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Verona council debates two potential public works sites; staff to return with analyses
Summary
Councilmembers discussed two parcels'a 40-acre Shady Bend property and a Wayland Road parcel near Well No. 6'as possible sites for a new public works facility, weighing topography, utilities, access and long-term space needs and directing staff to provide further analysis and a timeline.
The Verona City Council spent the latter portion of its Sept. 8 meeting discussing whether to pursue purchase of land for a new public works facility and where that facility should go.
Staff reported two candidate properties: a 40-acre parcel on Shady Bend Road listed at about $4.45 million and a second parcel near Wayland Road by Well No. 6. "Out of the 2 properties, my preference is the Shady Bend property," a staff member said, citing gentler topography and more development flexibility. Council members raised concerns about future road alignments, needed utility extensions and environmental corridors and pushed for a formal needs assessment before committing to purchase.
Alder Tucker Long moved and other members discussed options but no purchase motion was made. Council members asked staff to return promptly with targeted analyses addressing utilities, access, environmental constraints, any existing needs assessment for the previously considered Range Trail site and comparative acreage used by similar cities. City staff and the city attorney said the policy decision about which property to pursue can be discussed in open session, while detailed purchase terms and offers would appropriately be handled in closed session.
Several councilmembers urged caution. "We have very little documentation of [a needs analysis]," Alder Lytle said, adding that without a formal study the city risks building a facility that will not meet long-term needs. Alder Swanson said the city is growing rapidly and the council should ensure the new facility will have room to serve future staff and services. Other members, including Alder Tucker Long and a staff representative, said suitable land is rare and that Shady Bend presents the most workable option now; they recommended moving quickly but with due diligence.
City staff said both parcels are outside current city limits and would require annexation and extension of urban services. Staff and council agreed to ask for specific fact-finding and to return with updated information as soon as practical, with a target of reporting back at a future meeting in September or, if more time is required, in October. The council did not approve any purchase or offer at the Sept. 8 meeting.
