Local

TOWN OF MIDDLETON–Low levels of lead were found in two wells and other contaminates were found in surface water near the Middleton Municipal Airport-Morey Field, according to a recently released federal study.

The Town of Middleton commissioned the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to sample soil and water for contaminates associated with aviation fuel and a July 2021 fireworks show at the airport.

Twelve private wells were tested in May or June of this year, and low levels of lead were found at a well in the High Wood Circle subdivision north of the airport, and in a well in a rural setting northwest of the airport.

The USGS kept the sample sites anonymous to the public but will share them with the homeowners soon. Others concerned about the quality of their well water were urged to contact the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

MIDDLETON–The City of Middleton Plan Commission reviewed the latest updates and progress on the city’s comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan recently underwent a major overhaul which was approved in March 2021. Planning staff recommend a formal review and amendment to the plan in 2023.

Director of Planning and Community Development Abby Attoun presented the report and explained that the comprehensive plan should be responsive to continuous change in the community and its usefulness should be monitored to ensure that it is a consistent statement of city policy. Attoun said the plan should be considered a living document.

Attoun said the comprehensive plan is a 20-year plan with short, medium, and long term goals. 

It also includes an implementation plan that prioritizes action steps.

TOWN OF MIDDLETON–A proposed expansion of Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena received a lukewarm reception at a town board meeting this week.

The property on Pleasant View Road, north of Evergreen Road, is owned by the town of Middleton but is within the city of Middleton, according to Town Chair Cynthia Richson.

The arena owners want to add a third indoor rink onto the existing 62,000-square-foot facility saying there’s not enough ice available for youth hockey programs.

“There’s a need in the Madison area as the (Alliant Energy Center) and the (University of Wisconsin) Shell will not be selling ice time in the future,” Don Goodweiler, treasurer of the Capitol Ice Arena.

Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena already hosts 53 hockey teams, its 1,043 skaters, of which nearly 32 percent are from the town, and 13 youth hockey programs, Goodweiler said.

MIDWEST–A major winter storm has been predicted and is expected to slow travel ahead of the Christmas holiday.

“Our winter storm criteria is typically six-inches of snow falling in a 12 hour period,” explained Tim Halbach, National Weather Service Milwaukee Warning Coordination Meteorologist.

Halbach added that a winter storm can be marked by smaller amounts of snow with high winds, causing a low visabilities.

Although it is hard to predict exactly how much snow will fall, the current prediction between the night of Dec. 21 and Dec. 23 is 8-12 inches. Winds are expected to kick up on late Thursday into Friday, with gusts up to 50 mph.

MIDDLETON–District 4 Common Council Alder Emily has announced that she will be running for mayor of the City of Middleton in the April 4, 2023 election.

Kuhn, whose district includes Lakeview Park area and much of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, has worked to fix potholes and slow traffic across the district, maintain parks and support public safety.

“If I am fortunate enough to be the next mayor of Middleton, I want to build the community stronger. I want Middleton to continue to be an attractive place to come and live with strong schools, good jobs, wonderful parks and a beautiful conservancy. I will continue to support our public safety, including the fire department, EMS, and police department,” Kuhn said.

MIDDLETON–The Middleton Common Council continued work on developing its first energy efficiency navigator program that will provide energy assessments and funding to update old apartment buildings and lower utility costs for tenants. The council approved a program that will provide a portion of funding from TIF funded projects for public art and set March 1 as the end of the public emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Michelle Phillips, chair of the city’s arts committee, said the committee has been working on the TIF funding proposal for more than two years. Phillips is also the editor for the Middleton Cross Plains Times-Tribune.

“When I'm out in the community, one of the things that I hear is that the public wants more art and we just don't have the funding to do that,” Phillips said. “As many of you know, funding has been further cut in the last few years and this attaches funding to TIF funds.” 

MIDDLETON–Middleton Common Council Alder Kathy Olson is the first candidate to throw her hat into the mayoral race after current mayor Gurdip Brar announced he would not seek reelection.

Olson who represents District 1, which includes the downtown, Greenway, and portions of Foxridge, was elected to the City Council in 2015. She will not seek reelection for the council seat.

Olson said she is running for mayor because she wants to see Middleton continue to grow and serve its community members.

“My husband, Steve, and I have often remarked how fortunate we were when we chose Middleton as the place to raise our family. Just as my family has enjoyed the benefits of living in Middleton, I am running for mayor to help keep Middleton a desirable community that allows everyone to thrive,” she said.

She said she wants to continue to build on the work that the city has already embarked upon, including public safety, infrastructure and environmental concerns.

MIDDLETON–The City of Middleton will hold a Santa Parade and Candy Cane Hunt on Dec. 17 beginning at 3 p.m.

A first responder parade will include Santa and his elves spreading cheer through the streets of Middleton, ending up at Lakeview Park. At the park Middleton Parks & Rec will have activities beginning at 3:30 p.m. and continuing until 5:30 p.m. The Candy Cane Hunt will take place in the dark, and flashlights are highly recommended.

A schedule of the afternoon’s event is as follows:

3-3:30 p.m.: Santa Parade

3:30 p.m.: Santa Parade arrives at Lakeview Park

3:30 p.m.: Candy Cane Hunt–pre-hunt activities begin

4:30 p.m.: Donut Walk

4:45 p.m.: Ugly Sweater Contest

5 p.m.: Ages 5-7 Candy Cane Hunt

5:10 p.m.: Ages 2-4 Candy Cane Hunt

5:20 p.m.: Ages 8-10 Candy Cane Hunt

MIDDLETON–The City of Middleton Plan Commission held a public hearing for a proposed 128 acre residential development between High Road and Pheasant Branch Road formerly Acker Farm. The plan commission postponed rezoning the land and approving the general building plans until issues relating to the utility connections, streets and pedestrian paths are addressed.

Planning and Zoning Administrator Mark Opitz said the land has long been identified as one of the city’s last remaining growth areas. He noted that the city’s comprehensive plan advocates for development of complete neighborhoods so that daily needs are available within a short distance to reduce traffic and that neighborhoods use an urban street grid with numerous connections to adjoining streets.

During the public hearing numerous residents expressed concerns about stormwater management, sustainability features, and the potential traffic impact on Pheasant Branch Road.

MIDDLETON–The City of Middleton Common Council approved the 2023 budget at its Nov. 15 meeting. The council also approved purchasing equipment to provide unleaded fuel at Middleton Municipal Airport-Morey Field and deferred a resolution declaring the end of the public emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The approved budget includes a tax levy of $20.5 million which reduces the city’s portion of the property tax bill by about 14 percent.

Property values increased in 2022, a reevaluation year, by 23.9 percent resulting in the assessed value of the median single-family home increasing from $336,100 to $414,400 or about 23 percent. The mill rate drops from $6.25 per $1,000 of property value to $5.37 per $1,000.