Resident urges delay on Wirtz Farm development item over easements and boundary concerns

James J. Horace, a resident and local business owner, asked the council during public comment to postpone consideration of a development-related agenda item that affects a property he described as the Wirtz Farm and a "Solon Swamp." Horace said the property contains existing sanitary-sewer and storm-sewer easements and that recent planning action gave him only four business days to respond following a planning commission meeting. Why it matters: Horace says the easements and boundary question could dissect a property and affect shared driveways and access; he requested more time to gather legal counsel and additional information before the council acts on any related agenda item. What was said: Horace described the sequence of easements dating to 1972 and said he had consented to a future 20-foot storm-sewer easement that now affects property use. He asked the council to postpone voting on the item until he and his partner could discuss legal options and additional issues raised at the recent planning meeting. "That's 4 business days to dissect what went on at the planning meeting," Horace said, asking the council to delay action until the second subsequent planning meeting so he could consult attorneys. Council response and next steps: The mayor interrupted to enforce the time limit but indicated the record would note Horace's request; the council did not take immediate action on the public comment and moved on to the consent agenda. Horace said he may pursue legal counsel and an appeal process depending on follow-up from planning staff.