Finance committee approves Comet Ridge development agreement; director says Outlaw stormwater pond intended as regional facility

The Appleton City Finance Committee on Feb. 9 voted 4–0 to approve a development agreement for Comet Ridge Development, submitted by North Appleton Properties LLC. Alder Benton praised the Community Development Department’s work and thanked Director Youngworth for provisions that Benton said address prior issues in District 13, including pre‑installing 10‑foot sidepaths and fixes for cluster mailboxes.

Director Youngworth said the planned Outlaw stormwater pond is intended to function as a regional facility that would serve areas beyond the immediate subdivision. “This one in particular is intended to be a regional facility to serve areas outside of this particular development,” Youngworth said, adding that the city’s position has shifted toward accepting only regional stormwater facilities. Youngworth said the city will require agreements and specific language to ensure a facility functions regionally before the city accepts maintenance responsibility; if the developer chooses not to meet those terms, the pond would remain the developer’s or an HOA’s responsibility.

Alder Benton said the provisions should reduce later disputes with property buyers and thanked staff for addressing issues that had occurred in District 13. Alder Fenton deferred to Benton on some points, saying earlier work in the district had informed the current agreement.

The committee took no amendments and approved the agreement 4–0. Committee members did not record further directions or a schedule for final council consideration during the meeting.