By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
On the heels of receiving a grant from a state agency, Whitewater officials have announced plans to restore sections of Whitewater Creek.
The Common Council on May 19 voted to enter into a contract with Fort Atkinson-based Valia Excavation for a so-called streambank restoration project. The city’s contract totals $155,240.
Under terms of the Urban Nonpoint Source and Storm Water grant, the city needs to match the grant, which tops out at $150,000. The cost of the entire project exceeds a bit more than $300,000.
Restoring Whitewater Creek has been on the city’s radar for several years. City officials learned in 2012 they were the recipients of the grant, but a series of additional steps — including gaining approval from nearby riparian owners — had to be taken before the project could proceed.
In other business May 19, the Common Council:
– Named recently appointed council member James Langness III to the city’s Alcohol Licensing Committee and Landmarks Commission. Langness is representing constituents in Whitewater’s second aldermanic district.
– Approved a proposal to seek bids for the construction of a wet detention basin within Bloomingfield Acres, a development that encompasses East Clay and James streets.
The city has received state grant dollars to assist in completing the project.
– Voted to rezone a parcel of land at 896 Janesville St. to the technical designation of community business district.
Michael Sina of Progressing Properties LLC had requested the city make the zoning change to accommodate his business plan. The site had previously been used as open space and parking for adjacent businesses.
