Committee approves ordinance draft to consolidate water resources, requires conservancy representative and adds water-quality language

The Middleton water-resources committee voted to approve a draft ordinance consolidating water-resources functions and the Stormwater Advisory Board (SWAB), while adding two changes requested by members: a requirement that the committee include a representative with conservancy interests and explicit water-quality language in the committee’s powers, objectives and duties.

Staff introduced the draft and said the city attorney had made technical edits; staff noted the agenda version removed a CLC number in anticipation of committee consolidation. Several committee members opposed combining parks and conservancy representation, saying a parks-majority appointee might prioritize recreation (baseball, tennis) over conservancy and stormwater priorities. One member summarized the preference: regardless of whether parks and conservancy committees remain separate or are combined, "we want one rep it's from conservancy reinterest." A motion to approve the draft with language ensuring a conservancy-oriented representative was moved, seconded, and approved by voice vote.

Separately, the committee approved an amendment to add "water quality" language to the description of SWAB’s powers, objectives and duties; the motion to insert water-quality language passed by voice vote with members saying "aye." Staff said professionals could work the specific phrasing into the ordinance text.

Earlier in the meeting the panel accepted two survey proposals to survey a ditch along the beltline at Donna Street and the recently reconstructed Donna Pond; a member moved to accept both contracts, the motion was seconded, and members approved by voice vote.

The chair closed the meeting after these actions and no further votes were recorded.