Council was moved, seconded and approved; the commission chair said the item will appear on the next city council agenda.
Why it matters: The easement would allow a private telecommunications provider to place infrastructure that could expand broadband access but requires council approval of the formal easement document. The staff report cited Wisconsin statutory authority for the commission’s review role.
Next steps: The plan commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for final action and for execution of the easement agreement if approved.
