Council votes to go into closed session on developer agreement for TID 14 and UWM Washington County property; members urge public comment options

The West Bend Common Council on Sept. 8 voted to enter closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(e) to discuss (1) a developer agreement for Tax Incremental District No. 14 and (2) negotiations concerning the University of Wisconsin (UWM) Washington County property. The mayor read the statutory authority on the record prior to taking the votes. Separate motions were made and seconded for each closed-session item and the council conducted roll-call votes to enter closed session. At least one council member expressed concern that residents had not yet had an opportunity for public comment on the UWM property matter and urged the council to consider public comment options in the future; other members noted that the current action was a preliminary negotiation step and that formal agreements brought back for approval would be considered in open session with opportunities for public comment as appropriate. Councilors voted to enter closed session for both items and did not reconvene in open session that night. Staff indicated the closed sessions would permit confidential negotiation and deliberation; any proposed agreements or resolutions developed in closed session would be returned to the council for open-session action and potential public input at a later date. Why it matters: the actions permit staff and council to negotiate terms on property and developer matters where bargaining positions could be compromised by public disclosure; several council members asked that avenues for public comment be considered once formal proposals are ready for public review. Next steps: closed-session deliberations to occur; staff will prepare any proposed agreement or recommendation to return to the council in open session for consideration and public comment opportunities as required by statute and council practice.