Council discusses successor to Verona–Town of Verona boundary agreement and convenes closed session

The Verona Common Council discussed terms and timing for a potential successor to the current boundary agreement with the Town of Verona and then moved into closed session May 12 to discuss negotiating positions.

City attorney Kleinmeyer reminded the council the existing boundary agreement was executed in June 2016 and runs until June 2026. He said boundary agreements typically identify growth areas, manage roads and stormwater issues and help the city and town coordinate development. Kleinmeyer also explained the council may discuss overall policy in open session but that specific negotiating terms are appropriate for closed session.

Mayor Diaz had initiated correspondence earlier this year to open discussions; the town responded with its own letter. Council members noted relations with the town have been strained, in part because of recent developments, but several members said there remain benefits to a successor agreement such as orderly development and clarified growth areas. One council member cautioned that some town positions effectively amount to rejecting certain annexation approaches.

The council voted to convene in closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(e) for deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties or conducting other specified public business; the motion to go into closed session was made by Alder Tucker Long and seconded by Ald. Weiss, and the roll call vote was unanimous. The council returned to open session at 8:36 p.m. and reported they had discussed negotiating points and had no public updates to release.