Intergovernmental Agreement Includes Four-Way Stop On North Spring

(Beaver Dam) A stop sign will be installed on North Spring Street at Woodland Drive following action by the Beaver Dam Common Council Monday night. The new four-way stop is part of an intergovernmental agreement with the township for the Elser Woods subdivision.

A new apartment complex is being developed nearby in the city, leading to increased traffic on Woodland Drive, a contentious issue between the municipalities for over a year. City Attorney Maryann Schacht says “laborious” would be an understatement, but she praised township officials for working cooperatively with the city to resolve the issues.

The agreement places costs for the extension of Woodland Drive with the city. The city will also have to pay to rebuild the township-owned portion of Woodland Drive by September 30 and will be responsible for ongoing maintenance. A barrier at Woodland Drive’s current dead-end will be removed. The road will eventually extend all the way to Commercial Drive, which connects with Highway 33, within the next two years.

The stop signs would be temporary with the city responsible for installing traffic lights or a roundabout at North Spring and Woodland by the end of the 2021 construction season. Widening of the road, and the installation of sidewalks, would only be done on the city-owned side of Woodland.

The agreement also states that the city of Beaver Dam would only annex the Elser Woods and Shady Oaks subdivisions by petition of the majority of the property owners in each township subdivision.

The agreement also establishes weight limits for Woodland Drive, essentially limiting use to cars and light trucks. Township officials have indicated that camera’s may be installed to police for violations.

The resolution passed with two dissenting votes from alderpersons Kara Nelson and Ken Anderson, who questioned the use of city taxpayer dollars being used on a township-owned road.

Town Board Chair John Kuzniewicz says the city will be gaining tax money from the development that uses the road, unlike the township. Kuzniewicz pointed out that the road would have lasted 50 years with just seven township houses but will now only last 20 years with all the apartment units being constructed.

Anderson also asked if eminent domain was considered. The city attorney indicated that eminent domain was not part of negotiations.

The agreement still requires approval by the Town of Beaver Dam Board, which is anticipated in the next week.