Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Middleton council approves cleanup change, infrastructure contracts and event funding; elects Ray Walter president
Summary
The Middleton City Council on March 4 approved a year‑round Republic Services bulky‑item pickup program, authorized right‑of‑way and utility contracts for upcoming road and utility projects, prequalified contractors for a wastewater plant upgrade, and approved $6,000 for Fourth of July parade security. Ray Walter was elected council president 3–1.
The Middleton City Council on Wednesday approved a package of operational and infrastructure items, ratified changes to the city’s annual spring cleanup program, and elected Ray Walter council president.
At the start of the meeting the council unanimously approved an amended agenda and the consent package of routine items, then administered the oath of office to newly appointed council member Kelly Grryer.
Council then elected Ray Walter council president by roll call, 3–1. "All that is 3 to one. So, our new council president will be, Ray Walter," the mayor announced after the vote.
Republic Services presented a proposal to change Middleton’s one‑week spring cleanup to a year‑round curbside system that lets each household schedule up to 10 bulky‑item pickups (appliances excluded or subject to fees). A Republic Services representative said hazardous materials would be handled via quarterly county collection events and that most bulky items are approved for pickup once residents call to schedule. Council voted to ratify the change.
Officials also approved several capital and service items: authorization for a right‑of‑way purchase required for the Corey roundabout, approval of a list of nine prequalified contractors who may bid on the city’s 2026 wastewater treatment plant upgrade, and authorization to enter a contract with InterMountain Gas Company to extend natural gas service to the wastewater plant expansion and two city shop buildings (the contract amount was presented as not to exceed $151,61.19). Public Works Director Jason Van Gilder said the gas extension will allow the plant and city buildings to convert from propane to a lower‑cost fuel. The council approved these items by roll call where required.
On community programs, the council endorsed a student‑led "Community Champion" award program and agreed to help fund commemorative challenge coins and graduation cords for recipients. Student council members told the council the program will spotlight five “pillars” — respect, responsibility, integrity, leadership and compassion — and that bulk ordering will make coins affordable over time.
For public events, the council approved up to $6,000 from the discretionary fund to secure MAV Security for the Fourth of July parade (a quote covered roughly 40 security personnel for about three hours); council members also authorized the committee to sell promotional merchandise (via Shopify) as an ongoing fundraiser for parade and fireworks costs.
Council approved two solar‑powered, lighted speed‑limit signs for Cemetery Road, up to $3,000 with an offered reimbursement of up to $800 from the Middleton Cemetery district. Council members debated the signs’ likely effectiveness versus other traffic‑calming tools; the motion passed 3–2.
Most items were approved unanimously or by clear majority. Several residents spoke during public comment, and the meeting concluded with council remarks and an adjournment.
