By Kim McDarison
The Fort Atkinson City Council Tuesday approved the first reading of an ordinance which would annex into the city three parcels of land, totaling some 75 acres, along Banker Road.
Once annexed, the land, which is in the town of Koshkonong, will be used for future residential development, Fort Atkinson City Manager Rebecca Houseman LeMire said Tuesday.
According to LeMire, “This annexation would create town islands within the city, and to avoid potential conflict, the city and the town of Koshkonong chose to work together on an intergovernmental agreement to mutual benefit.”
The intergovernmental agreement “has been executed,” LeMire added, noting that the city has commissioned a plat of annexation and a legal description as part of the continuing process.
Additionally, LeMire said, the land undergoing annexation will be given a temporary zoning designation of SR-2, or single-family residential district-2.
“This is simply a placeholder zoning district until such time that the city council determines the appropriate zoning districts based on the approval of the Neighborhood Plan,” LeMire said.
In a memo to council, LeMire wrote: The city of Fort Atkinson is a desirable place to live, and the city is well aware of the current housing shortage of all types, densities and sizes. The annexation of the subject parcels will further the city’s goal of providing suitable land for residential development.”
LeMire noted that the city is engaged in a “Neighborhood Planning process.” Upon its completion, she wrote, the city will prepare a request for proposals from interested land developers, with plans calling for the land to be developed in phases and in accordance with the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
Development of the land will benefit the city through increased housing stock and its associated tax base, she said.
A second reading of the ordinance will be prepared for council’s consideration and presented on July 6, LeMire said.
LeMire said the parcels that are being annexed were purchased by the city in 2019.
Documents supplied within the council meeting packet show that the intergovernmental agreement between the town of Koshkonong and the city was signed May 12.
The agreement acknowledges that the town and city “desire to work together for the betterment of their communities,” further noting that the two municipalities share “many borders and desire to establish and maintain a positive and productive relationship as our lands and futures are intertwined.”
The document further acknowledges a mutual recognition of a need for “open communication and cooperation” as the two municipalities work towards land use planning, subdivisions, and orderly development for the region.
The document also acknowledges the creation of “town islands,” including seven parcels of land. The owners of those parcels will be given the opportunity, without objection from the town, to request annexation or attachment to the city.
As part of the agreement, the city will pay a lump sum of $868.50 for each of the next five years to the town in compensation for lost taxes.
The city also agreed to provide services, coming, according to the document, with a total estimated value of $26,000. The breakdown of costs and services to be provided includes:
• Plow and salt the south side of Hoard Road from North Main Street to Banker Road, at an estimated total value of $4,000.
• Provide Wisconsin Information System for Local Road Pavement ratings for all the town’s roads and submit them to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The service comes with an estimated value of $3,500.
• Provide long-line painting on Rock River Road from the city limits to State Highway 106, including yellow centerline skip and white edge on each side; Hackbarth Road for the entire length, including double yellow centerline and white edge; and Old 26 from the State Highway 26 bridge to Koshkonong Lake Road, including white edge only. The services come at an estimated total value of $8,500.
• Assist at the town’s request in the planning and design of a four-way stop at the intersection of Hackbarth Road and Endl Boulevard, at an estimated total value of $3,500. The service does not include intersection improvements if needed, the document states.
• Provide one red solid crosswalk, or a crosswalk that would be similar to the city’s downtown area, on Hackbarth Road, at the intersection of Endl Boulevard and Hackbarth, at an estimated value of $3,500.
• Assist the town in the development of a comprehensive road plan for all of the town’s roads. The service comes with an estimated value of $3,000.
A related story about the area, which often is referenced as the “Banker Road project,” is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/plans-for-75-acre-bankers-road-project-move-forward/.
The above chart shows the estimated value of services and the timetable associated with providing them as agreed upon within the intergovernmental agreement signed between the City of Fort Atkinson and the Town of Koshkonong in May.
The above graphic, as provided within the city council packet on Tuesday, shows the area proposed for annexation into the city.
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