Waunakee board moves into closed session to negotiate cooperative plan related to Westport incorporation petition

The Village of Waunakee board voted to convene in closed session to discuss terms for a cooperative plan among the Town of Westport, the cities of Madison and Middleton, and the villages of DeForest and Waunakee related to an incorporation petition.

Staff explained the closed‑session discussion concerns negotiating terms and boundary issues tied to a Westport incorporation petition that would convert the town into a village. "The incorporation petition through the statutory process has been approved by Dane County Circuit Court and can go to the incorporation review board," staff said, and added that cooperative plans under Wis. Stat. §66.0307 can include boundary elements and would be the vehicle to present boundary agreements to the incorporation review board.

Trustees then voted to enter closed session under Wisconsin Statute §19.85(1)(e) for negotiating public business when bargaining requires privacy. The board took a roll call and recorded unanimous support to enter closed session: Kyla Fry — yes; Sam Kaufman — yes; Kristen Runge — yes; Chris Sellner — yes; Aaron Moran — yes; Joe Zitzelsberger — yes; Jack Heinemann — yes. The board recessed to closed session at 7:32 p.m. Staff said the board may reconvene in open session to discuss and take action on matters discussed in closed session.

Staff said the closed session would focus on terms and conditions specific to Westport and Waunakee, particularly boundary issues that would accompany any cooperative plan submitted in parallel with the incorporation review process.