Committee approves quick claim deed to clear railroad easement for 15 Fulton Street

The Wausau Economic Development Committee unanimously approved a quitclaim deed with Wisconsin Central Limited on Tuesday to remove a railroad easement affecting property identified as 15 Fulton Street (920 North First Street). The action clears a title issue discovered during a developer27s due-diligence review. The deed approval was part of routine property-cleanup work intended to allow a prospective developer to continue site work. Andrew Lynch, economic development manager, told the committee the easement surfaced while preparing the site for a private proposal and that the city attorney, Jacobson, negotiated the quick claim with the railroad. "This is kind of a part of a cleanup," Lynch said, explaining the deed will remove a lingering easement and that staff will check other city-owned parcels for similar encumbrances. Committee members did not debate the legal terms; Alder Henke moved to approve the quitclaim deed and Alder Killian seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote. The committee also discussed a planned follow-up review to identify any additional railroad easements on city-owned land so staff can address similar title impediments proactively. No ordinance or statute was cited during the discussion, and no additional conditions were placed on the deed approval. The deed approval allows the prospective developer to resume its proposal process on the property. Staff indicated they will continue to monitor other city parcels for comparable issues and return to the committee if further action is needed.