Council approves multiple short-term leases for city-owned agricultural and hunting lands

The Fort Atkinson City Council on Sept. 16 authorized several rental agreements for city-owned properties, awarding leases for agricultural cropping, haying and hunting use for terms beginning in 2026 and running through Dec. 1, 2028. Staff described the airport parcel as 42.3 acres and reported bids; staff recommended awarding the airport agricultural lease to Coutts (Koontz) Farms at $201 per acre in 2026 (total $25,760.70), rising to $229 per acre in 2027 and $205 per acre in 2028. A 26.5-acre agricultural parcel in the Clement Business Park drew two bids; staff recommended awarding the lease to Wilharm Haysales at $250 per acre (total $19,875) for 2026–2028. Separate hay-only acreage in the Clement Business Park (about 41.2 acres considered) drew identical $100-per-acre bids; after bidders declined to revise, staff resolved the tie by a coin toss and recommended awarding the hay lease to Andrew Luecke for a total of $24,318. Staff also recommended awarding hunting-rights to roughly 70 acres adjacent to the wastewater treatment facility to Matthew Thompson at $31 per acre (total $6,510 for 2026–2028). Staff disclosed that Thompson is a City of Fort Atkinson employee, that he followed the same bidding process and that no special treatment or information was provided. Council members asked one question about what would happen if property was sold or developed during lease terms; staff said the city reserves the right to terminate the lease and would reimburse prepaid rent where applicable. Council voted in favor of each lease award by voice vote and directed the city manager to execute the respective agreements.