The Fond du Lac City Council voted 6-1 on Sept. 10 to adopt Resolution 9,202, finding a downtown property blighted under section 32.03(6)(a) of the Wisconsin Statutes and directing staff to begin the statutory eminent-domain process. Councilmember Heisler moved the resolution and Councilmember Godfrey seconded; Councilmember Leering cast the lone dissent.

The resolution begins a process the city attorney described as “the very first step in what will be quite a long process.” City Attorney Miss Hoffman told the council the item does not determine future use of the property and that any acquisition would include appraisal and the owner’s right to contest compensation.

The issue drew public comment and an extended council discussion. Donna Richards, a resident who spoke during audience comments, said, “I think that this resolution is premature,” and urged the council to provide more information to the public about the property’s legal history and condition. Shar Trotter, another resident, described interior features she recalled and suggested salvaging the building’s kitchen if feasible.

Councilmember Leering asked for more time and public input and raised questions about the property’s historic status and prior court rulings, saying she believed a 2021 federal decision and other records should be clearer to the public. Hoffman and other staff said past negotiations with the owner had failed and that prior inspections had identified unsafe conditions. Hoffman told the council the building has had “no occupants since February,” that the fire occurred about 10 years ago, and that temporary repairs were made after the fire. She also said the parcel’s owner is an out-of-state resident in California and that the resolution identifies the owner, legal description and parcel ID.

Councilmembers who supported the resolution cited public-safety concerns and the property’s long-term deterioration. Councilmember Godfrey said, “This building ... it’s in horrible condition” and said more time would not likely change the owner’s position. Councilmember Schisler voiced similar support and said he would vote in favor.

A motion from Councilmember Leering to table the item for six weeks failed for lack of a second. After additional discussion the council approved Resolution 9,202. The council did not vote on any future use or demolition at this meeting; Hoffman emphasized those decisions would come later and that the eminent-domain process includes appraisal and other statutory protections for the owner.

The next steps under the city’s timeline include staff follow-up on title and appraisal and public hearings required by statute before any final acquisition or disposition decision. The council’s approval authorizes the city to proceed with the statutorily-prescribed eminent-domain steps but does not itself transfer title or set a redevelopment plan.