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Council moves to closed session to discuss UWM Washington County property and TID 14 developer agreement; no action taken publically
Summary
The West Bend Common Council on Sept. 8 voted to enter closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(e) to discuss a developer’s agreement for TID 14 and the UWM Washington County property; the council announced it would not reconvene in open session that night.
The City of West Bend Common Council voted on Sept. 8 to enter closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(e) to deliberate negotiating the purchase of public properties and conduct other specified public business whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. Two items listed for closed session were a developer’s agreement for Tax Incremental District 14 and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Washington County property.
Why it matters: The matters involve negotiations over property and development agreements that may affect future uses of public property and tax/investment decisions. Council members and staff discussed the appropriate public process and whether to provide opportunities for public comment before decisions are finalized.
Council members moved and seconded the motion to go into closed session, and the council conducted a roll‑call vote. The transcript records members voting “Aye” on the motion; the chair later announced the council was in closed session and that it would not reconvene in open session that night.
Public comment question: One council member requested the opportunity for public comment on the UWM property matter and said her inbox had been “flooded” with concerns from residents. Council discussion clarified that preliminary negotiation and direction to staff typically occur in closed session; any final agreements or resolutions will be brought back to the council in open session for consideration and would then be the appropriate time for public comment.
What the record shows: The council conducted two separate motions for closed session on the two items, each approved by roll call. The chair stated, “We are now in closed session, and we will not reconvene into open session tonight.” No substantive agreements or votes on the underlying property negotiations appear in the public record on Sept. 8.
Next steps: Staff will continue negotiations as directed in closed session and return any formal agreements or ordinances to the council for public consideration in open session at a future meeting; council members suggested they would request public comment opportunities when formal items are presented.
Sources: Common Council meeting, Sept. 8, 2025.
