Council approves easement, appoints EMS chief and advances two ordinances

On Feb. 17 the Middleton Common Council took a package of routine‑to‑substantive actions: it approved a temporary limited easement for Conservancy Bend Phase Two subject to final city‑attorney review, appointed Chris Odell as the new EMS chief, advanced a revision to the city lighting ordinance on first reading (and referred technical comments to the Plan Commission), and approved a first reading to add age restrictions for hemp‑derived THC products.

Easement: Council discussed escrow language and restoration guarantees for the Conservancy Bend TLE, including contractor quotes provided to staff. A motion to approve the temporary limited easement subject to final city attorney approval passed 7–1. Staff indicated escrow language and the dollar amount (discussed at the meeting) will be reviewed with public works and city attorney before finalization.

Appointment: The council unanimously approved the appointment of Chris Odell as EMS chief. Odell thanked the council and department leaders and said he looks forward to a formal swearing‑in and ceremony.

Ordinances: The council amended proposed lighting code language—changing a phrase from a 'minimum intensity' to an 'average intensity' per advice from a master electrician—and approved the first reading with a referral to the Plan Commission for additional technical review. Separately, council held a first reading to create section 6.10 imposing age restrictions on hemp‑derived THC products; alderpersons raised questions about grandfathering and proximity to youth‑serving businesses but approved the first reading unanimously.

What happens next: Staff will finalize the easement documentation with city attorney review, schedule an installation timeline with contractors, and the Plan Commission will review lighting‑code technical comments ahead of a second reading. The hemp‑THC ordinance will proceed through the ordinance process for later readings.