Gary Becker

The meeting commenced with confirmation of open meeting rule compliance. Key discussions included a general update on the State Trail Marker project, confirming an order was placed for markers and that the first location is marked, with the second location under discussion. Progress was also shared regarding the GIS Mapping Project, focusing on researching and creating initial maps and a story map approach. Additionally, updates were provided on Town Board items, and it was noted that no Plan Commission meetings occurred last month due to a lack of Town business.

The Town Board meeting addressed engineering updates for the 2026 Westport Road and Bridge reconstruction projects, noting they will soon go out to bid for a spring 2026 start. The incorporation process schedule was confirmed, with acceptable changes to the boundary agreement to be incorporated. Updates were provided regarding the Plan Commission, Joint Plan Commission concerning the One Solar proposal, and the Middleton/Westport Joint Zoning Commission regarding Community of Bishops Bay Phase 8. Reports were also given from various commissions, and the Audit Committee reviewed and approved the current bills for payment.

The Town Board meeting included a closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation concerning Westport Incorporation and to deliberate on the Waunakee Area Fire Department Intergovernmental Agreement. Upon returning to open session, no action was taken on closed session items. Discussion focused on the Waunakee Area Public Arts Commission's artist selection and contract considerations, where the Board advised caution regarding proceeding too rapidly without Plan Commission and Board buy-in. The Board also reviewed the Plan Commission's activities regarding the One Solar proposal, emphasizing the necessity of identifying all reasonable conditions due to public objection. Reports were given on various joint commissions and committees. Finally, current bills, reviewed by the Audit Committee, were approved for payment.

The regular meeting included a confirmation that the meeting conformed with open meetings law. The board entered into a closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation concerning Westport Incorporation and to deliberate on a Cooperative Boundary Agreement involving Westport, Waunakee, DeForest, Madison, and Middleton. Upon returning to open session, no action was taken on the closed session items. Key actions included the approval of Resolution 25-10, which appoints poll workers for the 2026-2027 election years, and the granting of a regular operator license. The board also approved a $10.00 annual increase to the sewer rates for 2026, setting the rate at $350.00. Administrator Grosskopf reported that a future Solar Farm proposal and a Design Review for Madison Country Day School's New Gymnasium will be reviewed by the Plan Commission in January. Updates were provided from various commissions, including the Historic Preservation Commission discussing State Historical Markers and Story Board layout using GIS Mapping, and the Public Art Committee selecting Studio KCA as their artist. Finally, current bills, reviewed and recommended by the Audit Committee, were paid.

The Plan Commission discussed the Six Mile Solar Project proposed for the Kennedy Drive property by One Energy. Discussion covered site selection rationale, vegetation screening, pollinator habitat maintenance, and project decommissioning, noting that MGE would own the asset. The Commission also addressed questions regarding the asset retirement obligation, potential end dates, and road repair requirements as CUP conditions. A motion was passed to direct staff to provide a recommendation for action at the subsequent meeting following the Joint Plan Commission (JPC) Public Hearing. Updates were also provided on proposed boundary agreements and the status of Westport's Incorporation. There were no reports from the Park Committee or the Historic Preservation Commission.