Public works committee backs recommendation to hire ECS Midwest for Century Avenue borings with contract safeguards

The Middleton Public Works Committee recommended April 13 that the finance and common council approve an agreement with ECS Midwest LLC to perform geotechnical borings for the Century Avenue utility relocation project and requested stronger contractual protections for trees and pedestrian access during the work.

Staff said the borings are needed to support a large utility relocation tied to the Century Avenue/Branch Street reconstruction. Committee members said several proposed borings lie near sensitive conservancy land and an identified mature oak tree and asked that the contract include explicit protections and remedies if contractors damage trees or sensitive areas.

Alder Myers asked whether sidewalks or roads would be closed during boring operations; staff said locations are largely north of the main intersection and that staff will include clear notification and construction management language. A committee amendment asked that the contract require adherence to Middleton's Complete Streets construction policies and that the city attorney confirm contractual remedies for tree protection.

The committee moved and seconded a recommendation to send the agreement to finance and personnel and the common council with the requested contract language; the motion carried.

What happens next: Staff will finalize contract language, confirm protections with the city attorney, and forward the agreement to the finance committee and common council for final approval.

Sources: Middleton Public Works Committee meeting transcript, April 13, 2026.