Stoughton council approves Williams Drive annexation, updates park fees; sets billboard lease and soils dispute for further negotiation

At its July 14 meeting the Stoughton City Council approved a second‑reading annexation ordinance for approximately 27 acres (including an adjacent railroad petitioned by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation) and adopted an update to park shelter reservation fees. The council also discussed a proposed billboard lease/easement and an agreement to resolve the removal and reuse of soils from Tinosick Park; members voted to convene in closed session to negotiate the soils MOU, the billboard proposal and a potential sale of city land.

Alderperson Caravello moved the second reading of the Williams Drive annexation ordinance, described in the packet as an annexation of city‑owned property and Wisconsin DOT‑owned property located in the town of Pleasant Springs. City staff said the DOT signed the annexation petition and that approval would allow the city to complete filings and recordings to bring the property into Stoughton. During discussion staff clarified that DOT would retain ownership of the railroad but jurisdiction would shift. The motion carried on a voice vote with no opposition recorded.

The council also approved resolution R101‑2026 to amend the Public Works fee schedule for park shelter reservations. City staff explained the fees were last updated in 2018 and the revision adds a tiered structure recognizing amenities such as the Nordic Ridge splash pad.

Members then reviewed a proposal from Adam Signs to remove a small, low‑value billboard in front of the opera house/fire station (currently generating roughly $2,000 per year) and replace it with a new sign on a city outlot along Highway 51. Options outlined by staff: a lease paying $50,000 per year with a 3% escalation every five years during a 20‑year term (then year‑to‑year), or a 20‑year easement with a $500,000 upfront payment. Staff noted the city's forthcoming sign ordinance would narrowly limit where off‑premises billboards can be sited (outlots at least five acres in business zoning, spacing and DOT setbacks) and that the proposed new sign would be about 12 by 24 feet. Alders asked for tighter termination language, maintenance and removal bonds, and restrictions to prevent political or divisive advertising; staff said those and other provisions can be drafted into a lease or easement.

On Tinosick Park soils, staff described two piles placed on parkland during development activities: a topsoil reserve (about 20,000 cubic yards) and a larger structural/spoils pile (staff estimated roughly 65,000 cubic yards). Matt, a representative of developer FDG, said FDG would work with the city and could contribute roughly 20,000 cubic yards of excavated soils for the city’s riverfront remediation work, but the city had issued a stop‑work order after inspectors reported soils being moved off‑site. The council discussed contamination testing practices, DNR requirements and the need for an MOU that tracks movement and ensures material meets specifications for the remediation project.

After discussing all three negotiation items the council voted to move into closed session, citing the statutory closed‑session exception for deliberating or negotiating the purchase or sale of public property. The clerk recorded 11 alders in favor on the roll call. Council later passed a motion authorizing the mayor, city attorney and public works director (and other directors as needed) to finalize the soils agreement (MOU). The council adjourned after reconvening.